The topics I most enjoyed reading from other students blogs were the personal things that people wanted to share. For example, one student wrote that they were having computer issues at the same time that I was. It was just nice to see that a lot of people shared the same issues or feelings that I did.
As I said in my last post, I would really like to become more skilled with Excel. I think another technology-related skill that I need to improve is learning how to clean up my computer better. My old computer, which I still use often, has been running really slow. I want to learn how to clean it up without having to lose a lot of programs and pictures.
Lastly, I really think that grad school is going to help with my technology-related goals. I will be working closely with other grad students that probably know a lot more about computers than I do. I'm sure they will be willing to help if I get stuck in my goals. All I have to do is get in to grad school now!
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Blog # 9
I found a really interesting website that is run by the Discovery channel. The website is: http://school.discoveryeducation.com/teachingtools/teachingtools.html. It has many tools that teachers can use to make quizzes, crossword puzzles, word searches, etc. The programs can be purchased on the website and there are many different types of teaching programs. They come as CD-ROM's and range from $60-$70.
I think that buying one of these programs would be very beneficial to a teacher because it is something that you will probably use for a while. For example, if a teacher were to buy the word search CD-ROM, they could make different word searches for each unit that they teach. Even if a teacher moves from teaching first to second grade, it is still a program that can be used.
A skill that I would like to become better at, is Excel. I have the most trouble with this program and I did the worst on the skill check with Excel. The thing that confuses me the most about this program are the functions. Sometimes I am not exactly sure what to type in and that can mess up a whole worksheet.
I really hope to continue taking computer classes in the future. I'm sure I will have access to classes in grad school and I will definitely take advantage of that. The first thing I will concentrate on is becoming better at Excel!
I think that buying one of these programs would be very beneficial to a teacher because it is something that you will probably use for a while. For example, if a teacher were to buy the word search CD-ROM, they could make different word searches for each unit that they teach. Even if a teacher moves from teaching first to second grade, it is still a program that can be used.
A skill that I would like to become better at, is Excel. I have the most trouble with this program and I did the worst on the skill check with Excel. The thing that confuses me the most about this program are the functions. Sometimes I am not exactly sure what to type in and that can mess up a whole worksheet.
I really hope to continue taking computer classes in the future. I'm sure I will have access to classes in grad school and I will definitely take advantage of that. The first thing I will concentrate on is becoming better at Excel!
Blog # 8
In chapter 8, I learned about the different types of viruses that can infect your computer. One of the viruses is called a boot sector virus. A boot sector virus is something that starts up your computer under an infected version instead of the normal start up program. Another computer virus is a worm. A worm is a program that copies itself in the memory or a network until the computer needs to shut down itself or the network. Lastly, a Trojan Horse virus is designed to look like a legitimate program but it really is not.
The power point assignments we did were also a lot of fun. I really learned a lot more about power point that I did not know about. For example, one of the assignments was to make a trivia game. I made mine about state birds and flowers and I learned how to set up a game board. I also learned how to put in action buttons into my presentation that can go to the next slide or to a hyperlink.
As I said in my last post, I have begun the process of applying to grad schools. I just wanted to let everyone know that I actually used what I learned in this class to send out letters. I did not know how to make labels before and since I learned that in this class, I made professional labels. I also made professional envelopes which is something else I learned in this class. The labels and envelopes really helped my stuff stand out and not look so plain.
The power point assignments we did were also a lot of fun. I really learned a lot more about power point that I did not know about. For example, one of the assignments was to make a trivia game. I made mine about state birds and flowers and I learned how to set up a game board. I also learned how to put in action buttons into my presentation that can go to the next slide or to a hyperlink.
As I said in my last post, I have begun the process of applying to grad schools. I just wanted to let everyone know that I actually used what I learned in this class to send out letters. I did not know how to make labels before and since I learned that in this class, I made professional labels. I also made professional envelopes which is something else I learned in this class. The labels and envelopes really helped my stuff stand out and not look so plain.
Blog # 7 - (Extra Credit)
In chapter 7, I learned what a technology conference is. It is a meeting that teachers can go to that provides information and resources about technology. I also learned what a Web evaluation rubric is. It is a "detailed scoring guide for assessing the value and content of Web sites. This is what we made in class for one of our assignments.
The Web Resource Evaluation assignment was really interesting because we were allowed to make up the questions to evaluate a web site. I mainly focused on whether or not the web site would be a reliable source of information. I did this because there are so many web sites out there that may seem like they have good information when in reality, the information is all wrong. This is not something a student or a teacher wants to use for assignments.
I have started applying for grad schools and it is a lot harder than I thought it would be. There are so many forms to fill out and so many papers I need to get ready. I'm actually getting a lot of things done but it is not fun. Wish me luck!
The Web Resource Evaluation assignment was really interesting because we were allowed to make up the questions to evaluate a web site. I mainly focused on whether or not the web site would be a reliable source of information. I did this because there are so many web sites out there that may seem like they have good information when in reality, the information is all wrong. This is not something a student or a teacher wants to use for assignments.
I have started applying for grad schools and it is a lot harder than I thought it would be. There are so many forms to fill out and so many papers I need to get ready. I'm actually getting a lot of things done but it is not fun. Wish me luck!
Blog # 6 - (Extra Credit)
In chapter 6 I learned about a few topics I had never heard of. One topic is the Wellivers Instructional Transformation Model. This model "describes five hierarchical stages of technology integration through which all teachers must progress to integrate technology effectively. The five stages are Familiarization, Utilization, Integration, Reorientation, Revolution.
A new kill I learned since the last post was how to make a WIKI space. It was a really fun assignment because I chose to talk about my hometown which is West Palm Beach, Florida. I enjoyed looking up different pictures to post on my page. I also like the list of fun things to do that I made just in case anyone ever wants to visit.
The only thing I really have to share from my last post is that my sister got into a car accident. Shes fine but the car is in pretty bad shape. Hopefully everything works out and it doesn't cost too much to fix.
A new kill I learned since the last post was how to make a WIKI space. It was a really fun assignment because I chose to talk about my hometown which is West Palm Beach, Florida. I enjoyed looking up different pictures to post on my page. I also like the list of fun things to do that I made just in case anyone ever wants to visit.
The only thing I really have to share from my last post is that my sister got into a car accident. Shes fine but the car is in pretty bad shape. Hopefully everything works out and it doesn't cost too much to fix.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Blog #5
In chapter 6 I read about a few interesting things dealing with education. One topic that really stood out was how a facilitator of learning is a better learning process than dictating learning. Teachers are beginning to switch to facilitating learning instead of dictating what students must do and learn in class. Facilitating learning "motivates students to want to learn, guides the student learning process, and promotes a learning atmosphere and an appreciation for the subject. I also learned that curriculum deals more than just what a certain teacher expects from students but also what is expected in certain subjects and grade levels.
A new skill that I acquired since the last post was a better understanding of searching the Internet. The Web Hunt assignment really helped me to navigate Google better. For example, I did not know that Google had a scholar search to look for articles. Other than that, chapter 6 had a lot of good information on curriculum for classrooms and teaching styles.
So the only thing that I really have to share since the last post is lap top batteries stink! Like I said before, this is my first lap top and I didn't know how little time you get with the standard battery they give you. The next expensive thing I buy is going to be a better battery for my computer.
A new skill that I acquired since the last post was a better understanding of searching the Internet. The Web Hunt assignment really helped me to navigate Google better. For example, I did not know that Google had a scholar search to look for articles. Other than that, chapter 6 had a lot of good information on curriculum for classrooms and teaching styles.
So the only thing that I really have to share since the last post is lap top batteries stink! Like I said before, this is my first lap top and I didn't know how little time you get with the standard battery they give you. The next expensive thing I buy is going to be a better battery for my computer.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Blog #4
In chapter 2 I learned about search tools. Search tools help people to find certain information from many web sites all over the world. There are two types of search tools: subject directories and search engines. A search engine helps to find Web pages, Web sites, and Internet files by using key words or phrases. Some search engines require more specific words and phrases. A subject directory is simply clicking on a certain subject and following the links for that topic to get the information. They are usually put into categories like sports or entertainment.
The only new skills I have learned from my last post is more about the SAM software. The training sessions are helping with Microsoft programs and will surely help me on the tests. I also learned some new terms in the book such as subject directory. I 've used subject directories before I just never knew the name for them.
So I am still feeling under the weather but not as bad as before. My throat is still sore but the fever and everything else went away so thats a plus. I'm also having some trouble with my wireless internet on my computer. Sometimes it will not detect any wireless connections even if there are some. It's really weird and annoying so if anyone has any suggestions please let me know!
The only new skills I have learned from my last post is more about the SAM software. The training sessions are helping with Microsoft programs and will surely help me on the tests. I also learned some new terms in the book such as subject directory. I 've used subject directories before I just never knew the name for them.
So I am still feeling under the weather but not as bad as before. My throat is still sore but the fever and everything else went away so thats a plus. I'm also having some trouble with my wireless internet on my computer. Sometimes it will not detect any wireless connections even if there are some. It's really weird and annoying so if anyone has any suggestions please let me know!
Blog #3
In chapter four, I learned the difference between input and output devices. Input devices consist of data, commands, user responses, and programs that are entered into memory. For example, data starts off as unorganized facts. Once it is processed it becomes important information such as words, pictures, numbers, etc. Output devices are "any computer component capable of conveying information to the user." A few examples of this are printers, monitors, speakers, and headsets.
A really interesting skill I learned since the last class was how to use Inspiration. I really enjoyed that program because I feel like it can be used in any aspect of teaching or life. It is a great way to become organized and also to organize your thoughts. I remember using charts like the inspiration charts in high school but I did not know you could make them on the computer.
The only thing I really have to share is that over the weekend, I came down with a cold. My throat hurts really bad and it sucks! I wanted to do all my homework this weekend but I did not feel well enough to do so. Therefore, my illness relates to technology because I was not well enough to pick up my computer and do my blogs. I feel a little better right now but not 100%. Hopefully, by the next post I will feel much better.
A really interesting skill I learned since the last class was how to use Inspiration. I really enjoyed that program because I feel like it can be used in any aspect of teaching or life. It is a great way to become organized and also to organize your thoughts. I remember using charts like the inspiration charts in high school but I did not know you could make them on the computer.
The only thing I really have to share is that over the weekend, I came down with a cold. My throat hurts really bad and it sucks! I wanted to do all my homework this weekend but I did not feel well enough to do so. Therefore, my illness relates to technology because I was not well enough to pick up my computer and do my blogs. I feel a little better right now but not 100%. Hopefully, by the next post I will feel much better.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Blog #2
I learned in the book that application software is divided into 5 categories: Productivity Business, Graphic Design/Multimedia, School, Home/Personal, and Communications. Some examples of Productivity Business application software is spreadsheet or presentation graphics. Some examples of School application software is a grade book or note taking. Application software is used to perform certain tasks. However, productivity software is used to help make people more efficient in their daily tasks. A very popular form of productivity software, which we have all probably used is word processing software. Word processing software is used to create and edit documents. Most students use this software on a daily basis.
The assignments we have done in class have been very beneficial to me. I have learned more about Microsoft Word and many things I can add to my documents that will make them look more professional and interesting. For example, the newsletter assignment could be very useful in the future and it was something I wasn't exactly sure how to make. I hope to work with children in the psychology field and a newsletter would be a great way to communicate with the people I work with and possibly even parents. The SAM software has also helped me learn more about Microsoft Word that can help my documents and letters look better.
I recently purchased my very first lap top and that is what I would like to share with everyone. I have always had a desktop computer (a Sony Vaio) which was extremely reliable but I figured I would probably need a lap top for grad school. I changed it up and got a Dell which is awesome. It's really small and light weight and I love it! Many people have been complaining about Windows Vista so I was a little worried about that but I actually like it more than Windows XP. It's really easy to use also which is a plus. I highly recommend Dell and Windows Vista. :)
The assignments we have done in class have been very beneficial to me. I have learned more about Microsoft Word and many things I can add to my documents that will make them look more professional and interesting. For example, the newsletter assignment could be very useful in the future and it was something I wasn't exactly sure how to make. I hope to work with children in the psychology field and a newsletter would be a great way to communicate with the people I work with and possibly even parents. The SAM software has also helped me learn more about Microsoft Word that can help my documents and letters look better.
I recently purchased my very first lap top and that is what I would like to share with everyone. I have always had a desktop computer (a Sony Vaio) which was extremely reliable but I figured I would probably need a lap top for grad school. I changed it up and got a Dell which is awesome. It's really small and light weight and I love it! Many people have been complaining about Windows Vista so I was a little worried about that but I actually like it more than Windows XP. It's really easy to use also which is a plus. I highly recommend Dell and Windows Vista. :)
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Blog #1
The ARCS Motivational Model is very interesting to me. A man named John M. Keller developed it to explain that even programs that are designed really well, can fail without student motivation. Therefore, Keller targeted four areas of student motivation: Attention, Relevance, Challenge/Confidence, and Satisfaction/Success. The area of Attention deals with the fact that students need novel and surprising stimuli to keep their attention focused on what is being learned. A student will also be more motivated to learn if something is relevant to their lives. Learning material should also be challenging enough that when students succeed, they build confidence because they achieved something difficult. Satisfaction/Success is all about achieving and then being able to show your peers what you have learned in real-life settings. Achieving and getting positive feedback allows for a satisfied student. Another interesting thing that I learned while reading through the course text was how many people at one school rely on technology for just one day. The students aren't the only ones depending on technology. The computer is valuable for the superintendent right on down to the parent at home.
One major thing that I learned from the last posting is that you need to be very careful when working with technology because if you do not pay attention, you could mess up big time. When I was downloading the SAM software, I had a little bit of trouble. Although I finally got everything up and running, I made a mistake at the end because I was frustrated. I did not pay attention and joined the wrong section. Now I am in Ms. Pashnyak's 8th and 9th sections. Oops.
I have also learned something that applies to both this class and people taking the GRE. I started studying for it because I would like to go to grad school. I did not know this before but the entire test is taken on the computer. For a while now, I thought that only a portion was done on the computer. The questions will also get harder or easier depending on how you scored on the question before that. I'm sure many of you already know this but just in case, I thought I would share :).
One major thing that I learned from the last posting is that you need to be very careful when working with technology because if you do not pay attention, you could mess up big time. When I was downloading the SAM software, I had a little bit of trouble. Although I finally got everything up and running, I made a mistake at the end because I was frustrated. I did not pay attention and joined the wrong section. Now I am in Ms. Pashnyak's 8th and 9th sections. Oops.
I have also learned something that applies to both this class and people taking the GRE. I started studying for it because I would like to go to grad school. I did not know this before but the entire test is taken on the computer. For a while now, I thought that only a portion was done on the computer. The questions will also get harder or easier depending on how you scored on the question before that. I'm sure many of you already know this but just in case, I thought I would share :).
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Blog #0
Some things you should know about me: Hi, my name is Tara. I am a senior here at Florida State and I will be graduating in the spring of 2008! I am a Psychology major and I am minoring in Family and Child Sciences. In the future, I would like to work with children and hopefully have my own practice in Psychology. I am extremely competitive and I love playing any games/sports and having fun. My family and friend also mean the world to me and I think they are pretty great.
My experiences with technology are not very substantial. My family and I have always owned computers but I am not an expert on them. I also took a computer class (CGS2100) my freshman year and I used SAM in that class. Therefore, I know a little bit about the SAM software. My typing is also pretty fast but, as I said before, I am not an expert on all aspects of technology.
Lastly, I am choosing to take this class because I would like to work with children some day. I feel that this class could be beneficial because I could learn different ways to communicate with children using technology. Our society is becoming very technological, and I think that some day both children and adults will find technology as an easier way to learn and communicate. This class will also help me better my computer skills which is always a plus!
My experiences with technology are not very substantial. My family and I have always owned computers but I am not an expert on them. I also took a computer class (CGS2100) my freshman year and I used SAM in that class. Therefore, I know a little bit about the SAM software. My typing is also pretty fast but, as I said before, I am not an expert on all aspects of technology.
Lastly, I am choosing to take this class because I would like to work with children some day. I feel that this class could be beneficial because I could learn different ways to communicate with children using technology. Our society is becoming very technological, and I think that some day both children and adults will find technology as an easier way to learn and communicate. This class will also help me better my computer skills which is always a plus!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
