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!