Juan Carlos Melero: Computer literacy anyone?

Juan Carlos is quite a dynamic and vibrant individual but had never seen or imagined himself in the role of a professor or in front of a classroom. But when the instructor for the adult course on computer basics had to withdraw, he could not bear the thought of having the class canceled. So, armed with his profound knowledge of space, depth, and dimensions, including having built himself a computer from scratch, he volunteered to teach the course in the absent professor’s stead.

It was not surprising that he was able to provide his students with the knowledge they needed, allowing them to become more familiar and make use of laptops and computers. Although young, he already has faced many of his own challenges, and is almost done with his B.A. in architecture at the Universidad Iberoamericana of Puebla. His knowledge (and love) of architecture, computers, and physics, allowed him to passionately look to translate these skills to his students, doing it in such a manner that allowed them to not be intimidated by technology, but rather use it to further their own development.

For Juan Carlos it was this personal transformation, which he saw in his students every Wednesday afternoon for two hours over two months, that made him most proud. So much so, that in the end of the course all of them not only mastered programs like Word and Excel and had their own email accounts but were also able to link their personal accounts to Chat GPT. He was adamant that AI has many ethical issues that must be strongly monitored, but also that if used responsibly it is a powerful tool that allows for enormous professional growth.

His experience has fortified his believe that service in solidarity with others can make way for a better world. And he is already exploring innovative ways that he could put his architectural use to the creation of better and more adequate housing arrangement for migrants. He wonders if he might be being too utopic since he is a strong advocate for practical solutions, but the knowledge his students obtained is as grounded and transformative as it can get.

Technology can intimidate but it can also empower. Juan Carlos turned a challenge into a classroom and a room full of hesitant learners into confident users of digital tools. Now it’s our turn. Let’s invest in more opportunities like this where knowledge becomes access and access becomes power. Support community-led tech education today and help build the future we all deserve.