Reflections

Zachary

My time working on this CAS project helped to deepen my own understanding of computer science and computer history. I was given opportunities to experiment on my own computer, especially when researching and documenting the process of replacing ChromeOS with another operating system. Moreover, researching older computer systems helped deepen my understanding of computer history and computing ethics. As my school did not offer Digital Society when I began the IB program, I enjoyed being able to explore some aspects of its curriculum through my CAS project, all while giving back my research and knowledge to others.

Like with many of my other CAS experiences, I was given the opportunity to step outside my comfort zone. At times, this was frustrating and laborious, as conducting research was a lengthy process. At the same time, parts of the project felt fulfilling and was made less arduous as I was able to work with others and communicated with our project supervisor to ensure that I approached our project properly.

As the project was run by myself and Otto, we were both tasked with coordinating each of our responsibilities, creating a timeline and pathway for the project. In assignments at school, our teachers often give us a structure and path for completing projects and assignments on time. However, this CAS project gave me the opportunity to do this on my own and I was granted many more responsibilities than just completing a project from school. I l quickly learned that managing and structuring a project is just as important and valuable as actually doing work on it. Overall, I am satisfied with my project and especially with how much I have learned.

Otto

Before beginning the project, my experience in the field of computer science pertained largely to software and network architecture. I most enjoyed web design with HTML and CSS, exploring the intricacies of the OSI Model, or making applications in Java. Notably, this left me with something of a gap in my knowledge of computer hardware. Input devices, like keyboards and mice, were completely foreign to me, as were the antique desktops whose fundementals our modern computers rest on. I saw the Wizards of OZ as an opportunity to round out my skills in CS, which would bring me one step closer towards understanding the field at every level. In this sense, the project was a means for me to move away from my abstracted notion of computing through software and programming and towards the tangible.

During my research process, I was introduced to the development of data storage; punch cards first, then floppy disks, then CD ROM and so on, all forming a timeline which contextualized my understanding of data in its digital binary form. It was also fun to learn about Linux and Chrome OS, which differed from the Windows and Mac operating systems I was familiar with. Zach would often show me the different nuances of working with Linux on his computer during our project, and it has led me to seriously consider the efficacy of the systems I use.

The CAS project in and of itself was also an opportunity for me to take the passenger's seat in a sense. In many of my CAS experiences, I was working in areas I was extremely familiar with: refereeing, soccer, and robotics. Documenting the history of computers was not necessarily my forte, but it was a fun challenge working with and learning from Zach as we took on the task. I feel as though I have added another bit of knowledge to my belt of ever-growing insight into the technical world.