On Fri, 07 Oct 2011 09:37:46 +0100, Stephen wrote:

> On 06/10/2011 11:52 PM, Jim Henderson wrote:
>> I rather have a shopping list.:)
>>
>> And for something like a running total, round numbers are "good
>> enough".
>>
>>
> I do and it is. But knowing what to round and in what direction requires
> a little effort.

Certainly. :)

>> But one of the trends in learning in general is that people tend to not
>> try to remember facts because they can be looked up so easily.  This is
>> analogous to people not being able to do basic arithmetic because of
>> the ubiquity of technology that makes it unnecessary.
>>
>>
> And is that a good trend? If you don't exercise your memory then you run
> the risk of not being able to use it when you need it. It is all very
> well being able to look things up but if you can't remember what it is
> that you want to know.

Well, I didn't say it was a good trend, but it is the way it is.  People 
tend to want 'just in time' information these days, rather than having to 
remember pesky facts.

> Another case is in social interaction. It gives a poor impression if you
> can't remember who the current prime minister or president is but say
> just a minute while I Google that.

Sure, amongst our age classes.  Amongst younger age groups, though, value 
knowing how to find out stuff rather than having to remember it all.  
Good or bad, it is what it is.

>> I'm not saying it's a particularly good thing, but it's the way people
>> tend to behave.
> 
> They also like to sit on a couch and eat potatoes. ;-)

True.  Speaking of which, I need to get some lunch. :)

Jim

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