-----Original Message----- From: edu-sig-bounces@python.org [mailto:edu-sig-bounces@python.org] On Behalf Of Arthur Sent: Saturday, June 04, 2005 9:52 PM To: 'Kirby Urner'; 'Edu-sig' Subject: Re: [Edu-sig] A case against GUIs in intro CS :-)
-----Original Message----- From: edu-sig-bounces@python.org [mailto:edu-sig-bounces@python.org] On Behalf Of Kirby Urner
If the purpose is to get to the end result, the construction on the screen, maybe the GUI approach makes sense. If the process of getting to the construction is the essence of the activity, which in what I am intending it indeed is, then the more sophisticated GUI approach is clearly less sophisticated.
Which is the point that leads me to be resistance/suspicions/paranoias/concerns in respect to the introduction of technology into the classroom, more generally. Kirby's efforts as well as my own do not attempt to entice based on their technical sophistication. Raw simple unadorned transparent is what makes sense in a serious effort to make cognitive connections. But such an approach - once it is introduced on a computer - cannot be taken seriously, because it is raw simple transparent and unadorned, and that's not how we use computers, these days. HCI studies are generally designed to measure results, comfort levels, etc. So I don't think they are likely to ever uncover the truths here, where the results are not the point, and a certain level of discomfort (avoiding glibness) is for the better. Art
Art