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Teacher in Ghana has no computers so he draws Microsoft Word on the blackboard

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Re: Teacher in Ghana has no computers so he draws Microsoft Word on the blackboard

#171

Post by schmookeeg »

sah2ed wrote: post #138
schmookeeg wrote: post #90

Earlier quoted context omitted.

My wife and I were just in Kumasi with our Subaru a few months ago -- amazing people. I was able to find a gentleman to run all over the markets in search of the peculiar Japanese lugnuts that I had lost one of. He came back in an hour with 5 examples, and was stoked to get $2 from me. He helped me re-install and re-torque all of my lugnuts. I enjoyed nearly complete cell and data at 4G speed throughout Ghana, both o…

Are you also circumnavigating Africa like HN user @grecy ?

We beat him home, I think our paths diverged at the Congo (we said nope and boated around, he went through I believe) -- we were in touch briefly last year and contemplated tackling the congo in a group.

I think he's doing Asia also, and we chose to "first world" Asia instead of trekking through. We sent our car back to Portland from Cape Town and did Asia/Aus/NZ like proper tourists with rented cars. :)

Re: Teacher in Ghana has no computers so he draws Microsoft Word on the blackboard

#172

Post by t3soro »

dvfjsdhgfv wrote: post #100

For me the key point is here: >I've read in news reports that you've received an outpouring of help from foreigners who want to donate computers to your school. Is that actually happening? > No, they are showing interest but nothing has been brought to the school. We are praying that they are able to organize themselves and present us with computers. That's how things are today. The so-called "internet community" is…

These guys don't need computers, what the hell is anyone going to do with Microsoft Word experience in a place with no electricity or computers, besides LEAVE? They would be just as well off using typewriters.

They need an entire economy.

Re: Teacher in Ghana has no computers so he draws Microsoft Word on the blackboard

#173

Post by JoshMnem »

sandGorgon wrote: post #84
JoshMnem wrote: post #59

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It seems like GNU/Linux would probably be much better than Android. With GNU/Linux there is full access to the OS/device and they could fully tinker with it. No Internet connection required for LibreOffice. Raspberry Pi is relatively inexpensive.

A rooted Android gives just as much power. With the added advantage of having the biggest developer base in the world (in case you dont want to muck about /proc or low level). In addition, buying few 10 inch android tablets using MTK chipsets is just a click away and less than 100$ shipped - with working 4g, wifi, camera, etc etc. Getting the same to work with GNU/Linux is going to be a pain. I would rather do Androi…

I think that there is a cultural issue to consider as well. Android culturally tends to be a locked-down platform that takes control away from the user. GNU/Linux is about technology Freedom. You can unlock Android devices with a significant amount of effort, but it would be better to start with something that is fundamentally open.

It seems like tablets would break easily, where it's easier and cheaper to replace small screens on Raspberry Pis.

Re: Teacher in Ghana has no computers so he draws Microsoft Word on the blackboard

#175

Post by mrhappyunhappy »

GuiA wrote: post #25
mlevental wrote: post #13

Earlier quoted context omitted.

how will they power it? the biggest problem is not cheap hardware but cheap/consistent power (both of which are problems - power is very expensive and very sparse and very unreliable).

You may be right, but in the interview the teacher does not seem to share your concern: I've read in news reports that you've received an outpouring of help from foreigners who want to donate computers to your school. Is that actually happening? No, they are showing interest but nothing has been brought to the school. We are praying that they are able to organize themselves and present us with computers.

Ok, who can make this happen? Let’s show them we are not useless.

Re: Teacher in Ghana has no computers so he draws Microsoft Word on the blackboard

#176

Post by mrhappyunhappy »

SlowBro wrote: post #129
mlevental wrote: post #49

Earlier quoted context omitted.

>Have you tried asking rural African schoolteachers what they most need? yes. many times.

How about: Each computer comes with a bar of soap, and with the skills learned you can compete in the world and afford all the soap you will ever need? I don’t see it as either/or. When computers are used properly many can lift themselves from poverty. I know because that’s what I did.

My man! Let them have soap!

Re: Teacher in Ghana has no computers so he draws Microsoft Word on the blackboard

#177

Post by mrhappyunhappy »

dvfjsdhgfv wrote: post #100

For me the key point is here: >I've read in news reports that you've received an outpouring of help from foreigners who want to donate computers to your school. Is that actually happening? > No, they are showing interest but nothing has been brought to the school. We are praying that they are able to organize themselves and present us with computers. That's how things are today. The so-called "internet community" is…

Is there any mention of his contact info?

Re: Teacher in Ghana has no computers so he draws Microsoft Word on the blackboard

#178

Post by macspoofing »

hi41 wrote: post #134
macspoofing wrote: post #119

Rich nations tend to overthink primary education (it's a little different post-secondary). Unmet education goals are blamed on quality of the building, local funding, teachers, school-boards, politicians, standardized tests, etc. Reality is you don't need iPads, you don't need graphical calculators, or slick modern buildings and pristine books. You just need parents that care. If a kid graduates from primary or secon…

I agree with you but I think teachers are very important. Good teachers inspire students and help them learn things that they did not know they could.

For sure. This is a pro-teacher statement because teachers always carry the brunt of criticism when kids fail. It's not reasonable to expect teachers to raise kids. Obviously there are bad actors, but by and large teachers in America are good.

Re: Teacher in Ghana has no computers so he draws Microsoft Word on the blackboard

#179

Post by TomMarius »

sova wrote: post #88
mirimir wrote: post #61

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Aren't computer skills a prerequisite for office work everywhere now? So maybe that familiarity with computer UI will help students later.

He is drawing a UI on a chalkboard by hand.

How does that change anything that GP said?

Re: Teacher in Ghana has no computers so he draws Microsoft Word on the blackboard

#180

Post by atonse »

erAck wrote: post #160
atonse wrote: post #144

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Or they can just ask MS to donate licenses. Better to teach these kids practical skills instead if software nobody uses.

So you prefer to throw them into the MS mono culture pit.

Yes. This isn’t about open source idealism. You are teaching them job skills. MS Word is a useful job skill.
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