How have you used a computer to learn something?

[mac_attack]

This question seems so simple that I'm worried.

Are we just supposed to talk about how we use computers to do our homework? Or is there some deeper hidden meaning behind all this?

I use a computer every day for almost everything....:S

[Kuantum]

I've spent practically all of school so far learning about MATHCAD to do my stupid Phys. Chem labs. I HATE MATHCAD...AGGGHHH

[Darla]

I HATE MATHCAD...AGGGHHH

I'll recommend you NOT lead with this :D

I've talked about web based classes for this question.

[Kuantum]

I'll recommend you NOT lead with this :D

I've talked about web based classes for this question.

Good thing I am not applying to Northern...or all they would hear about would be my MATHCAD woes....

[dynamicmutation]

not sure if it is a trick question, but i think that a lot of people are going to talk about finding out info on pubmed for their research or labs or whatever...i guess no matter how you go about it, most peoples' answers are going to relate to getting info off the internet.

i've decided to discuss how i've learned something non-academically related via the computer. all i can say is, it will certainly be 'different' (hopefully perceived as a good thing!)
good luck!
DM

[Kuantum]

That's so funny...I learned how to play tennis off the Internet.

[Kirsteen]

Hi there,

There are plenty of non-school things that you have probably learned from the computer. I'm no expert on what NOMS might be looking for, but if I was completing this application, I'd brainstorm for a while re: all the uses I've had for my computer and then select one that was not related to school. (Unless I thought that I had no other viable options.) Also, this seems like a nice opportunity to reflect on your essays or sketches and expand upon one of the experiences listed therein (as long as they are related to computers).

Cheers,
Kirsteen

[uofthopeful07]

i remember trying to google my illness when i was sick during midterms last semester.

i would try to look for things that matched my symptoms.

it was kind of scary and fun :p

[mac_attack]

Ya, I got some new ideas after thinking for a while. I'm not going to write about researching essay topics or anything anymore! thanks for the input!

[NurseNathalie]

Why do you think they are asking this question? maybe if you think of why they are asking, it might be easier to answer it...

It's not only about the fact that you were able to look up something on the computer ... its about you identifying a gap in your knowledge, and identifying a need you have to learn more about something... its about you taking the initiative to find the answers you are seeking- and knowing what information is valid- what information is not scientific... etc...

1) as a medical student, how will these skills help you? what if your tutorial group is dispersed in different areas... what if you don't have access to your books or the library- but you only have the internet?
2) if you are working in a rural or remote area... how will this skill help you to address your learning needs?
3) when you are a physician and you start working, what if you don't live in a big center and don't have access to tons of 'continuing education' courses in your community? how will you continue to learn, and how will you be able to teach yourself x, y or z ?

I think that this question would give them a lot of information about you, and how you can identify/meet learning needs- using this medium as a resource. But... that's just what I think, maybe I'm wrong...

[Darla]

Nurse Natalie, I thought I'd replied to this to thank you for your advice, but it looks like I didn't. So thank you for your wise words that I used elsewhere in my application as well as this question.

I don't know about the rest of you but I kept getting lost in the question after reading it for so many hours. Having something concrete like your advice was very important :)

[dynamicmutation]

yes, thank you natalie for your advice.
it is much appreciated!

DM

[Northerndoc]

Hi,

Just thought I would throw in my 2 cents about computers... since starting at NOSM each student has pretty much became inseperable from their laptop, and a great majority of our day is spent using them. The curriculum is delivered via "Normed net" online, the research and ebooks are there, the rooms are "techie" with Smart boards, projectors and video conferences. When we spread out on placement we learn via DTS sessions (digital online sessions, and need to be able to set up wireless networks etc.) NOSM is looking for students who demonstrate knowlege regarding computers and technology in a wide variety of ways. They are looking for students to be comfortable with not only the internet but powerpoints, but communicating with others in different cities via technology. When you are answering this question think of how comfortable you are with technology and the multiple computerized things that you encounter and excel at on a day to day basis.

[Icarus]

NorthernDoc is right about how we use computers for more or less everyhting. It does strike me as odd that they ask this question though as we do have a number of students in the charter class who were not very adept at learning with computers prior to their acceptance. So, if you're not a technological whiz kid and/or were alive when pong was hip, don't worry too much, it's not a make or break part of the application.

PS - I know that this is after your applications have been submitted, but I'd shy away from examples like searching Pub Med for research. It doesn't really display a high level of acheivement using computers and if you graduated with any degree you likely know how to use Pub Med or something similar. I'd try and think of an example that went beyond that.

[show24]

NorthernDoc is right about how we use computers for more or less everyhting. It does strike me as odd that they ask this question though as we do have a number of students in the charter class who were not very adept at learning with computers prior to their acceptance. So, if you're not a technological whiz kid and/or were alive when pong was hip, don't worry too much, it's not a make or break part of the application.

PS - I know that this is after your applications have been submitted, but I'd shy away from examples like searching Pub Med for research. It doesn't really display a high level of acheivement using computers and if you graduated with any degree you likely know how to use Pub Med or something similar. I'd try and think of an example that went beyond that.


I thought that this question was ridiculous so I had some fun with it, being the smart ass that I am I basically made a mockery of this question. After discussing a wonderful tale my final sentence went something like this: "Through my lengthy deliberations with the geeksquad at best buy I learned that I should always purchase the extended warranty."

[NurseNathalie]

That's hilarious! :D

[BigFace]

The question is "how have you used it"...

...Research, internet, chatting, multitasking tool, design, editing, programming, enhance learning disability/challenge, etc...there does not seem to be a hidden agenda in this question. You could however relate it to your life style...or how you implemented computer services to better education in a small community...or used a computer to research medical issues and in doing that stumbled across a new research idea...whatever...bla bla

Sorry i guess all that was pointless.

BigFace,