A case for downgrading to PCs (was: WARNING: RANTING COMPUTER NUT...

From: Tony Duell <ard_at_p850ug1.demon.co.uk>
Date: Wed Jun 16 18:06:02 2004

> So,...
> the DP department got a lab full of PCs, which solved the issue
> of reliability.
> The R.U.S.D. got a brand new computer for next to nothing.

I don't dispute you _can_ teach real computing using PCs, although IMHO
Acorn machines (which were designed for eduactional uses) are IMHO more
suitable (and of course a room of Beebs or Archs is just as reliable as a
room of PCs, I wasn't talking about having a multi-user mini).

However, I can assure you this is not what happens in the UK. Beebs were
used to teach computing (as in programming, interfacing (remember the
Beeb had a built in ADC and user port), etc). PCs are not.

And FWIW, according to the current UK educational standards I don't know
how to use a computer (!)...

-tony
Received on Wed Jun 16 2004 - 18:06:02 BST