After viewing the recording from class #1, going through the assignments, and reading the text, I feel like this is going to be a good class. I was excited to see not only some good resources listed in the text, but also examples of how other teachers are applying technology to various projects. I put a huge star on pages 17-18 by the "Technology-Enhanced Learning Activities" and can't wait to share these with teachers in my system. Also, after reading the chapters, it was nice to do the online review questions & get instant feedback. I know I can set this up somehow on my computers at school but I just need to sit down & figure out how it will work on our network. It is definitely on my "to do" list for this coming school year. For students to get that immediate feedback like we were able to is SO valuable!
When doing the presentation program assignment, I went the easy route this time & did a presentation in Google Docs. I should have really played around with the others more but I was already feeling behind the 8 ball since I missed the 1st two classes. I will go back and explore all of the listed programs in greater detail so I can hopefully use some of them in the future or at least tell other teachers about them for their use. Another presentation program that I've been playing around with and showing my students for presentations is Prezi. The students just love it!!! There are some really great tutorials right on their website which walk you right through the creation process. I highly suggest checking it out sometime if you haven't seen or used it yet.
I decided to use ToonDoo for my Graphics Program project; I will continue to use this program and share it with other teachers. I've seen lots of other people talk about other graphics programs that they used so I am anxious to find a quiet moment sometime in the near future to really explore them as well and get to know the "ins" and "outs" and see if there are any practical applications for them as well in the future.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
Course Connections
I really struggled to get into this class in the beginning because it is something that doesn’t come natural to me…kind of like golf. I try to like it because my husband loves to play golf but I just can’t seem to get into it. Why? Because I’m horrible at golf!
However, after going through a few more weeks of this class and completing the assignments, I’ve gained some confidence with troubleshooting & working with computers. Like I’ve mentioned in previous posts, I have the “go to” people if I run into computer hardware issues so I’ve never really had to try to fix things myself. I still have so much to learn but now that I’ve gone through a few of the assignments for this course I have a few success stories under my belt which has definitely boosted my confidence. While going through the course & learning of the assignments, I always feel this overwhelming rush of “OH MY GOSH! How am I going to do that assignment?!?!” After stepping back and trying to process the information, the mountain doesn’t seem as big. I remember feeling this exact way while taking the 2 undergrad computer end user/network administration courses. I’d call my mom crying, say, “Mom…I don’t know how I’m going to get this assignment done!”, and she’d calmly tell me to break the “mountain” of an assignment into smaller “hills” and get it done. That’s the same approach I’ve taken with this course, and it has seemed to work. It sure helps to have a caring instructor as well…and I’m not just saying that because I think he’s going to read this post but because it is true. It is so much more motivating as a student to have an instructor who truly cares about the success of each student in the class. It has really pushed me to work harder which has resulted in me really being able to understand and learn the material.
The one thing I think can be improved for future classes might be the very first class session. After that session was over, I sat in front of my computer feeling pretty numb & overwhelmed. There were so many computer terms & acronyms that were thrown around; I felt like I was in way over my head which put a bad taste in my mouth right from the start. It might be helpful to take a short pre-test so the instructor can get a good grasp on the level the students have upon entering into the course & then start out the first class at the level where the students demonstrate their beginning knowledge. Even if the instructor isn’t able to go over all of the basics that some of the students might need, it might be helpful to at least have a few articles or good resource websites where the students can go for some of the basic knowledge/information. Also, I felt a bit overwhelmed with the amount of work in the beginning of the course. I realize this is an accelerated course so I’m not sure if anything can be done about that. It was really helpful to have a compassionate instructor who would allow you to turn in assignments at a later date if more time was needed.
Thanks for a good class. I’ve learned lots & hopefully will continue to use this information/knowledge as I continue on my instructional technology journey!
However, after going through a few more weeks of this class and completing the assignments, I’ve gained some confidence with troubleshooting & working with computers. Like I’ve mentioned in previous posts, I have the “go to” people if I run into computer hardware issues so I’ve never really had to try to fix things myself. I still have so much to learn but now that I’ve gone through a few of the assignments for this course I have a few success stories under my belt which has definitely boosted my confidence. While going through the course & learning of the assignments, I always feel this overwhelming rush of “OH MY GOSH! How am I going to do that assignment?!?!” After stepping back and trying to process the information, the mountain doesn’t seem as big. I remember feeling this exact way while taking the 2 undergrad computer end user/network administration courses. I’d call my mom crying, say, “Mom…I don’t know how I’m going to get this assignment done!”, and she’d calmly tell me to break the “mountain” of an assignment into smaller “hills” and get it done. That’s the same approach I’ve taken with this course, and it has seemed to work. It sure helps to have a caring instructor as well…and I’m not just saying that because I think he’s going to read this post but because it is true. It is so much more motivating as a student to have an instructor who truly cares about the success of each student in the class. It has really pushed me to work harder which has resulted in me really being able to understand and learn the material.
The one thing I think can be improved for future classes might be the very first class session. After that session was over, I sat in front of my computer feeling pretty numb & overwhelmed. There were so many computer terms & acronyms that were thrown around; I felt like I was in way over my head which put a bad taste in my mouth right from the start. It might be helpful to take a short pre-test so the instructor can get a good grasp on the level the students have upon entering into the course & then start out the first class at the level where the students demonstrate their beginning knowledge. Even if the instructor isn’t able to go over all of the basics that some of the students might need, it might be helpful to at least have a few articles or good resource websites where the students can go for some of the basic knowledge/information. Also, I felt a bit overwhelmed with the amount of work in the beginning of the course. I realize this is an accelerated course so I’m not sure if anything can be done about that. It was really helpful to have a compassionate instructor who would allow you to turn in assignments at a later date if more time was needed.
Thanks for a good class. I’ve learned lots & hopefully will continue to use this information/knowledge as I continue on my instructional technology journey!
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Computer Management
Thoughts...
While reflecting on the 2 questions given to us this week to blog about, I am struggling & realizing I need to know so much more about computers. I've always considered myself a pretty tech-savvy person but now that I'm going through this class I'm beginning to understand how my parents feel when they are trying to use the computer ...and that is the feeling of walking around in the dark trying to find the light switch in a new house. I feel like so far I've been able to walk around this dark room (this class) & haven't run into any walls...but still feel a bit lost & overwhelmed but am very thankful for an understanding & helpful instructor! Okay, so on to the 1st question!
How Can I Improve the Management of My Computer
I know there are a few things I can set up on the computer to run automatically each week to ensure the computer is up-to-date for various updates including software & virus/security updates. My husband has set up a few things to help improve the computer's optimal utilization to include a defrag & disk clean-up scheduled once a month. The McAfee anti-virus protection software is scheduled to check for updates each time the computer is started up to ensure the computer is fully protected. We have also purchased an external harddrive to storage large files like pictures, video & music so it doesn't take away from the computer's harddrive space. Another thing that seems to help with the functionality of a computer is to uninstall/delete all of the trial versions of software that come on new computers. When we recently purchased a laptop for my parents, we had Office Depot clean up all of the trial versions that were on the computer as well as install the antivirus software. If I knew how to do the "clean up" of the trials, I could have saved some money but instead had Office Depot perform the services in order to ensure things were done properly. I've used this analogy before - I felt like I usually do when I'm at the oil change place....like I'm getting the wool pulled over my eyes because I don't know any better. When asked about this service it sounded like a good idea at the time but it is probably something that I'd be able to do on my own with a bit of research.
What I Think I Need to Know in Order to Ensure Proper Computer Functioning & Data Safety
With a bit more knowledge about some of the virus "stuff" I think I'll be more informed to help keep the computer functioning properly and the data that is stored on the computer as safe as possible. After completing the virus assignment I hope to be more aware of what the viruses are referring to and how to keep my computer/data safe. Besides that brief answer I guess all I can say is... "I don't know what I don't know..." so hopefully by the end of this course I'll know exactly what will help ensure proper computer functioning & data safety!
While reflecting on the 2 questions given to us this week to blog about, I am struggling & realizing I need to know so much more about computers. I've always considered myself a pretty tech-savvy person but now that I'm going through this class I'm beginning to understand how my parents feel when they are trying to use the computer ...and that is the feeling of walking around in the dark trying to find the light switch in a new house. I feel like so far I've been able to walk around this dark room (this class) & haven't run into any walls...but still feel a bit lost & overwhelmed but am very thankful for an understanding & helpful instructor! Okay, so on to the 1st question!
How Can I Improve the Management of My Computer
I know there are a few things I can set up on the computer to run automatically each week to ensure the computer is up-to-date for various updates including software & virus/security updates. My husband has set up a few things to help improve the computer's optimal utilization to include a defrag & disk clean-up scheduled once a month. The McAfee anti-virus protection software is scheduled to check for updates each time the computer is started up to ensure the computer is fully protected. We have also purchased an external harddrive to storage large files like pictures, video & music so it doesn't take away from the computer's harddrive space. Another thing that seems to help with the functionality of a computer is to uninstall/delete all of the trial versions of software that come on new computers. When we recently purchased a laptop for my parents, we had Office Depot clean up all of the trial versions that were on the computer as well as install the antivirus software. If I knew how to do the "clean up" of the trials, I could have saved some money but instead had Office Depot perform the services in order to ensure things were done properly. I've used this analogy before - I felt like I usually do when I'm at the oil change place....like I'm getting the wool pulled over my eyes because I don't know any better. When asked about this service it sounded like a good idea at the time but it is probably something that I'd be able to do on my own with a bit of research.
What I Think I Need to Know in Order to Ensure Proper Computer Functioning & Data Safety
With a bit more knowledge about some of the virus "stuff" I think I'll be more informed to help keep the computer functioning properly and the data that is stored on the computer as safe as possible. After completing the virus assignment I hope to be more aware of what the viruses are referring to and how to keep my computer/data safe. Besides that brief answer I guess all I can say is... "I don't know what I don't know..." so hopefully by the end of this course I'll know exactly what will help ensure proper computer functioning & data safety!
Monday, April 26, 2010
Understanding...
Knowing/understanding the computer hardware components will definitely help me in a few ways. It will help me in my personal & professional life. In my personal life when I need something fixed on the computer that can't be taken care of by restarting the computer I usually turn to my husband to see if he can help me. The same holds true in my professional life while I'm at school. If it can't fixed after checking cord connections or with a simple restart, I usually turn to our network administrator right at school.
I know I could probably figure out some of the issues I sometimes have with the computers if I put more time & effort into it but I have avoided doing that for a few reasons.
#1. I love computers but I love using them...not knowing how they work or why they aren't working! :)
#2. Many times when a computer goes down for whatever reason it is very difficult to put any time into trying to figure out the issue because I have 27 other hands being raised in the classroom from students who need help or I have a 3 year old & a 1 year old at home climbing up on chairs or stuffing the toilet with as much TP as can possibly fit into the bowl! :)
#3. I've always had that "go to" person to help me out so I've not had the need to really figure it out on my own.
It is important to know how & why the hardware components work (or don't work), and I really need to put more effort into trying to troubleshoot more often when something comes up. Another hesitation is fear...because I don't truly understand the in's and out's of the computer I am afraid I am going to break something even more in the process of trying to fix the original issue. With more knowledge & understanding of thy how's, why's, & what's I can reduce/eliminate some of that fear so that I can be more confident in what I am doing.
I know I could probably figure out some of the issues I sometimes have with the computers if I put more time & effort into it but I have avoided doing that for a few reasons.
#1. I love computers but I love using them...not knowing how they work or why they aren't working! :)
#2. Many times when a computer goes down for whatever reason it is very difficult to put any time into trying to figure out the issue because I have 27 other hands being raised in the classroom from students who need help or I have a 3 year old & a 1 year old at home climbing up on chairs or stuffing the toilet with as much TP as can possibly fit into the bowl! :)
#3. I've always had that "go to" person to help me out so I've not had the need to really figure it out on my own.
It is important to know how & why the hardware components work (or don't work), and I really need to put more effort into trying to troubleshoot more often when something comes up. Another hesitation is fear...because I don't truly understand the in's and out's of the computer I am afraid I am going to break something even more in the process of trying to fix the original issue. With more knowledge & understanding of thy how's, why's, & what's I can reduce/eliminate some of that fear so that I can be more confident in what I am doing.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
What I Know & Want to Know About Computer Systems
In my undergraduate degree program I was required to take both Computer End-User Technologies & Network Administration courses which seems very similar to this course so far. You could then probably make the assumption that this course is going to be easy for me...but that couldn't be further from the truth. In the first class meeting I had the same flood of thoughts & emotions as when I was taking the two computer class at UW-W in my undergrad; I felt like I was sitting in an advanced foreign language class the entire time. While I've at least heard of some of the terms that were being used, I don't remember what they are/mean. I guess this type of knowledge (computer "stuff") is kind of similar to a foreign language - if you don't use it, you lose it...and it appears that I've lost most of it. So here's a cheers to hopefully make it still the 3rd time around...
With that said, I don't know much about the hardware of a computer or how it works. I am so blessed to have a wonderful network administrator right in my building who is a good friend of mine. When something goes wrong with a computer or printer that can't be solved by checking the cord connections or restarting the computer, I usually just give him a call & within a few hours my problem has been solved. I LOVE using technology and can get my way through minor issues but can't (and frankly don't want to) do anything more than that. I know, I know...I should be more open to learning how things work so I can fix it on my own but I guess it just isn't my passion so I am reluctant to do so.
Sooo...what do I want to know? That's kind of a funny question... :) My completely truthful answer to that question is "not a whole lot more than what I know now" but I'm really, really trying to change that thought process & be more open-minded about learning this stuff. I will make this promise - I promise to try to be more willing to learn about how the computer works. I know it will help me be able to troubleshoot more on my own which would be a great thing. I promise...I'll try!
With that said, I don't know much about the hardware of a computer or how it works. I am so blessed to have a wonderful network administrator right in my building who is a good friend of mine. When something goes wrong with a computer or printer that can't be solved by checking the cord connections or restarting the computer, I usually just give him a call & within a few hours my problem has been solved. I LOVE using technology and can get my way through minor issues but can't (and frankly don't want to) do anything more than that. I know, I know...I should be more open to learning how things work so I can fix it on my own but I guess it just isn't my passion so I am reluctant to do so.
Sooo...what do I want to know? That's kind of a funny question... :) My completely truthful answer to that question is "not a whole lot more than what I know now" but I'm really, really trying to change that thought process & be more open-minded about learning this stuff. I will make this promise - I promise to try to be more willing to learn about how the computer works. I know it will help me be able to troubleshoot more on my own which would be a great thing. I promise...I'll try!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Skype
I had such an amazing class on Monday!!! I had fun. The students had fun. So what did we do, you ask? :) We Skyped w/a successful entrepreneur in San Francisco, CA. While looking on Inc Magazine's website, I saw an article called "30 under 30: America's Coolest Young Entrepreneurs." I emailed one of the listed entrepreneurs & she got back to me. I thought it would be neat to connect with a young entrepreneur for my students to ask questions, hear her story, etc. They so often read about entrepreneurs but are usually years, if not decades, older than they are right now. Anyway, I arranged to Skype with Kyle Smitley, who created barley & birch, an organic environmentally friendly, made in the USA company. :) We spent over an hour talking with Kyle via Skype & the students LOVED IT! They actually seemed to like it more & were more engaged than if I actually would have had a "real live" person presenting to them in the classroom...strange. It was a great class. I left excited about my Skype connection and also excited that the students especially enjoyed class. Also, an article is being written for the local newspaper about it....so I'm excited to see/read the article about my Skyping session! I will definitely continue to use Skype in the classroom. I am going to be working with another colleague this summer to put together a list of XHS alumni who are now around the country/world who will be willing to Skype with other teachers about various topics. Hopefully by doing some of the upfront work of finding people, the teachers will then take advantage of the wonderful opportunities that they can provide their students by Skyping (or another videoconferencing too).
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Tackled 2 tasks & I'm feeling great
I have 2 items checked off my "to-do" list, and it feels great. I completed the traditional word processor vs. Google Docs assignment earlier today and just got done with the web browser assignment. I've used Google Docs for a few things & collaborated with others but on a very limited basis. Tonight's web browser assignment was the most I've worked with Google Docs regarding collaboration. It really is a neat thing...to be miles & miles apart from the other person and feel like you are sitting right next to each other. To actually be able to see each other using the Tokbox through our class Ning made the experience seem even more lifelike versus a virtual meeting. I look forward to using this more professionally and in my classroom. I currently teach a computer applications course which examines Microsoft 2007 & its features so I'm not sure I'll get a ton of use out of Google Docs in that class. However, I have Intro to Business & Entrepreneurship classes which I will be able to use Google Docs to have the students turn in assignments. This will be a neat, "green" way for my students to turn in assignments. I usually have them email me assignments but by using Google Docs, it will eliminate a few steps (like opening the email attachment, adding comments, saving the document to my computer, attaching it in the email reply, and sending the email). This will certainly save me a few minutes which really adds up when you have larger classes! That's all for now. I have hours of grading to do which I neglected over this weekend that was filled with beautiful weather...I will now pay for it by being up for a few more hours. Oh sleep...I miss you!
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