I see a trend...older workers are actually desired now, because older no longer means, "learned how to program before there were good colleges and programs in Computer Science". Basically, a 35 year old went through a computer science program after the golden age, so their training is just as relevant as the newcomers--except now the older guys have experience to boot.
I work at a software company of 500 people. There are probably fewer than 5 people under the age of 30 that have any sort of major role in any of our projects.
My thoughts exactly. I wanted to play some console games (fairly casual player) and I wanted a good Blu-ray player. I didnt' want Halo and a lifetime $5 month service charge to play a few online games that I can play on PS3 for free.
For english and social studies one hopes the kids will be graded on writing, not the fonts or colors they use.
They don't have to be mutually exclusive. Integrated-Interdisciplinary (I2) curriculum requires both. Teaching children the art of visual communications can be as important as good writing skills. Therefore, teach both.
This is really bothersome in my professional life (I'm a tech writer and computer-based training developer). So many highly intelligent engineering types--can write brilliant code--can't communicate its purpose to non-techies if their lives depended on it. This stems from the focus you described...focusing on the art of writing and not caring about the "fonts and colors".
You should check out the integrated-interdisciplinary (I2)curriculum movement. We focus primarily on acquiring computer skills--not by teaching computer skills--by integrating computer tools into every subject... yes, even Physical Education!
Take Spanish for example. The I2 curriculum designer writes a course that requires the inclusion of technology...say a multi-lingual podcast, or a translation widget, or a dictionary tool...immaterial as long as it pertains to the subject matter. Then, for the technology "class", they learn how to edit sound, but they do it for their Spanish class. In the end, they get a grade for how well they use the technology AND they get a Spanish grade for how well their Spanish is. In the end, they learn two skills, but they are integrated. It follows that both benefit from each other based on how their relevance is highlighted through their interdisciplinary relationship.
I have several I2 courses that are in use and published. Spreadsheets and calories for 8th grade PE, iLife and German for high school German, using the Internet for valid sources and literature for high school AP Lit, to name a few.
Like it or not, computers are everywhere, and will only become more ubiquitous in the future. Programming is th art of making them do what you want; if you can program, you can make them obey you, if you can't, you can't. Therefore you should learn to program, whether or not you plan on being a professional programmer. Otherwise you'll be helpless and at the mercy of those who can.
Like it or not, cars are everywhere. Automotive engineering is the art of making cars do what you want; if you can engineer, you can make them obey you, if you can't, you can't. Therefore you should learn to engineer automobiles, whether or not you plan on being a professional engineer or a mechanic. Otherwise you'll just pay somebody who is.
I disagree - any non IT job involving using computer is still done more efficiently by people who have a clue about how computers actually work.
You don't actually have to know a single line of code to understand how computers work. Seems like immersing immature 9th graders into a field they aren't interested in is a lot of wasted effort for something that can be learned as an interest, or can be taught in one semester of junior high school.
I disagree. 9th graders need to be learning to figure out what they like to do, not have Python shoved down their throats before they've even completed Algebra I. I understand TFA is about India, but that sort of system will never fly here in the US. Diversity is a good thing, and not every kid is a going to grow up to be a programmer.
Hey, cool, finally a topic on/. that matches my qualfications (MAEd, Computer Education)!
So, for starters, let's just throw this out--no "IT" skills should be taught to the general populace at any grade-level. And by "IT" I mean the support stuff like Active Directories and DHCP settings, blah blah blah... Leave that to the kids who want to specialize in the tech field (if their schools have a vocational focus like that).
If we want to mistakenly call "IT" anything that deals with computers, then the opportunities are endless. First and foremost, 9th graders need to learn how to use their school computers to get stuff done. Don't teach them how to use the software, teach them why to use the software. They're kids, they'll figure out the basics. A harder skill to teach is to get the kids to understand HOW a spreadsheet helps them or how to use the Internet to improve their writing and reading comprehension (not just to plagiarize).
I've got lots of answers to how to use computers. Unfortunately most schools are going the wrong way (let's teach them MS Office!).
Good. The FCC has no business regulating the content of what gets broadcast, only the means of broadcasting it, ie: making sure everyone stays in their licensed frequencies and doesn't stomp on each others transmissions.
These airwaves are for the public use. Want to drop the f-/n-/q-bomb? Start up your own pay channel and go nuts.
Yeah, except the government has their grubby sensor fingers all up in that as well. Name a cable tv channel (fits your requirement) that drops f-bombs and shows sex and naked chicks, that isn't a premium channel like HBO or Showtime.
I want Jon Stewart and Steve Colbert to be able to say FUCK and show titties on their CABLE tv shows. I pay extra for those sort of features, but I don't get them.
Both are bodily functions that excrete fluids--one of which is meant to sustain human life. Man, what kind of low-brow logical fallacy is that, comparing human excrement to the staple of all mammals on Earth?
Anyone who thinks breast feeding in public is wrong in any form just needs to go away.
Thankfully here in Texas the woman has the right to breast feed her child "anywhere she is legally allowed to be".
I suffer no ill-effects from not drinking coffee. I drink it because I love the flavor. I don't drink cheap coffee (nor decaf, not because I need the caffeine, but because it's all terrible tasting stuff). If I can't have good coffee, then I prefer to have no coffee. That's hardly the definition of addiction.
It doesn't keep me awake at night, give me the jitters or give me headaches when I stop. I understand these things happen for some people, but not all.
Besides, I think there are enough studies now showing the benefits of coffee can outweigh any supposed addictive qualities.
Being addicted to something is only bad if it has bad effects. I'm not sure coffee has that (for me, at least).
For those of you that have a problem with "8x smaller" quip...
If something is 4 times bigger than something else, it follows that the smaller thing is 4 times smaller than the bigger thing, right? Is my lack of math skills confounding my English comprehension here?
it's about actually having a little vision and wanting to see it move around and make funny sounds. Once you know what you want to do, the rest is just slog-work to get it to work how you imagined.
True, but in most cases, this requires two different people. It is extremely rare to find a developer who also a good designer (and vice versa).
Slashdot Mirror
I laughed, because when they said they are adding the FM tuner, I expected to see a post just like yours (but in reference to the FM tuner).
You have a very aggressive requirements schedule! The iPad has been out for what, 3 months?
I actually laughed out loud when I read $11m. All I could picture was Dr. Evil...."11 MIIIIILION Dollars"...then a bunch of people laughing.
Seriously, my crew of 4 costs the government 10 times that amount for glorified PowerPoint training slides.
I see a trend...older workers are actually desired now, because older no longer means, "learned how to program before there were good colleges and programs in Computer Science". Basically, a 35 year old went through a computer science program after the golden age, so their training is just as relevant as the newcomers--except now the older guys have experience to boot.
I work at a software company of 500 people. There are probably fewer than 5 people under the age of 30 that have any sort of major role in any of our projects.
Really? I thought it was to pay for the foul-mouthed 9 year old to remind you what a fag you are.
My son is 11, you insensitive clod!
My thoughts exactly. I wanted to play some console games (fairly casual player) and I wanted a good Blu-ray player. I didnt' want Halo and a lifetime $5 month service charge to play a few online games that I can play on PS3 for free.
For english and social studies one hopes the kids will be graded on writing, not the fonts or colors they use.
They don't have to be mutually exclusive. Integrated-Interdisciplinary (I2) curriculum requires both. Teaching children the art of visual communications can be as important as good writing skills. Therefore, teach both.
This is really bothersome in my professional life (I'm a tech writer and computer-based training developer). So many highly intelligent engineering types--can write brilliant code--can't communicate its purpose to non-techies if their lives depended on it. This stems from the focus you described...focusing on the art of writing and not caring about the "fonts and colors".
You should check out the integrated-interdisciplinary (I2)curriculum movement. We focus primarily on acquiring computer skills--not by teaching computer skills--by integrating computer tools into every subject ... yes, even Physical Education!
Take Spanish for example. The I2 curriculum designer writes a course that requires the inclusion of technology...say a multi-lingual podcast, or a translation widget, or a dictionary tool...immaterial as long as it pertains to the subject matter. Then, for the technology "class", they learn how to edit sound, but they do it for their Spanish class. In the end, they get a grade for how well they use the technology AND they get a Spanish grade for how well their Spanish is. In the end, they learn two skills, but they are integrated. It follows that both benefit from each other based on how their relevance is highlighted through their interdisciplinary relationship.
I have several I2 courses that are in use and published. Spreadsheets and calories for 8th grade PE, iLife and German for high school German, using the Internet for valid sources and literature for high school AP Lit, to name a few.
Also important is the ability to distinguish between good and bad sources on the web.
Like it or not, computers are everywhere, and will only become more ubiquitous in the future. Programming is th art of making them do what you want; if you can program, you can make them obey you, if you can't, you can't. Therefore you should learn to program, whether or not you plan on being a professional programmer. Otherwise you'll be helpless and at the mercy of those who can.
Like it or not, cars are everywhere. Automotive engineering is the art of making cars do what you want; if you can engineer, you can make them obey you, if you can't, you can't. Therefore you should learn to engineer automobiles, whether or not you plan on being a professional engineer or a mechanic. Otherwise you'll just pay somebody who is.
I disagree - any non IT job involving using computer is still done more efficiently by people who have a clue about how computers actually work.
You don't actually have to know a single line of code to understand how computers work. Seems like immersing immature 9th graders into a field they aren't interested in is a lot of wasted effort for something that can be learned as an interest, or can be taught in one semester of junior high school.
You are not going to hold the attention of a ninth grader with tech that they will never see in use outside your classroom.
Then this person should not work in IT.
And won't need the training the OP is talking about.
If they don't work in IT, they only need to learn how to use a mouse and keyboard.
EXACTLY. We should not assume that ALL 9th graders are going to work in IT? So why, then, should we teach all 9th graders IT?
The summary makes it sound like all 9th graders in India will take this curriculum. That can't be good.
Make 'em learn a
programming language too.
MK
I disagree. 9th graders need to be learning to figure out what they like to do, not have Python shoved down their throats before they've even completed Algebra I. I understand TFA is about India, but that sort of system will never fly here in the US. Diversity is a good thing, and not every kid is a going to grow up to be a programmer.
Hey, cool, finally a topic on /. that matches my qualfications (MAEd, Computer Education)!
So, for starters, let's just throw this out--no "IT" skills should be taught to the general populace at any grade-level. And by "IT" I mean the support stuff like Active Directories and DHCP settings, blah blah blah... Leave that to the kids who want to specialize in the tech field (if their schools have a vocational focus like that).
If we want to mistakenly call "IT" anything that deals with computers, then the opportunities are endless. First and foremost, 9th graders need to learn how to use their school computers to get stuff done. Don't teach them how to use the software, teach them why to use the software. They're kids, they'll figure out the basics. A harder skill to teach is to get the kids to understand HOW a spreadsheet helps them or how to use the Internet to improve their writing and reading comprehension (not just to plagiarize).
I've got lots of answers to how to use computers. Unfortunately most schools are going the wrong way (let's teach them MS Office!).
~stew
Good. The FCC has no business regulating the content of what gets broadcast, only the means of broadcasting it, ie: making sure everyone stays in their licensed frequencies and doesn't stomp on each others transmissions.
This is the smartest thing I've read this month.
These airwaves are for the public use. Want to drop the f-/n-/q-bomb? Start up your own pay channel and go nuts.
Yeah, except the government has their grubby sensor fingers all up in that as well. Name a cable tv channel (fits your requirement) that drops f-bombs and shows sex and naked chicks, that isn't a premium channel like HBO or Showtime.
I want Jon Stewart and Steve Colbert to be able to say FUCK and show titties on their CABLE tv shows. I pay extra for those sort of features, but I don't get them.
I'm still mad that I saw Reagan get shot on live TV. Why didn't they fine those insensitive bastards!
We don't get many laws right here in Texas but this one we did:
Sec. 165.002. RIGHT TO BREAST-FEED.
A mother is entitled to breast-feed her baby in any location in which the mother
is authorized to be.
Both are bodily functions that excrete fluids--one of which is meant to sustain human life. Man, what kind of low-brow logical fallacy is that, comparing human excrement to the staple of all mammals on Earth?
Anyone who thinks breast feeding in public is wrong in any form just needs to go away.
Thankfully here in Texas the woman has the right to breast feed her child "anywhere she is legally allowed to be".
I suffer no ill-effects from not drinking coffee. I drink it because I love the flavor. I don't drink cheap coffee (nor decaf, not because I need the caffeine, but because it's all terrible tasting stuff). If I can't have good coffee, then I prefer to have no coffee. That's hardly the definition of addiction.
It doesn't keep me awake at night, give me the jitters or give me headaches when I stop. I understand these things happen for some people, but not all.
Besides, I think there are enough studies now showing the benefits of coffee can outweigh any supposed addictive qualities.
Being addicted to something is only bad if it has bad effects. I'm not sure coffee has that (for me, at least).
"The long and short of it" is probably not the best phrase when talking about a dude's sack.
For those of you that have a problem with "8x smaller" quip...
If something is 4 times bigger than something else, it follows that the smaller thing is 4 times smaller than the bigger thing, right? Is my lack of math skills confounding my English comprehension here?
Apple can start eating once a competitor puts this on the market. But by then, Apple will already have done so as well. Stupid summary.
I hadn't heard of either of those..I think I'll check out Moon this weekend if I can find it.
it's about actually having a little vision and wanting to see it move around and make funny sounds. Once you know what you want to do, the rest is just slog-work to get it to work how you imagined.
True, but in most cases, this requires two different people. It is extremely rare to find a developer who also a good designer (and vice versa).
My problem with "indie" anything is the false dichotomy that "indie" means it HAS to have a few "rough edges".