I believe I was in middle school when my family got a computer, and that was my first experience of using a PC on a regular basis. We were one of the first families in the neighborhood to have an actual computer in the house--it was an Apple IIc and had the greenish black screen along with the 5" floppies that needed to be switched out in order to boot and then run programs. It was nice because I was able to use the computer to type papers, rather than using the old typewriter and having to perfect the use of liquid paper and setting the typeface in the exact spot to correct any errors! What a relief! I think what I remember most about my Apple IIc is spending time playing Oregon Trail with my friends and siblings--it's amazing what we found entertaining at that time!
Since my initial computing experience I have had my share of windows based personal computers that I've used for various purposes. Originally, my computers were used as tools to create: papers, presentations, spreadsheets. I enjoyed the ability to go back in order to edit and continually add to my work at a whim. With the increased accessibility and speed of the Internet, I began to use computers as a tool for communication as well as research. Where, in the past, I might have used the phone book to look up phone numbers, or refer to a paper map for directions, I could suddenly use the Internet to locate that information all in one place. It seemed pretty amazing to me, but I had no concept of how powerful computer technology would become or that it would play such a main role in my life.
Today I not only have a PC at home with a high speed Internet connection, but I also have a wireless laptop and an iPhone that I use not just on a daily, but hourly basis. Computer technology has become an integral part of my work and personal life. I now use my computer for all of the reasons I've used computers throughout my history: creating and editing documents, conducting research, communicating via email, and playing games. Today I also use technology for video conferencing, social networking, staying on top of the news, shopping, and even going to school.
Technology and computing devices made available to us continue to change at an incredible rate. I find myself having that recurring thought: technology is really amazing and I can't imagine what the experts will think of next! Unlike when I pondered technology ten years ago, I know that computers will inevitably evolve, so it is up to me to keep up with the changes and enjoy the journey!
Isn’t it amazing how far we have come, in regards to technology! I also remember spending many hours, on my grandmother’s computer, playing Oregon Trail. This was the coolest game ever, especially when your wagon rolled along the trail. How things have changed. To think that this “boom” in technology has all happened in our lifetime. It is a wonder to think about where we will end up in the next few years, let alone when we are old and gray.
ReplyDeleteDid you ever think of the implications of using technology? These are questions I struggle with as a teacher and as parent? Does technology enhance or discourage our social skill? Where do you draw the line/ should we be setting boundaries? When is technology and bad thing/ is it ever a bad thing???
IT is amazing to think how much has changed just in our lifetimes. There is famous quote from the president of IBM in the 40's: I think there is a worldwide market for 5 computers" Of course with the huge multi million dollar devices of the time he was probably right. But to go from that to the where we are today, where computers probably outnumber people on the planet, all in 60 years is truly amazing.
ReplyDeleteDo you ever see a time when you will replace your home computers with a device like an iPhone? Imagine being able to carry all of that computing power wherever you go.
Isn't it amazing how far we've come with technology? This assignment really made me think about just how far we've come. Today I can't imagine not having technology in my life, especially in my classroom. I find it difficult to keep up, if for no reason other than the cost. If you were forced to give up one technology device which would it be and why? How about if you could only keep one technology device, which would you keep and why?
ReplyDeleteFrom the Apple II to the iPhone there is a huge technology leap over only about 20 years. I'd love to hear about if you have implemented any iPhone apps in your role as director of the Learning Exchange. It seems to be a great way to connect new content to students (if they have access...)
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