Dedicated A-Level student teaching GCSE, A Level and KS3 Computer Science online

Learn more about Jagrut

• Can you tell us about your first experience using a computer?

  My first experience of using a computer has to be the toy laptop I had as a toddler. Even though it couldn't perform the same tasks as my current laptop can, that machine introduced me to the concept of using a keyboard and mouse to navigate a screen and produce some form of output. As I aged, I found myself being able to use larger computers, as well as phones and tablets, with much more comfort and knowledge of how to use them. It sounds silly, but that small toy laptop gave me the very basic skills I needed to work with any computer.

• What is the technological evolution that has marked you most and what will be, in your eyes, a turning point in this field?

  A particular part of the tech field that has me thinking about the future of Computer Science is the introduction of AI support providers and chatbots. A conversation can be held with a digital "being" in the format of a casual conversation, which is both exciting and scary. For me, these chatbots pose a threat to the way individuals involved in computer science do their work. For example, ChatGPT, among other platforms, have the ability to take prompts and write the code for that prompt. While seemingly very useful and efficient for software engineers, this damages the field by diluting the importance of the programming skills held by many. If a beginner programmer can produce a complex system by simply entering a few words into a chatbot, where's the fun in that? Despite my negative outlook on AI, I do feel it has several benefits, such as being able to explain concepts and ideas in simplified manners.

• Explain your expertise, your interest in it and, more broadly, its importance in the computer world.

  At the time of this interview, I currently do not possess a degree in the field, but I am looking towards one in the near future. Despite this, I have a strong interest in the way we interact with computers. One of my favourite topics in both the GCSE and A-Level is unpicking the Legal, Moral, Cultural and Environmental factors of using digital technology in our lives. I've been expanding from these 2 qualifications and learning more about the implications of us humans relying on tech, through books, articles, TV shows and more. The way we interact with computers is one of the most important aspects of Computer Science, because we are consumers. Our usage patterns dictate the way engineers of both computer hardware and software design new technologies. To use an example, as more people try to buy excessive technology, demand increases, resulting in higher prices, making it difficult for those with a lower income to benefit from the pleasures of technology. This not only puts them at a disadvantage, but widens the digital divide between those who have access to IT and those who don't.

• Do so-called 'visionaries', such as Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg inspire you or do you have other role models?

  These 3 individuals inspire me for one main reason: Their ability to grow a forest despite barely even having a seed. These visionaries, among hundreds and thousands of others, have demonstrated an immense drive and passion towards using their skills and knowledge to support society. They have grown from humble beginnings, and used their talents to become much more, which is incredibly inspiring and provides hope to those with little.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  Silly story, but I've always been doubtful about whether the knowledge I've learnt from computer science is actually true, so I used to grab a screwdriver, open up my laptop and play around with the inner hardware. This allowed me to verify the information I've gained from school and wider reading, as well as learn a few practical skills. I would however recommend you be VERY careful when doing this, as I accidentally put a magnet near my hard drive(lost all my files :/) and put the wrong sized screw into the laptop, leading to some not great cosmetic issues with my laptop lid!

• What would you say to an uncomfortable person in front of a screen who says that "IT is too complicated"?

  To such individuals, here's what I have to say: everyone starts from somewhere. There once was a day where you didn't know how to add numbers, or ride a bike, or drive, or even walk! Today you can do things you had zero ability in initially. If you aren't sure how to use IT, just dive in. Try pressing a few keys or buttons and see what they do, and eventually you'll never want to let go of that screen! If you still feel uncomfortable, it's not the end of the world - no one becomes a prodigy overnight. Perhaps try sitting with someone and have them explain to you how to do the tasks you want to do. Remember that IT is nothing to be stressed about, it's designed to help you, not hurt you!

• What are your other passions, related or non-related to computers?

  I've recently started volunteering at a local organisation to me, where I not only help fix old and broken computers, but I also get to learn more about and help the charities that support my local community.

• What makes you a Superprof in IT?

  I'm a current student who has multiple subject too, so I know exactly what you're going through! I also have recently achieved my qualifications, meaning my knowledge and exam tricks are fresh and still growing. I am also quite skilled at using my computational skills to design lessons and explain difficult concepts.