Reflaction on 21CHK Flat Classroom conference

[Wu Ming Tak]

This is my first time participating in some activities with someone from foreign countries and international schools. I found my language skills not as good as my teammates. My English is not fluent enough to fit the pace of the conference. I spent most of the time catching up with my teammates but not thinking of ideas. Though, I am glad that I was allocated into a team with friendly mates. They gave chance for me to try presenting and improve by time. I am comparatively bad in speaking English, but I am gaining confidence in speaking English after this activity.
On the other hand, the activity is fascinating. This is my first time (again) to attend lessons with a notebook all along. I enjoy computer lessons before since I can use the computer, not just sitting in the classroom and listen to what the teacher say. This activity provided a great chance for me to use computer without the need to worry about the timing due to the insufficient amount if computer. Other schoolmates from our school enjoyed this activity too. There are also many snacks provided so that we wouldn't get too bored or sleepy. This is a nice learning environment for me, and I like to have this at my school.
About the digital division, we are on the side of those who are able to access internet easily, and nearly cannot live without the internet. It is a gift from God that we were born in the richer part of the globe. The gap is present for some good, but also caused some disadvantages. Some people cannot access internet because they do not have computers or internet or both. Though, just give the products to them might not be as good since this would hinder their own technological development. Nor giving money to them is a good solution, since they could possibly be in hunger and will invest the money in other things instead of "not-so-important" technological development. We should think of better solution to help those people. On the other hand, someone censor some sensitive words from the searching engine and web 2.0 tools to maintain the image of the one to the people.
This is an enjoyable activity. I learned many things from this activity. This is going to be a unforgettable experience throughout my life. After all I am glad that I joined this activity.

[Julie Lindsay]

Thank you Wu Ming for your wonderful reflection on the workshop. I see you have been challenged with language and communication, but have also been able to contribute through your knowledge of how things can work in the world and your ideas about what is possible to help other countries improve.