Blog #5

Chapter 5 is about digital media and the different ways to integrate educational software applications into the classroom. Digital media is the different technologies that allow users to create new forms of interaction, expression, communication, and entertainment in a digital format. This term is evolving however, which causes many of these applications to be called multimedia applications. These programs give students the opportunity to watch a space shuttle blast off into space, or travel to Egypt and get a tour of the pyramids all from their classroom. These programs give students an inteactive and immaginative source to get creative with. The programs can do this in several ways with graphics, audio, video, or animation.
An educational software application is a computer software product that is used to support teaching or learning in a subject-related content. The amount of these programs available for K-12 grade has increased greatly, even in the last few years. More and more of these software programs are becoming available that include games tutorials, simulations, learning systems, and curriculum specific learning tools. Computer-Assisted Instruction has been used in education for decades. It is specifically designed to help students learn facts and retain information. With the growth of technology, education systems are becoming mroe complex, because they allow the students to become involved within the program themselves. These programs can be used to enhance nearly every subject such as foreign language, language arts, math, science, and social studies.
Since we last met in class, I have learned a great deal about technology, once again. The web search last class was fun and useful at the same time. I learned the different key words to use while conducting a search, and also learned of several academic websites, such as Google Scholar, which will help me when I become a teacher. I also learned from this chapter about the growing amount of programs that will be at my disposal as a teacher, and the ways that those programs help students to learn. Once again, a very successful week in the technology department, as always.