First, I’ve realized that I need to come up with a name for my student. I want to protect her privacy by not using her real name, but I need something to make this discussion easier. Particularly when I get to writing the reflection paper. I’d like to come up with something clever, but I think I’ll just stick with Regina.
Today, Regina asked me a question that I’m not sure I answered well. She asked me why she needs to learn to use a computer at all.
There are many answers: to be a good digital citizen; to be information literate; to expand your knowledge; to expand your experience; to open your mind to more ideas; to make complex tasks simpler; to be competitive in the workforce; to share ideas, photos, videos; to pass your classes which require the use of computers.
I gave her as many as I thought she would understand, but I felt like I was talking to a two-year-old. “Why?” she kept asking. “Why, why, why?”
“Why do I need to use computers to be competitive in the workforce?”
Because other employees know how to use computers. You need to be able to compete with them.
“Can’t I just get a job that doesn’t use computers?”
Not really. Almost every job uses computers in some way. You’re studying criminal justice. In your job, you’ll have to use the computer to type up reports. You’ll need to do research on various laws and case histories.
“Can’t I just get someone else to do that for me?”
No, everyone must do her own job. You can’t get someone else to do your job for you.
“But I have an IEP. Doesn’t that count for something?”
(I really didn’t know how to answer this one!) It means you can get help, but it doesn’t mean people will do your job for you.
She finally got tired of asking questions and we called it a day.
Happy Halloween!
