[Gllug] Light the blue touchpaper...

[Jason Clifford]

On Wed, 17 Mar 2004, John Hearns wrote:

> Saw this on the TV news last night. They featured a class
> of primary school kids, with rather nice (I think) Vaio laptops.
> But I did think it rather sad that children aren't learning
> the 'pen and paper' methods first. 

I am firmly of the opinion that the current drive towards putting computer 
learning first is harming a whole generation's education.

Instead of learning how to spell and use correct grammar children (and 
others) are learning how to rely upon features in software. 

Instead of learning how to perform basic mathematical calculations people 
are learning how to use a calculator.

I've nothing against using helpful tools but doing so without first 
understanding what the tool is doing for you builds a dangerous dependance 
upon others for very basic building blocks in a persons abilities with 
regard to academic and other skills.

> Me, and I'm no artist, I guess you have to walk before you can
> run. Working with animators and operators in Soho made me realise
> that all these guys are principally artists - the computer is 
> a medium they master. They could produce art with a worn down
> pencil and a used envelope if pushed.

Indeed - the idea that a computer can make little Jack or Jill an 
accomplished artist is nonsense. Vision and the ability to express it is 
what makes an artist. The medium should always be secondary as a tool to 
use in doing so.

Jason Clifford
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