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.

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.

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

Post #0

Since I was around the age of 6, my family has always had at least one computer in our house. I have always been a very fast learner when it comes to computers and technology, I get it from my dad. My oldest brother got a degree in computer technology and now he does the integrated work behind the scenes for one of the many computer companies, totally taking apart and rebuilding computers. He usually explaines to me how to fix certain problems that I may be having with my computer, and I like to learn everything that I can. I am on the computer a lot, mostly doing things online, but sometimes using word, excel, and playing games that I have installed. I also have a digital camera, which I love to fiddle around with and tweak pictures on the program it came with.

In this class, I hope to learn all of the ways to utilize a computer for teaching. Also, how to use other technology in the classroom, such as projection screens, or slide shows. I know a lot about common computer programs, but I do want to learn the little tricks to creating things like tests, grade books, etc. I also want to learn about the computer programs that will get students more involved and interested in what I'm teaching.

Before taking the learning style test, I already knew that my learning style was reflective because I reflect about how I do things and how others do things, and I don't like to jump into something without thinking about it first. What I didn't know about my learning style is that I am more intuitive and sequential, though just barely. The biggest thing that I learned was how much of a visual learner I am, reaching an 11 on the scale. I knew that I learned things a little better by watching rather than being told, but I didn't know how much better.