Chapter 3, "Application Software Productivity Tools for Educators", explains the role of a computer's operating system, the ones that are commonly found in computers today, graphical user interface, software application and suites, and how to create documents. In order to be literate with computers, one must understand the workings of software, which is what tells a computer how to perform its tasks. Understanding software will help future teachers better understand how to incorporate computers into the cirriculum, and in understanding software, it will help students to learn it as well. There are several common operating systems seen in computers today. Most popular are Microsoft Windows (98,2000,XP) and Macintosh Operating System (Mac OS, OS X). There are other opperating systems as well such as UNIX or Linux. Application software can be used for the following; to support school and professional activities, assist with graphics and multimedia projects and help with home and personal activities.
Many of these applications have the ability to make, edit, print, save, and format documents. A document is a "peice of work created with an application and saved on a disk with a unique file name". There are several ways of formating a document, such as changing text size, color, and typefaces and styles. There are also voice recognizing applications, which translate your spoken words into written ones right before your eyes. There are also various note-taking software applications, which are becoming increasingly popular. Computers have the ability to create spreadsheets as well. They can take databases and place them into tables with applications such as Microsoft Excel. Powerpoints are a common tool used in education today, which are a way to step out of a boring lecture teaching style by presenting the students with colorful, graphic slides.
Schools have school and student management software, often linking all the computers in a building together. This system often requires students to log in, monitoring their use of the internet and other programs on the school computers. It allows district and school personel to manage budgeting, inventory, technology, and expenses as well. Attendence is commonly taken using these applications now, as well as grades and other student records. These programs make manegerial business much easier on school districts.
From this chapter, I have learned the importance of software and applications for schools and classrooms. I did not realize that running a school district relied so heavily on computer software. It's a good thing that most of today's future teachers are very technologically advanced, and should be able to run an application without any issues. I am looking forward to incorporating documents, powerpoints, and spreadsheets into my cirriculum in my classroom. I believe that these applications will be a great benefit to my classroom for many years to come. There is so much at the schools' disposals for learning these days, it is important to utilize all of these opportunities and advantages.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Blog #2
Chapter 2 titled "Communications, Networks, the Internet, and the World Wide Web" discusses what an asset the Internet is to the general public. The internet has become one of the greatest, and certainly fastest growing networks in the world. Many everyday things are now available online, such as shopping, e-mailing, and applications. The internet is also extending students' learning outside of their classrooms, taking them much more in depth than previously possible. The internet is constantly being updated, unlike textbooks which only stay current for a short period of time. Due to its easily updatable nature, the Internet makes learning much more cheaper as well, preventing schools from continuously buying new textbooks. Although equipping their schools with computers is a large investment up front, it saves them more money in the long run.
One of the greatest assets that the Internet provides us with is the World Wide Web. The World Wide Web (WWW) provides us with a mass volume of information, only a click away. However, with so much information at one's disposal it can sometimes be difficult to find what you are looking for. A search engine is a good way of finding information you need. Some examples of search engines include Google, Yahoo, and MSN. Many search engines use subject directories, which allow the information to be limited to a specific topic. Schools often find these search engines useful, with teachers assigning research projects specifically using the internet as a way to find information.
I have had teachers assign Internet research projects in the past and I believe that since reading this chapter I have a new appreciation for those type of assignments. The Internet has so many more places and possibilities for sources, than say, going to the school's library where there are limited volumes of books. I also learned some information about the Internet that I had not previously known. I had never learned the history of the Internet, and found it interesting that most people often think the World Wide Web and the Internet are the same thing, while in actuality, the World Wide Web is part of the Internet. As a teacher, it is important to understand the workings of the Internet so that it can be integrated in the classroom and also as part of the curriculum.
One of the greatest assets that the Internet provides us with is the World Wide Web. The World Wide Web (WWW) provides us with a mass volume of information, only a click away. However, with so much information at one's disposal it can sometimes be difficult to find what you are looking for. A search engine is a good way of finding information you need. Some examples of search engines include Google, Yahoo, and MSN. Many search engines use subject directories, which allow the information to be limited to a specific topic. Schools often find these search engines useful, with teachers assigning research projects specifically using the internet as a way to find information.
I have had teachers assign Internet research projects in the past and I believe that since reading this chapter I have a new appreciation for those type of assignments. The Internet has so many more places and possibilities for sources, than say, going to the school's library where there are limited volumes of books. I also learned some information about the Internet that I had not previously known. I had never learned the history of the Internet, and found it interesting that most people often think the World Wide Web and the Internet are the same thing, while in actuality, the World Wide Web is part of the Internet. As a teacher, it is important to understand the workings of the Internet so that it can be integrated in the classroom and also as part of the curriculum.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Blog #1
Chapter One discusses why it is important for future teachers to understand what exactly technology is and how it can benefit their classroom. The ARCS Motivational Model was developed by a man named John Keller in 1983, and this model states that all instruction strategies will fail if you do not motivate your students. If students are not motivated, they will most likely not retain the information that is taught to them, which is why it is always good to stress the importance of learning new skills. His model consists of four parts; attention, relevance, challenge/confidence, and satisfaction/success. These stages explain the importance of grabbing students attention with information that they believe to be relevant, and also challenging them to strive for their personal best.
It is extremely important that today's students understand how to use current technologies. Technology is everywhere we turn, and will most likely be involved in every aspect of that student's life. Research shows that technology and education go hand in hand, and teachers have found that technology is a good way to keep students attention in the classroom. The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) has developed standards for teachers, students, and administrators for using technology in schools. Most schools have computer labs, which contain multiple computers wired to high-speed internet, and schools are also using the internet as means to communicate with students outside of the school day.
In reading this chapter, I learned the many ways that using technology in my classroom will benefit my students. Not only can technology benefit my students, but it can also make my job easier. I also learned about how schools often function off of computer databases, such as in libraries, and attendence. I know that if I use education in my classroom it can be useful to keep my students attention, because it's something that they are interested in.
It is extremely important that today's students understand how to use current technologies. Technology is everywhere we turn, and will most likely be involved in every aspect of that student's life. Research shows that technology and education go hand in hand, and teachers have found that technology is a good way to keep students attention in the classroom. The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) has developed standards for teachers, students, and administrators for using technology in schools. Most schools have computer labs, which contain multiple computers wired to high-speed internet, and schools are also using the internet as means to communicate with students outside of the school day.
In reading this chapter, I learned the many ways that using technology in my classroom will benefit my students. Not only can technology benefit my students, but it can also make my job easier. I also learned about how schools often function off of computer databases, such as in libraries, and attendence. I know that if I use education in my classroom it can be useful to keep my students attention, because it's something that they are interested in.
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
Blog #0
I have currently completed 3 technology classes in high school. I took a typing class, a computer-based business course, and a computer graphics course between 9th and 12th grade. I enjoy using computers, and I spend a good amount of my free time on them, and on the internet. I am extremely grateful that I was born in the technological age, if I had grown up without computers like my parents, I cannot imagine what I would have done!
Coming into this class I feel very confident in my technological skills. I hope that this course will be a reinforcement of those skills. I also hope that I'm able to learn more about PCs because for the past year I have only been operating Macs. I also hope to learn about how this course will apply to my future job as a teacher. While teaching I hope that I will be able to apply this information in my classrooms.
Based on the in class activity, I learned that I am a more active learner. I already had an idea of this but the test that we took in class reaffirmed this. I also learned that I am more of a verbal, sensitive, and more of a sequenced learner. I am a strong sequenced learner, especially when it comes to math and subjects that relate to it, I like to do all the steps before finding a solution.
Coming into this class I feel very confident in my technological skills. I hope that this course will be a reinforcement of those skills. I also hope that I'm able to learn more about PCs because for the past year I have only been operating Macs. I also hope to learn about how this course will apply to my future job as a teacher. While teaching I hope that I will be able to apply this information in my classrooms.
Based on the in class activity, I learned that I am a more active learner. I already had an idea of this but the test that we took in class reaffirmed this. I also learned that I am more of a verbal, sensitive, and more of a sequenced learner. I am a strong sequenced learner, especially when it comes to math and subjects that relate to it, I like to do all the steps before finding a solution.
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