This document is a personal reflection from a student named Ada Marie S. Tayao about her experiences in an EDUC190 course. The reflection discusses how educational computer games are becoming less explicitly instructional but still teach valuable skills in a fun way. It also notes the availability of open source software for teaching and learning. The student found lectures on computer security and technology demonstrated in TED Talks to be interesting and inspiring. Through activities in the course, the student was able to gain experience with multiple operating systems and digital skills like using word processors and databases that will be useful in her future studies and career.

1. TAYAO, Ada Marie S. EDUC190 Personal Reflection 3
2008 – 16167 Sir Noel Feria October 6, 2010
A Personal Upgrade
From what I have observed, usually, parents have this notion that computer games and
academic learning cannot go hand-in-hand. However, as presented by some of my classmates, this is
not the case. True, even before, educational computer games have been developed – usually in
tutorial forms. What I think is different now is that efforts are being made to not make the games so
explicitly EDUCATIONAL. What I mean by this is that educational games are being developed in such
a way that the player/student does not have to feel like he or she is being explicitly instructed on this
certain lesson or skill. It’s just a fun game that people can learn a lot from without receiving instruction
that is too direct to the point. What’s even better is that even Filipinos are starting to develop
educational games. This time, students can be exposed to games made by their fellow Filipinos who
know the contexts to be applied for Filipino students.
In connection to educational games, although I was not able watch all of the video
presentations, when I was looking for a suitable topic for our group for Software Freedom Day 2010, I
came across a lot of free open source software which students and teachers could use for learning
and teaching. It’s nice to see that the world is opening up its knowledge to people who can make
these software better, and to people who can use the software for meaningful purposes.
During the Y4iT Congress last September, we were able to encounter people who were
developing technology that would be or is already very useful to many people. I was not really able to
listen to a full lecture because I did other errands as a volunteer, but still, it was an enjoyable
experience. It was there that I saw just how much effort is put into bringing together people for a major
event full of useful lessons and insights for the speakers and the participants, especially to the youth.

2. After the Y4iT Congress, we resumed regular classes. I really liked the lecture on computer
security because I think it was practical and useful not necessarily for us as teachers, but for us as
computer and internet users. It was also nice that we did an activity which involved role-playing – not
usually an activity that would come to one’s mind when the course is mainly about technology. Just
like during the initial part of the semester, we once again viewed some TED Talks as well. I was
pleasantly overwhelmed by the technology shown to us. Before we watched the video on the power of
the mind, I thought that being able to make objects move through your thoughts was still only possible
in the world of special effects. It may not exactly be how we imagined it in the movies, but the fact that
there is actual technology with that similar capacity shows that our technology today really has soared
to such great heights.
I think that I as well have soared to greater heights because of this course. I’ve been able to try
out various operating systems (Windows, Ubuntu, Mac), and I relatively sailed through them. Being
exposed to different operating systems has given me, I think, a wider perspective on computers and
how people use them. Also, while working on my digital portfolio, I was able to look back on the many
activities that our class did. It was interesting to see just how much we grew from using word
processors to setting-up databases. I think our assignments and skills development activities really
have helped me develop skills that I know will be useful to me whether as a student or as a teacher.
It’s up to me to further develop these skills that have been introduced to me. It’s up to me to upgrade
myself.