I was disturbed by some of the implied solutions in this article on how software, especially Microsoft software, stifles creativity and locks users into frustrating interactions with their computers. I agree that a lot of software, especially Microsoft software, has poorly designed user interaction. I do not, however, think it is the software or Microsoft’s fault if people are “less likely to take chances” and “curiosity and serendipity — are lost to the dictates of a software template”. The idea of software is that it is a tool to take away the mundane parts of an activity and leave the user to spark the creation and innovation. If educators believe that a software package is turning students into think-alike zombies, then the incorrect emphasis is being placed on the software, or the software should not be used. It is a bit like knowing when students should not use calculators. If software is inhibiting a task or not teaching the right skills, then don’t use it. You can blame Microsoft for bad user interface design and immoral business practices, but incorrect use of software, even well-meaning use of bad software, is the user’s fault. There are usually alternatives. And users should know that they can demand better instead of just being Microsoft sheep, as the article does point out later on. (article via RebeccaBlood)