Post #10~ Last One!

Although I did not really know who’s blog I was looking at (because I went through different classes and because I don’t know the names of the people in my class), I liked the fact that a lot of people have the same cares and concerns that I do. I also found it interesting how I identified with some of the posts. For example, one person was having major computer troubles, and I sympathized because I know what it’s like to have your computer go haywire at the most inconvenient times.

In my last post, I said that I wanted to learn how to use an electronic grade book. I guess I also want to be able to use bigger kinds of technological equipment, like projectors. In most of my classes at FSU, the teachers use projectors to display parts of the book, diagrams, websites, pictures, and any other relevant information. Some of my high school teachers used things like overhead projectors, but I would really like to use those projectors that connect to the computer, because they are more modern and versatile.

I have lately been considering becoming a TA or grad assistant when I finish my bachelor’s degree, and I know that they have to learn how to use all of that equipment. If that doesn’t end up happening, I suppose I can look for a teacher workshop that goes over technological advances where they might teach how to use projectors. I know that teachers are required to go to a certain number or workshops per year (at least in the Miami-Dade County Public School System), so that would be a worthwhile workshop to attend.

Post #9

While my group and I were working on our final project, we stumbled upon a free family tree web site. We had decided to base our final project on an assignment where our students would make their very own family tree using technology. We found a couple of resources for making a family tree that were similar to Inspiration, but we also found a family tree on http://www.familytree.com/. I really liked the idea that we came up with, especially because I want to be a history teacher, so this is something that I would like to use in the future.

The website has many resources for looking up one’s family history. There is a link to a free trial for ancestry.com (which is usually pretty pricy). The site also has a link to look up one’s coat of arms and surname history. Best of all, the website offers a number of different links and resources to other sites that have great tools for making a family tree. There is no subscription fee, and you don’t need a user name to access it, which makes the site very user-friendly.

Although it might sound a little boring, I would really like to learn how to make a grade book on excel. I am usually the kind of person who likes to use pencil-and-paper, but using excel will make everything easier for me. For one, I can easily average out the grades without having to do it manually. In addition, I can access a student’s grades on specific assignments, and even print out their own page for them to track their progress in the class. I would like to learn how to use a template, though, because I am not too thrilled about having to make my own grade book from scratch.

I was hoping that I would be able to reach this goal in this class (and if the class went over it, it was probably the day I was sick), but I will hopefully gain exposure to this somewhere down the line with my teacher education. If not, I am sure I can ask a teacher in whatever school I work to help me figure it out. I know that electronic grade books were already becoming popular when I was in high school, so it will surely be common practice by the time I become a teacher.

Post #8

An issue that is really important that the book discussed is computer security issues. There are a multitude of viruses that can damage the software on someone’s computer. These viruses include: boot sector viruses, file viruses, and macro viruses. There are also malicious software programs and worms. One way to combat these viruses is to use passwords on your computer, and make sure you have anti-virus software.

I have not really acquired any new skills since last class. I have dealt with powerpoint many times, especially in high school. I remember how all of the teachers I had stressed that powerpoint was the “new thing” that everyone needed to learn, and learn well. Either way, refreshing my memory on powerpoint will be useful in my career because teachers often use powerpoint slides to help them with lectures, and I plan to do the same.

In the spirit of the holiday, I would like to take this section and say HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!! I am not quite sure what I will be doing for Halloween yet because I have a research paper due tomorrow. Hopefully, though, I will be able to shell it out in the afternoon so I won’t need to work on it tonight and I can go out. I am really excited about going to see my two-year-old nephew tonight, though. We are dressed the same (we are both lions). So I know I’m going to be going on a total picture frenzy. Anyway, be safe and have fun today!

Post #5

Because I am not particularly tech-savvy, I was not sure how to integrate technology into curriculum. Chapter 6 discusses strategies to accomplish this. The book recommends first identifying what the teacher wants to accomplish with the curriculum. Then, the teacher must recognize which technological tool will be helpful in fulfilling that goal. After that, the teacher must figure out ways to make the lesson fit for diverse learning populations.

Since last time, I have learned a couple of things about word that I never used before. For example, there is a way to figure out what level your papers are, and how easy they are to read. It came at a good time for me because I was writing a paper and I used that tool to figure out what reading level my paper was.

This week I want to share my job. I work at Downtown Babies and Kids, a child development center/ pre-school. I love working there! I am usually with the toddlers or three-year-olds. They are funny without even knowing it. One of the toddlers in my class cheers every time someone gives him a high-five. Another one responds to the question, “What does a giraffe say?” by licking her arm. And the three year olds are amazing because they learn knew words and phrases every day. One of my students recently discovered the word “penis” and started calling everything a penis (which I promptly correct, of course).

Post #3

Input devices are allow people to enter (or input) information into a computer. Some examples of input devices are keyboards, digital cameras, and a mouse. Output devices are the opposite; they let the user see what the computer did (or what they did on the computer). Examples of output devices include computer monitors and printers.

Probably one of the most important new skills I acquired this week was learning about Inspiration. I have never really been one to make graphic organizers, but this program made it very simple. And I think this will be useful in the future since kids are becoming such visual learners.

I guess this week I will share that I have been a little bit sick. My crazy Cuban mother has been freaking out in Miami, calling me 3 times a day. I swear she thinks I am going to roll over and die if she doesn’t talk to me on the phone. And it’s not that I don’t appreciate it; I am usually the one who has to call my mom in order to talk to her (and I call her every day), but it’s just weird hearing her so concerned over the phone. I guess she just has to realize that I am a big girl, and that I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself (or going to Thagard if it’s something I can’t handle on my own).

Post #2

Application software is probably what I use most often. It is the “programs designed to perform specific tasks for users.” These tasks include work and school related activities (like memos, research papers, and newsletters), personal activities (like a grocery list), and activities involving multimedia or graphics (like a birthday invite).

I already knew how to do a lot of the things we did in class last week, but I did learn how to do a couple of interesting things. For one, I learned that you can make columns where one side is much wider than the other side. In addition, I learned that I don’t have to make lines one-by-one if I need to write out many (like for a survey).

I always find it difficult to think of something to write in this section. I guess I can say that I am using technology to plan a couple of trips I want to take this year. I will be going to Sea World for my birthday to do the penguin encounter (penguins are my favorite animals), and I will be going to Iowa for the first week of winter break to visit my boyfriend and his family.

Post #1

When I first heard the term “digital student,” it absolutely boggled my mind. Have we really come this far, that we have to come up with new terminology for the youth of today. Apparently so! I guess I never realized how different children are growing up today, as opposed to when my parents grew up. My mother certainly could not picture life with a computer, and I certainly cannot picture life without one. What I can’t help but wonder is what’s next?

After my first practice test with Windows XP, I learned a few new tricks about some applications. Keyboard shortcuts are amazing! I also learned how to copy an entire floppy disk file into the computer. But perhaps the most important thing I learned is that I am not so behind as I thought. I only got two questions wrong on the practice test, so that means I am in pretty good shape. I may not be able to create my own website, but I can find my way around XP.

My boyfriend asked me today if I am going to be one of those “chalk-and-blackboard” type teachers when I graduate, to which I promptly responded. “YES!” But after further pondering that question, I have realized that that will not be an option for me. The students I am going to teach are going to expect, and likely need, technology in the classroom. They will need me to use PowerPoint slides and online videos and digital graphics to teach them social studies. Regular lecture-style teaching will not be effective. In addition, I will not be able to assign normal term papers, I will need to come up with technologically creative assignments to play to the skills they will need later on in life. I guess I really do need this class!