A paragraph about why you think computers are an important part of the educational experience and critical concerns related to how teachers and students use computers. Use Chapter 1 to find appropriate terminology and get you thinking. Do you agree or disagree with issues raised in Chapter 1? Why or why not?

Today's students are radically different from even those of us now in college. These are kids who have literally grown up in an all digital age. From Myspace to Facebook to Google search engines, everything a student may want to know or participate in is right there on the web. Also, the cost of a home computer has dropped dramatically and almost everyone in the United States owns a computer or has regular access to one. Mp3 players, Ipods, Leapster products, cellphones, and video games are now an integral part of today's culture; this all means that teachers must somehow incorporate these things to make sure kids aren't too bored. No matter how awful it may be to say it, students today don't really place too much emphasis on learning in school because anything they may want to learn or know they can just pull up on their web-enabled cell phone and find the answer. The rate at which information exchange now takes place is monumental and teaching tactics must find new ways of engaging the student and fostering a desire to learn in these kids. Computers in the classroom are a great way to engage the students because it will allow a teacher to include webcasts, YouTube videos, powerpoints, and much more to be used in connecting the course material with the students and therefore making it relevant and desirable for them to learn.

A paragraph on how you think you will use computers in your classroom. Use the textbook (Ch 1) to get ideas. What do you hope to learn in this class to help you achieve these goals?

What I personally would use my computer for in the classroom is to create lectures that incorporate those Mp3's, pod casts, videos, pictures, etc. so that the students find it fun and entertaining and relevant to their own lives. If I can use a computer to make learning desirable and not so boring, student success in the classroom may rise. Also, I would make sure that if there weren't any computers in the classroom, that I could take them to the computer lab to work on projects involving the technology they are now so familiar with. I hope to learn strategies for teaching kids about the different programs like PowerPoint or Word. Also, I myself want to become more familiar with these programs so as to be able to better instruct and guide my class.

A paragraph on anything you would like to share/discuss with your classmates, especially if it applies to this course, technology in general, or your future career. Just have fun!

I have a Facebook and a Myspace but I don't live on them at all and don't really get on them that often. I am always amused how people can't seem to get by without checking these sites several times a day. Personally, I would rather call my friends or visit them/hang out then send them pokes or flair. Not going to lie though..........I r is loving the flairs! I do often search the internet for Caturday/ LOL cats pics. They are hilarious!

Introduction

Hello class,

My name is Kristen O'Hearn. I am a senior English Literature Major and I have attended Florida State University for all four years of my education. I don't have a hometown really because I am from all over the United States and Canada. My parents liked to move a lot I guess...lol. Some of my hobbies include video games, art (drawing, painting, ceramics, etc.), roller blading, swimming, hiking (geocaching), and cooking. I am a food connoisseur and love to try new things and cook many different types of cuisine from across the world. Some of my favorite things would be jewelry, nintendo wii, makeup, shoes, and many different books. I have interesting experiences, but rather recently I went through one particular experience that has dramatically altered my life. This past summer my boyfriend of four years dumped me (unexpectedly) while I was down visiting my family in Orlando. We were living together in a house his parents owned so I was also kicked out of where I was living. It was sudden, unxpected, cold, and he didn't even want to talk to me about it. Needless to say, my heart was broken and I had to learn to do things just for me all over again. I did a lot of growing up (I hope) this summer and it has taught me the value of real friendship.

Well, that's it for this blog.

Yours,
K-Rock