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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to think this piece of homework is crackers

75 replies

slightlymad72 · 08/02/2011 19:13

just had a look at yr4 DS homeowrk on Moodle, he has to draw a plan of his home and download it to Moodle.

So how do I do this? I have no drawing package on the computer and I have no scanner to scan a hand drawn picture into the computer.

So my son is in tears at the moment because he can't fulfill the requirements set out by his teacher.

I have explained that he will have to draw it on paper and take that in, as there is no alternative.

OP posts:
Butternutsquash22 · 08/02/2011 19:15

what about just using paint or equivalent? im guessing at year 4 (not sure of age as from scotland, but must be young!?) they aren't expecting a to scale drawing?

Butternutsquash22 · 08/02/2011 19:15

by paint I mean the thingy that is on all pcs, not actual paint obviously... lol

mumtoabeautifulbabyboy · 08/02/2011 19:15

Could he draw a basic plan in word? Using the drawing tools. When I teach graphic modelling I have had to resort to this at times:)

stoatie · 08/02/2011 19:17

If we have computer failure DD2 takes paper copy. Could you scan paper copy and add as attachment

thumbdabwitch · 08/02/2011 19:17

Word Drawing tools should be enough for a house plan, yes. You can draw quite good diagrams with it once you get to grips with how it works.

GeekCool · 08/02/2011 19:17

What about in paint? most PC's have a paint application? Even in word or Excel you could use the basic shapes function?

Original poster
slightlymad72 · 08/02/2011 19:22

I've removed various applications, as I don't use them, and I have no idea how to use the other stuff, my computer is for coursework and internet not for drawing, so I have never learned how to do it, Also as stated I don't have a scanner.

Paper copy will have to do, my problem is that it is assumed that the children have access to this stuff, if it was explained to them that it would be preferable to download the images BUT a paper copy will suffice then I wouldn't have to deal with an upset child.

OP posts:
redoneslast · 08/02/2011 19:24

wtf is moodle?

GeekCool · 08/02/2011 19:25

If your computer is used for coursework surely that would cover for your child? IT in schools in hugely valuable. Technically you could install paint on your PC, but I get the feeling you would see that as backing down.

Original poster
slightlymad72 · 08/02/2011 19:27

Its not backing down at all, I have no idea what to do with said package and don't have the time to teach myself and then teach son how to do it.

Moodle is a package that schools use so kids can do their homeowrk on the computer and the teacher can then access it.

OP posts:
dustycups · 08/02/2011 19:27

It makes me angry that they presume that everyone has a computer with internet access!

choccyp1g · 08/02/2011 19:28

It's not just crackers it is discriminatory.

It's all very well having a word with the teachers, (which I think you should do) to point out that not all families have a computer with all this stuff on, and even if they do it may not be appropriate for the child to use it, but in the meantime the kid is all upset.

Goblinchild · 08/02/2011 19:29

moodle is a Virtual Learning Environment. Many if not most schools have them.

Panzee · 08/02/2011 19:29

You can do it in Word using the drawing toolbar. I've done it.

Panzee · 08/02/2011 19:30

Or get him to draw it by hand, and take a photo of it?

goingforit · 08/02/2011 19:30

I think this is asking a bit much of parents to be honest.

Is it compulsory to provide a Year 4 child - age 8 - 9? with a computer or laptop with a fully installed programme for this or a scanner to upload drawings and then upload to Moodle?

If the understanding of the work is to draw a plan - surely a child can draw it on paper and take it to school. Or have help to do it at school using the right technology? I think it's taking for granted that all children have access to this technology at home and singling out and embarrassing those that don't. It really isn't fair and you would be within rights to write teacher a note telling her so.

GloriaSmut · 08/02/2011 19:31

If your child is going to be doing this sort of homework, now might be the time to consider whether you need to re-install some of the standard applications. However, if you prefer to work on a computer that bears more relation to a BBC Micro, at least try and get to grips with the drawing capability of Word. It isn't difficult.

Goblinchild · 08/02/2011 19:32

I agree, if it's part of the school's ICT scheme, they should be able to cover it in school. That said, he will be getting this sort of thing at secondary and will have to learn how to access computer facilities at the library instead. If there are any libraries left by then.

thumbdabwitch · 08/02/2011 19:36

If you have Word for Windows on your computer, you should have the Drawing toolbar within it. Click on Toolbars and check the Drawing one - it may open up in the bottom LH corner of the screen.

It's pretty straightforward to use, tbh.

Original poster
slightlymad72 · 08/02/2011 19:39

Gloria please don't insult my intelligence.

OP posts:
bubblewrapped · 08/02/2011 19:42

Paint is a standard MS application which comes with all windows operating systems.

Just put it on there and he can do his homework very easily.

Hulababy · 08/02/2011 19:43

Schools should not be stting homework that has to be done on a computer. The computer side of things should be optional, with paper version being the norm.

LaWeaselMys · 08/02/2011 19:44

I think it's worth trying to do it.

You have word - that's all he needs.

At this age the only thing I used to do on the computer was play on paint and word. The skills you learn are extremely useful.

However it is very off of them to assume every child has access to a computer or the internet and I think you are well within your rights to complain about that.

GloriaSmut · 08/02/2011 19:45

I wasn't insulting your intelligence, slightlymad. I was suggesting that as you do have a computer, perhaps now is the time to consider widening the potential use of it.

Only it seems rather odd to be so set against using the standard packages on it if these will assist your child in completing his homework.

stoatie · 08/02/2011 19:46

sorry was typing in hurry as phone went didn't see you don't have scanner. DD2 is in Year 2 and it drives me mad that all her homework is set on computer (even if it is done in homework book you have to have internet to find out what it is. We have just had ISP failure (changed provider today Smile so have had very patchy internet over last few weeks. Explained this to teacher who did give her paper copies of homework, or if I wanted I could help her use the computer in reception after school (does the fact that she goes to after school club not hint at the flaw in this - I am not there after school!)

Hope you get it sorted ok