Monday, February 23, 2009

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.

Monday, February 9, 2009

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.

Monday, January 26, 2009

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!

Monday, January 12, 2009

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