ever had one of those moments like you're talking to someone
and they bring up some skill they learned way back when,
like years ago in school.
And it turns out that thing is still super relevant
to what they do now.
All the time.
Right, it really makes you think
about those foundational things we learn
and which ones really stick with us.
Definitely.
Well, today we're diving into this article.
It's from hackscience.education.
Okay.
It was posted on April 6th, 2024.
And the title is,
Let's Diversify Computer Education.
Interesting.
And it got me thinking about that very idea.
Because the article opens with this awesome story
about this former student.
Oh, cool.
And like 12 years after being
in this particular teacher's computer class,
he has a job interview in IT.
And totally credits that class with his success.
Oh, wow.
That's amazing.
Isn't that something?
Yeah, it really speaks to, you know,
the long-term impact that a good teacher
or a good educational approach can have.
Absolutely.
Like what was it about that class
that made such a difference over a decade later?
Yeah.
So the article's main argument is that we should be,
quote, preparing students to be fast soul computer users.
End quote.
I like that.
Yeah.
Right.
And what does that actually even mean?
Like in the practical sense.
Right.
It's a great phrase.
But what's the application, right?
Exactly.
I think, you know, it's kind of like,
you know, if you think about someone who knows
how to use a specific tool.
Okay.
Versus someone who understands the broader principles
behind a certain like category of work.
I see what you mean.
Right.
So like, you might be amazing at using a hammer.
Sure.
But if you need to like build a bridge,
that's not really gonna help you.
Right, right.
So a fast soul computer user,
I think what the author is getting at
is someone who isn't just comfortable
with the specific piece of software,
but they understand the underlying concepts
of how computers work,
how operating systems function,
how to troubleshoot problems, you know?
They're able to approach any new digital challenge
with confidence because they have
that deeper understanding.
So it's more about like the adaptable skill set.
Exactly.
As opposed to like just the,
the rote learning of a specific program.
Exactly.
It's like learning different languages.
Yes.
You know?
It opens up new ways of thinking and communicating.
It's like having more tools in your toolbox, right?
Totally.
And the article gives us really interesting example
of a classroom where they have Windows computers,
Macs and Linux machines.
Oh wow.
All in one classroom.
All in one room.
That's wild.
Yeah. I mean, imagine that.
I mean, I can see how that would be like incredibly valuable
to be exposed to all these different ways of doing things.
But also, wouldn't that be super confusing?
I mean, logistically, I'm sure it was a nightmare
for the teacher, but.
Yeah, I bet.
Think about the problem solving skills
that those students developed.
Constantly switching between different interfaces,
file structures, keyboard shortcuts.
Yeah, yeah.
It forces you to think on your feet and adapt.
I mean, I bet there were some frustrating moments,
but probably a lot of aha moments too.
Totally.
And speaking of like, you know, different environments
and things like that.
The article also mentions a bunch of different software
used in this classroom.
Google Docs, Microsoft Office, OpenOffice, OpenShot,
iMovie, Windows Movie Maker.
Some of these, to be honest, I'm not even familiar with,
like OpenShot.
Oh yeah.
OpenShot is a video editing software,
kind of like iMovie.
But it's open source.
Which means it's free to use and modify.
It's got its own quirks, you know.
It's got its own interface, its own set of features.
But even if you're familiar with other editing programs,
it would still challenge you in a different way.
Exactly.
And it's not just about using a bunch of random programs.
It's about understanding that there are multiple ways
to achieve the same goal.
And each tool has its own strengths and weaknesses.
And that's such a valuable, like, you know, real world skill.
Absolutely.
And that kind of critical thinking is so important.
Especially in a world where technology
is constantly evolving.
Of course, you know, the reality is that a lot of schools
are very Chromebook heavy these days.
For sure.
And I get it.
They're affordable.
They're easy to manage.
Right.
But I also wonder if, like, that uniformity
maybe has some downsides.
Yeah, there's definitely pros and cons.
I mean, Chromebooks are great for basic tasks.
Sure.
Internet access.
But they do kind of limit students' exposure
to those different operating systems.
And the flexibility that comes with, you know,
having to navigate those differences,
it's kind of like if you only learn how
to drive an automatic car.
OK, yeah.
You might be a great driver.
Right.
But if you were suddenly put into a situation
where you had to drive a stick shift.
You'd be lost.
You'd be in trouble.
Yeah, that's a great analogy.
Yeah.
The article also brings up this point about the importance
of, quote, autonomy, end quote.
Yes.
In computing choices.
I love that.
I love that idea.
Like giving students that ownership, right,
to make their own decisions about what tools to use.
Empowerment.
Yeah, but how do we balance that with, you know,
the structured learning that obviously has to happen as well?
Right.
It's finding that balance.
Like we need to provide that strong foundation
in core concepts, but also create opportunities
for students to explore those different options,
to experiment, you know, maybe even
make some mistakes along the way.
I think that's how we really learn.
Right.
And there was this phrase in the article
that I really liked about being an, quote,
active assessor, end quote, of IT.
Oh, interesting.
You know, empowering those students to evaluate tools.
Choose the right one for the task at hand.
And not be afraid to step outside their comfort zone.
So if we, like, zoom out a little bit here,
and we look at the big picture, it
seems like what we're talking about with diversifying
computer education, it's not just
about using a lot of different devices.
It's about fostering a certain mindset, right?
Absolutely.
Flexibility, problem solving, informed decision making.
It's about preparing students to be confident,
adaptable users of technology, no matter
what the future throws at them.
And that brings us to a question for you, listener.
Ooh.
If you could design the ideal computer education
environment, what would it look like?
What would you prioritize?
Cost.
Ease of use.
A really diverse, challenging learning experience.
It's a tough one, but I think it's a really important question
to think about.
For sure.
Thanks for joining us for this deep dive.
Yeah, this was great.
It was really fun to talk about this.
A lot to think about.
Absolutely.
Really interesting article.
Yes, definitely.