Moving at the Speed of Creativity

The HyperCard developer describes the program as “a computer erector set.”

I remember using Hypercard as late as 1995, with a professor at Texas Tech who seemed to be wedded to the program. Even though newer programs like HyperStudio were available, we were “programming” in Hypercard.

The above video shows how our current applications in PDAs have their origins in Hypercard. So does the hyperlink technology of the world-wide web. “Buttons or links can be used to express thematic links.”

I also remember that my group project, which included at least 2 other students, was done 100% by me…. another experience of “bad cooperative learning” in my own educational history.

This term in my own Advanced Multimedia and Video class, we are going to spend some time using eZedia QTi software — which in the context of the above video clip could be considered a 21st century Hypercard on steroids, ready for the web!

The hairstyles of the Apple Fellows and Engineers in this video are quite enjoyable to see, on a different level….

Their description of making links so easily “without scripting” or programming reminds me of now, how using a Wiki, it is similarly so easy to create links between Wiki pages. By simply typing the name of a Wiki page on a service like JotSpot, which we are using for my Educational Law class project wiki this term, it is possible to create a new link.

I am struck, after viewing this, about how important it is for us to focus on transcendent digital literacy skills that are beyond any particular operating system or software program. Our state essential knowledge and skills for technology are not platform or software specific for this very reason.

If, in the 1980s, teachers were deluding themselves and thinking that “if my kids know hypercard, they will be ready for the 21st century,” certainly we would laugh at that perception today. Yet now, it seems a ridiculous number of adults seem to equate “necessary technology integration and technology literacy” with just a surface knowledge of how to use MS Office applications.

Technology literacy and digital literacy is so much more than just using MS Office! The real key is getting students to CREATE with software, especially multimedia, so they are the authors of media rather than just merely passive consumers. That is where a great deal of our emphasis in education should be: on encouraging students and teachers to “express their ideas or expertise” (in the words of this video) via multimedia.

THAT is authentic technology integration.

It is amazing to realize that the functional vision of hypercard is now the world-wide web. Who would have ever thought back then…..

Last thoughts: the computer they are using in this video to demo hypercard looks like a Mac SE or Mac SE-30. I have a Mac SE-30 in my garage, sitting unused, that I bought at a garage sale a few years ago for $15. I think that computer sold for something like $4000 when it came out originally. Just amazing how technology marches on…. Yet many of our potential educational uses and challenges remain the same.

If you view this video with students, use the last section on “news” to pull out all the software and hardware names, grouping them into categories by those still in business and those out of business… Debates about OS2 and PS2? Unix at what cost? (it is free now) An enjoyable blast from the past…..

The Internet Archive’s “Moving Image Collections” are rich, free reesources that can be used for a variety of instructional purposes. No subscription required!