Post #4

Chapter Seven from out book covers what I think is a very pivotal thing for all students to learn. It covers outlines, idea maps, story lines, objectives, and branching. These very skills are mostly thought of in reference to English classes but these skills are applicable in every field and area of study! Technology I would use to show and teach my students these skills would be PowerPoint, Inspiration software, and a projector. By watching me create maps on Inspiration, or having presentations outlining my goals/storyboards, the students will be able to relate and understand the lessons more.
In all of my own years of study and education, I have found that I am better able to sell products, get my point across, debate, write papers, and even understand math and/or science concepts by mapping and creating outlines. It isn't something that you t just have to do if you want to write a persuasive paragraph, rather it helps to re-focus and center our thoughts so that we can take whatever it is we want to do and just break it down into much simpler parts. This can greatly help with studying as well as writing. Also, many states have their own forms of standardized tests that require the students to write an essay. If they have learned to create outlines and maps and storyboards, they will be able to write an essay using less time and with less frustration. Also, higher level classes such as Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate have tests that will give college credits to students but, it requires them to be able to write arguments and essays that require a strong sense of organization and flow.
If one were to have a business meeting or try to sell something to a customer, one must break down into smaller parts what exactly it is you are talking about or offering...hence these skills follow through education and become applicable in the 'real world'.
Last week I learned how to use Inspiration software and to better make flow charts and maps. This could be valuable to me in my career because I must be able to explain/sell a certain thing (books) and to do this I have to be highly organized and well on point. Being able to map makes me seem like I am highly knowledgeable as well as organized. No one wants to buy something from someone going "uhhh," or "umm," and even, "well..." This skill makes me more successful.

Post Number 2

I have been a Microsoft Word user for a verrrrrrrrrry long time. I really started getting familiar with this particular program back in the fifth grade for a science fair project. I have used it to create banners using the Word Art tool and to add pictures to my book reports using Clipart. As a college student and a high school AP student, I have written numerous papers and essays for classes using it as well. Sometimes even, when I check to see whenever I have last used a program, it is usually Word and it is almost always during the hours after midnight. So I have a slight procrastination problem....no judging! hahah.

I have seen teachers create the prompts, syllubi, notes, and checklists for their classes by using Word.

Personally, I would use Word for my students in the same ways I used it as a student, and in the same ways I have seen my own teachers use it. I would have students write papers, essays, journal entries, etc. using the program. As the teacher, I could use word to type up my lesson plans, to type up notes that I can later get printed and give to my class, to create handouts, and as a way for me to make the syllubi and materials and/or rules for the class.

So far, I have learned to use the Vista version of word which is laid out differently from my Microsoft Office XP version. I am not going to lie, I definately had a little bit of a learning curve and the transition was ok. It is important to my career to stay on top of all the new software programs (including Vista) so as to stay on top of my game and have an edge over others. By also learning to use such programs as Inspiration, I will be able to provide my students with better tools that they can easily relate to and use. This is important if I am to really connect and impart my knowledge to students.