In our most recent class we got to work with the new XO computers and also learned about open source software’s. Open source software is software that can be freely used and most importantly changed by anyone, for example a site like Wikipedia is open source because it can be changed by anyone. Open source is used on the one laptop computer’s because when downloading new versions it is free unlike Microsoft and the many programs that come with that. After opening the new computer and working out the problems that we had with some of them we were able to play around with the different activities on the computer and learn new things. We were able to connect with each other’s computers and start a chat with the class. We also played around with the other activities like the camera, the music, and the app that allows you to measure the distance the computer is form another computer.
Although we haven’t spent much time in class, while we are in the classroom I like having the opportunity to help my classmates with stuff they haven’t yet figured out. Doing this in class is getting me excited for the trip we are going to be taking and teaching and helping kids with the computers!
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This past class we began the disassembly and reassembly of the laptops that we will be bringing with us on our trip to Barbados. We went onto a helpful website called wiki.laptop.org, which gave step by step instructions for the disassembly of the computers. We worked in partners making the process slightly easier because, at first, taking apart the laptops was difficult, yet also fun. I personally have never done anything like this before and the process honestly felt strange because I was pulling apart an expensive machine. However, my partner, Oliva, and I found it to actually be very fun. After the disassembly process, we got to take everything we had just unscrewed and put it all back together again. The re-assembly was much easier than the disassembly because I remembered where each screw went, whereas when disassembling it was at sometimes difficult to know which screws to unscrew when to be sure the process went smoothly.
So far, the disassembly and reassembly of these laptops has been one of my favorite things. Although I did enjoy Scratch, the hands-on aspect with taking apart the laptops and getting to see inside of them and how everything works was really interesting to me. Also, I think this was a great project to do to learn more about helping others and working together. My partner, Olivia, and I worked together to take apart and put back together the laptop. For example, while Olivia screwed the screws back together I would be removing the next screw she would be using from the magnet to make the process much easier for her. So far I am loving the projects and activities this class has to offer! For the past couple classes, we have been working on making a maze. At first, the process was a little confusing but as we spent more time working on it, it made more sense. Our mazes started pretty simple but we have made many advances. For example, we added a timer that at the end will tell you how long it took you to finish the maze and added sound when you complete the maze. After the couple classes we have had, I'm feeling pretty excited to continue working hard and learning new things every class. I am excited to see improvements and work through challenges that we might encounter.
I’ve spent the past few weeks finishing up Etoys lessons from last year while newer students get caught up. We’re working on developing animations and activities for the lesson on Careers in Law so that students across the globe will know what these jobs entail.
I came into this year with experience, knowing that I had loved my previous experience of OLPC, but not really knowing what this year would hold. After not traveling last year, I wasn’t sure I got the full experience, but I loved what I did do. This year, though, I’m excited to start more in-depth work helping create “internet –in- a-box” which will help not only to educate people in remote areas without access to internet, but also help to provide students even in advanced education systems with distraction-free internet. Since I have taken the class three times, there wasn’t any more lessons or learning that I could do. Ms. Murakami and I met to discuss what I should do for class. Instead of working on etoys or scratch, I am working on fixing the XO laptops. So far, I have fixed a computer that’s color was broken and I’ve reimaged 4 other computers.
We are just now getting back into all of our regular classes, but part of the beauty of One Laptop Per Child is that it doesn’t follow a normal semester schedule. This past summer, I had the amazing experience of traveling to Axim and Cape Coast, Ghana with my dad to bring and teach technology to high school and elementary school students. With the help of Mrs. Murakami and several other contacts, I spent the months leading up to my trip designing my curriculum and the technology that I would be installing at the schools in Ghana. I used an online crowdfunding site to raise nearly $10,000 to purchase this technology, including nine XO-4 laptops and three Internet-in-a-Box systems, which are essentially digital libraries that grant access to sites such as Wikipedia, Open Street Maps, Project Gutenberg, Khan Academy videos, and more in locations that do not have access to the regular Internet. To hear more about my travels and adventures, you can read my blog at http://technologyforghana.weebly.com/. I do not know what this year of OLPC will hold for me, but I am excited to continue my work in any way that I can!
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Students will be blogging weekly throughout the school year as they prepare for the trip. Please check back occasionally for updates. Archives
May 2016
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