3 ms·

my childhood had computers that had lots of rough edges and required a lot of problem solving in order to just get them to function. i can't help but wonder if

by a-dub 4y ago

my childhood had computers that had lots of rough edges and required a lot of problem solving in order to just get them to function. i can't help but wonder if today's tech gadgets that both work consistently, have beautifully polished ux and are geared towards consumption deny kids this kind of skill development opportunity. that said, the scope and scale of free learning resources available today is really mind boggling.

LarryMullins 4y ago
> i can't help but wonder if today's tech gadgets that both work consistently, have beautifully polished ux and are geared towards consumption deny kids this kind of skill development opportunity. Certainly the case. Watching inane youtube videos on an ipad won't teach you anything more about technology than being a couch potato in front of a TV. Using a technological artifact is not intrinsically educational. I've heard plenty of stories about "I was a gamer and that's why I learned how to use computers", but those stories are from a time when getting a game to run required troubleshooting, finding and reading informational resources, etc. The iOS appstore isn't teaching any of this.
a-dub 4y ago
although i suppose those who have the opportunity and aptitude these days can get that same sort of experience by fighting with things like python package dependencies. the problem of access inherent in what seems to be a slow death of microcomputers remains though...
elteto 4y ago
When I grew up screens were still green and Paratroopers was an amazing game. The level of experiential “complexity” was very low compared to what we have today: supercomputers in every pocket capable of displaying hyperrealistic experiences, that are, on top of everything else, carefully optimized to create addictive habits. Kids today don’t have a chance.

3 ms·

my childhood had computers that had lots of rough edges and required a lot of problem solving in order to just get them to function. i can't help but wonder if

by a-dub 4y ago

LarryMullins 4y ago
> i can't help but wonder if today's tech gadgets that both work consistently, have beautifully polished ux and are geared towards consumption deny kids this kind of skill development opportunity. Certainly the case. Watching inane youtube videos on an ipad won't teach you anything more about technology than being a couch potato in front of a TV. Using a technological artifact is not intrinsically educational. I've heard plenty of stories about "I was a gamer and that's why I learned how to use computers", but those stories are from a time when getting a game to run required troubleshooting, finding and reading informational resources, etc. The iOS appstore isn't teaching any of this.
a-dub 4y ago
although i suppose those who have the opportunity and aptitude these days can get that same sort of experience by fighting with things like python package dependencies. the problem of access inherent in what seems to be a slow death of microcomputers remains though...
elteto 4y ago
When I grew up screens were still green and Paratroopers was an amazing game. The level of experiential “complexity” was very low compared to what we have today: supercomputers in every pocket capable of displaying hyperrealistic experiences, that are, on top of everything else, carefully optimized to create addictive habits. Kids today don’t have a chance.