BB++> -=> On 06-14-96  20:38, Ron stunned Bob Anderson by spouting: <=-
   I don't know how I missed Ron's message, as I've been nervously
   watching the echo sense the plot was posted. But miss it I did
   I hope he reposts his responce.
BB++> RM> While these would no doubt be useful, I don't think I'd go
BB++> RM> too deeply here, as graphical interfaces are supplanting
BB++> RM> text.... Learning text commands could chew up a lot of time
BB++> RM> in relation to the benefits...
BB++>If you are using older systems without the new features:
BB++>You might need a way to save space.
Yup, old donated 286s and 8088s to learn on.  Also.. I'm thinking that
using the text commands to compress and decompress files is easy to
learn and the understanding that results in doing that might make the
graphical interface understandable when they have occasional (perhaps at
home on more advanced machines) to use it. But then, I hope to have some
machines capable of running html programs, the question is how many (not
many at first I'd guess) and whether or not the learning that takes place
on those machines will be focused on internet use and document creation.
....so, now I'm sitting here thinking of a management bad dream ...
each computer type, with it's own things to share..... well, September
is awhile away still, It will have more shape by then, I pray.
BB++ Use a batch file to
BB++>zip and unzip. My kids quickly learned to use my "open" batch.
BB++>You can also add comments so they know what is happening
BB++>at each step.  If you want them to learn what programming
BB++>is all about, let them edit and personalize a batch file.
Wonderful idea. This brings up another point though,programing.
The utility of batching in dos is self evident, but what about other
kinds of programing.....say in qbasic, or, logo ? Should they be exposed
in the 6th grade? and if so why? I didn't include programming in the
syllabus because when I was asking people who taught Junior high
computer what kinds of skills they'd like to see incomming students
have, none of them mentioned programming. Yet it has come up several
times talking with other people. (also, I don't know much about it
myself, though I do plan to learn ) I wonder what other's think.
BB++>BTW, No need for them to know how to 'format'. (Unless you want
BB++>to teach them what commands to avoid.)
I'm thinking that if they learn what it does, they can format their own
disketts, for file storage.
BB++> RM> The rest looks real impressive (and LONG ).......
Thanks. I've had a lot of advise, I need all the help I can get.
It's ,maybe too long to be done in one year, what perhaps,
might happen is that some of the things can be (like keyboarding and
wordprocessing , email ect) will be taught earlier. I don't know  really
how it will shake out.
BB++>From what I've seen, 6th graders are quite capable and have
BB++>had more exposure to computers than most of their older siblings.
BB++>They easily pick up a CDROM form the front desk of the library
BB++>and find what they need without much help.
Oh they are quite bright and unafraid , I agree.
What Grade do you teach?  Next year will be my first year in 6th in 12
years. The change is the challenge.
Peace
Bob
---
 * SLMR 2.1a * Backup not found: (A)bort (R)etry (P)anic
--- WILDMAIL!/WC v4.12 
---------------