Post #10

I have noticed through the course of this class that the tools that were offered to me as a student in elementary through high school and the utensils that are available for students now are very far on the spectrum. We have so much more currently to offer to our students to help them expand their education. I plan to incorporate the majority of the technological concepts that i have learned within the classroom. Especially the use of blogging and the Inspiration software. I feel that these two are very important and helpful features to the classroom. Blogging allows the student to step out of the structured medium and show us as teachers who they really are and what is going on in their heads. Inspiration, I believe, is an excellent program that can be incorporated inside of the classroom and also can be beneficial to the student outside of the classroom.

Something that particularly stuck out to me was a statement that Seth made in one of his blogs. He said something about possibly taking outside classes that were funded by the school. I think that this would be an amazing an enlightening experience for the students. Not only does it take them away from the stuffiness of the four walls of the classroom, but it also gives them a different perspective on concepts. My creative writing teacher back in high school used to allow us to go outside all of the time or to where ever we felt most able to think freely and write, as long as it was within the school grounds. Some of my best pieces of poetry came from when I was writing from the roof of the Communications building at my old school.

In the last blog, I spoke about web cameras being integrated into the classroom to make the pen-pal concept more appealing to students. Another technology-related skill that I think would be beneficial for high school students would be a school email similar to what we use in secondary education institutes, like our FSU email accounts. This tool can be used for the teachers who have students taking Advanced Placement and other college level courses while in high school, to inform them of the different examination dates and such, because they usually don't comply with the rest of the school. Also, it will help the teachers answer last minute questions about assignments and give the student a chance to ask the question that they forgot to in class. It works out for everyone.

The previous tool to be learned and incorporated would take a lot of time and money to accomplish. I would definitely need the backing of the school board and an efficient system of creating these email addresses for all high school students would be imperative. There would most definitely be a need for a trainer to come in and not only train the teachers on the usages of the email, but also the students. This would also take time out of the curriculum and money to pay for the trainers, thus a large budget would be necessary. This project would definitely take time and couldn't be implemented anytime soon, however, I feel that it is a definite possibility.

Post #9

A tool that I found would be very useful to me as a teacher was a website that connected teachers with different lesson plans and activity ideas for not only the core subjects but also other extracurriculars. Along the right side of the website are links for lesson plans, seasonal items, printable worksheets, and job availability. Not only that, but the web page also links to other credible websites. This website is called www.theteacherscorner.net

Upon looking through the other sites that were listed by my classmates, I found one in particular that I could connect very well with its usage. This site was www.freetranslation.com. to be used for translating words, sentences, paragraphs from one language to another continuously. This site has been a great help to me through my 8+ years of Spanish.

A technology-related skill that I would like to learn next is how to integrate the use of the web camera in the classroom. I have also felt that the idea of having a pen-pal in another country or even another state was in more ways than one beneficial to the students. However, its difficult to get them to remain in touch and motivated to send letters back and forth. Therefore, I feel that the web-camera would be nice so that the students can continue with their new-found friendships.

Since the above is one of my future goals, I will have to do a lot of research in order to set this up, because I would need to ensure that the other classroom of students has access to web-cameras. Even before this, I would need to do a proposal and possibly apply for grants to get these devices in supply at my own home school.

Post #8

Chapter 8 discusses security issues, ethics, and emerging technologies in education. it goes over different computer viruses and how they can affect the hard drive of the pc. What I found most interesting and helpful was the characteristics displayed so that you know if your computer has a virus or not. For example, the available memory is less than what it should be, a file becomes corrupted, an unknown program or file mysteriously appears, an unusual sound or music plays randomly, etc. The chapter also discusses protection methods and touches on student and teacher web pages.

Since the previous class I have learned even more new things about powerpoint, especially with the quiz assignment. I have also learned about different ways to protect my computer and what to do if it does become infected with a virus. A lot of the information provided in Chapter 8 has been very helpful at home.

On a more personal note, Easter Sunday was wonderful. I went to church service at Christian Heritage and then helped out with an Easter Egg Hunt at Myers Park. The only thing that was missing was my grandmother's delicious Sunday dinner. That was upsetting, but overall I had a wonderful day and really enjoyed myself.

Post #7

Chapter 6 goes into detail about curriculum and curriculum standards and learning benchmarks. The chapter explained technology integration, also called curriculum integration. It is the combination of all technology parts, such as hardware and software,together with each subject-related area of curriculum to enhance learning. The chapter also went into a little detail about bilingual education and also the levels of integration.

From the past few classes up until now, i have learned a lot more technological things on the computer that takes me a few steps closer to becoming computer saavy. I have learned more things about using Microsoft Word and also Microsoft Powerpoint and all the different aspects and features of the two.

I had an okay spring break, because I had the flu for the first half of it and felt like a walking pile of germs for almost a whole week and a half. Then I was able to drive home and see my family and our new puppy. I miss them all a lot but I have to do what I have to do in good old Tallahassee.

Post #6

Chapter 5 discusses why multimedia applications are important to the classroom and learning abilities of the children. Digital media is becoming a very important aspect in the education of students and the way they learn. We also discussed the differences between digital media and multimedia. Digital media is the use of technology to allow users to create different forms of interaction, communication, expression, and entertainment in a digital format. Multimedia is using multiple forms of media and incorporating a variety of elements, like text, audio, graphics, video, animation, and virtual reality.

The main new tidbit of information that I gained that I had never previously been exposed to was the Wiki application. The only thing I knew about Wiki prior to that class period was anything that was related to Wikipedia. I didn't have the slightest idea on how to begin creating one myself. This new skill that I have acquired is great, however, it also makes me more leery about the websites that I use and reinforces the importance of web evaluation.

While doing the Wiki project in class on the 25th, my mind was elsewhere...focusing mainly on the oral midterm examination that I had in Spanish the next day and the two midterms that I had back-to-back the day after that. Yes, I was stressing.

Post #5

In Chapter 7 we were able to discuss and take a closer look at the educational technology provided for us as teachers and students to use. We were able to examine and learn guidelines that can be used in determining whether or not a web page contains reliable information. Chapter 7 also discussed integration strategies for introducing internet usage and educational technology in the classroom. In doing this we would also need to teach our students key things to look for and point out so that they know that the information that they're gathering form the internet is from a liable source.

I acquired some very relevant and helpful tools since the last class meeting that will help me, not only in this class, but in any of my endeavors in which research and citation of sources is involved. I learned to pay close attention to the last update information and also grammatical errors that may be found on the website. Also, I know now to look and make sure that there is contact information listed on the website and there are references to other sources to show that the information is not just made up but is fact.

This week I am a little bogged down with studying for upcoming midterms. It seems like most of the professors would prefer to be very vague on the requirements and test structure. I am wondering if they are plotting to set me up for failure.

Post #4

Chapter 2 discusses the ins and outs of the internet and the world wide web. We are able to see, through the six step process how data may travel the Internet using a cable modem connection at home. We also learned the features and history of search engines and the world wide web operate. Web pages can be static, dynamic, or participatory to name a few. Static pages make it so that all the visitors see the same thing, while a dynamic allows customized views.

A new little tidbit of information that I gathered from this listen was the use of Kiko. Kiko is a virtual calendar that allows you to schedule, organize, and prioritize the many tasks that come up in your life. You can access this great virtual assistance tool at http://www.kiko.com. It allows you to get a detailed weekly and monthly view and separate the tasks between work, home, and whatever else you want. It would be a very useful tool to my life especially. Also, you can add contacts and get reminders and alerts via email or IM.

Let's see...something interesting regarding my personal life...I halfway told my best friend that I was in love with him so after class I have to call and pray that I haven't freaked him out. I can't help the way I feel though, plus he feels the same way he's just scared to let himself fall too hard. It'll all work out in the end.

Post #3

Chapter 4 discusses the intricate parts of the computer system and their individual functions. It also differentiates between the different types of devices, going into depth and giving examples of each. For example, we were able to discuss input devices vs. output devices vs. storage and media devices. Also, we received a brief overview about the Inspiration program.

From last week to now, I can proudly say that I know what a motherboard really is and that it is made up of chips. I can also tell you that a CD is not an inpot device as I assumed it would be, but a media device. Inspiration was something completely new to me altogether. I had never even heard of it before this class. However, I have found it to be alot of fun and not difficult at all to master.

My shoulder muscles are really sore right now, but all is well in my life. Especially after my best friend in the whole wide world surprised me last night with the matching pearl and crystal earrings to go with my necklace that he got me for my bday. He's the absolute greatest!!!!

Post #2

Chapter 3 discusses software, which is the instructions that tell the computer hardware how to perform specific tasks. Among the different softwares, I found that one of the most important is application software. Application software includes word processing, spreadsheets, and e-mail programs. Productivity software gives tools and techniques that makes one more effective while performing daily activities. The chapter also discusses graphic and multimedia software, which includes desktop publishing software, paint/image software, and editing software. These different types of software are effective in bettering the teaching and learning experience within the classroom.

I learned a lot from chapter 3, it really peaked my interest. This was especially because I am really into video editing and graphic enhancement. So this was very relevant to me personally. I was also able to learn and get insight on some of the more popular software programs and what gives off the best quality.

This class is turning out to be very interesting to me...I was a little skeptical at first, because I'm not that computer literate (I know the basics). I am enjoying all of my classes and my first semester here at Florida State University. I really just wish they would do something about this horrible parking situation here. Ugh!

Post #1

Chapter 1 introduced me to the ARCS Motivational Model, which is basically a way of pinpointing how to effectively get the student to learn. The four main methods were attention, relevance, challenge/confidence, and satisfaction/success. These are ways that we can get students to actually learn in the classroom and not just hear. The creator of ARCS believed that even the best designed technology for the classroom will fail if the students aren't motivated to learn.

Since my last blog, I have acquired some new vocabulary words and definitions. There are three types of literacy...computer, information, and integration. Each of these dealing with an understanding and use and how these can be integrated into the classroom. As far as new skills, I'm still the same lol.

I am absolutely exhausted today, because I didn't get more than 2.5 hours of sleep last night and I've been going non-stop since 6:15 this morning...darn 8:00 a.m. classes. I am tired and would love to have a big bowl of strawberry ice cream right now.

Post #0

My prior experience using technology goes from basic Microsoft Word usage to Excel Office tools and Powerpoint. I also have experience using video editing technology on the Mac Apple computers, mainly Final Cut Pro, among other video and sound editing programs. (I attended Arts Magnet schools where my major was Communications)

In this class, I hope to learn more skills than the few that I already have, so that I can enhance the learning experience of my future students. I would like to also learn how to incorporate my video and sound editing skills in with classroom learning.

I have never had a real blog before, aside from Myspace and the notes on Facebook, so this is fairly new to me. I have learned in the span of an hour how to set up a blog account and post my very own blog. It's kind of exciting, almost like a diary. So far, so good with me.