From Slide Rule Operator To

Technically Proficient Professional

The Technical Journey of

Stephen Hansl Vold

The Trusty Slide Rule 1975

I was in the last class that had to learn how to use a slide rule

TI 30 Scientific Calculator 1976Technology Enters my World

Wang Computers 1979College

• When I was in college we learned Basic

• "Wang Computers: My friends want me to come out and play ball. All I want to do is stay in my room and play with my Wang!"

• Lots of jokes and even Saturday Night Live Skits with a name like Wang but they were Big for a while.

Married Into the Right Family

• My father-in-law Joseph Weisbecker was a computer pioneer

• Invented a significant new 8-bit microcomputer architecture which anticipated competitive introduction of first commercial 4-bit microprocessor. This new 8-bit microprocessor was subsequently called COSMAC and provided the basis for a new RCA microprocessor business. COSMAC (1971)

As Part of the Family I Received Technology Hand-Me-Downs

IBM XT

Wrote my first magazine article on a IBM – XT using “Write Lite” software. It was a pain at first but I got started with PC computers in 1989.

Tandy TRS-80

• First Computer I had in my home• Nickname “Trash” Computer

The RCA Studio IIJoe Weisbecker Invented 1976

• First video game in my home• Sister-in-law programmed the games when 15

Nintendo 64

• Second video game system in my home• 1989

Computers Entered Most Workplaces 1990

Now I had to go from DOS 3.1 to Windows 3.1

Computer Controlled Equipment Was Happening in 1996

Since I was the only one at my facility that knew the basics of operating a PC I was sent to school to learn how to program and trouble shoot the AB PLC-5 (programmable Logical Controller) And small logical Controller – SLC-500.

Today 2009 I Have a HP PavilionMulti-Media Laptop

Christmas Gift to Myself 2008V-Motion

Visual Land VL-873-8GB-BLU V-Motion 8GB MP3/MP4 2.0MP Camera Blue

Work, School & Play

• I think it's fair to say that personal computers have become the most empowering tool we've ever created. They're tools of communication, they're tools of creativity, and they can be shaped by their user.Bill Gates -

I Have the Capability but do I Have The Time?

• Technology still cannot replace the value of human interaction• Do things the most effective and simple

way• Look for what is free before spending

money• Always, Always, Always Back up you

Data !

I Was Usually One of the Most Technically Proficient Where I Worked

• Arrived on Guam 2007• Had to learn the Navy Gnet System and

Upload and Maintain Contract Deliverables• Realized that many of the key 20 to 30 year

old employees knew more than I• Took MS Office classes and CMMS classes to

improve skills

Where I Am At March 2009

• Comfortable with MS Office Suite• Capable of finding things on the internet• Can download youtube and other flash media

and convert it to several file formates• Can create and utilize Bogs• I have basic web site creation skills• Have used on-line storage services

Where I Am At March 2009

• Have video chat and video Email skills• Possess ability to insert video and pictures into

Blogs and web sites• Knowledgeable of several web browsers and

search engines• I now have created two lesson plans that

included multi-media technology• Touched a MAC for the first time

Where I Am At March 2009

• Found out that Slide Share can be useful• I know what a rubic is and how to create one• Realize that there is much technology

available to improve the lives of those with exceptionalities

• Free Games can be found on-line to assist learning

• Know more short cut keys

Where I Am At March 2009

• Have gained a better understanding of cyberbulling, inter-net safety & copyright law

• Know that I am a “Digital Immigrant” • Now utilize Delicious to store bookmarks• Screen cast capable• Many other skills TNTC

SummaryAs a Technology Proficient Professional

• One must constantly be learning• Practice with the technology to stay sharp• Network with others to share ideas• Not be afraid to try new hardware and

software• Utilize technology when appropriate• Understand that Knowledge is Powerful and it

Must be shared

Never the End Always a Beginning Each and Every Day

References• http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=IBM+XT• IBM XT picture• http://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?c=286• info on IBM XT• info on IBM 386 / 486• info on Tandy TRS 80• COSMAC VIP• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_Entertainment_System• Nintendo• http://www.cosmacelf.com/weisbecker.html• Joseph Weisbecker• http://davidsarnoff.blogspot.com/2006/01/digital-computing-for-kids-of-all-ages.html• Joyce Weisbecker• http://www.ab.com/programmablecontrol/plc/slcsystem/index.html• SLC 500 picture• http://base.google.com/base/a/3414233/D2278836232915578062• AB PLC 5 picture• http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&q=HP+Pavilion+dv9310us+notebook+PC&cid=10035594796721979802&sa=title#ps-sellers• HP Pavilion dv9310us Notebook PC• http://www.visual-land.com/vl863_blue.html• Vmotion player• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TI-30• TI 30 description plus picture• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slide_rule• Slide rule close up jpg.• http://www.woopidoo.com/business_quotes/technology-quotes.htm• Bill Gates Quote• http://office.microsoft.com/en-US/clipart/results.aspx?qu=j0284002&WT.mc_id=43• animated man on computer