Subject: [IFETS-DISCUSSION:4109] RE: POLTS
thiru@fiu.edu
Date: Tue 05 Nov 2002 - 03:48:39 MET
From: thiru@fiu.edu Subject: [IFETS-DISCUSSION:4109] RE: POLTS Date: Mon, 4 Nov 2002 21:48:39 -0500
Dear Dr. Harris,
To the contrary, the purpose of POLTS is not to limit learning, but to provide in one place all the content, context, tools and strategies etc. that facilitate the process of learning and teaching. POLTS will be dedicated to learning and teaching, but are certainly not going to be limited to any one particular way of learning or teaching. POLTS will serve as very versatile systems that can facilitate learning and teaching in a variety of ways.
>
> Regarding the idea of developing POLTS I think I really agree with Martyn
> Wild's comments here. The idea of creating purpose specific pieces of
> technology will only server to limit the possibilities available to
The price of technology, especially computer technology, is going down every day, and POLTS should be no exception to this trend. POLTS will be less expensive than a few textbooks, a few months of Internet service, or a new top of the line computer. Schools can make POLTS available to students on loan or just give the POLTS to all students. If such a system as POLTS does improve learning for all, then some large philanthropic agencies can even underwrite their production and free distribution.
>
> The other distressing point of POLTS is the possibility that the development
> of such pieces of technology would be likely to widen the gap between the
> technology haves and have nots. The shift to any form of proprietary system
> in the end reduces choice for the consumer and increases costs. The
> internet and all it brings, good and bad, isn't going to go away, the use of
income
> students/families/institutions already struggling to make ends meet.
I don't see how the use of POLTS will prevent students from learning how to use computers. POLTS is also a computer system, but a different kind of a computer system than the one which we are familiar with.
> Finally few workplaces operate without the use of computer systems and
> networks, as such basic computer literacy is an important skill to be
> developed by all those wanting to participate in the paid labour force. The
> use of 'normal' PC's through out peoples education and the subsequent
> familiarity this beings with computer technology helps to develop general
> (often transferable) competencies in this area and can not be understated.
>
>
> Regards..Lisa
> Lisa Harris
> eLearning Consultant
> School of Social Science and Planning
> RMIT University,
> Melbourne, Australia.
>
Thiru.
(M.O. Thirunarayanan)
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