[IFETS-DISCUSSION:4617] RE: IFETS-DISCUSSION digest 534

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Subject: [IFETS-DISCUSSION:4617] RE: IFETS-DISCUSSION digest 534
From: Downes, Stephen (Stephen.Downes@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca)
Date: Thu 20 Mar 2003 - 02:10:28 MET 

From: "Downes, Stephen" <Stephen.Downes@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca>
Subject: [IFETS-DISCUSSION:4617] RE: IFETS-DISCUSSION digest 534
Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2003 20:10:28 -0500

Hiya,

> From: "Grant Sherson" <G.Sherson@ucol.ac.nz>
>
> Am I right in thinking that Stephen Downes suggests that a
> formal curriculum is old hat? If I was learning to be a
> mechanic and had all the resources I wanted in front of me
> but no specified outline of what I needed to know - I would
> never be sure I knew enough to set up a garage and offer my
> services. I may have big holes in my learning and I would be
> afraid I would make costly mistakes. I would have no way of
> knowing whether I knew enough or not. There is no freedom in that!

To restate my point more clearly:

- Not all learning is like learning to be a mechanic
- Not all people studying auto mechanics want to set up a garage

In a formal program of study, as is assumed in this counterexample,
a formal curriculum is required. But not everyone wants a formal
program of study. Sometimes people just want to know enough to tinker.

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Stephen Downes ~ Senior Researcher ~ National Research Council Canada
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