#4295: Computers, Ballard replies to Harvey (fwd)

[Robert Corbett <bcorbett@netcom.com>]

From: Linda Ballard <linda.ballard@hci.utah.edu>

No, Sean, on this one I think Poincy is right on target.  A strong math
background is necessary in order to make sophisticated computer use a
reality.  Otherwise it is merely a tool like a shovel--something you buy and
use for your job.  And on top of that, the valuable computer programmers
have broad background in whatever it is they are programming.  I too consult
for a software company in my field (genetics).  Our CEO constantly laments
that the programmers he hires can't even spell DNA.

Linda  
 
Linda Wood Ballard
Genomics Core Facility
4A 430A School of Medicine
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT 84132

801-581-3875
www.hci.utah.edu/groups/genomics


> From: sean harvey <seanharvey@juno.com>
	...
> I think computer literacy is a terrific idea for Haiti, and not such a
> pipe dream.
...
> The things that you would need to pursue such a course include:
> 
> - literacy (for the books that will teach you the programming skills)
> - books on the most important computer languages, notably Java, C/C++,
> Visual  
>   Basic/ActiveX and Web development skills like HTML and Javascript (in
> the language in 
>   which the students are literate)
> - a slowly built culture of the computer literate to pass on skills and
> provide jobs and role  
>   models
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