Post #6

In Chapter 6, I learned about a model called the ASSURE Model. This model tells you how to plan and deliver instruction by using technology and media. The ASSURE Model and using the technology can be used in everyday classrooms and in all lessons. ASSURE means Analayze learners; State objectives; Select instructional methods, media, materials; Utilize media and materials; Require learner participation; Evaluate and revise.

Recently, we have been learning about using Power Point. I have learned how to use many new tools with Power Point. I enjoyed doing Power Point 2 and making the game. I never knew how to do that before and it was fun to do. I use Power Point to do presentations with other classes, and I thought I was very familiar with it. Instead, I learned that my skills in Power Point were very basic and I learned many new skills.

This weekend I am going to the beach with my family. The beach is a very relaxing place for me to go and I love spending the weekend at our beach house with my family. My favorite thing to do is play on the beach with my dog. She loves when I throw a tennis ball down the beach and she goes to get it. She really enjoys playing fetch in the ocean and on the sand!

Post #5

Chapter 6 was helpful because it explained ways to incorporate technology into the classroom. This chapter talked about changing instructional strategies and letting the students have a more active role in the learning process. Using technology as a method to teach a lesson is helpful, but having the students use the technology is also important. This chapter described one benefit of integrating technology into the classroom is that it encourages students to think not only in words and pictures, but also in colors, sounds, animations, and more. In one-computer classrooms, the teacher must plan to maximize the effectiveness of that one computer. This chapter tells teachers that have one computer to project computer demonstrations and presentations on a large screen television or display monitor. I enjoyed this chapter and the ways I can use technology in my future classroom.

Recently I have been using my computer more than normal due to school and outside activities. I am Homecomming Chair for my sorority and I have been using Excel spreadsheets to take attendance for different activities. I have learned more ways to use Excel spreadsheets and they have been very helpful for me so I can have an organized listing of attendance.

This past weekend was Parent's Weekend and so I spent a lot of time with my family. Even though my parents live here, we don't see each other that often because they live 35 minutes away. My mom loves tailgating with me and my friends and she loves meeting my friend's parents. We didn't go to the game because it was raining, so we went to a friend's house and watched it on TV.

Post #4

Chapter 2 talked about search tools and using search engines. I kind of knew most of this information because I use Google a lot. Using the web to search for specific tools or information is very helpful and I think something that most students use. Using search engines online can connect you with hundereds or thousands of sites from all around the world on your particular search topic. This is very useful for personal and eduactional use.
Using the SAM program helps me refresh my skills with programs such as Word. But I feel that most of it is very easy and it is irritating doing so many tasks over and over again. I do enjoy that it is easy for the most part, but it is very time consuming.
This weekend I am going to the Florida State/ Alabama game in Jacksonville!! One of my roommates from last year lives in Jacksonville now and I am going to be staying at her apartment with a few friends. We don't have tickets to the game, but we are just going to tailgate and have a good time! I have been to Florida/ Georgia for the past three years and I have always had a great time! I know that it will be even more fun because it will my own school!! Go Noles!!

Post #3

In Chapter 4, I learned about input and output devices. I did not know about these until I read this chapter. I learned input devices include keyboards, the mouse, and digital cameras. Output devices are things that show you what you are doing, such as the monitor, fax machine, and printer.
The last assignment we had that used Inspiration was interesting. It will be a great program I could really use in my future classroom. It is an easy way to create study guides and use as a visual aid to show your class. Personally, I find flow charts an easy way to study and I enjoy them.
This weekend I am going to my beach house with my family. School is already stressing me out so I am looking forward to laying on the beach and going out on the boat. I just really need time to relax and the beach is the best place for that!!

Post #2

Chapter 3 of our text book discussed many things. One main thing that I could see myself using was presentation software and graphics. Presenting new ideas and lessons to students is something that I will probably have to do within my professional career as a teacher. Using graphics is a great way to catch the student's attention and make lessons more interesting.

The newsletter assignment helped me learn how to create newsletters and gave me the idea to use them in my own class some day. I liked adding graphics and making the newsletter look pretty and catching to the parents and students that would be reading it.

I have been finding the SAM program to be useful but also very basic. Some of the tasks it asks you to do seem to be self explanatory. Doing the practice for it also takes up a lot of time.

Post #1

The first chapter in this book introduced me to the idea of the digital student and the digital generation. I found this interesting because children today are much more acquainted with technology especially computers compared to even when I was in elementary school. Children today, know about computers and email and use it regularly. I also found the ARCS Motivational Model interesting in this chapter. Captivating the students and catching their attention is very important with teaching.

Since the last class, I have started my practice test for Windows XP. I do not think I have gained new knowledge about using Windows because I am very familiar with it. I did however, learn about blogging. I have never used a blog or heard of any one else using one before this class. It is a great idea for this class so we all can stay on track.

Outside of this class, I am Homecoming Chair for my sorority. We have been using the internet and emails a lot during the process of planning our homecoming. We have many deadlines of things we have to email in to those in charge and I also have to update my sorority with details as well as email our homecoming partners.

Initial Posting (Post #0)

My prior experiences with computer technology include using the computer and internet for school related assignments and personal use. I have used computer technology to type papers and assignments. I have also done research for assignments through the internet. I use the computer to keep in touch with friends and family through email and instant message. My first semester at Florida State I took CGS 2060 which taught me many basic skills about computers. Computer technology is not the only technology I use though. I enjoy taking many photos and use my digital camera a lot. I download those pictures to my computer and I sometimes email them to friends and family. Television is another form of technology I use everyday. I also use the microwave many times a week. Technology is all around us and it is something I use every day.

Through this class, I hope to increase my skills with computers. I hope to learn more about computers and how to incorporate them into my future classroom. I also hope to increase my knowledge about computers in general as well as computer programs and software.

This summer, I lived in Dresden, Germany. I was able to go through a Florida State abroad program, Beyond Borders. It was a great experience and I had a wonderful time there. It was my first time in Europe and I loved living within another culture. We were able to travel to other parts of Europe through the program which was beautiful. Besides traveling, I enjoy dancing, the beach, my family, friends, fishing, and my dog. My family has a beach house 45 minutes away from Tallahassee and I always enjoy spending weekends there with family and friends. I love doing all activities on the boat but my favorite is fishing. I have been a dancer since I was four years old and it has been a big part of my life since. I recently started a new job, teaching a P.E. dance class at a local high school. I have really enjoyed being involved with teaching dance and to also have an opportunity to be an educator at a high school level.