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From: west@utcsrgv.UUCP (Thomas L. West)
Newsgroups: net.college,net.cse
Subject: Re: Should Computer Science be taught at the High School level?
Message-ID: <617@utcsrgv.UUCP>
Date: Sat, 29-Dec-84 02:32:56 EST
Article-I.D.: utcsrgv.617
Posted: Sat Dec 29 02:32:56 1984
Date-Received: Sat, 29-Dec-84 03:43:39 EST
References: <241@mss.UUCP> <439@gitpyr.UUCP> <3918@ucbvax.ARPA> <445@gitpyr.UUCP>
Reply-To: west@utcsrgv.UUCP (Thomas L. West)
Distribution: net
Organization: CSRI, University of Toronto
Lines: 24
Summary: 


<>
   I think a computer literacy course is called for.  While I doubt that it need
be a full course, there should be some familiarisation with computers for ALL
students.  It is unlikely that we are going to be able to predict which students
are going to be using/programming computers in a few years hence, but we can be
sure that those students suffering from computerphobia are going to have a
strong strike against them.  Hence to avoid this phobia infecting a new
generation and debilitating them, I think that a mandatory course (or part of a
course) should be introduced to at least give them the idea that computers
don't bite.
   The number of adults (especially women) who exhibit techno-phobia is simply
amazing.  These people are barring themselves from a myriad of positions that
are growing all the time (as well as stopping a possible increase in their 
productivity.)  This phobia will be around until everybody uses computers
or computer literacy is widespread.  In order to keep doors open for these
people (and make computerisation of life easier) we need to educate the
phobia out as soon as possible.
  In order to get the best benefit from the program, probably the classes should
be segregated so that the young women in the class aren't intimidated by the 
possibly more enthusiastic young men.

  Tom West
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