12.07.2015 Views

by clicking here. It is a 9.9 Mb file and will take some time to download

by clicking here. It is a 9.9 Mb file and will take some time to download

by clicking here. It is a 9.9 Mb file and will take some time to download

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

escape from software. I had <strong>to</strong> learn how <strong>to</strong> set up the PC so that it could be moved <strong>to</strong> placesconvenient <strong>to</strong> w<strong>here</strong> I needed <strong>to</strong> work, how <strong>to</strong> connect it <strong>to</strong> a printer <strong>and</strong> install printer driversetc, <strong>and</strong> above all, how <strong>to</strong> type!These were the days before schools had ICT technicians, thus, I also had <strong>to</strong> learn <strong>to</strong> solve myown problems – not that t<strong>here</strong> were many, since most of the software was being developed, tried<strong>and</strong> tested <strong>by</strong> developers keen <strong>to</strong> get it right from the beginning 78 <strong>and</strong> not just rush it <strong>to</strong> market.Of particular help was the Head of Computer Studies. Intriguingly, he was the former Head ofPE who had decided <strong>to</strong> step down from that role since h<strong>is</strong> increasing maturity, he felt, wouldd<strong>is</strong>able him from maintaining that role. The school had given him the new role for which; <strong>by</strong> h<strong>is</strong>own adm<strong>is</strong>sion, h<strong>is</strong> only qualification was a home computer, owned for gaming purposes. Thatwe shared <strong>some</strong> deep learning moments <strong>to</strong>gether <strong>is</strong> undocumented, but t<strong>here</strong> was a dynamic,mutually supportive relationship between us from which I learned much. For example, I learnedthe basic workings of a computer such as the difference between r<strong>and</strong>om access memory (RAM)read only memory (ROM); the core information functions of computing: input, processing,d<strong>is</strong>play <strong>and</strong> output; the value of a logical <strong>and</strong> sequential filing system (using eight charactersonly since th<strong>is</strong> was the st<strong>and</strong>ard of the <strong>time</strong>); the ability <strong>to</strong> d<strong>is</strong>mantle a PC <strong>and</strong> install hardwarecomponents like d<strong>is</strong>k drives <strong>and</strong> network cards; <strong>and</strong> the need <strong>to</strong> back up m<strong>is</strong>sion critical datafrequently.Given the ep<strong>is</strong>temological schema that was set out in section 2.1, <strong>and</strong> whichunderpins th<strong>is</strong> study, it <strong>is</strong> reasonable <strong>to</strong> assert that these bits, <strong>by</strong>tes, data <strong>and</strong> information can beregarded now as a part of my ‘foundational knowledge’.<strong>It</strong> was at th<strong>is</strong> <strong>time</strong> I also learned the value of involving pupils in the problem-solving aspects ofICT. Looking back, I recall watching over their shoulders while they performed technological340Simon Hughes Ph.D. Thes<strong>is</strong> (Oc<strong>to</strong>ber 2012)

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!