Comparative learning potentials of OSs

Comparative learning potentials of OSs

Posted Feb 6, 2007 15:44 UTC (Tue) by copsewood (subscriber, #199)
In reply to: Comparative learning potentials of OSs by NAR
Parent article: Comparing Linux and Minix

Yes it's true that having software lacking usability doesn't help learning in most situations. The question is whether the user interface hides its operational environment too impenetrably to allows this to be explored. I agree that getting a new user started with sensible defaults does help avoid a learning curve so steep that it seems like a brick wall, which prevents learning through successful use.

What I suggested as a problem at the top of this thread is where the design of the software prevents contextual learning by creating a plateau. I have observed that it is very difficult for some of my students who have only ever seen Windows-style applications to go beyond the limitations of these. I think the learning plateau they have become accustomed to is a real problem for weaker students when exposed to command line usage for the first time, having encountered few if any comparable learning opportunities and difficulties since they started learning how to read an write.

So a question I am asking is "how to design software such that a learning curve exists which is neither too steep, nor results in a plateau at a superficial level of understanding".

While changing a configuration doesn't give an understanding of how something works it does help with understanding what it can do, which I think is a prerequisite to understanding what goes on inside the black box.

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