Post #9

When I began reviewing all the web-based tools and resources we have used this session, I realized that the majority of the time I use google for anything. Google has everything!!! Go check out all the images, websites they refer you to, and even videos. http://www.google.com/
To be serious, I did find a pretty useful website that has links to other websites for all kinds of resources. http://www.4teachers.org/ check it out and the tools on the side. 4teachers.org is an example of a resource tool that helps teachers to become a stronger acedemic educator.
http://www.sitesforteachers.com/ is another site I found that could be very useful in the future. It provides links to worksheet examples, other websites, lesson plans, and classroom managment ideas.
After taking this class, I know I have learned a lot, but believe I could still learn more about Excel, Power Point, and Word. Next, I would like to learn more about MACs and those particular programs because that is the next type of computer I want to own. I would like to be able to use a palm pilot if I ever got that in my hands, but only time will tell! Other than that, I would just like to figure out easier ways to maneuver around the web the microsoft programs.
For me to achieve my educational technology-related goals I feel like I have to just keep practicing and messing around with the programs. Teaching a class or attending more computer based classes could also help. I feel like we will always be students, learning from our experiences and others. Hope everyone has a great little break before fall!!

Post #8

With all technology come gliches. Schools, teachers, and students must be aware of the risks of technology. Computer viruses alter the way programs work and can be extremely detrimental to instruction in the classroom. A worm or Trojan horse for example can negatively affect programs and even shut down the network. School systems must be constantly aware of virus detection and antivirus programs along with the risks of hackers or theft. Security issues are only one of many different things a school system must worry about. Teachers, administration, and school districts deal with parents and ethics. Students and teachers are exposed to other’s published works and should understand the seriousness of privacy laws and copyright laws. The information is there for use, but there are guidelines as to what is fair. Most material can be copied and used for non-profit educational purposes, which is fair use. Web publishing provides people the opportunity to create web pages, but schools and teachers must also be aware of what exactly they are teaching to children and if it is appropriate or not. I know that I started first working on computers as an elementary student, but that was not the case for my parents. All the emerging technology is expanding information to a variety of different students at different levels and I’m sure will be much different when my children grow up. Assistive technologies alone have helped students with disabilities and help change the face of school.
Since my last posting, I’ve still been working with Excel and am trying to expand my knowledge of all the different online resources. It is crazy to me how much technology has changed just since I’ve been alive and I feel like I am constantly trying to keep up! I know all the new technology that will be coming out in the next decade will be extremely helpful in the classroom as a teacher…as long as I can understand how to use it.
Work, school, and little play. The summer has flown by too quick!! I feel like I already need another vacation, but I haven’t had much of one in the first place, so that might be why. I’m gonna try to enjoy the last few weeks and try to spend as much time relaxing and working on my tan!! Soon comes Tallahassee full time and the fall full of football! Go Noles!!!!

Post #7

Though many sources, such as the Internet and computer softwares can be extremely informative, students and educators must be positive the information is reliable. Chapter seven discusses the importance of evaluating educational technology. The state and school districts often provide guidelines as to exactly what needs to be taught. They also compile software programs that can be used to teach students specific subjects. As a future educator, I must be able to evaluate whether the software will pertain to my subject and be useful for the students. Examining educational catalogs which provide lists of different software programs that can be used in the classroom and published evaluations of such products help teachers to narrow the lists to their specific subject. I have learned that the more people involved in a subject, the more ideas spring. Talking with other colleagues, attending conferences, and becoming involved in educational organizations can broaden a persons creativity and wisdom. Validity and reliability are important when teaching a subject and educators must not only understand the ability of their students to use technology, but assess whether the technology is appropriate for their classroom. I know I am constantly concerned with the validity and credibility of information, especially on the Web. Evaluating educational technology is an important step when teaching a classroom of students who are looking to you for the answers.
Excel is awesome! I have learned to use the program much better, though I could still use the practice. I had no idea about all the formulas it can calculate! That could have been a huge help on some prior projects. SAM is still helping me better understand the program though I think it needs to be updated. It can be repetitive sometimes.
I absolutely love the beach and working here and could get quite used to living here permanently, but I think I would miss tally too much. It’s fun here and I’m ready to get back to school full time and football games on the weekend instead of working all night and trying to catch up with sleep during the day. I’m tired now…gotta rest! Until next time!

Post #6

Chapter six discusses a word that has been thrown at me my whole life. Curriculum is explained as knowledge, skills, and performance that a student is expected to understand and display at particular grade levels. Integrating technology using computer software is constantly used in schools to enhance the learning process. These tools can help students and educators to meet curriculum goals that are needed to move on to the next level. Before teaching a subject though, educators must have a plan for delivering the instruction. The ASSURE Model is a guide for doing just that. The model states that teachers must know their student’s skill level, the objectives they expect the student will be able to demonstrate at the end of instruction and the methods, media, and materials that will be used to instruct the students. Teachers must then utilize their plans and encourage active learning. Every teacher is different and educates in a different manner. Understanding a variety of educational theories that stem from some of the best psychologist, such as one of my favorites, B.F. Skinner, can help teachers to narrow down the most effective way to teach a class of many different skill levels and personalities.
I seem to be continuing to figure out that I don’t know as much as I thought about technology. I’ve still be working on learning power point better so I can create great, rather than decent, presentations for school and later as a teacher. I started working on Excel and am confused sometimes with everything that can be done on that program, though I really like it. It will be especially helpful during college and my future as a teacher to present information in an organized fashion.

Ok, well I’m not looking for to working my double this week, but I know I have to make the money. All my expenses are beginning to stress me out and I’m starting to realize I really need to learn to be more frugal.

Post #5

Chapter five discusses digital media and different types of applications along with educational software applications. Digital media applications such as computer-based training, where the individual uses instructional software to learn new skills, and electronic books can be very useful in a classroom. Educators are able to use such tools to demonstrate and explain subjects more thoroughly with the help of texts, graphics, sound, animations, and/or videos that can be displayed through the computer, television, and surprisingly to me, even ipods! Through my own experience with such technology as distance learning, I have been able to complete classes via the computer rather than personal instruction. Educational software applications use software products to help teach subjects. I have seen first hand this type of tool used even at a kindergarten level. The students use computer-assisted instruction, drill-and-practice software, and especially educational games to learn facts and have fun at the same time. These such tools are great for all students to learn new skills and enjoy the time they are spending learning.

Since my last posting I have learned many more things about power point. I’ve used power point to do small presentations for a few classes, but they never went into much detail beyond transitions and background colors. I had no idea how many things could be done using power point. The SAM program is continuing to help me to better understand these programs.

Well, not much to say this week. I’m tired from working so much and constantly moving around. I will be glad to be getting back to one stable place in Tallahassee and on a schedule.