• Front Page
  • Search
    • Digital Education
    • Terry Freedman's Books Bulletin
  • RSS
    • Welcome
    • The "About" Page
    • Testimonials
    • CV/Resumé
    • My Writing
    • Published articles
  • Corrections Policy
Menu

ICT & Computing in Education

Articles on education technology and related topics
  • Front Page
  • Search
  • Newsletters
    • Digital Education
    • Terry Freedman's Books Bulletin
  • RSS
  • Info
    • Welcome
    • The "About" Page
    • Testimonials
    • CV/Resumé
    • My Writing
    • Published articles
  • Corrections Policy
Red pen, by Terry Freedman

Red pen, by Terry Freedman

Heads of computing must pay attention to detail

September 2, 2020

There are times when a “good enough” approach is the right one, being trying to do something perfectly often means not doing something else at all, or doing it badly. Nevertheless, I believe there are some occasions when it’s vital for a Head of Department to insist on things being done properly, especially when you consider that pupils probably learn as much if not more from what you do than what you say.

For example:

  • Notices should be error-free.

  • Wordprocessing manuals should be wordprocessed (I say this because a colleague once offered me a handwritten manual for the wordprocessor used in school. I thought that was a ludicrous proposition, and one that would convey all the wrong messages to staff and students alike.)

  • Code should be generously commented, so that users can see what’s going on.

  • Files should be saved with proper filenames.

  • Etc

I’ve written more about this approach — some would call it “pernickety” — in an article I wrote on 2 September 2011.

In Leading & Managing Computing & ICT Tags pernickety, details
← Book review: 100 Top Tips - Microsoft Excel, by Sean McManusShow me your product in a REAL school →
Recent book reviews
curiosity.jpg
Review: Cabinet of Curiosity - Developing a Superpower

School life ought to consist of far more than just a utilitarian pursuit of exam grades over all other considerations.

Read More →
dr bot.jpg
Review: Dr Bot - Why Doctors Can Fail Us-and How Al Could Save Lives

In this comprehensive and highly readable Dr Bot, Blease tackles a wide range of issues, including some that are apposite for those working in schools.

Read More →
books a manifesto.jpg
Review: Books A Manifesto - Or, How to Build a Library

A compelling read that's bound to make even the most well-read among us feel somewhat under-educated.

Read More →
algospeak.jpg
Review: Algospeak-How Social Media is Transforming the Future of Language

A fascinating insight into how language evolves and adjusts according to changes in culture.

Read More →
polish.jpg
Need a break? This book of short stories could be just the ticket!

The 39 stories in this collection span a hundred years, during which Polish society underwent seismic political change several times over.

Read More →
digital culture shock.jpg
Review: Digital Culture Shock: Who Creates Technology and Why This Matters

An interesting look at how differently societies across the globe view and use technlogogy.

Read More →
the idea machine.jpg
Review: The Idea Machine: How Books Built Our World and Shape Our Future

The written word has endured for millennia, and herein you'll discover why.

Read More →
craftland.jpg
Review: Craftland: A Journey Through Britain's Lost Arts and Vanishing Trades

A book that offers a glimpse into the way traditional crafts were practised before the Industrial Revolution.

Read More →
digital culture shock.jpg
Quick look: Digital Culture Shock: Who Creates Technology and Why This Matters

Chapters look at how technology is used around the world, online communities, and building a culturally just infrastucture, amongst other topics.

Read More →
Artificially Gifted Notes from a Post-Genius World.jpg
Quick look: Artificially Gifted: Notes from a Post-Genius World

The author, Mechelle Gilford, explores how AI may render our usual way of interpreting the concept of “gifted” obsolete.

Read More →
Dig+Ed+Banner.jpg

Contact us

Privacy

Cookies

Terms and conditions

This website is powered by Squarespace

(c) Terry Freedman All Rights Reserved