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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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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:

jade80 · 08/02/2011 19:47

Use 'paint'. You don't have to 'learn' how to use it- it's dead easy. Click on the paintbruch icon, choose a colour then draw a line with the mouse pointer. Sorted. How old is he? The 3 and 4 year olds I work with can use it with very little help. Irt will def be on your PC if you have windows.

backwardpossom · 08/02/2011 19:47

paint.net is an excellent, free paint package you could download. It's very easy to use and I'm sure your child could use it with little input from you.

Timebends · 08/02/2011 19:49

I appreciate that some children will not have access to computers and therefore teachers will, I am sure, accept an alternative. Often it is possible for these children to use a computer at a friends' or relatives or at a library (while any remain open). but why disadvantage the vast majority of children who do have a computer at home? To say that paper versions should e the norm is ignoring the fact that most families have this access. Surely you are making a fuss about nothing?

MainlyMaynie · 08/02/2011 19:51

This would be really easy to do in Excel, using the basic Excel tools you probably already know how to use.

Original poster

slightlymad72 · 08/02/2011 19:52

I am not set against using the standard packages, I haven't got the TIME to educate myself and then an 8 year old child on using them.

If I had known that the school would begin to send homework home that required me to educate myself then I would have done.

I am annoyed that the school ASSUMEs that all children within the school have access to computers and their hardware, they don't!!!! and to not give a child an alternative to downloading, like the old fashioned method of pen and paper, means that parents have to deal with their childs distress.

OP posts:

StealthPolarBear · 08/02/2011 19:54

what do you have on your computer OP?

Kirk1 · 08/02/2011 19:55

I'm confused. What education do you need to open paint? It's the standard slightly naff paint package that comes with windows. You should find it under accessories assuming you didn't delete it (not sure why you'd bother doing that...)

It's straightforward. My DD figured it out on her own by the time she was 3. Really, there is nothing that requires more than handing the child the mouse.

sparkle12mar08 · 08/02/2011 19:56

I have very mixed feelings about the expectation of homework being set electronically. Children should absolutely be able to experience and learn about the vast possibilities of ICT but I just don't think that homework should be electronic by default. It's just not right, and most importantly not fair on many families. I agree that paper based work should be the norm, how else can one show all the necessary stages in, for example, maths workings etc? It makes me very uncomfortable.

pointylug · 08/02/2011 19:56

Can your son tell you what moodle is? Does he have instructions for doing this piece of homework?

If not, I couldn't be bothered with this sort of homework that involves the whole darn family getting involved and crabby.

I'd send in a note saying that we weren't sure what to do and asking if my child should have known what to do.

jade80 · 08/02/2011 19:58

Ummm... as people keep pointing out, no 'education' needed to use Paint! If a 4 year old can do it I'm sure your son can- just leave him with it.

pointylug · 08/02/2011 19:58

I know a fair bit of excel but I have no idea how I'd draw a house plan on excel, mainly

ragged · 08/02/2011 20:00

DD has a bit of homework that requires 2 m of plastic tubing. I don't know how wide diameter, or where to get some .

jade80 · 08/02/2011 20:01

I don't know if you noticed an earlier suggestion- do you have a digital camera? If so, you could get him to draw it, take a photo and upload that. If you are really dead set against using Paint. I promise you wouldn't need to help him with Paint, it really is that easy.

Or just send him in with a hand drawn one and tell the teacher it doesn't work for you to do it online.

Goblinchild · 08/02/2011 20:01

It is, however, the way that things are going.
Use of technology in all its various forms is becoming the norm, and wishing it was not so will do nothing to stem the tide.
So I'd get to grips with it whilst your child is young and you can learn along with them.
It ain't going away.

violetwellies · 08/02/2011 20:01

Sat here on my work laptop -writing a report- whilst Mumsnetting, just had a good look and there is none of that stuff on here. Himself built the PC and that wont have any paint packages either has a lot of programmes on it he's written and various bits of extraneous hardwear covering his desk but no paint package, sorry the school is out of order.

WimpleOfTheBallet · 08/02/2011 20:02

I would hate that...some people like myself are CRAP with things like this. I am almost dyslexic when it comes to computers...I would be annoyed too.

Panzee · 08/02/2011 20:02

Have you thought about my suggestion of doing it on paper and taking a photo? Even on your phone will work.

fireblademum · 08/02/2011 20:03

Maybe I'm just a stirrer but I'd draw it In an incompatible format just for badness. And tell the school its their problem... do you want me to knock out a quick one in autocad for you :) - 'what do you mean you can't open it teacher. It'd an industry standard you know, get with it.' I digress. Yanbu . Disclaimer - might have done this to a college!

Original poster

slightlymad72 · 08/02/2011 20:04

All the homework says is draw a plan of your home and download.

I have just asked him about his computer use at school and they don't do drawing, the school computers are used for researching topics. Unless you're in reception. So giving him the comp and letting him get on with it won't work.

I am glad that a three year old can do it, they are more computer literate than me, I prefer the old fashioned methods, Maths using my brain, drawing using pens and paper. Boring I know but it keeps me human.

BTW I've found paint yipee, I can spend tomorrow playing with it

OP posts:

Hulababy · 08/02/2011 20:05

Do you have PowerPoint?

Easier than Word to use the drawing packages despite them being almost identical!

bubblewrapped · 08/02/2011 20:05

Paint is a program so simple that a 3yr old can use it. Honestly.

It is THE most basic of basic programs. It does not need any training whatsoever and is self explanatory.

You do not need to educate yourself whatsoever.

bubblewrapped · 08/02/2011 20:06

Why dont you just let your son have a go at it now? He will get to grips with it in under a minute.

I do think you are being very obstructive to be honest.

Goblinchild · 08/02/2011 20:06

You could point out that the correct phrase is upload to moodle.
You upload small to big, and download from big (internet) to small (laptop).
It's how my nerd explained it to me when I got muddled.

redoneslast · 08/02/2011 20:07

My son's school doesnt have this moodle

pointylug · 08/02/2011 20:07

I don't think has anything to do with the spread of technology aND dealing with it. I think this is to do with setting homework that a child should be able to do at home with only minimal input.

The child should be able to do it, not rely on his mum.

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