Today I taught my first computer class. I began by asking them they wanted me to teach them. They listed a few things:

• Typing (or specifically, “Type fast like you”)
• Skype (really? who are they calling overseas for cheap?)
• “How to find photos on the internet and then email them” (this was like the most popular thing. i have no idea why.)
• How to use the desktop publishing program Pagemaker (an archaic program which no one has used since I was a sophomore in high school. where do they get these ideas?)

They listed a few other things and then one kid asked,

Kid: “How to control the world with Google.”

Me: What?

Prospective controller of world (kid): I want to control the world with Google.

Me: Like how to do a search?

Kid: No, I want to control the Earth with Google.

Me: What are you talking about?

Kid: To see all the different parts of the world. Earth Google.

Me (finally getting it): Oh, Google Earth?

OK, next class: Google Earth: How to Control the World with Google