fostel@ncsu.UUCP (10/07/83)
Some time ago, I solicited concrete experience and suggestions for
an effective micro to get for a Elementary school. The initial trickle
of responses has died out now, and the results seem fairly conclusive.
Yes, we have yet another reason to buy an Apple!
The concensus was Apple. About a half dozen people reported favorable
experiences, in a few cases there were alternates and the teachers (they
are, after all more important to the success then the kids) were much
happier with the Apples then the in place compitetion. Having used an
apple myself (for the express purpose of breaking the local Galaxians
HiScore) I can appreciate their feelings. The major competition seems
to be the Radio Shack ColorComputer, which got a few votes. Seems to be
capable of some rather more splaashy effects. Educationally sound?
A few negative votes came in as well, but they were for systems which are
substantially cheaper then the Apple so it doesn't seem surprising.
A few comments from the letters:
1) the color computer is rugged and has a spill proof keyboard
2) Logo and Basic are important and Apple has good of each.
3) ... Apple ][ e was selected for the entire district ...
4) A lot of times the PTA has to raise money for the initial demo model
5) Teaching the teachers is important AND hard
6) Getting a lot of cheapies is always better than one good one
7) An Apple a Day keeps the teacher away ....
8) If you want to get the teachers PET, give her an APPLE.
[Ed. But who would want the Comodore PET?]
And so on. One person suggested a subgroup to discuss these things, but
the total response I got ( < dozen ) seems not to justify it.
For my part, I'm going to push the Apple and try get the PTA to raise the
~1200 dollars a small one will cost. Why? Because the local school board
said ... oh well this is not net.stupid.politics (note the order!)
----GaryFostel----