"Kids can't use computers"

[woolymonkey]

From an unreal uni colleague: a post about computing that I want to be able to find again.

All I can say in defence of my own computer 'skills' is that at least I know I hardly have any.

Comments

[lj_stowaway]

Great (if worrisome) article, thanks!

[woolymonkey.livejournal.com]

Glad you liked :)

[veronica-rich.livejournal.com]

Well, I can definitely tell he doesn't teach Writing. Other than that, some good points!

[woolymonkey.livejournal.com]

I thought the same 2 things ;)

[veronica-rich.livejournal.com]

I sort of wanted to create a username simply so I could comment in reply: "No, you idiot, they know how to use computers - they just don't know how to do it to the computer's best capabilities. That's like saying you don't know how to write simply because you don't do it as well as I do."

(And yes, that second computer is meant to be singular. :-P )

[ms-cataclysm.livejournal.com]

I think educated is what you're meant to be going out not coming in to paraphrase Lois McMaster Bujold.

Ironically , as a high grade linguist, you would have been considered as a prime programmer candidate when I graduated.

[woolymonkey.livejournal.com]

Yes. And his analogy with driving is relevant but doesn't quite work. We make a clear difference between having the skills to use a car in normal situations and the additional skills to maintain, mend or even design one.

I did do the Uni Careers Service computer aptitude test. Still have the certificate somewhere... I scored quite high but was being steered towards customer-facing, marketing kinds of roles, which did not appeal at all.

[ivory-goddess.livejournal.com]

At least I know that I can't use a computer :)

[woolymonkey.livejournal.com]

Heh. I know I can use one to do specific kinds of tasks. And I know that's all I know.