I remember using the computers in Elementary school for two different things, but I am not positive of in which grade this was. The first time I found myself in the computer lab was probably in the 2nd grade or so. I remember once we had finished our work, we were allowed to open up Oregon Trail and play that until the hour was over with. It was always such a big deal to play Oregon Trail. Sometimes we would see if we could beat the game in just one hour, and if you did, you were kind of a big deal. I also remember being in the computer lab maybe in the 2nd grade to learn how to properly type. It was definitely just a drill-and-practice approach. We had to put boxes over our hands to train us not to look at our fingers when we typed, but many of us cheated. There was one boy who bragged a lot, because he could already type over 60 words a minute; that was impressive at the time.
I believe there were times when our teachers brought us down to the computer lab simply to use the computers; I remember having sometimes a full hour to play Oregon Trail. Other times we had to work on little projects. One time, for example, we had to draw a layout of our house - for what reason, I don't remember. I believe we used the computers once a week -- like a weekly ritual to help us get used to technology.
When I entered the Junior High, the use of computers became necessary as we often had small papers to write. However, I remember there being typing classes. Around 8th grade, I had begun to play text-based games, and my typing speed and accuracy increased greatly. On the first day of typing class, my teacher told me I didn't need to come anymore, because my typing skills were far too advanced.
In High School, the computers were sometimes a part of every day life. We were expected to know how to open Microsoft Word, write a paper, use spellcheck and print it out -- all successfully, all on our own. I believe it was in the 9th grade when we were taught how to properly use a search engine such as google. I remember being taught different syntaxes that would help narrow down the search engine's results. We were also taught how to search for books with the library's search engine.
If I hadn't used computers at all in K-12, my college experience would have been much more challenging. Most professors expect their students to know how to make powerpoints, et cetera, and almost all professors expect that we already know how to use some sort of program to write papers. I would probably not be any better at using a computer than my grandparents are today if I hadn't been exposed to such technology in my early childhood. Using a computer is like second nature to me because of all the research projects and powerpoint-based speech projects I had to create in my K-12 experience.
Finally, in response to the article, I agree with its positive ideas about technology. I believe that computers can be used as extremely helpful and fast learning tools, and if students were not exposed to this kind of technology in school, they would definitely be missing out. Computers can be used as a very practical, immediate way of obtaining information. Even today when I am sitting at home wondering about something, I am able to sit down at my computer, google my question, and within seconds I have an answer. It is absolutely amazing. I couldn't imagine my education process without computers being a part of it in some way, because they play such a huge role. I agree especially with Mann in the article about how computers should do jobs that teachers should not be bothered with (record keeping, having infinite patience, drilling children). Computers are just a great way of keeping track of pretty much everything: grades, upcoming assignments, et cetera. They also serve as a makeshift teacher, in that we are able to search nearly anything thinkable into Google instead of constantly looking to the teacher for all our answers.
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I didn’t put it in my blog because I didn’t remember until I read yours: Oregon Trail! We played it a lot in my elementary school too. I’m so glad you mentioned it because it made me remember how much fun it was when we got the chance to play. It’s kind of funny to think about it compared to the kinds of games kids in elementary school play now. They probably would laugh at Oregon Trail. I also think its pretty cool that you didn’t have to go to your typing class in middle school because you were already too good. I wish I could say the same about myself. I can type pretty fast now, but only because I had to go to every single one of my typing classes. One last thing I wanted to comment on about your blog was your statement about grandparents not knowing as much about computers as us. It makes me wonder what will be second-nature to our grandchildren and totally foreign to us.
ReplyDeleteIt is so interesting to me how technology can be so different not only between our generation and our grandparents', but even with our parents. The last 10 years alone have brought about such immense changes in our technology, that I can only imagine how things will be in another twenty years.
ReplyDeleteI too had a typing class in middle school, but we had to attend every day. Our high school computer class (optional) also included timed typing tests and speed tests. Our class always used to complain about the tasks we were assigned in this area, but now looking back I am happy that I was pushed so hard in this topic. I have become a very fast, very efficient typist, and this may not have happened if I wouldn't have stuck with the classes.
I definitely had a similar experience in elementary. We didn't have Oregon Trail, but we had access to another game after our work was done. It seemed as though computers in elementary, especially, was more about learning to use the computer than the assignments we were given. While at the time it seemed pointless, it seems much more useful now that I'm in college. I was taught to type, use Microsoft Office, and other menial tasks on the computer that seem common sense at the time, but have been quite useful at the univeristy level. If I hadn't been exposed to programs like Power Point, Excel, or even Word I would definitely struggle more with classes and assignements.
ReplyDeleteWhat a blast from the past! Oregon Trail was also the cool thing at our school. It was a great incentive to actually get work done. I also agree with you on how college would be so difficult without our knowledge of technology. When I think about what I use my computer for, it's almost insane. I depend on it for almost everything. It's hard to imagine what I would do for research and projects if I didn't have it. I also agree that computers and technology are second nature, especially to this generation. It's not only shown through our use of computers but give a college student a brand new piece of technology (such as a new phone, music device, or high tech computer) and we have it figured out within minutes.
ReplyDeleteI totally forgot about playing games such as The Oregon Trail... But yeah, my teachers had us play little games such as that to just introduce us to computers and help us become familiar with the technology. I also remember playing the simple typing games where you had to type a certain number of words or such in order to get to the next level. I feel that by presenting the lessons in a fun way, I was able to look at computers as a fun way to learn, and I feel that in doing this, most students are more likely to want to learn if the information is presented in a fun way, such as a game.
ReplyDeleteI loved playing games on the computers, at the time they seemed so advanced and high tech. It is amazing to think back to games such as the Oregon Trail and then the type of games there are today. Just as you said, it is amazing to me that we can go on google and find answers in seconds! It is hard to believe how much computers have changed overtime and imagine how they will continue to change and improve as times goes on. After reading a few other blog entries it seems that many people believe exposure to computers at a young age have helped to understand now as a college student. I completely agree and I am grateful I was able to use computers from a young age. Your entry was very interesting and I agree with many of your thoughts!
ReplyDeleteIt's crazy how technology has changed from what we learn in computer class. I also played many games like oregon trails, which was a fun game for us, but it also let us get recognized with the computers. I agree with you about college. I would not know what to do if I had not learned computers in my early grade school. There are many students who did not get the same privelege as many of us with computers in the classroom and had to learn themselves as years progressed. I agree with the statement that computers should do the tasks teachers shouldn't. Your entry adn viewpoints were very similar to my experience.
ReplyDeleteI remembered playing Oregon Trail after reading your post. I loved playing the game until my character got a fever and died. After that, I felt traumatized and didn't play for a long time.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I thought your comment about grandparents and technology was interesting. I remember trying to show my grandma what a website was and how difficult it was to explain it to her. She just kept saying "that's nice dear." It was a great benefit to grow up with computers and a basic knowledge of the Internet. If I hadn't been exposed until high school I may not be as comfortable with technology as I am today.