Blog # 4

In chapter 5 we learned about the different types of digital media that is out there. Digital Media is described as "those technologies that allow users to create new forms of interaction, expression, communication, and entertainment in digital format. The ability of users to interact with a digital media application is perhaps the most unique and important feature of digital media. Text and graphics are an important part of the digital media experience.Animation, audio and video are also important types of digital media.

This week we got a chance to look around at the different websites for different things that we might be able to use as teachers. I found this interesting because i basically realized that there is a website out there that can do every part of your job for you. Not saying that I would do this but if you ever run out of ideas, or are having difficulties than you have somewhere online to go. There are even blogs specifically meant for teachers. I thought this fit into the class well because blogging is a big part of this class.

Something that I would like to share with my classmates is im excited for parents weekend. Whenever my parents come up i get the chance to go shopping with my mom and buy alot of stuff a poor college kid couldnt buy on there own. Im also excited because im going to destin the weekend after that for my friends. My roomate has a beach house there and every time we go its alot of fun. The only thing I dont like about all this stuff going on is its making me do all my homework during the week and that im not a fan of.

Blog # 3

This week we read Chapter 4 of the book. We learend about input and output devices. There are four types of input devices: commands, user responses,date and programs. The keyboard is an example of an input device. If you think about it it makes sense logically because you are "inputing" information into the computer. An output devices is something that sends info out. This is something such as speakers. Again, this all makes sense logically. I find it interesting to read all of these chapters in the books because it explains how everything works. This will be helfpful if a problem ever comes up, you should know how the computer works.

Some things that I would like to share with my classmates would be that i am very excited to go to the Alabama game this weekend in Jax. Im not excited though that I have a test that monday that I proably wont have time to study for. Noone in the class is to happy with the teacher because of that. Im glad that this class doesnt make you do alot of work outside the classroom, or if it does it is spread out over a week so you have more time.

Some skills that I have aquired since the last class was we learned how to use the inspirationn program. This could be beneficial because it can help you teach different types of learners. I also liked this because since im planning on teaching younger kids, the pictures and charts can help them learn things faster. I also learned more about Microsoft Word. I never knew how to do half of the things that you can do on Word and Im glad that I finally leanred to do so. I think it would be helpful if i got a more up to date Word on my computer at home.

Post # 2

In chapter three we learned about the different types of application software and how it works. We also learned about the different ways this software can help us in our education careers. The book stated that application software helps you by " helping manage student records, teach students with different academic needs, and work more productively. Microsoft is the maker of alot of these products. Some of these products are : Word ,Powerpoint, and Excel. Microsoft windows helps control all of these programs. Some of the things that I have learned since last weeks class was how to make a newsletter and how to make quizzes. I found it interesting that there was a proper way to do all of the controls considering i've been doing it the improper way for all these years. Even though im familiar with most of the microsoft products, its always good to read more about them and im glad i did so in chapter 3. I learned more that could help me accomplish tasks faster. Things that I would want to share with my classmates is im not really that into the whole blogging thing. Maybe it will change by the end of the class but i doubt it. I think its a good idea at times but it kind of freaks me out the people are reading an online diary. I do however i think that it is a good idea for educational and communication purposes, but i would never do a personal blog.

Post # 1

The ARCS motivational model was developed to show the differences that could account for the amount of effort a student puts forth in his or her work. A stands for attention, R for relevance, C for challenge and confidence and S for satisfaction and success. The idea behind this is that if the child is engaged and feel that they could use this later on in there life, they will be more willing to pay attention. Also if they feel that they have a challenge, when they succeed they will feel proud and if you feel that way you will stay motivated. Technology is important in the education setting because it can be used in all areas of the field. It is just as important to the teacher as it is to the principal and his secretary.

Some skills that I have acquired since my last post would be that I am more familiar with the inter workings of the computer. I think that this would be beneficial in my career because if you know how to work something, it allows you to be able to teach the students even better. I also learned all the different areas that technology is important in. These are things that I wasn't even aware of. It can be used in grading, communication and teaching. Even though these things seem obvious I was made even more aware of it by reading it.

Doing these readings has showed me how much technology is important in the education field. However i feel that since i plan on teaching Kindergarten or First grade it will not be as big of a part of my job as it would be a high school. None the less I think that it is important to acquire these skills no matter what. Like the book said, our generation and the kids behind us are a technology generation and times are changing. It is a good thing to keep up with the times!