[Coco] [OT] Fundraiser for CoCo Enthusiast

[Ty Sopko]

Hi Salvador,

I think it is okay to reply on-list, as your comment touches on something I noticed here in prior years, but couldn't quite put into words back then.  It comes down to the medium.  I elaborate a bit on the fundraiser text, but for your benefit, I can reiterate here.

Any technology (even a printed book) is a medium.  The medium irrevocably alters the message it carries.  If you want to test this for yourself, consider the experience of reading a paperback novel vs. reading an e-book on an e-reader.  The message (the book) is the same, but the experience is different.

As an outsider, my humble perspective is that the medium was at the core of the CoCo4 debates that raged for many years.  People debated features, but it was ultimately the medium.  The medium changes the message.

Regarding STEM --

What has crept into STEM education is the use of disposable electronics (perceived or otherwise), cute user interfaces, and almost always some black boxes.  These factors alter the experience in a way that the medium is no longer taken seriously.  Think about when you first unboxed your CoCo3 -- it was something you would hold in awe.  Contrast this against a modern device, such as Raspberry Pi.  Even turning on the device is an extremely different feeling.
 
Here is my 20,000 foot view on what is wrong with current STEM experiences -- I will leave it up to you to interpret the solution, as that is a company secret.  There is always more than one correct answer.  :)  If you would like to continue this conversation, it is probably best to go off-list.

1) As mentioned above, the mediums are wrong.  They do not demand mastery.  It is frequently a black box, to be replaced by a different black box.  (In one instance, I saw a parent proclaim they are teaching their children electronics by connecting a 9V battery to an LED, then are mystified why they blow within a few seconds.  No datasheet, and even an LED is a black box.  But "it was okay, because there were a lot of LEDs in the package they bought.")

2) Languages that are taught to young children today are 4th generation.  By design, they do not demand mastery, as they are continually changing and "improving."  Or they do not mirror / teach practical skills.  The dictionary and/or library could be large, and innately encourages Google use just to complete basic tasks.  This is distracting from the experience.

3) Neuroscience and studies have captured that deeper learning occurs when one is allowed to freely experiment, make mistakes (which do not derail the activity), and learn from those mistakes.  This is personal discovery, which is incompatible with current mediums.  For example, the medium provides either a railroaded activity (no experimentation), or meaningful mistakes are impossible (think littleBits).

4) The learner needs appropriate feedback at the appropriate times.  This is key to my company's product-in-development, Jade, and needs to be part of the medium itself.

Ty



-----Original Message-----
From: Coco [mailto:coco-bounces at maltedmedia.com] On Behalf Of Salvador Garcia via Coco
Sent: Tuesday, November 28, 2017 2:32 PM
To: CoCoList for Color Computer Enthusiasts
Cc: Salvador Garcia
Subject: Re: [Coco] [OT] Fundraiser for CoCo Enthusiast

 "You see, a main problem with STEM education is that we are teachingprogramming without creating programmers."

This statement intrigued me. Can you elaborate on this? I am interested in STEM and the benefits that it can have, but often struggle with creating an experience that teaches and not show shows and temporarily entertains. Thanks, Salvador
PS: If way too OT just email me.

    On Tuesday, November 28, 2017, 12:21:22 PM CST, Ty Sopko <ty.sopko at gmail.com> wrote:  
 
 Hello Folks,



It has been probably 10 years since I posted anything to this group.  I have read the posts throughout the years and always learned something new or was fascinated by some of the debates.  I am surprised to see that my rendering of the CoCo3 schematic is still at the top of Google (“color computer 3 schematic”).



I cannot tell you my whole story of the last 10 years in one sitting, so I am jumping to the conclusion.  I am starting a social enterprise designed to curb e-waste at the source.  This will be done with a durable product designed for STEM education.  (To understand the connection between these two seemingly disjoint topics, please refer to either link at the bottom.)



What I can tell you about my product is that it allows you to learn how to program naturally, much the same way that I did on my Color Computer 3 about 27 years ago.  BASIC is one of the languages, and the dialect is fairly similar to the CoCo3 – it is not finalized by any means, and it may be possible to customize the command set to mirror many retro BASICs.



You see, a main problem with STEM education is that we are teaching programming without creating programmers.  The latter encourages creative problem solving and is why the CoCo is so fun after all these years.



Fundraising for a social enterprise is difficult.  I am pursuing both accredited investors and grassroots means.  The latter is why I am reaching out to you today.



If you are able to contribute to my company, it will benefit humanity and the environment.  If you are not able to contribute, I please ask that you share my campaign in your networks.  Any amount, no matter how small, will benefit our cause.



You have my deepest thanks for your attention and generosity.



Kind Regards,



Ty



Company website is at http://www.shiftsight.com/

Direct link to the fundraiser is at http://www.gofundme.com/shiftsight/

--
Coco mailing list
Coco at maltedmedia.com
https://pairlist5.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/coco
  

-- 
Coco mailing list
Coco at maltedmedia.com
https://pairlist5.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/coco