When I bought my first computer in 1993, I brought it home, looked at the unopened package for a few days, took it out of the box and looked at it another few days. Then I packed it all up and returned it.
Several months later, I went back and bought the same computer model. This time I kept it. It was a Packard Bell Accel 106 with 4 KB RAM, 486 microprocessor – 25 Mhz, 170 MB hard drive, with Windows 3.1.
At the time I was living in a small town outside of Springfield and did not have convenient access to a computer club or any computer instruction courses. In a local bookstore, I found a clearly presented, basic, step-by-step, illustrated beginner’s book. I pored over that book, page by page, slowly becoming familiar with some basic computer functions. Each time I understood something new, I felt a monumental sense of accomplishment.
With the beginner’s book nearby, and with the constant use of the computer’s Help menus, I searched for answers and slowly built upon the knowledge I was acquiring. Although answers often seemed unobtainable, I knew, with persistent determination, answers would emerge. Ferreting out those answers became compelling, frustrating, and very enjoyable.
I remember the day I connected the printer to the computer. I typed a few short sentences into the word processor (something tentative like, “I hope this prints out. Will this print?”) and then clicked the Print command. I was amazed to watch the printer go into action. As it pulled a piece of paper through, I heard the unbelievable sound of text being printed. Successfully obtaining a printed copy of the text I had entered was a major rewarding experience and reason for celebration.
Many years went by without continuing to explore my computer much further. Then I moved to Springfield and started attending the ICON meetings.
I also began to access the voluminous information on the Internet. I learned how to use email to send text and pictures which gave me a wonderful avenue of contact and sharing with my children, who live in NYC, KC, and Dallas.
The ICON computer club group discussions, instructional meetings, its newsletter and website forums are such a valuable resource for me. By taking advantage of those resources, I am more motivated and my learning progress has been accelerated.
When I am missing a key point in understanding a concept, I find that, through listening or inquiring, a pivotal piece of missing information finally becomes clear and evident – perhaps through a question asked by another member. In these meetings and forums, I am often introduced to new terms. Although I may not see the immediate relevance or be able to integrate that term or knowledge into use at the time, later, when I encounter that same term or concept, it is not totally unfamiliar to me and I am able to weave it together with previously acquired information and turn confusion into coherence and understanding.
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