Return-Path: <nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost.nifl.gov [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.8.7/8.8.5) with SMTP id JAA24280; Mon, 15 Dec 1997 09:05:01 -0500 (EST) Date: Mon, 15 Dec 1997 09:05:01 -0500 (EST) Message-Id: <19971215140611250.AAB144@[130.91.108.97]> Errors-To: lmann@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: sabatini@literacy.upenn.edu (John Sabatini) To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-TECHNOLOGY:115] Re: Techno Tyranny X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas X-Mailer: QuickMail Pro 1.5 Status: RO Guidelines, rather than edicts, would seem to be the more sensible, prudent approach to this issue from MIS, rather than the use of patronizing, big brother tactics. There are some technical issues that must drive the MIS people or anybody crazy, as Peggy has pointed out. For example, taking up limited disc space for large programs that save data, or conflicts that arise between extensions or other system attributes. A guideline would educate, by explaining the potential problem, then set parameters for use. For example, a guideline might explain how much space each computer has free after inclusion of standard programs and operating system and how many teachers/users are using the computers each day. Then, a parameter that says that teachers can use up to x mg of memory without advising MIS. On the other side, teachers/users need overcome intimidation by techies. They should have a say in setting policy for software used, after all they are the clients. Here the discussion of computer literacy enters in again. How do we define that level of literacy where a user knows both the advantages and the potential risks of his or her behavior to a computer system or other users. For example, the risks of viruses in a Microsoft product are low,though the risk of Microsoft making a perfectly good application larger, bulkier, and less user friendly is high (my personal opinion is showing through!). Seems like common sense. But then again, wasn't "Common Sense" Thomas Paine's revolutionary treatise against tyranny? My personal peeve is having a new version of an application, such as MSWord 6.1, loaded on the machine I use, without my knowledge. I like to wait as long a 6 months after the organization has switched over before I make the jump, dragging and kicking I might ad. The arrogance of the software producer in gobbling up my computing power and forcing me to exert cognitive energy learning to use familiar functions in a new way is tyranny. John ********************************************************************* John P. Sabatini, Ph. D. (off) 215-898-4539 National Center on Adult Literacy (fax) 215-898-9804 Graduate School of Education email: University of Pennsylvania sabatini@literacy.upenn.edu 3910 Chestnut Street Philadelpia, PA 19104 ********************************************************************* Peggy Lewis wrote: >I'm of two minds on this one. I really understand how a teacher could be >prevented from using familiar, effective software. (I was forced to switch >from WordPerfect to Word and am still pouting about it.) Also, most often >the tech support people are not instructors and can have an attitude which >misses a teacher's or a student's point of view. > >On the other hand, many computer-using teachers are not very proficient >computer users themselves. Loading inappropriate software or loading things >incorrectly can really down or freeze a system, making more work for techs >and preventing use by other teachrs and learners. I have had to clean up >hard drive messes caused by others trying things that they didn't really >know how to do (and I know I don't really know very much about this). > >I have a 16-station pentium lab in my jail classroom. While I am guided by >school district policies, no one checks or knows what I have loaded on my >computers. Certainly the Windows'95 compatible Rocky and Bullwinkle >screensavers I brought in were not a district MIS choice, but they work well >and help set a tome that I want in my classes. Only mu students and I know >that they're on the machines. If an MIS person ever came around, I might be >told to take them off....but I'm not sure. I have also used quite a bit of >software that I have found on $5-$10 sale tables at software stores. I do >recognize my limits and am very aware of my knowledge boundaries. I try >everything on my own computer at home first. > >Good topic, David. > > >Peggy Lewis >Elk Grove Adult Educationph ph (916)874-1817) >Sacramento, CA fax(916)448-5021 >mlewis@egusd.k12.ca.us > > >RFC822 header >----------------------------------- > >Return-Path: <nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov> >Received: from literacy.nifl.gov ([192.188.111.2]) > by litnetserver.literacy.upenn.edu (Netscape Mail Server v2.02) > with ESMTP id AAA195; Sat, 13 Dec 1997 16:12:31 -0500 >Received: from literacy (localhost.nifl.gov [127.0.0.1]) > by literacy.nifl.gov (8.8.7/8.8.5) with SMTP id QAA28202; > Sat, 13 Dec 1997 16:01:15 -0500 (EST) >Date: Sat, 13 Dec 1997 16:01:15 -0500 (EST) >Message-Id: <1.5.4.16.19971213131726.3c8fc3ac@egusd.k12.ca.us> >Errors-To: lmann@literacy.nifl.gov >Reply-To: nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov >Originator: nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov >Sender: nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov >Precedence: bulk >From: Peggy Lewis <mlewis@egusd.k12.ca.us> >To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov> >Subject: [NIFL-TECHNOLOGY:114] Re: Techno Tyranny >X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas >X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Light Version 1.5.4 (16) >
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