Abstract
This study examines important ideas and concepts relating to an 8-week basic computer studies program that that writer partook in. It describes how information was gathered and how new ideas were acquired in relation to the basic features of the computer and the role of computers in the wider society as well as the way of utilizing some basic and fundamental programs of computing.
The report identifies that the writer was able to acquire important competencies over the period. However, it began with many fears, phobias and insecurities that related to the kind of services that were being offered. However, the writer identifies that he was able to get important concepts and ideas and this was transposed into conceptual growth and understanding. This was applied in the course setting and the writer gained an understanding of its significance.
After the course, the writer was able to utilize important elements of the course to gain an advantage in carrying out his social life. This culminated in better and improved results in his coursework, social life and working life. Learning comes through the evaluation and analysis of important ideas that go into the subconscious mind and as it is applied, an individual gets a better view of things in life.
Introduction
This paper is a lifelong learning narrative that describes the writer’s personal experiences in relation to the learning of the basic usage of computers and the Office Package which includes MS-Word, Excel and a few other basic packages in the program. The paper will include the critical review of the concrete experience, reflections and acquisition of abstract concepts and generalizations,
Concrete Experience
After years of hearing of the importance of computer literacy, I needed to learn about how things are done on the computer. I generally had a kind of phobia or fear for computers. The only think I had was a phone which was very basic. Therefore, I decided to take some time to learn and study how things work in the environment of computing.
A major global computing entity provides some kind of basic and introductory tuition on the main features of the computer and how it is used in the work environment. Many of my friends that I spoke to stated that it was pointless to try to spend time learning anything about basic computing because nobody in the modern society takes time off his busy schedule to learn how to turn a computer on or off.
However, looking at the circumstances, I decided to take part in the 8-week program that was meant to provide basic computer training. This was an uphill tussle because I knew very little about the computer and how the computer works. The course is structured in four modules. Each module takes two weeks and it targets professionals and entrepreneurs who want to get an overview of how computing works. There are three sessions of two hours each every week.
In the first session, there is a basic introduction to the computer and its features. In the second session, learners are introduced to the functioning of the MS Word software, which is a word processing system. In the third session, there is an introduction to the Internet. Finally, in the last session, students are taught about Spreadsheets and other work applications.
After completing the course, a learner is expected to get a thorough understanding of the way and manner in which the computing environment operates. Also, it is to lay the foundation for further practice and studies into computing and other matters. Finally, it is to help learners to understand some major issues and problems with computers and how they operate. Therefore, I enrolled and signed the necessary forms for this certificate program.
Observations and Reflections
I knew very little about computers. I also had a general fear of the computer because it felt like an intimidating and extremely modern equipment that is very expensive. Therefore, I had a kind of timidity in using it as a tool for resolving issues and matters. Thus, the raining was an avenue through which I could break out of my shell and get to confront issues int eh best way and manner possible.
The first week of the course was extremely theoretical. The teacher taught us about the computer and how it was created. He gave us basic and generalist definitions about what a computer is and the various forms of devices that can act or be seen to be computers. This included a broad definition that made me understand that any digital device could be a computer. We were made to sit in front of computers and we were encouraged to touch it because the instructor told us that when we touch it, nothing will cause the computer to be destroyed or diminished in the simple sense.
These experiences of the first week really boosted my confidence and removed most of my phobias and shyness because I got to understand that the computer is nothing more than one of the many devices meant to make our lives easier, not the other way around. A computer was a tool for work, not a tool for status-building or respect attainment. Therefore, I got a general desire to view the computer as a tool for making my life better and improved, rather than one that was to subjugate my life to making it better and improving it. The computer was the servant and I was the master.
After the first module on the introduction to computers, I began to ask myself how computers can be used. Because the main definition of computers was that it was simply a device that allowed information to be input, processed, stored and retrieved. Therefore, I began to ask myself how it could relate to my work and other aspects of our lives. I came to a realization that computers are devices that are highly flexible and could give room for a lot of functions to be performed with the same device. All what varied was the software and the programming system that was used to condition the computer. This made me think of the different approaches and the levels of flexibility that the computer offered to different sectors of our society and the different groups of people in it.
In the third week, we were introduced to the use of basic Office packages like MS Word. To me, it was the replacement of the typewriter, but the kind of services one could perform with MS Word was so enormous. There could be changes and there could be modifications in the work that people do and how they do it. My only fear was the fact that I could not type quickly. I therefore began to sense that it was impossible to use MS Word properly. However, I was advised that the more practice and exposure a person got, the better his chances of using MS Word in the best way and manner possible.
When the fifth week came and we explored the Internet, I had overcome a lot of my fears and could type a few things. And the teacher introduced us to very interesting activities and websites. I was able to go to some sites that were exciting and the interest that I had in those sites enabled me to learn how to click and go to websites and also open an email address and do a lot of things which were basic but significance in my fraternization with the computer.
Finally, when MS Excel was introduced in the 7th week, I was more conversant with the computer and could do a lot of things. But Excel came with very boring and new demands that was quite tiring. However, the teacher was patient enough to explain the importance and essence. In the last two weeks I did not enjoy the lessons much. However, he tried to personalize it and I was able to draw my personal budget on the computer using Excel and I was able to understand how things work on Excel.
Abstract Concepts and Generalizations
Several theorists posit that our minds are structured in a way and manner whereby we sense and feel things as and when they occur, however, with time, we tend to theorize them and build abstract conceptions in our minds. However, most of these ideas often get into the subconscious mind and only come to the fore when a person is confronted with a realistic situation and circumstance where s/he has to apply the skills that were learnt.
The main abstract concepts I grasped in the 8 weeks of learning and studies include important pointers and ideas that stuck with me for the rest of my life. They guide my views on life and how things must be done.
Computer is Universal: I got to understand that the computer is an important and central tool for discourse for all people around the world. This is because different people view computers as a means of communicating and exchanging information. Therefore, it is important and vital for people to get a basic grasp of how computers work and how they are utilized in modern discourse. This showed me that anyone who refuses to learn how to use and operate a computer commences a process whereby he becomes secluded and is priced out of all important interactions This is because in the next few years over 75% of all people are going to be using computers. Therefore the knowledge of computing is important and central and it is the most important means of communicating in our time and era.
Computer makes Life Easy: The main end of the computer is to make life easier for all people and all persons. This is because the computer is an important tool for the transmission of various real-life situations and tasks to an automated environment. Therefore, traditional functions like using the typewriter, double entry books and other things have all been modified and put in a form whereby a lot of functions have been integrated and can be utilized to achieve results.
Internet is the Point of Commercial Success: The course taught me that the Internet is a convergence point for many interest groups and many commercial activities. Hence, one had to learn how to use it and make the best out of the Internet.
Accuracy and Convenience are Key Elements of Computers: The main benefit and competitive advantage computers have include the fact that they provide accurate and better results. They can do more things and can transcend geographical boundaries. This is an inherent benefit that most people can utilize to improve their lot in society and gain a better life in everything they do.
Equality and Efficiency are Vital: Computers and the Internet entrench and enhance the fundamental values of the society. This includes the need for diversity and inclusion as well as the need for more efficient and effective measures of doing things and completing tasks. The main end sought in this process is to create better systems and better ways of doing things with the computer.
Applying Concepts in New Situations
There were two main areas whereby I needed to apply the things I learnt from this course. There was a general or social framework to apply the views and ideas I learnt about computers. Then there was an occupational and work-oriented context within which I could implement the ideas and views learnt from this program.
In the general sense, I bought a computer and began to use it for various activities and various things. I was able to turn it on and off and also go through some important aspects of the computer by navigating myself around. This was a major victory because I realize I had apparently overcome my fear and phobias for computers. Then there was the social context which involved using the computer to surf the Internet and make important connections. I opened an email and was able to understand important points like passwords which were the automated version of the signature one needs to access a bank account. With time, I began to learn about the concept of adaptation and usability which revolves around the fact that the computer environment is meant to be one where there are major activities and interactions that are styled on normal situations and normal contexts within which we interact as human beings in the normal society.
Therefore in practicing, I was able to get a grasp of the way and manner in which the computer works and how important activities occur in the general sense of the computer and the specific sense of various programs like Windows and other things.
With time, I was able to generalize things and apply these concepts to other devices like an android mobile phone that I bought. The main concepts and ideas of computers were embedded in the function of these devices. I was also able to use my friends’ tablets and other things that had various functions of computers. Therefore, the basic elements of computing became vital and important in different activities and processes that I needed to apply them.
In the workplace and school environment, I had a major need to apply important concepts relating to computing. This includes the fact that I had to do some research from school online. Therefore, I was able to use my basic idea of typing and other ideas to go online and do these studies. Also, I needed to type documents and other things in order to gain course credits. The computer was important and vital in achieving this end.
For my commercial transactions, I soon found a job that needed me to log in details using Excel. My knowledge of the functions of the computer enabled me to do these things with ease. If I did not have the exposure of using computers, I am most likely to have had some fears and phobias in doing this. However, my knowledge came in handy and I was able to do a lot of things online.
Currently, due to my busy schedule, I find the computer to be very convenient. By the power of the internet, I can log complaints and make enquiries. Also, since I do not have time, I am able to make orders online and this enables me to get more convenient ways of doing things.
Bibliography
Baskerville, R. F., & Turner, M. (2011). Change in conception of learning : a missing ingredient to support deep learning. Accounting & Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand Journal, 3-5.
Clara, M., & Barbera, E. (2014). Three problems with the connectivist conception of learning. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 197-206.
