Message-ID: <Pine.SOL.3.91.960515075758.28771C-100000@fox.ksu.ksu.edu> Date: Wed, 15 May 1996 08:37:05 -0500 From: kerry miller <mailto:astingsh@KSU.KSU.EDU> Subject: Re: Re[2]: Computers to Africa To: Multiple recipients of list DEVEL-L <mailto:DEVEL-L@AMERICAN.EDU>
On Wed, 15 May 1996, Wilbur Streett wrote:> I also bet that having old equipment would make you
> want to have new equipment, whereas, not having any equipment would make you
> dream for "any" equipment. It's not often that people are grateful for what
> they have, until they do without it.
>
My formulation is a little different: dont use a faster machine than what you have, because *then* your old equipment will make you dissatisfied; and after you upgrade, *keep the old one* so that every once in a while you can go back and refresh your appreciation of what the new machine does. I get the strong feeling that many in this thread have only *recollections* of using older equipment - their inoculations are overdue.Thanks for the long argument - i think the list could greatly benefit from more like it, and fewer sound bites. I severely clip it only to emphasise two thoughts:
> Technology isn't about new computer's, it's about useful
> techniques, ways of getting things of value done.
Agreed, but let's not embarass anyone by pointing out how little "getting things done" has had to do with this thread (which began, if Im not mistaken, last December!).
> That learning experience is what now
> gives me the ability to create any computer technology that I can dream of.
Looking at tech transfer in term of learning experience is the best reason of all to start with something other than what you aim to end up with. Sadly, the typical product of North/Western education doesnt seem to know how he or she has learned anything. The obviously uncomfortable responses here to the mention of "old technology" and "obsolete equipment" may thus be a direct measure of institutionalized ignorance, so that it seems more respectable to talk about equipment than about learning.
kerry mailto:astingsh@ksu.ksu.edu