Microkids

I am so thankful that in elementary school I had the opportunity to participate in a study on computers and mathematics. The first year only three students were chosen. However, as the only girl, I remember feeling both excited and embarrassed at the same time. That first year, it was hard to leave my friends in class while we got pulled out to go to the only school computer secured next to the principal's office. Back in the early 80s, we were called microkids. For the most part, I remember that I loved going to school. Perhaps, that's why I became a teacher...to be forever the learner. I think these early experiences shaped that way I taught. Indeed, these experiences helped shape my beliefs about education and I am thankful for the turtles.

Now that we are grown up, I wonder what ever happened to all the microkids. More specifically I wonder, 'What were the gender differences? Did more males go into computing than females?' As I attended the supercomputing conference last year I was reminded of the gender ratio as I walked the exhibit floor. This was a sharp contrast to the school halls I walked daily made up of mostly female teachers. It is what it is. With that, it is something worthy to consider. I wonder why the outcomes of microkids hasn't been studied. What were the longterm effects? What's become of all the microkids? And how many microkids dared to become teachers? I believe to move forward in digital learning, we must also understand our history. If only we could carry on Papert's dream.

The following is a video from the microkid generation. You'll be happy to see Seymour Papert. Enjoy!