My first computer experience was with my Aunt's Commodore computer. It was the most exciting thing we ever seen, not only could we type on an actual screen(lol) but we could also play the Wheel of Fortune game (my favorite television program at the time). In school we had an Apple 2e and we used it to type our documents if time permitted (because we only had one computer in the class). The Apple was nothing like what we use today, this computer had a green screen and an equally large and loud printer that sounded more like a typewriter. For the most part most of my computer experience was limited until my sophomore year in High School, the typewriter was more the available means for drafting a document.
Attending school in the late 80's early 90's was much unlike what the students have available for their use today. I can remember drafting all my papers by hand or by the dreaded type writer. Yes I did say the typewriter, I had to take Typing 101 and I remember having to place a piece of typing paper over my hands to avoid looking at the keys. Not to mention straining my eyes to verify what I just typed. My sophomore year brought great joy to all of our hearts when we were able to use the computer in place of the typewriter. The computer lab opened to all students and we all able to go to the lab to draft our documents onto this screen that was colorful and user friendly (Microsoft Office Word) (Not to forget the wonderful printer that zapped out the document in just a few moments).
In the years to it became commonplace for me to use the computer for most things I do, I guess that is what brought me to this course. I want to navigate not only myself around a computer proficiently but also my students. I am looking forward to my near future venture of opening my computer and examining/identifying all the components that make up the computer.
Brianna,
ReplyDeleteWheel of Fortune is a game I used to play on my family's computer too! I loved it! When I was in school, I had more opportunities with computers than typewriters. I absolutely despise typewriters now. Computers are so much easier. I bet there are some kids out there who would ask, "What is a typewriter?" Maybe in the years ahead they will be saying, "What is a computer?" You never know!
It's amazing how far Apple (and other computers) have come.
ReplyDeleteI had a friend with a Commadore 64 and another friend with a TI64 (back when they also made computers and not just really cool calculators).
As for what technology holds in store for us, I would say look at cyberpunk SF novels from the 80s and 90s. There are many things n there that are very prophetic. Some have even come partially true. Pretty soon I'm sure our computers will be hardwired to us and not separate.
Brianna - how well I remember the classic green screen. Actually, I think the next generation of computers I worked with had orange screens? Ah...memories! I liked Sami's comment about kids not knowing what a typewriter is. It kind of reminds me of when my mom told me they didn't have typewriters in school and had to learn shorthand instead of typing. In a way, computers have evolved so quickly, that typing on them may soon become obsolete and we will just give our instructions through talking to the computer instead of typing...like a high-tech cell phone. I'm sure there's some new technology already out there that does it, I'm probably just unaware of it.
ReplyDelete