Stuart's Life in Thailand: Seeing the forest or the tree?
I have followed Stuart's blog for over a year. I look forward to his comments and experiences. This specific blog is interesting and related to the previous blog post on Asians, Americans Show Perceptual Divide.
Sunday, August 28, 2005
Saturday, August 27, 2005
We leave tomorrow
Well we leave tomorrow, my pages of to do lists are mostly done, those things that I have not finished wont be. Preparing for a sabbatical, and leaving my home for 6 months takes a lot of planning. I have arranged so that I can pay my bills through the net, I have talked with my neighbors and arranged for a friend to provide house repair advice to my daughter. Getting a medical checkup, making sure that we had all our documents ready. Finding out unexpected things, like my medical insurance is going to verify eligibility while I am gone. I luckily found out what papers were necessary and ran to the safe deposit box and made copies so my daughter can verify eligibility. I have put plastic on the windows and renewed weather stripping to prepare for winter. It is strange to think about missing winter. I have taken my daughter through the house to explain how it works and to anticipate potential problems. Jeeze.....
I have a little more packing to do, and so does Jit. I think I have convinced Jit to stay for the whole six months. The original plan was for her to return to work and then return to Thailand, but if she stays she can have six months with her family. Anyway tomorrow at 9:00PM we will be leaving Fairbanks for Anchorage, and then to Taipei, and finally Bangkok. Jit's brother will pick us up. I will got to STOU on the 9th and then we will see what happens.
I have been preparing for this Sabbatical for over a year, and know it is going to happen.
I have a little more packing to do, and so does Jit. I think I have convinced Jit to stay for the whole six months. The original plan was for her to return to work and then return to Thailand, but if she stays she can have six months with her family. Anyway tomorrow at 9:00PM we will be leaving Fairbanks for Anchorage, and then to Taipei, and finally Bangkok. Jit's brother will pick us up. I will got to STOU on the 9th and then we will see what happens.
I have been preparing for this Sabbatical for over a year, and know it is going to happen.
TakingITGlobal - Inspire. Inform. Involve.
TakingITGlobal - Inspire. Inform. Involve.
I am adding this to the blog as a potential resource that I can share with students. It sounds great. I will be coming back to explore in depth. We are leaving in two days and I do not have time to give this resource the time that it deserves.
I am adding this to the blog as a potential resource that I can share with students. It sounds great. I will be coming back to explore in depth. We are leaving in two days and I do not have time to give this resource the time that it deserves.
Techlearning > > Editor's Notebook: School of the Future World Summit > August 1, 2005
Techlearning > > Editor's Notebook: School of the Future World Summit > August 1, 2005
Another link that is full of ideas. When I return from sabbatical I want to redesign the some of my courses to reflect some of these ideas. I want to offer more choices and different "angles" of approach.
Another link that is full of ideas. When I return from sabbatical I want to redesign the some of my courses to reflect some of these ideas. I want to offer more choices and different "angles" of approach.
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Asians, Americans Show Perceptual Divide - Yahoo! News
Asians, Americans Show Perceptual Divide - Yahoo! News
I thought provoking article. Just another example of why cross-culture communication takes respect.
I thought provoking article. Just another example of why cross-culture communication takes respect.
Saturday, August 20, 2005
Means and Ends--Why and How
I have seen Excel users who enter a column of numbers and then get out a calculator to total the columns. I have seen Word users who use tabs to center a title and spaces to indent a paragraph. I, of course, never program my VCR.
What inspires people to learn something with depth and competency? Why does a person want to learn a tool and use it well? I know people who use Word everyday and do not have a clue about how it really works. Some of the most minimally skilled users have training available, there are classes, training sessions, books, and even colleagues who can provide assistance. When I teach I want to inspire an active, creative, exploratory attitude to learning software.
Fundamental to all good training is the desire to inspire independent learning and creativity. The ultimate goal, the ideal, is for my students to becomes colleagues sharing insights and collaborating on solutions. The challenge and art of teaching is to inspire curiosity, pride, and independent learning. Skills are a means to a larger end, learning a skill without a purpose is like studying hammers without studying nails, lumber, or houses. Is the discussion about rote learning really about learning without context or teaching without motivation?
Sometimes I think inspiration is about means and ends. Learning and motivation requires learning and caring about both means and ends. Learning how, without learning why, will not motivate or inspire.
What inspires people to learn something with depth and competency? Why does a person want to learn a tool and use it well? I know people who use Word everyday and do not have a clue about how it really works. Some of the most minimally skilled users have training available, there are classes, training sessions, books, and even colleagues who can provide assistance. When I teach I want to inspire an active, creative, exploratory attitude to learning software.
Fundamental to all good training is the desire to inspire independent learning and creativity. The ultimate goal, the ideal, is for my students to becomes colleagues sharing insights and collaborating on solutions. The challenge and art of teaching is to inspire curiosity, pride, and independent learning. Skills are a means to a larger end, learning a skill without a purpose is like studying hammers without studying nails, lumber, or houses. Is the discussion about rote learning really about learning without context or teaching without motivation?
Sometimes I think inspiration is about means and ends. Learning and motivation requires learning and caring about both means and ends. Learning how, without learning why, will not motivate or inspire.
Levels of technological learning
There are different levels of technological learning.
Using technology tools, like a cell phone, or using Internet tools to gather and share knowledge are intrinsically useful and interesting. Using Google, at the initial level, does not require training. To motivate people at the first level of technological training people need the tools and they need exposure to different applications of the tools. For technological training a computer and good internet access are the necessary motivational tools. A community of users effectively using the technological tools will provide the inspiration for using the tools. A hunger or purpose to use the tools and a community of users who share your hunger or purpose will create the motivation to learn the skills.
At the next level of technological training is using technology to create content. Photoshop, Word, Excel, and Quicken are means to an end. There needs to be a desire to communicate and the knowledge of graphics, writing, business, or logic to use these tools effectively. If there is a purpose or end, you can then learn the tools, or means, to fulfill the purpose. In some cases learning the tool, like Excel, teaches the concepts that the tool can be used for. Learning to chart teaches, or at least opens the door to learning about, the logic of charting.
There is also a need for technical training, learning how to set up and configure the technology so that others can use it to gather and create content. Networking, operating systems, troubleshooting, and security, are all necessary skills that require training. Somebody needs to make the tools work. In a sense people need to be the technological carpenters or mechanics.
At a much higher level of technological training, people have to create the tools that people use. Somebody needs to create and modify the tools, like Photoshop or Word. This is an abstract high level skill.
At a slightly lower level of technological training learning the skills to apply or create different tools that can be used by others; databases, worksheets, web sites that interact with users. Using tools to meet the needs of users, or organizations, is a higher level technological skill. Setting up a web site so that it can be queried by customers, or creating an Excel worksheet that will be used to track and report on budgets throughout an organization is a higher level technological skill. In fact it needs knowledge of both the means, the tools, and the end, or purpose, that the tools will be applied to.
For my sabbatical I am specifically interested in the first, second, and third level of technological training. I want to learn how people use the tools, adapt the tools to communicate and solve problems, and how the tools are setup, maintained, and repaired. I am also interested in how people bridge the economic gap that limits the availability of technological tools.
Using technology tools, like a cell phone, or using Internet tools to gather and share knowledge are intrinsically useful and interesting. Using Google, at the initial level, does not require training. To motivate people at the first level of technological training people need the tools and they need exposure to different applications of the tools. For technological training a computer and good internet access are the necessary motivational tools. A community of users effectively using the technological tools will provide the inspiration for using the tools. A hunger or purpose to use the tools and a community of users who share your hunger or purpose will create the motivation to learn the skills.
At the next level of technological training is using technology to create content. Photoshop, Word, Excel, and Quicken are means to an end. There needs to be a desire to communicate and the knowledge of graphics, writing, business, or logic to use these tools effectively. If there is a purpose or end, you can then learn the tools, or means, to fulfill the purpose. In some cases learning the tool, like Excel, teaches the concepts that the tool can be used for. Learning to chart teaches, or at least opens the door to learning about, the logic of charting.
There is also a need for technical training, learning how to set up and configure the technology so that others can use it to gather and create content. Networking, operating systems, troubleshooting, and security, are all necessary skills that require training. Somebody needs to make the tools work. In a sense people need to be the technological carpenters or mechanics.
At a much higher level of technological training, people have to create the tools that people use. Somebody needs to create and modify the tools, like Photoshop or Word. This is an abstract high level skill.
At a slightly lower level of technological training learning the skills to apply or create different tools that can be used by others; databases, worksheets, web sites that interact with users. Using tools to meet the needs of users, or organizations, is a higher level technological skill. Setting up a web site so that it can be queried by customers, or creating an Excel worksheet that will be used to track and report on budgets throughout an organization is a higher level technological skill. In fact it needs knowledge of both the means, the tools, and the end, or purpose, that the tools will be applied to.
For my sabbatical I am specifically interested in the first, second, and third level of technological training. I want to learn how people use the tools, adapt the tools to communicate and solve problems, and how the tools are setup, maintained, and repaired. I am also interested in how people bridge the economic gap that limits the availability of technological tools.
Friday, August 19, 2005
The World Is Flat and rote learning
There is a large discussion going on about rote learning. In the World Is Flat there is a quote from Bill Gates that is interesting.
"When I asked Bill Gates about the supposed American education advantage-an education that stresses creativity, not rote learning-he was utterly dismissive. In his view, those who think that the more rote learning systems of China and Japan can't turn out innovators who can compete with Americans are sadly mistaken. Said Gates "I have never met the guy who doesn't know how to multiply who created software..."
I think there are two different issues here. Learning without a purpose or an application, or without a sense of meaning, really undermines application of the lessons. Just saying 2+2=4 without thinking with the tool or applying the tool is fake learning. When I teach Excel I want people to care about what they are learning, if there is not a purpose or reason to learn the skills then they will atrophy. Not learning the skill and just having the "feeling for math" is also fake learning. Hoping for an ad-hoc appearance of the skill when the situation requires it will not work. Learning is hard work, but it is not hard work alone, it is also being committed to and enjoying the subject, being preoccupied with the subject. Innovation is created by an emotional preoccupation with the subject. At least at the American high school level, the emotional commitment to the subject is marginal. Passion and skill, combined with hard work, is necessary for innovation.
"When I asked Bill Gates about the supposed American education advantage-an education that stresses creativity, not rote learning-he was utterly dismissive. In his view, those who think that the more rote learning systems of China and Japan can't turn out innovators who can compete with Americans are sadly mistaken. Said Gates "I have never met the guy who doesn't know how to multiply who created software..."
I think there are two different issues here. Learning without a purpose or an application, or without a sense of meaning, really undermines application of the lessons. Just saying 2+2=4 without thinking with the tool or applying the tool is fake learning. When I teach Excel I want people to care about what they are learning, if there is not a purpose or reason to learn the skills then they will atrophy. Not learning the skill and just having the "feeling for math" is also fake learning. Hoping for an ad-hoc appearance of the skill when the situation requires it will not work. Learning is hard work, but it is not hard work alone, it is also being committed to and enjoying the subject, being preoccupied with the subject. Innovation is created by an emotional preoccupation with the subject. At least at the American high school level, the emotional commitment to the subject is marginal. Passion and skill, combined with hard work, is necessary for innovation.
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
China and India
China and India
BusinessWeek has a special issue on India and China. Reading this issue, while also reading The World is Flat, brings together the opportunity and challenge that has been precipitated through technology. Education that encourages ambition and critical and creative thinking is the key natural resource for economic development.
BusinessWeek has a special issue on India and China. Reading this issue, while also reading The World is Flat, brings together the opportunity and challenge that has been precipitated through technology. Education that encourages ambition and critical and creative thinking is the key natural resource for economic development.
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Heading East: Aba-Amchok
Heading East: Aba-Amchok
A beautiful description of the power of communication and memory. I hope I have the courage to communicate, visit, and return. I am a strong introvert, and actually pretty shy, so being gregarious is not my normal style.
A beautiful description of the power of communication and memory. I hope I have the courage to communicate, visit, and return. I am a strong introvert, and actually pretty shy, so being gregarious is not my normal style.
Internet gets a place in space
"The successful launch of the world's biggest commercial satellite was watched nervously by many, and has put a feather in Thailand's cap. Thaicom 4, also known as iPSTAR, is not just the heaviest private satellite ever launched, but is also one of the most technologically advanced. The ``iP'' of the name refers to the ``internet Protocol'', which is the manner in which information is exchanged on the computer network of networks."
Internet access is the fundemental technology to enable the creative use of technology. A computer without Internet access is boring. (I remember when it was exciting, but that was only for a few, geeks.) The same issue applies to Alaska. Spotty and erratic Internet access isolates people from information and opportunity. With Internet access there is no limit to the potential for using ability and knowledge. The Internet provides teachers with the tools for inspiring critical thinking.
Internet access is the fundemental technology to enable the creative use of technology. A computer without Internet access is boring. (I remember when it was exciting, but that was only for a few, geeks.) The same issue applies to Alaska. Spotty and erratic Internet access isolates people from information and opportunity. With Internet access there is no limit to the potential for using ability and knowledge. The Internet provides teachers with the tools for inspiring critical thinking.
Monday, August 15, 2005
CROSSING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE: Sipa hopes for equal access for all children nationwide
Sabbatical Clippings 2005 Stephen Cysewski
Interesting article about developing the educational infrastructure. Again, and again, how will training be provided for the teachers and students? Also how will the teaching materials be provided? It takes time to train. It takes time and knowledge to create materials. Who will be supporting the creation of materials. These ideas are good, but the effort to fulfill the ideas is underestimated.
Interesting article about developing the educational infrastructure. Again, and again, how will training be provided for the teachers and students? Also how will the teaching materials be provided? It takes time to train. It takes time and knowledge to create materials. Who will be supporting the creation of materials. These ideas are good, but the effort to fulfill the ideas is underestimated.
Friday, August 12, 2005
EverNote Organizes Your Endless Stuff Onto an Endless Tape
EverNote Organizes Your Endless Stuff Onto an Endless Tape
I use EverNote to gather information for my Sabbatical, it is great and free. The problem is that it is a computer file and I can not share it unless I put the information into a web page or create a blog entry. EverNote is especially good at gathering information from web sites that require subscriptions, two examples being the Wall Street Journal and the Bangkok Post. Highly recommended.
I use EverNote to gather information for my Sabbatical, it is great and free. The problem is that it is a computer file and I can not share it unless I put the information into a web page or create a blog entry. EverNote is especially good at gathering information from web sites that require subscriptions, two examples being the Wall Street Journal and the Bangkok Post. Highly recommended.
Thursday, August 11, 2005
PCWorld.com - MIT Eyes $100 Laptops
PCWorld.com - MIT Eyes $100 Laptops
More information about MIT's plan.
Back to the original question that started this Sabbatical, how will training and support be provided? Will training be needed? Will support be needed? What is the plan? A computer is not just hardware.
More information about MIT's plan.
Back to the original question that started this Sabbatical, how will training and support be provided? Will training be needed? Will support be needed? What is the plan? A computer is not just hardware.
MIT Media Lab: $100 Laptop
MIT Media Lab: $100 Laptop
The following quote is from the Bangkok Post. It is a large jump from an academic idea to implementation....
"Govt to spend over B3bn on pupil's PCs
500,000 laptops to be given away in scheme
PREEYANAT PHANAYANGGOOR
The government plans to allocate a budget of around 3.2-3.5 billion baht for the first 500,000 personal computers to be given free of charge to schoolchildren, said the new government spokesman, Surapong Suebwonglee.
Mr Surapong said laptop computers, developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology at a cost of less than US$100 (4,183 baht), would be distributed to try to change the way primary and secondary students learn.
He said Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra had ordered the Education and the Information and Communication Technology ministries to come up with the details and speed up e-textbook software development to complement the One Laptop Per Child scheme.
Mr Thaksin told a seminar for 101 administrators of Thai Rath Wittaya Schools on Tuesday that specialists from the US had said they could produce a personal computer costing $100.
According to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Media Lab, the full-colour, full-screen laptops will be Linux-based and able to use alternative power (including wind-up).
The specifications include a 500MHz central processing unit, a 1GB hard disk and a 1-megapixel display screen.
The computers will be WiFi- and cell-phone-enabled, with USB ports, but will not be able to store huge amounts of data. The prototype is expected to be available by year-end.
Thailand will join countries such as China and Brazil that earlier held initial discussions with Media Lab.
The Ministry of Education will this year conduct a feasibility study on the demand from Thai schoolchildren before beta-testing in selected lower-secondary schools, said Education Minister Chaturon Chaisaeng.
Minister of Science and Technology Pravich Rattanapian said that the National Electronics and Computer Technology Centre (Nectec) could provide free Thai-language open-source applications to laptops in the scheme.
If implemented, the project will be Thailand's first large-scale effort to provide free laptop computers to schoolchildren. The Thaksin government's previous low-cost computer project sold desktop and laptop computers to general users for less than Bt20,000."
The following quote is from the Bangkok Post. It is a large jump from an academic idea to implementation....
"Govt to spend over B3bn on pupil's PCs
500,000 laptops to be given away in scheme
PREEYANAT PHANAYANGGOOR
The government plans to allocate a budget of around 3.2-3.5 billion baht for the first 500,000 personal computers to be given free of charge to schoolchildren, said the new government spokesman, Surapong Suebwonglee.
Mr Surapong said laptop computers, developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology at a cost of less than US$100 (4,183 baht), would be distributed to try to change the way primary and secondary students learn.
He said Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra had ordered the Education and the Information and Communication Technology ministries to come up with the details and speed up e-textbook software development to complement the One Laptop Per Child scheme.
Mr Thaksin told a seminar for 101 administrators of Thai Rath Wittaya Schools on Tuesday that specialists from the US had said they could produce a personal computer costing $100.
According to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Media Lab, the full-colour, full-screen laptops will be Linux-based and able to use alternative power (including wind-up).
The specifications include a 500MHz central processing unit, a 1GB hard disk and a 1-megapixel display screen.
The computers will be WiFi- and cell-phone-enabled, with USB ports, but will not be able to store huge amounts of data. The prototype is expected to be available by year-end.
Thailand will join countries such as China and Brazil that earlier held initial discussions with Media Lab.
The Ministry of Education will this year conduct a feasibility study on the demand from Thai schoolchildren before beta-testing in selected lower-secondary schools, said Education Minister Chaturon Chaisaeng.
Minister of Science and Technology Pravich Rattanapian said that the National Electronics and Computer Technology Centre (Nectec) could provide free Thai-language open-source applications to laptops in the scheme.
If implemented, the project will be Thailand's first large-scale effort to provide free laptop computers to schoolchildren. The Thaksin government's previous low-cost computer project sold desktop and laptop computers to general users for less than Bt20,000."
Geekcorps.org
Geekcorps.org
Not much in Thailand, but a potentially useful resource. Some blog posts are notes to myself to explore further, if there is a need. The source of this link was The World Is Flat by Thomas Friedman.
Not much in Thailand, but a potentially useful resource. Some blog posts are notes to myself to explore further, if there is a need. The source of this link was The World Is Flat by Thomas Friedman.
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Stuart's Life in Thailand: Ubon
Stuart's Life in Thailand: Ubon
Sounds like a great place to visit. I will put it on my list! I think looking, and using, public Internet sites, and talking with the owners about how people use the sites, and learn their skills, might be helpful.
Sounds like a great place to visit. I will put it on my list! I think looking, and using, public Internet sites, and talking with the owners about how people use the sites, and learn their skills, might be helpful.
Places I want to visit during my sabbatical. A partial list.
Sabbatical Visit List Stephen Cysewski
Places to visit during my sabbatical. This is a consolidated list from my sabbatical clippings and my Everynote clippings. There are additional visiting links in the sabbatical blog
Places to visit during my sabbatical. This is a consolidated list from my sabbatical clippings and my Everynote clippings. There are additional visiting links in the sabbatical blog
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
Mobile search is the new black: a roundup - Engadget - www.engadget.com
Mobile search is the new black: a roundup - Engadget - www.engadget.com
Here are some examples of web search capability using cell phones.
Here are some examples of web search capability using cell phones.
A thought experiment: If PC's were free...
If PC's were free would it make any difference in their use or in the demand for training? I would also include useful software and good Intenet access in this thought experiment.
Monday, August 08, 2005
Mailing Address and Phone Number in Thailand
Here is our Thai mailing address and phone contacts. When I get my STOU information and a cell phone I will post that information also.
Jittinee Wongthongthio or Stephen Cysewski
8 Moo 9, Bangkrajow, Phrapradang,
Samutprakan, Thailand 10130
Jit's Dad Phone
Thailand
07-8308042
Dialing from US
011 667 8308042
Pan Jit's Brother Cell (He speaks English well)
Thailand
01-8272152
Dialing from US
011 661 8272152
Pan Home Phone
Thailand
02 9885232
Dialing from US
011 662 988 5232
Jittinee Wongthongthio or Stephen Cysewski
8 Moo 9, Bangkrajow, Phrapradang,
Samutprakan, Thailand 10130
Jit's Dad Phone
Thailand
07-8308042
Dialing from US
011 667 8308042
Pan Jit's Brother Cell (He speaks English well)
Thailand
01-8272152
Dialing from US
011 661 8272152
Pan Home Phone
Thailand
02 9885232
Dialing from US
011 662 988 5232
Signs of Fall! August 8th?
I was walking the dog this morning and I saw some leaves turning yellow. The fireweed has finished blooming and one of them had turned to cotton. The grass has started to change color, and two nights ago I heard cranes flying past the house. The Tanana Valley Fair started this weekend. Fall is coming and the plants are beginning the preperation for winter. We are losing almost 7 minutes a day of daylight.
Baidu.com, cell phones, and PDA's
Yesterday, on CNN International, a stock analyst was discussing Baidu.com the Chinese search engine. He was discussing competitive pressure and mentioned that in China the cost of a PC is a major expense. He said that the real trend in technology, and bridging the digital divide, was going to be in cell phones. He mentioned that Baidu.com did not have a clear cell phone strategy.(? what evey that is...)
Some thoughts.....
If a PDA is viewed as an extension of a cell phone then the idea of using PDAs to teach technology, the Kenya posting, makes sense. The integration of digital cameras into cell phones seems to be happening quickly.
I have owned Palm and Pocket PC's. I find them crucial and use it everyday. I can read and even create spreadsheets on my PDA, but I would never do that for any meaningful work. When ever I think of cell phones I think of the hassle of data entry. I have fiddled with text messaging, but it really is awkward, maybe just old hands and a stubborn brain. A PDA makes sense for data viewing and data consolidating, but for me, even with a keyboard, it does not seem useful for data creation.
People want to learn computers for employability, not necessarily for personal development.
I wonder if training is for data creation and whether data consuming is done without training.
The need for critical thinking, analysis, creativity, and the liberal arts tradition is necessary for both data creation and data consuming. (Maybe that is just elitism, when I watch TV, listen to some of the arguments on the news networks, or look at the magazines at the grocery checkout I wished that people had some awareness of critical thinking.)
Back to the original question, how do people, adults, learn computers skills and apply them in their daily lives?
Some thoughts.....
If a PDA is viewed as an extension of a cell phone then the idea of using PDAs to teach technology, the Kenya posting, makes sense. The integration of digital cameras into cell phones seems to be happening quickly.
I have owned Palm and Pocket PC's. I find them crucial and use it everyday. I can read and even create spreadsheets on my PDA, but I would never do that for any meaningful work. When ever I think of cell phones I think of the hassle of data entry. I have fiddled with text messaging, but it really is awkward, maybe just old hands and a stubborn brain. A PDA makes sense for data viewing and data consolidating, but for me, even with a keyboard, it does not seem useful for data creation.
People want to learn computers for employability, not necessarily for personal development.
I wonder if training is for data creation and whether data consuming is done without training.
The need for critical thinking, analysis, creativity, and the liberal arts tradition is necessary for both data creation and data consuming. (Maybe that is just elitism, when I watch TV, listen to some of the arguments on the news networks, or look at the magazines at the grocery checkout I wished that people had some awareness of critical thinking.)
Back to the original question, how do people, adults, learn computers skills and apply them in their daily lives?
Sunday, August 07, 2005
TagCloud - View Cloud
TagCloud - View Cloud
This is an experiment. TagCloud will look at an RSS Feed and will create a tag cloud. Pretty cool.
This is an experiment. TagCloud will look at an RSS Feed and will create a tag cloud. Pretty cool.
Saturday, August 06, 2005
Living with a mirror
Visiting and living in another culture is like living with a mirror. Experiencing another culture is a mirror into my own culture. Differences clarify more then similarities. By watching cell phone usage in Thailand I learn about cell phone usage in Alaska. By thinking about how people learn about technology in Thailand I learn more about how people learn to use technology in Alaska. By learning about and experiencing another culture I clarify my own cultural influences. When I came to Alaska in 1967 I lived in Shaktoolik for a year. That year changed my life and changed my values. Until 1984 my professional and personal experiences were cross-cultural. Learning about Thailand, experiencing Thailand, is another chance to learn more about myself and my culture. I am excited about the opportunity.
Learning to use a cell phone....
People do not take lessons to use a cell phone. Last time I was in Thailand the cell phone use was amazing. We were in an area, where many of Jit's relatives live, with very poor roads. People were using cell phones to arrange transportation and to make plans. Nobody took lessons, they just used the tools and adapted new ways to apply the tools. Very few people take lessons to learn to drive, they pick up the skill, or at least drive, maybe with limited skill. Maybe at certain levels computer use is the same way? Using email, searching, browsing, getting information, might not need training, just motivation and inspiration. Maybe the role of training is just to be a catalyst to start the using process. Maybe having an in depth computer user to watch, infects or inspires other users with the capability. As I explore I need to watch what is happening and not just watch for what I want to see. Last time I was in Thailand cell phones were everywhere, people at all economic levels and in all situations were using cell phones, the advantage of using cell phones was so clear that it had become a necessity.
Lessons can be like stairs or a ladder, they can allow you to go higher, but they might not be necessary for technology to be useful and valuable. Ladders help people who want to climb.
Instead of lessons, or classes, or instructions, maybe creating showcases of dynamic users is a more effective method to get people to adopt technology. If people see technology being useful they will adopt technology. Once people start climbing they can use lessons, but the motivation and the inspiration must precede the lessons. Like driving though, some people can function well without ever taking lessons.
These are not conclusions, just thoughts and questions for observation.
Lessons can be like stairs or a ladder, they can allow you to go higher, but they might not be necessary for technology to be useful and valuable. Ladders help people who want to climb.
Instead of lessons, or classes, or instructions, maybe creating showcases of dynamic users is a more effective method to get people to adopt technology. If people see technology being useful they will adopt technology. Once people start climbing they can use lessons, but the motivation and the inspiration must precede the lessons. Like driving though, some people can function well without ever taking lessons.
These are not conclusions, just thoughts and questions for observation.
Pilot program brings handhelds to Kenyan students - Engadget - www.engadget.com
Pilot program brings handhelds to Kenyan students - Engadget - www.engadget.com
Having used Pocket PC's and Palm devices I am pretty skeptical of this approach. To me Pocket PC's and Palm devices are peripherals to computers and do not take there place. Also the skills to use Pocket PC's are usually based on computer skills.
Having used Pocket PC's and Palm devices I am pretty skeptical of this approach. To me Pocket PC's and Palm devices are peripherals to computers and do not take there place. Also the skills to use Pocket PC's are usually based on computer skills.
BBC NEWS | South Asia | India launches its first cheap PC
BBC NEWS | South Asia | India launches its first cheap PC
Press Release from the manufacturer
I wonder how this compares to the Thailand People PC. Also the same issue of training remains. Computers without training are just furniture. There can be many methods of training, including good documentation, but I want to learn more details.
Press Release from the manufacturer
I wonder how this compares to the Thailand People PC. Also the same issue of training remains. Computers without training are just furniture. There can be many methods of training, including good documentation, but I want to learn more details.
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
LTN: Thai Linux Working Group
LTN: Thai Linux Working Group
Another Thai Linux link. I track both Thailand and Bangkok information by subscribing to de.licio.us links through Bloglines. Whenever a person tags a link with Thailand or Bangkok I am notified through Bloglines. Both services are free.
Another Thai Linux link. I track both Thailand and Bangkok information by subscribing to de.licio.us links through Bloglines. Whenever a person tags a link with Thailand or Bangkok I am notified through Bloglines. Both services are free.
ThaiLinuxcafe.com
ThaiLinuxcafe.com
An interesting link! The lack of Thai knowledge becomes glaringly obvious to me when I scan a web site like this. Looks like a good resource though.
An interesting link! The lack of Thai knowledge becomes glaringly obvious to me when I scan a web site like this. Looks like a good resource though.
The Jhai Foundation: Technology
The Jhai Foundation: Technology
This is an interesting resource. I found the link through the Wall Street Journal column "Engineers Modify High-Tech Devices For World's Poorest" by Lee Gomes. I wished I could Blog to Wall Street Journal articles, but you need a paid subscription. I do archive the information for my personal use using a free software program called EverNote. With EverNote I can copy any data and keep it in a file for later reference. It is a great way to gather information.
This is an interesting resource. I found the link through the Wall Street Journal column "Engineers Modify High-Tech Devices For World's Poorest" by Lee Gomes. I wished I could Blog to Wall Street Journal articles, but you need a paid subscription. I do archive the information for my personal use using a free software program called EverNote. With EverNote I can copy any data and keep it in a file for later reference. It is a great way to gather information.
Monday, August 01, 2005
Human Development Foundation
Human Development Foundation
The Human Development Foundation is the organization that is founded by Father Joe Maier.
The Human Development Foundation is the organization that is founded by Father Joe Maier.
Thaiwriter's Weblog - Klong Toey stories
Thaiwriter's Weblog - Klong Toey stories
In Thailand, beside the roads, beside the railroad tracks, and in other places people live. I have heard of Klong Toey, it is near where we get the boat to cross the river to Jit's house. I have also heard of Father Joe Maier and I would like to visit and see what he is doing. I read about a book, Fragile Days, in the Bangkok Post that is written by Tew Bunnag who volunteers with Father Maier. I have ordered the book from Singapore. In this context, and out of curiosity I am reading a book called Shadow Cities: A Billion Squatters, A New Urban World which argues, I think with justification, that urban slums are really energetic, and in some ways, healthy communities. The book describes squatter cities in Rio de Janeiro, Nairobi, Mumbai, and Istanbul. I have no idea how Klong Toey relates or supports the thesis in Shadow Cities, but I am curious. The Klong Teoy book is Welcome To The Bangkok Slaughterhouse: The Battle For Human Dignity In Bangkok's Bleakest Slums
In Thailand, beside the roads, beside the railroad tracks, and in other places people live. I have heard of Klong Toey, it is near where we get the boat to cross the river to Jit's house. I have also heard of Father Joe Maier and I would like to visit and see what he is doing. I read about a book, Fragile Days, in the Bangkok Post that is written by Tew Bunnag who volunteers with Father Maier. I have ordered the book from Singapore. In this context, and out of curiosity I am reading a book called Shadow Cities: A Billion Squatters, A New Urban World which argues, I think with justification, that urban slums are really energetic, and in some ways, healthy communities. The book describes squatter cities in Rio de Janeiro, Nairobi, Mumbai, and Istanbul. I have no idea how Klong Toey relates or supports the thesis in Shadow Cities, but I am curious. The Klong Teoy book is Welcome To The Bangkok Slaughterhouse: The Battle For Human Dignity In Bangkok's Bleakest Slums
The Gods Drink Whiskey
I just finished the book The Gods Drink Whiskey. I saw an excerpt of this book in the Chronicle of Higher Education and ordered it. The book is a prickly, thought provoking, philosophical, personal exploration of experiences in Southeast Asia, especially Cambodia. The author is a Professor of Buddhism at Columbia College in Chicago who was invited to teach in the Buddhist Institute in Phnom Phenh. The book is interesting philosophically, politically, and personally. His description of the actual practice of Theravada Buddhism and how that practice is anchored in the culture of Southeast Asia is illuminating. More importantly his descriptions, opinions, rants, and arguments reflect an authentic encounter with the confusion of experience that can happen in Southeast Asia. I felt at home reading this book, I will read it again. Here is a brief quote that rings very true. "The atmosphere is so thick with unfamiliarity that I couldn't help but be rapt with infantlike wonder all the time. I'd sit down at a sidewalk food stand, and the proprietor might come sit next to me smiling and introducing family members, while an elephant lumbered by slowly, and a man with no legs or lower torso rolled up on a cart and took my shoes off for shinning, and a snack plate of barbecued insects appeared on the table, followed by an amazing fish dish served inside a halved coconut, and the streets might literally flood in minutes with monsoon rains, leaving motos and cyclos to wobble slowly through the muddy streets. I was forced to focus on everything because everything seemed to require it-I had to practice mindfulness by necessity." To me, during my last two visits, Thailand was like being in a storm of impressions. It is not boring going to Thailand.
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