Julia Underwood - Native German Tutor - alle Niveaus - alle Prüfungen - CEFRL - eigene Räumlichkeiten - ltmk.co.uk -

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

  I still remember the first time I used a computer, it was like stepping into a whole new world. I was in school, and I had the chance to play around with a desktop in the computer lab. I started with something simple like Microsoft Paint and typing on Word, but what really got me hooked was realising that this machine could do more than just display pictures or write text. It could solve problems, create things, and even entertain. That moment sparked my curiosity, and from there, I just wanted to know more about how these computers worked and how I could create things using them. It’s that sense of discovery that still drives me today.

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

  For me, the most exciting shift has been the rise of artificial intelligence and machine learning. It's absolutely mind-blowing how these technologies are transforming everything from healthcare to entertainment. The way AI can help solve real-world problems, like diagnosing diseases or creating art, just fascinates me. Looking to the future, I think quantum computing is going to be a game-changer. It has the potential to unlock so many possibilities, like speeding up complex calculations or revolutionising data security. It feels like we’re on the edge of something huge, and it’s an exciting time to be in tech!

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

  I’m passionate about programming languages like Python, Java, C++, and JavaScript are my playgrounds. But my real passion lies in helping people understand the power of these tools. When you understand programming and computer science, you’re not just writing code; you’re learning how to solve problems, think logically, and create systems that can make a difference. This knowledge is essential, especially in a world where everything we do work, communication, even shopping, is influenced by technology. It’s not just about knowing how to write code; it’s about understanding the underlying concepts that power everything around us.

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

  I definitely respect the visionaries you mentioned, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and Mark Zuckerberg because they’ve changed the world with their ideas. But for me, I find inspiration in those who make the subject approachable and relatable, like great educators or mentors. There’s something incredibly powerful about someone who can spark curiosity and help others see the potential of technology. I’ve always tried to bring that same energy into my teaching, making complex subjects easier to digest and showing my students the exciting possibilities that come with learning computer science.

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

  One story that stands out from my school days is when I first got my head around algorithms. It was during a lesson where we were asked to write a program that could sort a list of numbers. Sounds simple, right? But at the time, it felt like a real puzzle. I spent hours trying different approaches, and when I finally figured it out, it felt like cracking the code to a treasure chest. That sense of achievement stayed with me and is something I try to pass on to my students now, because those "aha!" moments are what make all the effort worthwhile.

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

  I’d probably tell them that, yes, it can seem overwhelming at first, but that’s perfectly normal! Every new skill feels tricky when you’re starting out, whether it's learning to ride a bike or cooking a new dish. The key is to take it one step at a time and break it down into bite-sized pieces. IT and computer science are incredibly rewarding once you start seeing the patterns and understanding how things fit together. And as a tutor, I’m here to guide you through those tricky moments so that, over time, things start to make sense.

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

  Apart from computers, I’m really passionate about teaching and mentoring. There’s something so rewarding about helping others realise their potential and achieve their goals. Outside of that, I love being in nature whether it’s hiking up a hill or just sitting in a park. I also enjoy reading especially, books that delve into psychology and philosophy. They help me better understand how people learn and think, which I think is crucial when it comes to teaching.

• What makes you a Superprof in IT?

  What makes me a Superprof in IT is my approach to teaching. I believe in making computer science not just understandable but enjoyable. It’s about making connections between theory and real-world applications, showing students how to approach problems creatively, and helping them gain the confidence to tackle challenges on their own. I don’t just want my students to pass their exams, I want them to walk away with a deep understanding of the subject, feeling inspired and ready to apply what they’ve learned to future projects or careers.