education >> interesting views about learning in the USA

I am a regular reader of lifejotter, the blog makes me think and I couldn't ignore their post on 'bending reality in the classroom' (in the USA).

it is a very interesting post (especially to me as teacher). I have to say on the whole I agree with the sentiment, but really believe the system as we work it in the UK (though I can only speak of the area I work within) addresses the major points the post makes.

all that said we are far from meeting the needs of the learner and constantly evaluate the way we have to understand the way people on this new age of technology learn.
it is something that has to be thought about and acted upon as the needs of the learner are constantly changing and someone who appears to be computer literate does not necessarily able to learn in a formal way and therefore their learning is not extended.

it is a bit like giving a student a very good pc/mac and expect them to be able to write or understand and fundamentals vital for their future. have a look at lifejotters blog and see what you think

more software >> more options >> learn less

I have thought a lot about the post I made about powerpoint a couple of days ago and realised that I am finding myself going backward in the use and application of software. a few years ago the functional skill of pupils reaching the end of KS3 was pretty good, in that they would know what was need to present information in a clear and concise way whether through the use of words or images.
there software knowledge was easily measurable and obvious.
I have just spent the morning teaching macromedia (well adobe now) fireworks, and the results to the untrained eye look pretty good, but the problem is the student don't really know why they are doing what they do.

it could be argued that it doesn't matter (if it looks right it is right) but I think it does, with every new piece of software and upgrade the thought process becomes less and the software create the answers for you so you don't have to think.
I have even go to the lengths of getting pupils to draw out how they want their finished work to look on paper before they touch a computer then they have to make the computer do what they want it to do, it makes it harder but the end result is better.