How do your students react to using computers they have never seen before? I could see why they would like the classic macintosh architecture, but what sre their initial Reactions?
It's always fun to watch this!! They comment on the computers being old, but as soon as they start using the software, they get hooked. It's the initial reactions that are indeed priceless.
"This thing is ancient!"
"Is this from the 80s?"
"Where did you find this thing?"
"Can I watch YouTube on this thing?"
"What good is this thing when it can't play Minecraft?"
One thing you'll see right away is the kids will try to hold down a menu by simply clicking on it, which isn't possible on the older Macs. They always seem to figure out how to do it properly right away. The one-button mouse gets a lot of "huh?" reactions, as does anything that isn't in color (whether it be an individual program or the use of a Classic or SE; they don't seem to know that black and white monitors existed at one point).
After working with the computers for a while, most of them start asking me where to buy an old Mac or the software for them. They always ask "which website did you pull up?"...to which I have to explain that these are not websites.
When the kids see them for a second time, they immediately ask if they can play whichever program they left off with. Number Munchers, in particular, is one they request a lot. (Actually, I just finished a session where Number Munchers got used about two hours ago).
Keep in mind all the kids I use these programs with were born in the 21st century. A current middle schooler likely can't remember a time before the iPhone.
