[wplug] Kids can't use computers

[WEBER, Lawrence]

We may lament the lack of curiosity but we are the ones that worked to make computers easy to use, developed microwave ovens, and all of the other conveniences that they enjoy.  What are we doing as parents and engineers to spark their imagination at a young age?  We create programs like STEM, and the BSA Nova programs but don't have time to get personally involved.  We have a government that is working to attract youth from other countries to fill the gap.

By the way Teletypes, such as the model ASR-33 ran at a maximum of 110 baud (10 characters per second), although the 75 characters per second model was very common.

-L. A. Weber 

-----Original Message-----
From: wplug-bounces+lawrence.weber=ansaldo-sts.us at wplug.org [mailto:wplug-bounces+lawrence.weber=ansaldo-sts.us at wplug.org] On Behalf Of Janos Dohanics
Sent: Friday, August 22, 2014 13:50
To: General user list
Subject: Re: [wplug] Kids can't use computers

On Wed, 13 Aug 2014 15:58:15 -0400
Mike Sussman <sussmanm at math.pitt.edu> wrote:

> [...]
> 
> Is this really a good read?  It sounds to me like an "old programmer"
> complaining that "kids these days have it easy: in my day, we had to 
> ..." (fill in your own early experience: use a keypunch, use a 
> Teletype at 115 baud, use a TRS-80, use an Apple ][,  use a Macintosh, 
> etc.) .  The new ways are usually easier and usually require less of 
> some types of expertise and more of other types.  If you had to 
> program everything in 8080 assembly, would you be a better programmer 
> or would you just be less productive?
> [...]

Your point is noted, but I think the point the author makes is the lack of curiosity of too many people, including kids, which in part may explain why they lack basic computer skills.

Is it really too much to ask that they know that Explorer is not the web, a hard drive is not the RAM, and the local network in the house is distinct from the Internet?

I'm not arguing against automation and progress - I'm saying that we benefit more from automation and progress if we know a bit about the underlying concepts. 

--
Janos Dohanics
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