The topics that I found most interesting in my fellow students' blogs was their opinions and input about what we were learning about in class and our assignments. A lot of students had great things to add about new programs we were being introduced to. They had a lot to say about the Inspiration program, which I can relate to because I feel it is a great tool.
The technology-related skill that I would like to learn next is how to put home-made videos and pictures on a DVD in a way that they appear professional and interesting to watch. I would like the DVD to have a cool title, music that plays along with the images, and an option to skip to different scenes. I think it would be a great skill to have so that I could use it in my future classrooms.
One way that I plan to achieve my future technology-related teaching goals is by keeping up with the ever-evolving technological world. There are always new advances that allow you to do more that you thought you could when it comes to technology and integrating it into the classroom. I also plan to do what it takes, such as asking for a grant, to get the kind of technology that I think is necessary into my classroom. More and more technological things are becoming a necessity in classrooms, and I would like to keep up.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Post #9
My favorite tool that we learned how to use in this class has to be the Inspiration program (www.inspiration.com). I definitely want to use this program when I am a teacher because it is really helpful in preparing web-diagrams as well as outlines. Not only is this helpful to the teacher, but it allows students to create projects and outlines a lot faster, and they are more organized.
This program helps students to develop skills like: planning, organization, researching, and evaluating. This program also helps them comprehend and communicate the information that they organize, which improves their performance in class.
A program that I think would be really helpful, but I have not come across yet, is one that helps teachers input students' grades faster than Excel allows you to. It would be great for it to calculate everything for you, and fill in some of the blanks.
This program helps students to develop skills like: planning, organization, researching, and evaluating. This program also helps them comprehend and communicate the information that they organize, which improves their performance in class.
A program that I think would be really helpful, but I have not come across yet, is one that helps teachers input students' grades faster than Excel allows you to. It would be great for it to calculate everything for you, and fill in some of the blanks.
Monday, April 2, 2007
Post #8
Chapter 8 talked about computer security, which is a big issue these days. Common risks involved with computers are getting viruses, and having unauthorized users gain access to your computer. The best ways to avoid a virus are to use anti virus software, to scan things that you put into your computer, scan downloaded and attached files, and set up a firewall program.
Unauthorized users, or hackers, can gain access to your computer without your permission, but there are ways to try and prevent it. A good way is by logging out of websites with important data so it is not available to hackers. Also, try to change your password often and do not share it with someone who you can not trust.
This week I learned how to create a PowerPoint that can be a game. I never knew that you could have slides linked to skip to them, and then return to a previous slide. With sound and animation, it is a really awesome way to take things that my students will be learning about in class and put it into a game that they can enjoy while actually challenging their thinking.
Unauthorized users, or hackers, can gain access to your computer without your permission, but there are ways to try and prevent it. A good way is by logging out of websites with important data so it is not available to hackers. Also, try to change your password often and do not share it with someone who you can not trust.
This week I learned how to create a PowerPoint that can be a game. I never knew that you could have slides linked to skip to them, and then return to a previous slide. With sound and animation, it is a really awesome way to take things that my students will be learning about in class and put it into a game that they can enjoy while actually challenging their thinking.
Post #7
Chapter 7 taught me about evaluating web resources to see if they are credible. The things to look for are authority, affiliation, purpose/objective, content, audience and design. These things help you to know if the website is up-to-date, inaccurate, or biased. Knowing how to evaluate websites is very important for teachers, as well as students, to make sure that the information they are getting is correct.
This chapter also talked about ways to fund classroom technology integration. The two ways to do this is by either fund-raising drives, academic contests, or by grants. Grants are usually what schools get to fund the majority, if not all of the high costs of technology for classrooms.
This week I did not learn too much because we worked on PowerPoint, and I already have a bit of experience with it. I did, however learn how to create custom animations, which is really cool because you can make each slide more unique. It also will help to keep students more interested in what you might be showing them.
This chapter also talked about ways to fund classroom technology integration. The two ways to do this is by either fund-raising drives, academic contests, or by grants. Grants are usually what schools get to fund the majority, if not all of the high costs of technology for classrooms.
This week I did not learn too much because we worked on PowerPoint, and I already have a bit of experience with it. I did, however learn how to create custom animations, which is really cool because you can make each slide more unique. It also will help to keep students more interested in what you might be showing them.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Post #6
In chapter six, I learned about the different ways to integrate technology into the curriculum. The least expensive and most popular way is having computer labs, but another way is to have one or more computers in the classroom. This way has shown to be more helpful, and gets the children more interested because it is so readily available. The other obvious ways to integrate technology are having scanners, projectors, VCR's or DVD players, or even digital cameras/camcorders.
Another interesting thing in chapter 6 was the ASSURE model, which is a guide for integrating technology into the teaching process. Analyze the learner in the first step in ASSURE, State the objectives is next, followed by Select methods, media, and material, Utilize the methods, media, and material, Require learner participation, then Evaluate and revise.
I did not learn much about technology since the last class because I was on spring break, however I did learn how to use the LeapFrog program for young kids, which is really cool. I watched as my 2yr old nephew learned his colors and letters, and more, thinking about how great it was that these programs are out there for kids to learn so much faster and easier than before.
Another interesting thing in chapter 6 was the ASSURE model, which is a guide for integrating technology into the teaching process. Analyze the learner in the first step in ASSURE, State the objectives is next, followed by Select methods, media, and material, Utilize the methods, media, and material, Require learner participation, then Evaluate and revise.
I did not learn much about technology since the last class because I was on spring break, however I did learn how to use the LeapFrog program for young kids, which is really cool. I watched as my 2yr old nephew learned his colors and letters, and more, thinking about how great it was that these programs are out there for kids to learn so much faster and easier than before.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Post #5
This chapter talked about digital media, which is often interactive. This media includes text, graphics, animation, audio, and video. Then there are digital media applications, which is the use of digital media in everyday life, such as business, education, and of course, entertainment. Businesses use these applications for job training and advertisements. Teachers usually use this technology to deliver presentations to students, who then use this media to learn or play.
The types of digital media applications are computer-based training, electronic books and references, how-to guides, digital media newspapers and magazines, virtual reality and entertainment media, and so on. Electronic books/references are most often used by children, and it is a good way to learn interactively. How-to guides are programs like landscape and home design, or other programs that include step-by-step instruction on how to do something, or learn a new skill. I have a architectural program at home, and I love how easy it is to follow because of the clear instructions.
For the past few weeks, I have not learned too much about technology in class because I was out of town, but I did learn about a few new things anyway. While I was on my way to visit family in Denver, my brother took out his laptop and brought up a GPS program on his computer so we would know where we were going without getting lost. I never realized you could do that without having the system built in in the car.
The types of digital media applications are computer-based training, electronic books and references, how-to guides, digital media newspapers and magazines, virtual reality and entertainment media, and so on. Electronic books/references are most often used by children, and it is a good way to learn interactively. How-to guides are programs like landscape and home design, or other programs that include step-by-step instruction on how to do something, or learn a new skill. I have a architectural program at home, and I love how easy it is to follow because of the clear instructions.
For the past few weeks, I have not learned too much about technology in class because I was out of town, but I did learn about a few new things anyway. While I was on my way to visit family in Denver, my brother took out his laptop and brought up a GPS program on his computer so we would know where we were going without getting lost. I never realized you could do that without having the system built in in the car.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Post #4
Chapter 4 explains the differences between input and output. Input is what you enter into the memory of a computer, and can be categorized into data (a bunch of unorganized facts that the computer turns into useful information), programs (a series of instrustions for the computer to follow in order to process the data), commands (instructions given to the computer by the user), and user responses (given to a program when asked a question of what to do next). Output is data that has been processed into something useful, called information. The four types of output are text, graphics, audio, and video.
One topic from other students that I found interesting was the different types of operating systems. She talked about using the most common, Windows XP, and how the previous system, Windows 2000 Edition, was rumored to have a lot of problems and viruses. She also talked about the Linux operating system, which I had never heard of. She said that while it requires prior knowledge of computer coding, it can be better to use because it is not as easily effected by spyware and viruses since they are usually designed for PC's.
Since my last posting, I took the Word practice test and went through the tutorial. I had already done a very similar thing last semester because I had to use SAM in another class, however I did learn several more things to do and little tricks for how to get things done faster and easier. An example of this is how to create and print mail labels, which I had not idea was possible on Word. Another trick I learned was how to make different indentations in a document so that you can keep text organized, something that took forever to do before.
One topic from other students that I found interesting was the different types of operating systems. She talked about using the most common, Windows XP, and how the previous system, Windows 2000 Edition, was rumored to have a lot of problems and viruses. She also talked about the Linux operating system, which I had never heard of. She said that while it requires prior knowledge of computer coding, it can be better to use because it is not as easily effected by spyware and viruses since they are usually designed for PC's.
Since my last posting, I took the Word practice test and went through the tutorial. I had already done a very similar thing last semester because I had to use SAM in another class, however I did learn several more things to do and little tricks for how to get things done faster and easier. An example of this is how to create and print mail labels, which I had not idea was possible on Word. Another trick I learned was how to make different indentations in a document so that you can keep text organized, something that took forever to do before.
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Post #3
In chapter 3, I learned about the different kinds of software for home and personal use. Personal Finance Software is a program that simplifies what your accountant would do, and allows you to do those things yourself; such as paying your bills, balancing your checkbook, and track investments, income and expenses. Tax Preparation Software allows people to do their own taxes at home, in a guided process. There is also Legal Software, which assists people in preparing legal documents, and provides legal advice to them. Entertainment Software is what most people know about, consisting of games, videos, and so on, all to provide amusement.
I also learned about software for school use. School Management Software allows school personnel manage the school district operations, and Student Management Software allows administrators and teachers to manage/track information about students. Grade Book Software allows teachers to track/organize students' work, such as tests, homework, etc. Microsoft Excel is an example of this. Educational Software is used to assist students in learning a subject, like a foreign language, and Reference Software are things like encyclopedias, directories, and so on, that provides thorough information about something.
Since my last posting, I learned how to use the Inspiration program. I did not know this existed before today, but now I am really getting the hang of it. There are a lot of pictures to choose from to use as nodes, and you can even use pictures from the internet to copy/paste instead. It is a great tool for creating web diagrams, but I also noticed that you can change that into an outline, or vice versa.
I also learned about software for school use. School Management Software allows school personnel manage the school district operations, and Student Management Software allows administrators and teachers to manage/track information about students. Grade Book Software allows teachers to track/organize students' work, such as tests, homework, etc. Microsoft Excel is an example of this. Educational Software is used to assist students in learning a subject, like a foreign language, and Reference Software are things like encyclopedias, directories, and so on, that provides thorough information about something.
Since my last posting, I learned how to use the Inspiration program. I did not know this existed before today, but now I am really getting the hang of it. There are a lot of pictures to choose from to use as nodes, and you can even use pictures from the internet to copy/paste instead. It is a great tool for creating web diagrams, but I also noticed that you can change that into an outline, or vice versa.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Post #2
Chapter 2 described how the internet works. When a computer sends data over the internet, the computers software divides the data up into small pieces, known as packets, which each contain not only the data, but also the destination, sender, and the sequence information that is needed to reassemble the data when it gets to that destination. These packets travel through the hardware devices known as routers.
Internet Service Providers (ISP) are either regional or national internet access providers. Regional ISP's are businesses that provide access only to specific geographic areas, whereas national ISP's provides internet access to cities nationwide, and broadband access to many locations. National ISP's are generally better because they have the ability to provide more services and technical support staff.
Today I learned about hotpotatoes, and how to use the program. I only used multiple choice questions, but I noticed that there were other types available, which helps to mix up the test some. It seems like it will be a great tool in creating tests for my future students. Yesterday I did the second assignment, so now I know how to create a newsletter for my students. I really didn't know how to put it all together before, so the assignment description really helped.
Internet Service Providers (ISP) are either regional or national internet access providers. Regional ISP's are businesses that provide access only to specific geographic areas, whereas national ISP's provides internet access to cities nationwide, and broadband access to many locations. National ISP's are generally better because they have the ability to provide more services and technical support staff.
Today I learned about hotpotatoes, and how to use the program. I only used multiple choice questions, but I noticed that there were other types available, which helps to mix up the test some. It seems like it will be a great tool in creating tests for my future students. Yesterday I did the second assignment, so now I know how to create a newsletter for my students. I really didn't know how to put it all together before, so the assignment description really helped.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Post #1
Chapter one explained the different kinds of computer software that there is: system software and application software. The system software includes the operating system, which contains the instructions that coordinate all of the activities going on on the computer, the user interface, which controls how you enter data and instructions to the computer, and the utility programs, which are the programs that perform a specific task, such as the one that uninstalls selected programs on your computer.
The application software includes all of the programs that are designed to perform specific tasks for users. Examples of application software are Microsoft Office, and educational, business, and scientific programs. Among the types of application software, there is packaged software ( which meets the needs of a variety of users instead of just one), custom software ( which is a program created at a user's request that will perform specific functions), open source software ( which is used for modification and redistribution, such as music downloading programs), and shareware/freeware/public domain software ( which is either software that you have to buy or that is free, such as Norton Anti-virus).
Something that I learned from this class so far is how to create a test for my students. I did not know how to use increase/decrease indent and how it will keep your bullets and numbering. That is really useful, and saves time when you have to create so many tests for your students.
The application software includes all of the programs that are designed to perform specific tasks for users. Examples of application software are Microsoft Office, and educational, business, and scientific programs. Among the types of application software, there is packaged software ( which meets the needs of a variety of users instead of just one), custom software ( which is a program created at a user's request that will perform specific functions), open source software ( which is used for modification and redistribution, such as music downloading programs), and shareware/freeware/public domain software ( which is either software that you have to buy or that is free, such as Norton Anti-virus).
Something that I learned from this class so far is how to create a test for my students. I did not know how to use increase/decrease indent and how it will keep your bullets and numbering. That is really useful, and saves time when you have to create so many tests for your students.
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