How this course applies. (Computer Systems: How They Work)

Currently we are in the middle of a course entitled Computer Systems: How They work.  Our blog assignment this week was to discuss the overall content of the course and determine how it connects to us, and how it will be useful in the future.

Overall I found the course to be very informative.  Some of it was review based on my past experience, and some of it was looking at computer components in a new way.  The videos definitely give a great historical perspective for the class.  The review of components and security is useful in helping the class to think about the technical foundation that they will need to have to deliver online learning.  Especially for people who have not delved into the details of computers, this information will arm them with the details they need to use computers as tools for Instructional Computing.

One suggestion I would make for improve the course however, is to add a final assignment that applies this knowledge to a learning environment.  For example, instead of just building the perfect computer, have the class outfit a lab that will be used in a school to deliver online classes.  What are all of the things that you should consider?  What about security?  We mentioned this in one class discussion by talking about a student who could walk into a lab with a Linux live boot CD, and start a computer in an unprotected state.  How would we protect against this?  What other situations should we prepare for?  I am sure with all of the educational experience in the class we have some terrific stories of students and their pranks.  Adding those to the class might help to tie it into the overall theme of Instructional Computing.  Plus it would be fun to hear the stories.

The second part of the blog was to discuss the what might happen if an unnamed sinister force were disrupt all of the computers in our lives.  Having already have my car stop working because the internal computer malfunctioned, I can only imagine the havoc that would be unleashed if all of these systems failed at once.  This is one area where I think the class material was very relevant.  We should always be prepared for computer outages, both professionally and personally. This includes making backups, protecting against viruses, using strong passwords and security, and keeping up to date with patches.  Using computers as the delivery tool for online instruction has benefits, but it definitely comes with some risks as well.

What's all this to me?

This was the first blog assignment where I really had to spend some time thinking about what to say.  We have talked about our past backgrounds, our computer experience, and what we want to get out of the class.  This blog topic is much less specific however, and that made me think.  What is it about this course, and this program, that appeals to me?

In the end it all comes back to people.  Technology is a fascinating and dynamic topic, with and rich history and many interesting characters.  But at the end of the day technology is just a tool that can let us better connect with and understand other people.  Whether it is a businessman trying to understand the desires of his customers, or a teacher trying to help impart knowledge and inspire students, technology is just the tool for these larger goals.  It is not an end unto itself.

There are many people who are just happy working with technology for its own sake.  Those for whom the quest to make the perfect system or design the best program becomes their purpose in life.  But for me it is important to remember that although you are always trying to design the perfect hammer, it is in driving the nail where the hammer completes it's purpose.  The study of computers for me will always be closely followed by the question, "How can I use this to connect with other people?"  I think that is the essence of Instructional Computing.