Post #6

Digital media applications in education enable teachers to immerse students in interactive learning that wouldn't otherwise be possible in the "traditional" school environment.  For example, teachers can take their students on virtual field trips, use online education games or virtual reality.

Last week I attended my first service-learning session.  For the first time I was able to sit in a classroom and observe the teacher's approach and strategy rather than focus on what was required of me as a student.  I wouldn't say I directly learned anything new from it, but it was a good first experience, and I'm confident that I'm passively learning teaching approaches that will help me in the future.

Spring Break is getting closer, and I'm getting stoked.  I can't wait.  I'm only going home, but it's still exciting.  Is anyone doing anything out of the ordinary?

Post #5

One topic covered in chapter 7 is the evaluation of web-based resources. This is a highly beneficiary skill for both teachers and students; especially when writing or grading research papers. A majority of research is now done using the Internet. Since information on the web is not always completely true, to say the least, the ability to critique the accuracy and reliability of a site is very helpful.

In the past week I learned how to assess the reliability of a web resource and create a form to aid my students in their web resource assessments. I'll be able to directly use this skill as a teacher by creating another assessment form to distribute to my students.

Is anyone else beginning to feel these blogs are tedious and repetitive? Just a thought.

Post #4

Chapter 2 covers the Internet from the basics of HTML to Web 2.0. HTML coding can create a basic web page, but most modern webmasters use JavaScript and Flash in addition to HTML. The chapter also takes a brief look at the technical network of the Internet. Networking is a very broad field that involves a lot of technical knowledge, but the chapter gives an overview of the basic aspects such as IP addresses, servers, URL, etc. Web 2.0 is revolutionizing the way we think of the Internet by making it more user-friendly. Sites like Facebook and YouTube are setting the pace for the web of tomorrow.

I learned that there are online calendar applications that can be used for free. I briefly used demos at calendarhub.com and kiko.com. In my thirty seconds of experience with this online programs I decided that kiko.com was more functional and user-friendly than the other. I've been looking for a good calendar, so I'm going to make one on kiko later tonight. :)

Random thought of the day: I can't believe how hot it is in this room today! I can't stand it! I'm leaving!

Post #3

Chapter 4 covers the basic aspects of the computer, from the system unit to keyboards and pointing devices, and also the internal aspects of the computer, such as the processor, hard drive, RAM, etc.  The chapter also discusses several peripheral devicers.  One peripheral that I think is important to the uses of technology in education is the data projector.  The data projector projects the display on computer onto a large screen for the classroom to see.  Every classroom in my high school had a data projector, and it makes a vast number of technology integrated lessons possible.

In the last week I learned that I have an accepting and respectful personality type, and that I'm less concerned about being right than I am about ensuring things are right in the world.

Random tidbit on my mind this week:  I just bought a ticket to see Flogging Molly in Orlando. Does anybody else listen to them, or better yet, is anyone else going?  I'm incredibly stoked about this show; it's going to be amazing.