[Edu-sig] "Croquet Project" and Python ?

[ajsiegel at optonline.net]

----- Original Message -----
From: francois schnell <francois.schnell at free.fr>
Date: Friday, October 22, 2004 2:18 pm
Subject: Re: [Edu-sig] "Croquet Project" and Python ?

> 
> >
> Do you use a graphical interface ? (with icons, windows, menus...).
> According to computer history Alan Kay had a big role in that and 
> it was 
> designed as an educational program for kids.

I'm guessing there are others that had big roles in that about whom we never hear. But that is probably a more significant point for me than for you.

>Contrary to your previous comment, the "hard-fun" concept  
> comes  from 
> Seymoure Papert (not Alan Kay).

I feel better. I've used it myself, on python-list as a matter of fact.  Because I do like it better than referrring to Python as "easy".

 Should we add him in the axis of 
> evil  too ? 

Not at all.  Let's say that there is no connection between Papert and Kay.  Would Kay accept that?

> 
> Concerning the potential role of computer in education I probably 
> have a 
> very different experience than you and it probably doesn't help 
> for our 
> mutual  understanding.
> Google told me you began programming at 48. I begun at 10 when I 
> was in 
> huge scholar difficulties (thank's ZX81). The potential influence 
> of 
> computers in education seems  quite concrete  to me even if I 
> wouldn't 
> dare to generalize my case (kids learn often in different ways).

I would have to claim that it is quite concrete to myself as well.  It is and has been a wonderful, mind-opening experience.  Myself, like you, would like to help others down that road.  And you should do it in your way, and I'll try to do it in mine. 

But why do we need emergent masses of 3d collaberation? I am not an ant. And if that illusion is wrong, than I fall back on the illusion that I am an ant of a colony of one, and the queen of that colony.

Yes, I find grandiosity on Kay's scale chilling in the extreme.

Luckily one doesn't run into grandiosity on that scale very often.

Art
 

> I think it's time to finish this thread  here since I fail to 
> understand 
> some  of your arguments.  We  both loose our time and spam  this list.
> I live you the last word,  please feel free to critic and spread 
> as 
> much  "hatred" as you wish, enjoy.
> 
> Thank's anyway for the time you spend to answer this thread.
> I wish you all the best for your educationnal projects.
> 
> francois
> 
> 
> >Art
> >
> >
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