Experimentation has always been my mode of discovery when dealing with new gadgets and websites. I have almost never used an instruction booklet to help figure something out on my phone or my computer; it has always been trail and error. I enjoy using this method, as I tend to find out more about the product then I initially was trying for. It can take a long time, but I find it more useful in the end.
While I was reading through this chapter, I couldn’t help but find myself saying “Hey I’ve done that!”. I was constantly reminiscing of the things I used to do and currently still do that related directly to experimenting. For example, when I was younger one my favorite games was Rollercoaster Tycoon for Playstation. I would love building theme parks that were what every child dreamed of and more; the more elaborate the rides, the better my park was. I didn’t realize that through my interactions with this game, I was learning skills in organization, I was creating jobs for individuals in the park and I was even engaging in environmentally friendly practices. All these things are important within our daily lives and a simple video game was educating me on these topics without my knowledge. I now realize the importance of such simulations (and others) within a child early years. It really allows them to be in control of their own learning and growth. Simulations also allow children to develop their problem solving skills, collaboration skills and cooperation skills. They will learn how the many actions they choose to make will lead to different and varied consequences.
In taking part in the Google Lab, I was amazed to find out things I never even had a clue about. I usually used Google just as a quick search engine and nothing more. I had no idea that it had so many other useful tools. One that I found particularly useful was the translator. I had no idea that a translator tool would translate a whole website for you! I had used one before, but it was just for simple sentences or words; not whole web pages. This is very useful for me, as my parents tend to constantly ask me translate what certain website say. Though I love helping out my parents, they usually need help when I am busy with something else of my own. I have no passed on this advice to my parents (I have even showed them how simple it is to use) and I hope they will use it as a resource oppose to turning to me.
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