When reading the article I found out a lot of interesting information, for example seeing "computers more like finger paint" as said by Michel Resnick; and how computers can be used for designing and creating things. When the article was talking about digital fluency, to me personally I thought I was pretty fluent in computers and after reading the article I realized that is not true. I know the how to use the computer but I don’t know how to construct things using the computer. Reading the article I found out that most people have this misconception of being fluent in computers and it’s a little frustrating because I think it is important to become fluent in computers, especially in this new era were computers are used by almost everyone.
In the article Michel talks about learning centers called “Computer clubhouses,” which he says are centers were young people become designers and creators with new digital technologies. In my opinion this is what we need to be teaching in schools along with how to use the computer. In these centers, people get the chance to really explore computers and see a variety of ways you can use computers allowing them to become fluent.
At the end of the article, Michel makes a good point in having teachers “step down” in a way allowing students to learn more actively and freely; as well as allowing students to do work digitally to strengthen their skills with technologies, but there is one thing I don’t agree with, which is rethinking where and when people learn. I mean I think it’s a good idea with giving students more opportunities to learn outside of school, but I have a concern which is why I don’t agree. For one, families may have computers in their homes but not all of them have internet or other software that allows the student to learn. Second is that you don’t know if it is actually the student doing the learning or if it another family member doing the learning for the child. In conclusion, I learned a lot reading this article and I think that we should have more computer clubhouses to allow people of all ages to become more fluent in computers.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Now Trisha, I maybe wrong here I think you are more digitally fluent than you give yourself credit for. In your reflection you state you know how to use the computer but you dont know how to construct things using the computer. Well I know that you have used WORD to type essays, well in that case you used the computer to construct a piece of literature, right? And Im sure at some point in your lifetime you have created a Powerpoint, well that is using the computer as well, to put together a visual display for a presentation. So id say you are more fluent than you thought. Now yes, these may be applications on a computer but these are also ways you have expressed yourself, and I think that was one of the key things Resnick talked about in being digitally fluent.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that clubhouses are a good concept and they are beneficial to society so having more would be wonderful! However im not sure how realistic that is, because the way I pictures a Compurter Clubhouse, is kind of like a WWU computer lab, I could be extremely off about this but they were described well in the article. Anyways the cost for this type of environment is extremely expensive, and I think that the only way it was possible to creat such clubhouses around the world was because of the help from Intel. So we are very fortunate as students to have access to such technology because there are many people that dont.
"Computer Clubhouses" was a new concept to me. I had never heard of it. I do agree in that I like the core values and focus of their company. Even I, who is, well let's just put it as creatively challenged, might have a chance at using the computer to create something. I think the hardest part which we've learn in Math 381 is entering into the "problem". I always get caught up in the beginning, not knowing where to start. Computers sometimes have templates that we can work off of that would help someone like me. Also though I have a tendency to want my students to create something concrete, for instance with paper and pencil. I think there is a way to incorporate old with new strategies and technology will always be one that we have to incorporate as teachers because that is what our world is gradually sliding into. So let's learn some creativity!
ReplyDeleteI really liked the comparison of computers and finger painting as well. I'd never thought of a computer in that sense but in some ways they are similar. Computer art has become a whole new genre. This article made me question my computer abilities as well. I always thought I was pretty usful on the computer, always having to show my mother how to close and open windows, log on to the internet, right-click, etc. I was the expert in these situation, however that doesn't make me digitally fluent. you're right, we do need more computer clubhouses! I just kept thinking about how cool it would have been to have access to one when I was a child. Yet, at the same time, would I have ever gone outside and played? ha ha!
ReplyDeleteI feel the same as you when you say that you know the basics about computers and know that you could probably use a computer a lot more than you currently do. I'm sure you and I are both adequately fluent with computers but the possiblities to become even more fluent with computers are endless. Just since taking this class I have learned how to use computers in so many more ways than when I started.
ReplyDelete