Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Politics : Sharks in the Septic Tank -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: one_less who wrote (51516)	6/19/2002 5:59:11 AM
From: Neocon	Respond to of 82486

I will have to get back to this, unfortunately. I have to go take a shower. But I'll see you later!

To: one_less who wrote (51516)	6/19/2002 9:08:33 AM
From: Lane3	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 82486

I was reading an article in the Post on security and copyright on the Internet and this section reminded me of the argument we were having about technology to protect kids from Internet porn in libraries. <<More recently, the movie industry has been pushing legislation, sponsored by Sen. Ernest F. Hollings (D-S.C.), that would establish technical standards for preventing copying of digital videos. The industry already has been experimenting with DVDs that freeze computers if users attempt to copy the videos. The bill has been sharply attacked by the technology industry, in what has been dubbed the copyright war between Silicon Valley and Hollywood. The tech industry says it agrees that copies should be paid for but wants any technological solution to develop in the marketplace, not from Congress. Many believe the bill stands little chance of passing in its current form.>> One of my points to you about the problem with the law in question is that Congress was prescribing a certain technology, which is outside the scope of what Congress is equipped to do. We need technology winners to arise from the marketplace, not Congress. That's not the same as saying that we don't want to protect kids from porn or artists from copyright violations.

To: one_less who wrote (51516)	6/20/2002 5:18:19 AM
From: Neocon	Read Replies (3) \| Respond to of 82486

The Bell Curve occurs when there is a random distribution along a matrix with two variables. My point is that after the deliberate homogenization of "streama", and the elimination of pure failures, the Bell Curve is no longer applicable. Thus, it not the way to determine the norm. An additional criticism is that the Curve shows up in a large population. In a small sample, it is "fudged in". In other words, just as you might have a run of heads in a probability experiment, but regression towards the mean the more trials performed, until 50/50 is vindicated, so a small sample will not necessarily reveal the Curve, although it may appear as one increases the population. In a small sample, then, one is trying to make the cluster come out in a curve- like configuration. Thus, in a class that grades on a curve, it is unlikely that grades will be based on standard deviations. Rather, a certain number of Fs, Ds, Cs, Bs, and As will be assigned, and whoever comes closest in the ranking will somewhat arbitrarily get the grade. So, how do we derive our expectations of performance? Well, we already have a good idea of what is to be covered in algebra II or high school American literature, so we are not bereft of guideposts. We also have some idea of what level of detail would constitute mastery of the material. After that, there are a couple of questions: is it tolerable for the students' knowledge of the multiplication tables to be spotty past the 6th grade? If not, then you have to demand an A of every child by that time, at least on that material. 70% will not do. Is it tolerable to have a spotty knowledge of precise historical dates? Yes, in many instances it would do no harm to be inexact. But, on the other hand, one should have an approximate idea of when various things occurred. For example, it is intolerable not to be able to place the Civil War in the second half of the 19th century before graduating high- school. In other words, we need to think about what students should know, and how detailed it should be, and make sure that they meet reasonable standards at least, that is, that a C means that they know the material pretty well, that they know the essentials cold, and that they have a fair idea of the rest.........