Nostalgic Lessons in School Computer Classes: From Pizza Programming to Global Connectivity

A little paper Macintosh I made while reminiscing about the early days of computers.

When I think back to my high school computer classes, I remember a time when technology felt both mysterious and exciting. Those early lessons shaped how I viewed computers and the internet, long before they became a daily part of life. Two teachers stand out in my memory: Mr. Reido, a bodybuilder with a surprising passion for programming, and Mr. Pitzler, who brought the world into our classroom through the magic of the internet.

Learning to Program with Mr. Reido

Mr. Reido was not your typical computer teacher. His muscular build and dedication to bodybuilding made him memorable, but it was his enthusiasm for teaching programming that left a lasting impression. In his class, we learned to write basic computer programs, which was a new and exciting challenge for many of us.

One of my favorite projects was creating an interactive program about making a pizza. It wasn’t just about coding; it was about thinking logically and breaking down a process into steps that a computer could follow. The program allowed users to choose ingredients and see how the pizza would be made, which made learning fun and practical. This hands-on approach helped me understand how computers could be used creatively, not just for math or typing.

Exploring the Internet with Mr. Pitzler

A few years later, I took another computer class with Mr. Pitzler. He often joked that he would give his right arm to go back to high school, and his passion for teaching was clear. Our class was held in the school library, a quiet place filled with books and the hum of computers.

One vivid memory is how we all gathered around the router as we connected to the internet. The router made strange beeps and noises, signaling that we were going online. At the time, this was a fascinating experience. The internet was still new to many of us, and the idea of connecting to information from across the world felt like magic.

Mr. Pitzler organized a field trip to Pomona College, where we worked with college students to explore the internet further. They showed us how to connect to information from Beijing, China, which was incredible. The speed and ease of accessing data from halfway around the world opened my eyes to the power of technology and global communication.

The Impact of Those Early Experiences

Looking back, these classes were more than just lessons in computers. They taught problem-solving, creativity, and curiosity. The interactive pizza program showed me how to think like a programmer, while the internet experience revealed how technology connects people worldwide.

These memories remind me how far technology has come and how important it is to have teachers who inspire and make learning engaging. Mr. Reido and Mr. Pitzler made computers accessible and exciting, sparking an interest that many students carried beyond high school.

Technology continues to evolve, but the foundation built in those early classes remains valuable. Whether you are a student, educator, or lifelong learner, embracing curiosity and hands-on learning can open doors to new possibilities.

If you have memories of your own computer classes or moments when technology amazed you, take a moment to reflect on how those experiences shaped your view of the digital world. The journey from simple programs to global connectivity is a story worth remembering and sharing.