Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Post #0

Thinking back to my prior experiences using technology, I have realized that it doesn't go into much depth. I've written papers, reports, used the internet to find information, chatted, and facebooked :). Other than that, I haven't had much experience with technology, though I find it really easy to figure out and learn.

In this class I hope to learn a lot more about the computer so that I can effectively create and display information. I want to learn more about Word and Powerpoint especially. I work with Word all the time, but believe there is a lot to learn.

I have enrolled in this class because it is a prerec to my elementary education major. I plan on becoming a second grade teacher, but would like to move on to maybe administation, which means I am already planning on getting my masters. A lot of work is ahead of me, but I dont take for granted the time I have in school. I have my whole life to work, this is my time to learn and have fun!

Post #4

Chapter four discusses many basic things about a computer and the key words that describe them. Imputs and outputs are discussed as what is entered into the memory of the computer (inputs) and the data that has been processed into a useful form (outputs). Understanding what goes in a computer and how it is processed is important to understanding the basics of a computer and how it runs. Inputs devices such as a keyboard, mouse, or scanners make it easier to manuever around the computer. It helps in the process of entering memory. Any kind of scanner, digital pen, digital camera etc. can benefit those who are trying to enter information, graph, or picture from another source. Output devices such as a monitor is very useful in the classroom to display videos or simply go through a step by step demonstration. Outputs make it easier in the classroom to relay information. The chapter discuss all kinds of outputs that are used everyday, such as flat panel monitors that use liquid crystal to present the information on a screen. Televisions are often found in this form. Storage media devices such as a floppy disk or zip disk has made it easier for those to store and transport information from one location to another.

Lately, I have been trying to work and take this class, but working away from Tallahassee is starting to drain me. The class on the other hand is really helping me to better understand the computer and realize that there is a lot to learn. It does make the commuting a little easier since the class is computer based and I can work at home after working all night, at my convenience. Though I live most of the week at the beach, I haven't been able to enjoy the white sandy beaches as much as I had hoped and unfortunately, my summer tan is quickly fading.

Working with the SAM program I am learning a lot more about Microsoft Word than I expected. I am quite surprised there is so much I did not know about Word, even though I have worked with it for years. Running through the training and practice test has helped me to better understand the ins and outs of the program. I did not know all the little processes that can create simple, but informational drafts. I have learned MANY things about this program, but the one thing that sticks out it my mind was the forms you can create and the form fields you can put in the forms. I have also been learning more about these blogs we're writing and the program that we use. I don't ever mess around with these type things because most of my work on the computer deals with writing papers, looking up information online, and facebooking. Being pushed to use this program has helped me to better understand blogs.

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Post #3

Chapter three discusses many aspects of a computer that make the lives of thousands of people easier. Application software helps users in many different activities. Educators can use application software to record grades, take notes for class, teach students to do the same, and refer to many different educational elements. Application software includes the paint program under the Windows XP which can be very helpful to students. These programs help users to complete specific tasks. Application software includes productivity business software, graphic design software, communication software, such as e-mail which is constantly used throughout school systems, home software and most important to me, school software.

Productivity software is a type of application software that has been especially helpful to me during my schooling. Learning to create charts, add in clip art, borders, etc. has helped during science reports to make it easier and more efficient way to report facts. Understanding the basics of such software, such as the wordprocessing and spreadsheets can better help us as future teachers to teach our students an easier way of displaying information. Graphic software and multimedia software can create fun activities in the classroom and allow for more visual teaching. It is often easier to understand by using specific references such as a video and/or grade book software. Such application programs can create a fun and easier classroom.

Since my last post, I have continued more about word using the SAM program. I am beginnng to think I am was not as computer savvy as I had thought and am learning more everytime I practice. Learning the specifics about word will especially help me in the classroom to quickly and effectivly create newsletters and documents to report information. I am excited to continue to learn about the ins and outs of the program.

Monday, July 2, 2007

Post #2

The Internet and the World Wide Web has completely changed the lives of most people. It creates a way to communicate, shop, and educate. Chapter two reviews different internet services which help people around the world communicate. Chat rooms, e-mails, blogs, message boards, etc. have changed the face of the internet. It has helped me to understand and communicate with those miles and miles away. Search tools, suchs as google and ask jeeves has provided a way for anyone to find, learn, and understand anything that comes to mind. If it's cooking, shopping, looking for a deserted island off the coast of Tailand, anything, it can be found using these tools.

In the past, I have never used a blog. I didn't see the point in telling others exactly what I do on a daily basis, and I have to admitt, I just didn't care to learn how to post a blog. Since my last posting I have learned more on how to post blogs and understand that it can be very useful. I would like to acquire new skills on blogging itself so that I may later use it in the classroom to communicate with my future students. I think it would be great to be able to have writing assignments due online using a website such as www.bloggers.com. Students would be able to read and learn from other students writing style's, ask questions and chat about assignments.

I have started to commmute from Destin, FL and am just realizing the difficulty of driving back and forth. I had to make the trip today, and am very surprised I didnt' get a speeding ticket trying to make it to class on time. I have to drive back tonight to work this week, but am very excited about the 4th!!! No class and no driving! Yay!