Post #2470959
2026-05-03 01:42 UTC
The key concept conflict is they think files are inside apps (I teach some basic IT in one of my modules).
When asked to locate an excel file on their computer they point at excel and say the file is in excel. If you show them a .txt file, they'll claim it's in notepad.
The idea that a file is like a book, and the program is the glasses you use to read it, and their computer is the bookshelf seems to resonate well though. Then you just have to fight the clusterfuck that is Apple's file storage, since most bring an apple device to uni.
Replies (2)
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@Gullible@sh.itjust.works 2026-05-03 02:30
It can be even more fundamental than that. I’ve seen people cocking their heads at the existence of multiple windows and programs running simultaneously. As in, “whoa, where’d my assignment go?” after they click on the browser. They’re used to everything running through a single window due to school computers offering everything through the browser. It’s terrifying to me.
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@MeatPilot@sh.itjust.works 2026-05-03 02:46
 > they point at excel and say the file is in excel.