Post #7 (Extra Credit)

Chapter 6 and 7 in the text go hand in hand somewhat. Chapter 7 is all about various ways to use and integrate different types of technology in the classroom. Finding programs and activities that are grade-level appropriate as well as entertaining is a hard thing to do. This chapter talks about different ways to access new lesson ideas, and how to search the web for fun new technological tools to use in the classroom.
Throughout this course I have learned and been refreshed on many skills that I have either forgot about, or ones that i never knew in the first place. Things like the Imagination program, Wiki, and even blogging have all helped me open my eyes to many new things available in cyberspace.
I believe this is the last blog we have to do. In the beginning of the semester I thought i was going to hate having to write a stupid blog every week, but looking back, I am glad we were required to have a blog. I have never written a blog before, and in having to keep up with one I was able to better understand the blogging world. It is nice to know what is going on in other classmates lives, as well as learning what they are hoping to accomplish throughout their lives as educators.

Post #6 (Extra Credit)

Chapter 6 talks all about Educational Technology and various Integration Strategies. Some ways in which educators are able to evaluate certain aspects of technology within the classroom is by deciding whether the technology is appropriate and if it enhances the teaching and learning process. Determining if a program or technology related activity is appropriate, the educator must decide if it is suitable for the educational situation, if it is motivational, and if it promotes learning at the correct grade level being taught.
Some new skills I have learned, or have brushed up on since my last post would have to be just basic ways that technology is accessible within the classroom. While we have been working on completing our final projects, I have had to do a lot of research on the internet. It always amazes me how much information is literally at our fingertips, and how many of our daily lives would be so much different without it.
The end of the semester is almost here, and I am so excited. I am getting so burnt out on school lately, and I am really ready for a break from all the craziness. I don't have too many exams or major papers due, but I just feel like I have so much to do, and nearly no time to do it in.

Post #10

While reviewing other students blogs the topics I find most interesting are their personal views on what we are doing in class. I like to compare what I think and feel about the topics we discuss in class to what everyone else thinks. Also, as weird as this may sound, I like to read about what everyone has been doing the past week. Even though I don't know who any of these people are but I think it is cool to know that they have real lives too.
A technological skill I would like to learn next is web based security. I think it would be interesting to learn about how there are so many websites out there that require passwords, I think it would be cool to learn about how you can really be sure that there is security in the Internet world.
I could achieve my educational technology based goals by again, doing some research. Although I am not that interested in the subject, if I was, I would probably look online to find some articles about the topic to further my knowledge on the issue.

Post #9

An interesting web based tool i may consider using during my teaching career would be the inspiration program. From what i remember it is a web based tool, and it is a really interesting and useful tool. This program is helpful when trying to create maps and flow charts. Especially when working with younger kids it is a really good tool in order to keep them interested and focused on the subject at hand.
Another useful web based tool is the Wiki program. Wikispaces.com is a very interesting tool that is really different than any of the other teaching/visual tools I've seen on the web. Although it is a little bit more complex and tedious than most instructional tools, it is really different which is likely to keep the students attention.
The next technological tool I would like to learn more about is web pages. I know that web pages don't really play into educational instruction that well, but I think it is interesting to see/learn how they are created and how they become so popular practically over night. I think it would be very interesting and informational to learn about how they work.
A way in which I will be able to achieve my educational technology-related goals is to either do more research on the subjects that interest me, or i could even take a class on the particular subjects. Since it is very unlikely that I will really take a class on a technological subject, I would probably opt to just read abou it in my spare time.

Post #8

Chapter 8 is all about computer security and the risks and safeguards that go along with technology. Computer Viruses are potentially damaging computer programs that are designed to negatively affect your computer without your knowledge. There are however some ways to prevent viruses from invading your computer, such as virus removal and detection. The chapter also talks about ways you can protect your computer from unauthorized users.
Within the last couple weeks I have actually learned a few new technological skills. After doing the latest power point assignments, I realized there is a lot to the program that i was unaware of. It was really cool learning how to create the jeopardy-type game, I think it will be very helpful in my future.
Lately I have been really unsure about what I want to do with my future. I am supposed to register for classes soon, so I keep thinking about whether being an educator is what I really want to do with my future... I should probably figure it out asap.

Post #5

Chapter 6 is all about technology, digital media, and curriculum integration. In further detail, the chapter goes into explain what education, curriculum standards and benchmarks are. Then the authors go on to discuss how the new curriculum is being affected by advances in technology, and how this is changing instructional strategies.
This week I didn't really learn any new technological skills. We didn't meet for class this week, and that is where I usually learn the new skills. And I haven't done this weeks assignment yet, but I'm sure when I finish it i will have acquired new and helpful skills.
As for something to share...nothing really new or exciting. But my birthday was on Sunday, so that was fun. I also found out that my family has trouble mailing packages. My sister managed to send my birthday present to our home address, rather than my apartment, and my mom managed to send it to my neighbors house...so that was fun.

blog # 4

Chapter 5 from the text talks all about Digital media applications, such as various Internet capabilities and different educational applications that can be accessed though the Internet. The chapter talks about features such as Web-Based Training, which is basically like a virtual tool used to learn new Internet programs.

The chapter is very informative and helpful on how to access numerous educational tools through the Internet.
Through out the past week I haven't really learned too many new skills involving technology. Through doing the SAM practice word test, my memory is being refreshed on a lot of things I've forgot how to do.

Something to share...something to share... Hmmm... Well, this past weekend I went to New York City, which was amazing! I had so much fun, and did so many awesome things. I don't even know where to start...we saw so many things, it was just so cool. A really good experience, and I cant wait ti go back asap!