Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!turpin From: turpin@cs.utexas.edu (Russell Turpin) Newsgroups: comp.edu Subject: Re: Against educational fads (was: math credit) Summary: Of course. Message-ID: <15488@cs.utexas.edu> Date: 5 Dec 90 22:07:00 GMT References: <15404@cs.utexas.edu> <15425@cs.utexas.edu> Organization: U. Texas CS Dept., Austin, Texas Lines: 24 ----- In article marlowe@paul.rutgers.edu (Thomas Marlowe) writes: > Some individuals (of whom I was one) may have problems in writing > (that is, pen-and-ink, or even typewriter), not because of mental > disorganization or confusion, but because of perceptual difficulties > which make it hard to FORM THE LETTERS, or emotional difficulties > which make it hard to commit anything to paper. These individuals > can be helped enormously by the availablity of mechanical devices, > and can make the difference between quality assignments and no > assignments at all. Mr Marlowe is, of course, correct. What are conveniences for some are necessities for others. I don't want people to misunderstand what I am saying. I think word processors are great. Almost all of my writing is done with word processors or text editors. But, with the exception that Mr Marlowe notes, these are not essential to primary and secondary education. Teaching students how to write *is* essential. It's like the difference between airconditioners and brakes in cars. Airconditioners are great. Living in Texas, I think every car ought to have one. But brakes are essential. Russell Brought to you by Super Global Mega Corp .com