You don’t have to tell me how far we’ve come in the world of technology. When I went to St. James School (Pre K – 8), in the early to mid 1980’s, our school purchased 2 computers for the Resource Room. I think I used those computers a grand total of two times. It was no big deal to me. I went through high school and rarely found myself in-front of a computer. I think I actually used a typewriter a few times. It wasn’t until the early 90’s in college, when my eyes were opened to this growing phenomenon of computers.
When I first started college, it wasn’t for me. I dropped out once and quit after another semester, before returning full time back in 2002. When I returned in 2002, I ended up sitting down and talking to one of my professors and talking about a class she taught over 10 years prior that I was in. I told her what she said that day in 1992, and told her what I had thought of her comments at the time. She was a big believer in the laser jet printers and new technology (at the time). But she told us that in the next decade we would see a lot of changes in the computer world. She said that we would soon see classes — taught on line. This would probably decrease the actual “in-class” population. At the time, I thought she was nuts. I didn’t believe it, but then again, I was basically shut out of the computer world for the first few years. We both had a few laughs and I actually took an on-line class, taught by her — a semester later.
Since I’ve returned to school in 2002, I’ve seen the differences that technology makes in the classroom. I see how it gets more participation out of students, it reaches more students, and it makes it a whole lot easier to keep in communication with teachers.
As I reflect of what I wrote in my paper, I wonder…. would I have been a better student growing up on-line? I am more of a visual/hands on learner and tend to struggle in the ordinary lecture taught classroom. I’m sure my grades would have suffered as much as they did, my parents would have had to scream and yell at me to finish homework assignments, I probably would have gone to college right after high school and finished at an earlier time, and I definitely would already know most of what Dr. Ransom is teaching us.
So, was I born to early? Part of me says, yes. Another part says, that I am glad that I don’t have to deal with all the youth problems of today, plus the clothing and music.
I guess I’ll just keep trying to tred water and eventually make up some ground. I feel that I have learned a lot about the computer world & technology in the past few years and hope it to continue.
March 28, 2008...6:38 am
Reflection on Technology
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