[LINK] Let's pause before drinking the 'coding in schools' Kool-Aid

[Bernard Robertson-Dunn]

On 5/06/2015 2:25 PM, James Collins wrote:
> I used to be a Systems Programmer/Analyst at Sperry/Univac.

I got to know Exec8 quite well. Another now useless skill.

> Then I pick up my Tablet device and look for a Digital Movie to watch while
> I engage in the International pool of information and create cooperative
> systems using computer arrays that make the old Univac look like an
> Abacus... Future's not so bad sometimes :)

Technology can be good and very useful. Unfortunately, it's not all good.

People use the technology without understanding the consequences - think 
inappropriate selfies, give-away of personal information, assuming that 
because it's on the internet it must be true and the real big one - data 
in a computer is correct.

This last one is rather important when it comes to health data and 
eHealth records. The PCEHR is built upon the assumption that its data is 
accurate. If a health professional makes an error of judgement based 
upon data in the PCEHR, it could kill. The government has said that it 
is not responsible for the accuracy of the data and that the patient 
owns the data. Do they make this clear in their promotional material? 
Not that I've seen. Would it help if all Australian's were well versed 
in "coding"?

It is likely that everyone associated with the PCEHR, including the 
"coders", are experts in the technology. Do they understand the wider 
ramifications and consequences of their narrow, technology oriented 
thinking? My money is on "No".

-- 

Regards
brd

Bernard Robertson-Dunn
Sydney Australia
email: brd at iimetro.com.au
web:   www.drbrd.com
web:   www.problemsfirst.com
Blog:  www.problemsfirst.com/blog