This week’s discussions focused on internet service providers (ISP’s). A handout chart was provided with the explanations of each and what their services created by the instructor.

We discussed the two formats PC and MAC’s and what each one provides and how it works.  It was a lot of information, but many of the group was familiar with many of the operations and those who provided the service. They were glad to get a clear understanding of how they work and what could be done through each. As always for some this was clearly too much information and it made them a little apprehensive.  But many questions were answered and opinions on how things worked was cleared up. They started comparing certain processes to those found on their phones. They were relieved to begin to feel a little less overwhelmed.  I understand how that can be because when I began this technology journey I definitely felt overwhelmed and that maybe I might not be able to do it.  But here I am doing thing that I would never have imagined doing and loving the whole process.

This session was intense because of the amount of information so we did not proceed past getting them to understand how each ISP worked and which one they had ready access to through their resident home computers. By the end of the session everyone was so glad that they had an opportunity to clear up many misconceptions that they had about ISP’s and how they operated. Before the session was over there was so much laughter others nearby wanted to check to see why we were having so much fun in a computer class. LEARNING IS FUN BUT IT’S FUN WORK!

We have been watching a slow metamorphosis as the ladies in the class begin to really understand how to move through the internet. To fully understand the ribbon and to become comfortable using the mouse and the tools that are available on the computer.  It has been an amazing transformation listening to them talk using the correct terminology, watching them help one another to move from one task to another.  As a teacher I feel good because I know where they started and what it took for them to become committed to learning how to use this tool.

Today we opened Pinterest accounts for everyone.  The giggles as they discovered new boards that they wanted to investigate.  Their board interest are as unique as each person personality. They had an opportunity to record a password in their Password books that we made for them earlier.  Another aspect of their learning is how intent they are about keeping accurate notes of each session so they can practice in between sessions.

One discovery was that one participant felt she did not want to learn all of these other applications of the computer, but she is the one in the class that remembers the process of doing operations the best.  I think it’s just feel and apprehension about new materials that give her pause.  I just reassured her that even when she began to learn to drive she was not a pro at driving and learning to understand and use the computer has the same principal.  It takes time and practice to get to be effective at any task and over time with consistent use they will get better.  The instructor and I pointed out to them just how far they have progressed since we began.  Sometimes it pays to look back from where you started and to review where you are today.  They had to admit they had grown a lot and felt more comfortable with the computer than ever before.

Through their learning I have learned so much as well.  I spend more time researching information and techniques along with helping the main instructor in preparing the lesson plans.  It is our plan to have links that they can click on that will take them to other sites and information on past lessons to help keep them fresh and to refresh on information we discussed in past lessons.

If someone would have told me I would be on this journey just five years ago I would have scoffed at them and said “no way” but I am learning new techniques and tools the more I work with this class along with my own personal adventure through the educational technology classes I am taking.

Many educational psychologist have studied how young child learn such as Vygotsky (Vygotsky, 1978), and Skinner (Skinner, 1969) (Skinner, The science of learning and the art of teaching., 1954); we have been able to apply the principles of these educational theorist to our adult population because learning is learning no matter what the age level.  The processes used of getting from beginning to end is the same.

References Skinner, B. F. (1954). The science of learning and the art of teaching. Harvard Educational Review, 86-97.
Skinner, B. F. (1969). Contingencies of reinforcement. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.
Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind and society: the development of higher mental processes. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.