Shortcomings in Goa8217;s computer teaching

PANAJI, January 23: Though Goa is better served than most other states in the country as regards computer education in schools with as high as 45 per cent of the state8217;s 454 schools possessing computers, the current system of computer education in schools has its shortcomings, the findings of a recent study reveal.

According to the study,72 per cent of the students receiving instructions in computer use had a poor grasp of the fundamentals and had difficulty providing concrete examples of a computer8217;s operating system, programming, language and current applications. More than 1500 students, parents and computer professionals were surveyed for the study, quot;Computers for all schools: A vision for the future.quot;

The study revealed that only 11 per cent of the students were aware of the capabilities of the internet, 13 per cent of e-mail and 17 per cent of multi-media. The computer instructors fared no better. Among the schools surveyed, only one teacher had used the internet.