Post #5

I just finished reading chapter two of my textbook. It really was more of a review session for me, because I am pretty familiar with different forms of communications. However, it did teach me a few new things, such as the history of the internet. I learned about the ARPA(Advanced Research Projects Agency), which was first created as a way for the military to communicate with each other over the computers. I also learned what HTML stood for, which is Hypertext Markup Language, which defines where things such as graphics and texts are found on a webpage. I was refamiliarized with hyperlinks and the different kinds, and how a webpage works. Also, an FTP stands for a device that can share files over the internet with other computers. It was funny reading about email and instant messaging, because I feel like thats all I really know how to do on the computers!

I haven't really learned too many new skills since my last posting yesterday, but I feel a little more familiar with microsoft word and all the different tools on it, since we did about 100 examples yesterday in class!

I am really nervous about taking the test for microsoft word, however. I feel like some of it I can handle, but only when they give me the directions! I was trying the practice test, and I had to skip a lot, because SAM doesnt really explain it all too well!

Blog #3

I just got done reading chapter 4, and I feel a little bit more educated on my computer skills. I learned some new terms that I will have to try to put into use. Input and output devices. I learned that output is data that has been turned into information. Some of these devices we use are monitors and displays and machines we use everyday such as printers. Input is memory you would enter into a computer such as the keyboard and the mouse. Some examples of storage media are things such as floppy disks and hard disks to store information.

There isnt a lot I would like to share with my classmates, other than I am enjoying this class. I cannot wait to learn more and be able to experience more with the computer. I reall want to learn more information and learn how to excel with graphics on the computer.

I think that learning the new inspiration or whatever it is called was very useful for my future career in education. I feel that it will help me to be more creative in the classroom and help my students to learn and be successful.

Blog Entry #2

Today, I just read chapter three. Everyday, it gets easier and easier the more I know about computers! I learned about different features on the computer, such as application software. I didn't know that application software could help me to suceed in by managing student records or even managing to send emails more sufficiently. Also, learning about graphics and multimedia software was very interesting to learn about. I am not very good with computer graphics and need to learn how to do them better and this chapter helped.
This week, I learned how to use microsoft to create a newsletter. I had no idea there were so many different graphics and ways to set up a page! I can't wait until I am in the classroom, because I now know how to use graphics to the best of my ability and making fun, colorful things could be useful. Also, now for school projects, I can create more interesting ones instead of all black!
I am really nervous sometimes in class because everyone seems so good at computer graphics! But everyone is so helpful and understanding and I am sowly learning how to excel on the computer and different programs. I am excited to come back to class and learn how to do more things!

Blog #1

I just finished reading chapter one of my textbook. It has taught me a lot about computers and even how they are used in the classroom. I learned a little about the ARCS Model and how it is applied to learning in the classroom. I didn't know this could help students to be more focused and get better grades because they are retaining information, not just to pass their test. I learned that there are four different categories used to help motivate these students, such as paying attention by using different teaching techniques that are interesting to the students. In this chapter, it shows many different objects that are in fact computers. This chapter also talks about the ISTE which stands for the International Society for Technology in Education. This is a group that supports and helps spread the use of computers in the classroom. This groups intentions are to help teachers and students improve in their knowledge of technology. It is important that schools use computers, because students need to get adjusted to them before they get out into the real world. All faculty and students use computers for different activities in school. Parents can even get online to follow up on their students and how they are doing in their classes. Students may use the computers for broadcasting on their morning school news, or to look up information they need for a project. Computers help the spread of knowledge at a faster pace than other resources.
When I first came to this class, the only thing I knew how to do was sign online to chat with my friends. Now that I have been to two classes, I am still pretty uncomfortable with a lot, but am beginning to experience different items like logging out or saving something to a disc. Hopefully by the end of this semester, I will be able to do a lot more, especially with power point and such.
I am hoping that in the future, I am able to use powerpoint and master it. I want to go to either law school or graduate school and get my masters in psycology. No matter what path I choose to go down, I know I am going to need to know and master different functions of a computer, whether it be in an office typing up presentations, or in a classroom with students.