Computer class failings

I'd like to thank Mr. Zatni Arbi for his great article ("The failings of computer classes in local schools" The Jakarta Post, Sept. 9).

I had my son in what are considered some pretty ritzy swasta schools and they did not have either mouses or sound cards. The programs were so old and the instruction was so irrelevant that I ended up going to the principal and offered to pay the fee -- or more, if necessary -- if she would only allow my son to skip computer class. No dice, it's compulsory.

We are lucky because we can afford reasonably good computers at home. But in retrospect, this only made "computer class" an even bigger drag.

As Mr. Arbi points out, there is more than enough revenue and some reputable contractors who can be hired to set up a relevant computer curriculum for today's children. The old excuse about "social jealousy" just doesn't wash anymore. In the past, it was okay for Jakarta International School to have decent facilities because it is a school for foreigners. Private schools, it was said, could cram more stuff into our kids' heads, but not excel, particularly in the "facilities" department, to prevent "social jealousy".

Well, now we have the fabled elite schools. The only really positive thing I see in the advent of these schools is that they may spur some competition for money, thus "encouraging" the private schools to clean up their act.

My son is now in yet another swasta school. But we got lucky this time. The company handling their computer program is not the usual one, and they are quite flexible in their instruction. We are both much happier. It's wonderful not to be a prisoner anymore.

Now, maybe someone out there could write a similar piece on the English classes in local schools.

MORGAN CHAMBERLIN

Jakarta