Knowing/understanding the computer hardware components will definitely help me in a few ways. It will help me in my personal & professional life. In my personal life when I need something fixed on the computer that can't be taken care of by restarting the computer I usually turn to my husband to see if he can help me. The same holds true in my professional life while I'm at school. If it can't fixed after checking cord connections or with a simple restart, I usually turn to our network administrator right at school.
I know I could probably figure out some of the issues I sometimes have with the computers if I put more time & effort into it but I have avoided doing that for a few reasons.
#1. I love computers but I love using them...not knowing how they work or why they aren't working! :)
#2. Many times when a computer goes down for whatever reason it is very difficult to put any time into trying to figure out the issue because I have 27 other hands being raised in the classroom from students who need help or I have a 3 year old & a 1 year old at home climbing up on chairs or stuffing the toilet with as much TP as can possibly fit into the bowl! :)
#3. I've always had that "go to" person to help me out so I've not had the need to really figure it out on my own.
It is important to know how & why the hardware components work (or don't work), and I really need to put more effort into trying to troubleshoot more often when something comes up. Another hesitation is fear...because I don't truly understand the in's and out's of the computer I am afraid I am going to break something even more in the process of trying to fix the original issue. With more knowledge & understanding of thy how's, why's, & what's I can reduce/eliminate some of that fear so that I can be more confident in what I am doing.
I can really relate to your fear factor, Becky! When we were told we would have to go into the bios of our computers, I almost died! After I've taken a look at it, though, it's not so scary. One fear that we've conquered! I have a feeling that by the time we're finished with this class, a lot of our fears will disappear - or at least lessen somewhat!
ReplyDelete"I've always had that "go to" person to help me out"
ReplyDeleteAnd that is the way the system is supposed to work. Often, it works quite well. However, with budget-strapped districts having to make cuts, IT departments will be losing people. I know MPS is proposing IT cuts, and it will be felt. The burden is now going to fall on other people with tech experience.
Becky, great comments. The "go to" person is always so reliable too. Come to think of it, I wonder would happen if that person got there and said, "well I don't know how to fix that." Oh boy! Now there's trouble. :)
ReplyDelete