My first impression regarding integrating technologies into mathematic by myself was in grade 5. When I try to recall that moment, I’m not sure if I was working on a tricky Olympiad math problem or another kind of math homework. I was at home alone, but I was eager to know if I had the right answer. So, I decided to try using my Monopoly-only computer for an answer (back to that time, the internet speed was slow, and the dial-on mode was inconvenient; I usually use my computer only for a non-internet game: Monopoly).
Still, I can clearly remember those problems I encountered while trying to type my math question in the search engine’s input box. I also struggled finding appropriate mathematical symbols in the equations, such as ‘*’ and ‘/’. To solve the issue, I used the words “multiple” and “divide” instead of symbols. Soon after I figured that out, I found the answer in the search results list! For the rest of that evening, I searched many other follow-up practices to double-check the accuracy of online answers, then I searched all the questions in my mind in that moment.
This memory is meaningful to me since it was the first time I took the initiative to find an academic answer online. I was amazed by the search engine’s prompt and accurate response, then I realized I could utilize the internet to solve all kinds of academic problems! It was in 2003 and it was a magical night to me.