Week Twelve Assignment 2/1

2/1

1. 20 things computer can make in class:
I was shocked that in 1972 there was an article focusing on can program capacity in education and the 20 computer tasks in 1972 are surprisingly still the cutting edge digital tasks in class. Of course, with more and more scientists and researchers put their attention on digital learning tools, what computer can offer to education are not only the 20 tasks mentioned in the paper, but also tons of platforms and countless capacities which all give students enough space to practice what they learn with real-life project and their priceless creativities. And in the future, according to Moore's law (that the number of transistors in a dense integrated circuit doubles about every two years), more and more capable devices can came out and be applied in education with more powerful features and cheaper cost.
2. Why do we need digital fabrication:
In the article Digital Fabrication and ‘Making’ in Education: The Democratization of Invention, there is an interesting question - why do we need digital fabrication lab in school? Instead of the answer given in the following paragraph, I think digital fabrication has potential to fulfill student's creativity. As we grew up, creativity has become more and more rare and valuable because we have already been "programmed" by the current education and social rules that always taught us to think about what can be done in reality instead of something has not done yet. Electronics, or even making can help students realize what they imagine can come true in reality with the help of technology. The "making" is a positive activity that can enhance students' confidence and extend their hand-making ability couple with their creativity. As more and more students become more creative and "hands-on", it is great possible that our world in the future could be a much better place.