Computer Wizz Kid :

My name is Melissa Higgins and I have been using computers since I was a little kid. I began computer classes when I was in kindergarten. I remember using a program called "Type to Learn" when I was about eight years old. My teacher at the time would put a wooden board over the keyboard so the students couldn't look at their fingers while they typed. When I was in 10 years old I even became a "computer buddy" for the kindergarten class at my elementary school. The first computer I remember using in my home displayed very pixilated images. The colors were also limited to only black and green. I used to use it to make birthday cards for my family and friends.

When I advanced to middle school my education with computers expanded. I had to attend computer classes 2-3 times a week as part of our curriculum. I began to learn to how make slide shows. I also learned how to use other computer programs such as Microsoft. For one of my technology classes, we had to use a computer game called SimCity to simulate a fake town. Honestly though, the number one thing I remember from computer classes in middle school is playing games.

In high school my usage of computers tripled. I continued to take computer classes but I noticed that I began to use computers in other classes as well. For example, for my intro to statistics class, we had to use a Ti-83 calculator for our end of the year project. Using the computer, we had to print out pictures displayed on the calculator screen of the step by step process we used to solve mathematical problems. We had to hook the calculator up to the computer using a special cable and upload the calculator images. I don't remember the program used to upload the pictures but I know that once they were in the computer I used Microsoft Word to print them out.

I also took a film class which relied heavily on the computer. Once again, I don't remember the program used, but the entire editing process of our movies took place on the computer. We were able to cut things out, add music, add words, and manipulate color using the computer.

The number one thing I used the computer for during high school, however, was for the yearbook. I used Adobe Photoshop to manipulate and edit pictures. With this program I was able to make various collages for yearbook pages.

Those were my experiences with the computer when it came to my educational background; today I use the computer for many things other than school.

1. Financial/ Paying Bills

2. Fun

3. Shopping

**All Images on this entire site are from Yahoo! Images**