Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Chapter 5

In Chapter 5, they talked about integrating digital media and educational software. Digital media was discussed in Chapter 1 and in this chapter, it discusses how to integrate it into the classroom. Digital media software is any computer-based presentation or application software that uses multimedia elements. Digital media software includes interaction, so some of this software is called interactive digital media. This allows users to move through information at their own pace. By adding graphics and other interactive things to a website, the user can learn things more quickly and in a fun, new way.

I learned about Wiki's this week and how useful they can be. Not only can you present your opinions/information, you can look at other people's information and comment on it. It is a form of interactive digital media in a way because you could use that in the classroom to get students to reply to an article. I also learned about creating websites.

I think that Wiki's should be used more often, especially in middle and high schools. It is a fun way to have the students feel like they are in charge of something. And it seems like a better way to read about different articles rather than just read them in class.

i forgot to skip a post

this is me skipping the post from last week

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Blog #4

In chapter 2, it talks about all the different assistive technologies that are out there as far as the internet goes. There are so many benefits of using the internet. Teachers and parents can communicate and students can talk with the teacher easier as well. The internet makes searching for information easier as well. Especially with Google, teachers, as well as students, can find just what they're looking for and more.

I have always searched with Google and used it to look up dumb things. But in class, I learned that there are easier ways to find specific information instead of just typing on the home page. I think that will make things a lot easier when I have to write a paper in the future. Google is an amazing thing! I also learned the real names of some abbreviated internet terms I use all the time.

I think that the virtual field trip that I found is so cool! If there's something you discuss during class, but it's too dangerous or too far away, just knowing what website to go to can be a great way to teach students. If some of my teachers did that instead of doing boring lectures, I would be traveling around the world right now! With technology getting more and more advanced, and kids attention spans getting shorter, I think it is a great way to teach!

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Blog #3

Chapter 4 discussed different parts of computers and other devices we use everyday. Input devices are things such as keyboards, scanners, and digital cameras. It is any hardware that enables us to enter data into a computer. On the other side of the spectrum, output is data that has been processed into information. Some examples of output devices are the computer monitor, printers, projectors, and speakers. In order to ensure that our input and output are secure, there are things called storage media and devices. There are many different devices to store information depending on how much you need stored. A disk is the most commonly used device. There are many different disks which can hold different amounts of information.

Being an elementary education major, my goal is to be a teacher, obviously. Before I get too caught up in the Monday through Friday routine for the rest of my life, I want to be a missionary. I would really like to teach in some third world countries. Learning about all of this technology is so amazing to me, and I want to try and bring computers to some schools in Africa or countries in Central America. Learning about all of the interesting things we can now do, just makes me want to go to these countries and show them just a small amount of what I know in hopes that the children will want to make a change in their country and hopefully pull them out of poverty.

I had no idea about the Inspiration program. I think that it will be so useful in my career. As well as a study tool. Learning how to put notes and videos and how it all turns into an outline just blew me away! I thought that the only way to present notes was a boring power point show. But I've learned so much just in 4 weeks and I'm really excited to put all of this new knowledge to use in the future!

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Blog #2

While I was searching through the technology center for elementary school-age children, I learned how teachers are becoming more creative in using technology for the younger students. They even showed the parents how they integrated technology in the classroom. The example given was a slide show about different families and the different holidays they celebrate or what days are special to them. Each of the students made a slide about the different things their family celebrated. The teachers, of course, would help the students create their slides after they brainstormed ideas and made a sketch of what they wanted on the slide. I have never heard of that before, especially in an elementary classroom, and I think that it's a really good idea.

Since the last class meeting, I learned how to do so many different things on Microsoft Word. I considered myself pretty literate when using Microsoft Word, but after the last class meeting, I didn't really feel that way anymore! There's so many things you can do on word that I didn't realize. When I become a teacher, I can use these new skills to create things that will keep the students interest and hopefully they won't be bored!

I learned about the ICommunicator. This piece of assistive technology allows students who are deaf or hard of hearing receive the same education and can communicate back with the teacher. It can turn speech or text into sign language and allows the deaf person to understand what the teacher is saying. It can also translate English. I think this is a really neat tool, especially since more and more students are coming to the United States not knowing very much English. This will also help as students with disabilities, especially hearing disabilities, are mainstreamed into the regular classrooms.

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Technology Experiences

In the past, I've had plenty of experiences with technology. But I wouldn't call myself an expert. I've used it for class projects, papers, and other miscellaneous assignments. In class, we learned that using technology for teaching can be a great way to capture the students' attention and a whole new way of teaching. Computers can be useful for making power point presentations, which can be a fun way of presenting information without standing up and just talking.

In class, we learned about the ARCS way of teaching. In our world, more and more kids are becoming more knowledgeable about technology. The ARCS would be geared more towards those digital kids and help them to learn new information.

One thing I learned more about was in the SAM program. Although the training was very detailed in its steps, I think it helped me out a great deal in understanding things about Windows XP a lot better. Most of the time, I just start my computer and right away start doing things without even thinking. The training showed me how to do things in an easier way, so I can get things done quicker.

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

First Blog

All throughout high school and even some middle school, I've used technology is many different ways. I've used Microsoft Word for writing papers and other various projects. Also, Power Point is something that I'm very familiar with as well. It's a good way for visual, as well as auditory, learners to obtain information without just reading page after page of information. I've also used Microsoft Excel for documenting money raised for a fund raiser.

In this class, I want to learn how all of these programs, plus any others, can be helpful when I become a teacher. I also want to learn more about Microsoft Excel. I hope that I can see how these different things can make the lives of the students and parents much easier. With all this new technology, there are many different ways to serve the many different needs of each of the students. I am excited to learn how to use this technology properly and to hopefully make learning fun once I become a teacher.

I learned that I am a moderate active learner. And I agree strongly with all of the points, except a few, which is a good way to learn. I am also an intuitive learner. I do not agree with a majority of those points because I think repetition is a good way to learn and I really do hate mathematical formulas. The strongest number that I received was visual learner, and I totally agree with that. I also learned that I have a good balance between sequential and global learning. I think that describes me perfectly.