Another Random Blog

I have really enjoyed this class! Unlike a lot of the other computer literacy classes, EME2040 was actually useful. I learned many things and programs that I will actually use in my future career. Some of my favorite things were the GradeBook Pro, PowerPoint and Inspiration. Although the wikis and blogs are like a cool little technological things... I don't think that I will really ever use them for my classroom. I could see them being used at more of a high school level, but not really younger than that. I think that I got lucky having Mr. Gentile as my teacher because I think he was probably one of the best that taught the class. He Incorporated real-life experiences into the different programs and activities that we did. He also always brought up "cooperative learning," which was a good topic to discuss! Mr. Gentile was AWESOME, and I would recommend him to anyone!! =)

Random Blog Post

I learned a lot last week with Excel. I had never really worked with Excel before, and I thought that it was cool that all I had to do was put in the data and it would automatically make the graph for me. Also, I really like exploring with Easy Grade Book Pro. I think that could be really useful for me when I begin my teaching. It would be much easier to keep all my grades in there where it automatically averages them out however I want them. Of course I would keep a written hard copy, because I would be too scared to lose all the grades! I also really liked that you could make a seating chart on there as well. Because I want to teach such a young age (K-2), I think that printing out the seating chart to walk around and take attendance while checking the student’s homework would be best/easiest for me. I am really glad that I am in Mr. Gentile’s class and that I got to look at the grade book program!

Chapter 8 Post

Computer security is one major issue in Chapter 8. Any event or action that has the potential of ausing a loss of computer equipment, software, data and information, or processing capability is a computer security risk. A computer crime is any illegal act involving a computer. Computer viruses are a major problem. A virus is a potentially damaging computer program designated to affect your knowledge or permission by alterine the way it works. There are several signs of virus infection, and different way to detect a virus. Signs include an unusual message or image appearing on the screen, an unusual sound playing randomly, available memory is lower than it should be, a program/file is suddenly missing, an unkown program/file appears, the size of a file changes, a file is corrupted, or a program/file doesn't work properly. An antivirus program is designated to detect, disinfect, and protect computers and networks from viruses. Passwords and codes are also very effective ways of avioding viruses. There is a lot more included in Chapter 8 that deals with ways to avoid any type of security issues.

Well, I am trying to think about this past week or so and what I learned. I left class early, so I did not really learn a lot about how to do the website in class. I did learn a little bit, really just with setting it up and getting the format or my page started. I wont lie, I haven't really even tried to do anything else with my web page yet, but I know that I will learn more when I actually get around to doing it. I did learn a lot from PowerPoint the week before though! I thought that the non-linear PowerPoint was very cool! It was definately tough to make, but it did help me learn a bit about PowerPoint that I hadn't previously learned, or taught myself!


Well, I missed part of class last week because I had to travel to Greensboro, North Carolina to cheer for the Women's ACC Basketball Tournament. It was a blast! The girls team played an average game the first night, and maganged to win against Wake Forest. The second game they lost to Duke, after holding the lead for a good majority of the game. They blew it in the last couple minutes, but the girls certainly played one of the best games I have seen them play this season! And Duke had this girl, #4, who was like a three-point machine!! It was a fun trip and definately a fun experience for me!

Chapter 6 Post

Chapter 6 seems to be similar to some of the stuff we have already gone over in other chapters, but I could be wrong! The first thing in the chapter is curriculum. Curriculum frameworks, or curriculum guides, are documents the state education departments provide to their school districts that describe curriculum standards. Some states and districts incorporate Grade Level Expectations, and some have developed Mastery Objective Checklists that include curriculum standards. A benchmark, or learning objective, is a specific, measurable outcome or indicator that usually is tied to a curriculum standard. The chapter also discusses technology integration. Technology integration is also known as curriculum integration. It is the combination of all technology parts, such as hardware and software, together with each subject-related area of curriculum to enhance learning. It is used to help meet the curriculum standards and learning objectives of each lesson, unit or activity. I noticed in the chapter the KWL chart, and I remembered doing that in class. There are several instructional models, one being the ASSURE Model. This is a well-known guide for developing any instructional lessons. The whole "special feature" section at the end of the chapter discusses learning theories and educational research. I didn't really notice much of anything else that I hadn't seen before, or that I found important.

Since last week, I have learned more about PowerPoint than I had known in the past. I think that the non-linear PowerPoint would be really cool to use. And that is more of the type that I would use in a lower level (K-2) classroom like I want to. I think that they are more fun and interesting than a standard linear PowerPoint. The only thing we really covered this past week is PowerPoint, and I did learn new stuff with that, but nothing extremely sufficient. Next week with the web page will be a good learning experience for me. I have already done all the encoding and everything with a web page, but it certainly was a bit ago that I will need to brush up an all of that.

Well, I could write about a lot for this weeks blog. For starters I'm really stressed out because I have to go to North Carolina on Wednesday morning to cheer for the Women's ACC Basketball Tournament... and I have sooo much homework to get done before we leave! On a more positive note, I have been going to some of my service learning hours, and they are so much fun! Since the last blog, I have gone to a middle school science class, which was good! I also spent 3 hours in a 1st/2nd grade class!! It was so much fun! I had a blast there, and the little kids were just soo cute! I am so happy that I get to go back on Monday!! Well, that is about all... I've gotta go so that I can finish all my homework and start packing for this trip!

Chapter 5 Blog

Chapter 5 was about integrating digital media and educational software applications. The term "mulitmedia" means "more than one media." This implies that it has a variety of elements, including text, graphics, audio, video and animation. Multimedia was not always digital. Digital media is defined as technologies that allow users to create new forms of interaction, expression communication and entertainment in a digital format. There is digital media software and interactive digital media available to us today. A digital media application involves the use of digital media technology in education, business and entertainment. This can include computer-based or web-based training, electronic books/references, how-to guides, digital media newspapers, magazines and journals, entertainment, virtual reality, kiosks, world wide web, schooling, and professional development training. An educational software application refers to computer software products used to support teaching and learning of subject-related content. This can come in practice software, educational games, tutorials, etc. There are several different applications, like creativity, critical-thinking, early learning, ESL/foreign language, language arts, math, science, and social studies. Digital media presentations can be presented on data projectors or interactive whiteboards.

I never really learned how to use PowerPoint, I just kind of figured out what I needed to on my own whenever I needed to use it through high school - which wasn't very often. So this week I certainly learned a bit more abour PowerPoint from the videos and completing an assignment that actually had guidelines for what was needed in my PowerPoint. Working in a K-2 grade level I don't know that I will really get much use out of PowerPoints, but I'm sure I could find a couple uses. For example, maybe to use as a presentation for the parents for orientations and/or other events. Also, I could probably find at least one thing that's fun and interesting to do with PowerPoint that the kids could watch and learn from.

I have started my service learning, and it was fun. I went to a middle school classroom on Friday and spent about an hour and a half in there. It was a health class, and they were playing Jeopardy to study for a test. For any of you wanting to teach middle schoolers, all I have to say is... GOOD LUCK!! There were like 20 kids packed in this small classroom, and they were so talkative - and quite rude to one another! I would never be able to put up with all that! For those that think handling elementary school children is hard, go spend time in a middle school classroom. Ha, I guess little 5-year-olds are more my thing! See you all in class!!

Chapter 2 Post

The main idea discussed in Chapter 2 is communication, sometimes called telecommunication. Communication is a process in which two or more computers or devices transfer data, instructions and informations. A communicatinos network is a group of computers and other equipment that is organized to share data, informations, hardware and software. A basic communications system consists of two computers, communications devices, a communications channel and communications software. Communication uses digital and analog signals to represent data. There are several types of modems in use today. For example, internal modems, network interface cards(NIC's), local area networks(LAN), wireless networks(WLAN), wide area networks(WAN), and home networks. Many schools have installed networks. The world's largest network is the Internet, a worldwide collection of networks that link together millions of bussinesses, educational institutes, goverments and individuals. The networks within the Internet are considered nets. The Internet allows us to do many great and complex things. The end of the chapter dicusses a lot about web pages and the World Wide Web. It was interesting, but it is a lot to discuss. I am excited to learn more about it and make out own web pages. The end of the chapter also touches on a few different aspects of the internet, like e-mail, message boards, chat rooms and instant messaging.

This week I learned several things. For starters, the webhunt brushed up my skills on an internet search engine. Also, I took the SAM Microsoft Word 2007 Practice Test and learned quite a bit. I already know some of the information, and I learned a couple of the new actions, and still don't know a few that I got wrong. Lastly, from the book I tried to interpret and take things that I could use in my classroom. Getting the kids involved in the internet would be fun! I saw the ePal website and I think it is neat. For anyone interested, on pages 132-134 there is a list of search tools that are reccommended for/by teachers.

I've started signing up for some of my service learning hours and I'm getting excited! So far I've signed up for a couple hours in Middle school health, Middle school science, and Middle/High school web design & computers. I'm really looking forward to working in the elementary level, but those slots haven't opened yet. I'm looking into going to Florida State High School and spending a couple of hours in one of their education classes because aside from Elementary Education, I want to loko into teaching high school child development course so that I can coach cheerleading! Ha! Also, Margaret and I are giong to try to set up som hours going to a Catholic school. I'm very excited about my service learning!

Post #3

Chapter 4 was quite a bit more technical than the other chapters, and that made it more confusing for me. A system unit is a boxlike case that houses the electronic components a computer uses to process data. Most computers only understand the states "on" and "off" because they are digital. A 0 is used to represent the electronic state of off (absence of an electric charge), and a 1 is used to represent the electronic state of on (presence of an electric charge). This numbering system is referred to as the binary system, and each on or off digital value is called a bit. When eight bits are grouped together, they are called a byte. There are many components of a system unit. This includes: the motherboard, the Central Processing Unit(CPU), the control unit, the system clock, the arithmetic/logic unit, memory, random access memory(RAM), read-only memory(ROM), flash memory, expansion slots and cards, removable memory devices, and ports and connectors. Each of these components have many internal components as well. Input is what you enter into the memory of a computer. Examples of input devices are keyboards, mouses, digital cameras, audio/video input, etc. On the other hand, output is data that has been processed into a useful form called information. Examples of output devices are display devices, televisions, printers, projectors, speakers, etc. Storage stores data, instructions, and information when they are not being processed. Chapter 4 ends with lots of information on the different storage and media devices.

I have learned several interesting things with technology this week. Last week in class, we learned about the program Inspiration. I have been goofing around with it, and doing my assignment of course, and it really is a lot of fun. I really find it helpful, and it will be a great teaching tool to use when I begin teaching. Also, I listened to one of the podcasts, but I didn't really focus on it. For some reason I don't really like the idea of podcasts? Oh well!

Wow, what to talk about here? Well, I have this paper that I need to write for my Intro to Education class. I'm not really sure what my topic is yet, but my ideas are class size, home-schooling or alternative teaching certification. I must look at the topic as a problem, and describe it from a teacher's perspective. Also, I need to address how the administration, school district and community are also involved, or not involved, with the issue. I better get to writing!

Post #2

In Chapter 3 I learned that application software, also known as application programs, consists of programs designed to perform specific tasks for users. It can be used for many purposes, for example: as a productivity tool (word processing, spreadsheets), to assist with graphics and multimedia projects (paint/image editing), to support school and professional activities (grade book, note taking), to help with home and personal activities (personal finance, tax preparation, entertainment), and to facilitate communications (e-mail, chat rooms, blogs). I read about how to apply software, and also how to work with it. Productivity software is designed to make people more effective and efficient while performing daily activities. This software includes applications dealing with word processing, spreadsheet, personal information management, etc. I read how to use the different types of productivity software and got examples of what to use them for. Because I don't know much about presentation graphics software, I liked reading about that... I've always wanted to figure out how to use PowerPoint better! I also thought it was funny that they had PDA software in the textbook, I didn't even know they offered programs like that. Lastly there was the graphics and editing software. I have tried to work with this kind of stuff on my own in the past, like putting together a video and everything. I like that software, because I feel like you can make things more personal. I really liked reading the "End of Chapter" section. I learned several different things that I can actually use for when I begin to teach. There are different pages that give information on things like education issues, software and digital media programs to use.

The main thing that I have learned since my last posting was probably the newsletter. I haven't finished mine yet, but it has been a very fun learning experience. In class we went over the different aspects of visually making the newsletter, and on my own I've done some experimenting to make it more fun looking. I can certainly use a newsletter in my classes. In class we also went over many of the SAM questions, because SAM isn't working on many people's computers. Going over those questions I learned a lot more about Windows XP, and the terminology that it uses. Also, through reading the chapter I did come across a couple things. I said I liked the "End of Chapter" section, ,and in there I found an interest in a software called PrimeTime Math. Reading about the program it seems very good, and I would love to try it out. Also, Thinkology was another software listed. It helps K-3 students, so I would be interested in checking that out too.

Well, my sister graduated from the University of Florida as an Elementary Education major, and then got her Masters in special education. She has her own classroom at a school linked with Nova University. She is teaching kindergartners with autism, although she doesn't have any severe cases. She has told me about her classroom and some of the fun activities that she has done lately, especially around the holidays. I am actually using some of the pictures she took in her classroom in my newsletter. She also tells me that they have a certain days of the week they just put shaving cream all over their tables and they play with it for a little while. It is meant to improve their motor skills. They also have a day that they get to go play out in the fountain outside. I am hoping to go visit her in her classroom sometime soon, because I feel like it would be a really great experience for me... and they seem to have a ton of fun!

Post #1

This first chapter of the text was actually kind of interesting to read. The beginning was lots of history on computers and other media, and I found it funny that the iphone was shown in the text. The International Society for Technology in Education is a nonprofit group that promotes using technology to improve teaching and learning. The ISTE has standards for teachers, school administrators and students. The standards for teachers define the fundamental concepts, knowledge, skills and attitudes for applying technology in the K-12 educational setting. The standards for school administrators, and the standards for students are organized into separate categories, but I will not describe them. Digital students are kids who are (1) hypercommunicators who use multiple tools to communicate, (2) multitaskers who do several things at once with ease, and (3) goal oriented as they pursue multiple goals at the same time. Today's generation is full of these digital students, and reading the section discussing digital students helped me to understand how to teach. John M. Keller's ARCS Motivational Model stressed that even the best designed teaching strategy will fail if the students are not motivated to learn. The ARCS stands for Attention, Relevance, Challenge/Confidence and Satisfaction/Success. I completely agree with Keller's model. Lastly, schools use computers in every aspect of teaching, from the superintendent to the parents. Computers are used to communicate within schools and also with parents. There are also many other uses for each individual.

I have learned some new skills already this week. I haven't tried the SAM practice test yet, I am doing that after posting my blog, but I did already make my test (Assignment #2). I enjoyed that a lot! I added several shapes into my test, and I even added a graphic. I am very proud of the way my test came out, because I did not think that it would be as good as I made it. Also, in class last week when we went through in groups teaching each other something that we were assigned to figure out I learned several new things, or new ways of doing things I already knew how to do. I played around with Microsoft 2007 a bit, and I figured out how to use charts and graphs. I would say that for a first week I have already learned lots of new, helpful techniques, and I can't wait to learn more!

Well, I am also taking EDF1005 at the same time as this course, and I am very excited because I can start signing up for some of my service learning hours. I am debating on the different levels and everything, and I think I am also interested in visiting a special needs school. I can't wait to go to my first service learning and meet some of the students and teachers! If anyone else is doing this as well, let me know if you get a good class to visit! Actually, I think right now it's only after-school programs, but still let me know if it is fun!

My First Post

My prior experiences using technology are rather slim, however I did learn a bit through middle school and high school. I don't really remember too much of it off the top of my head, but when I start doing certain projects it sparks memories and I remember some things. In middle school I made my own web page by using html encoding and it turned out ok, but I don't remember anything else from that class! I use computers a lot, and I can manage to work my way through and figure out the things I'm trying to do. I am pretty good with technology once I learn it and I can be very creative with it, but I need to be properly taught all of the new, cool programs to use.

I honestly hope to learn a lot in this class, and gain tons of knowledge to use later in my career. I am really looking forward to learning how to produce cool powerpoints and weekly newsletters for my classes when I begin teaching. I want to be able to impress the students' parents, and even other teachers, with my ability to use technology. It is very hard to keep a 5 or 6 year-old child's attention focused on one topic or activity, and wanting to go into 1st grade teaching, I would like to learn some programs or activities that I could teach them to use on the computer that would be educational for them, but also keep them interested and busy. Also, I'm looking into high school teaching as well and would like to be knowledgeable of some of the technology that would be good with that level. Overall I would like to get a brief learning of the standard programs for teachers, like grade book, and learn some of the more exciting ways of teaching, like blogs and PowerPoint.

After taking the learning style questionnaire, I learned that I am a more active, intuitive, visual and global learner. However, I only have a strong preference towards visual learning over verbal, and the others are only a fair or moderate preference over their counterpart. I completely agree with the fact that I have a moderate preference towards active learning, because I certainly do retain information better by doing activities to help me understand. But I also agree that it is only a moderate preference, because sometimes I do need to reflect and think about a subject to better understand it. I have a fair balance between intuitive and sensitive learning. This is true to me, because in different subjects I have different views of what I like to learn. In subjects like history I like to learn strictly the facts so that I can memorize them, but in science and other social science classes I like to learn the theories and make other relationships from the information I retain. I can certainly understand why I am a little more towards the intuitive learning though, because I am not patient with details or good at memorizing facts. I am good at grasping concepts, but not the specific details. Also, as and intuitor I am more comfortable with mathematical formulations than a sensor, which is very true. I knew that I was a visual learner, but I was shocked that I had a very strong preference towards visual learning. I hate straight lecture classes because I can never fully understand the subject matter. At cheerleading practice all the girls try to explain what I need to do, and every time I tell I just need to see it... so then they show me. I can definitely relate to the fact that I am a more visual learner than verbal. I am very well balanced between sequential and global learning. I don't completely understand what each of these types of learning are, but from what I read I feel that I am both types. I will try to think concepts and other things through step by step (like a sequential learner), but sometimes I will be lost and then boom, I get it (like a global learner). I have noticed before that something will all of a sudden click in my mind, yet when I try to explain it I have a very difficult time, like a global learner. I was very interested in finding out more about my learning styles.