> But when we lead our students to believe that an activity's being
> fun is some kind of litmus test for whether or not it is worth doing, we
> are creating an entertainment environment rather than a learning
> environment.

Thanks, Vince. I have often seen people so focused on making "learning fun"
that the educational goals are lost. I take this view on many "educational"
software titles as well, particularly when teachers have purchased titles
for their younger students. The focus is on "having fun with the computer"
as a way to get comfortable with technology. Sadly, I fear that many of our
students are growing up with this perspective (the computer is for FUN), and
our computers have become extensions of the home entertainment center. Ditto
the internet. I have had many conversations lately about our responsibility
to train our students to a) use the computer and internet as tools in the
appropriate times and places (but NO, not everywhere for everything) and b)
help students develop a "healthy" approach to using technology and the
internet.

> I think it is our duty as educators to promote the idea that education
> is a serious endeavor, not necessarily a fun time.

We're here for a long time, not a good time.


Eric Hall
Technology Coordinator
Waterbury/Duxbury Schools
Waterbury, VT