Post #2

Honestly, I felt like a lot of chapter three was a lot of very basic knowledge made more difficult than it needed to be. It discussed many of the basic software applications I have used for school over the years such as word processing software, database software, and presentation graphics software. I was actually pretty interested in the database software section because it discussed programs such as Excel. I think it is going to be helpful for me to be familiar with the technical terminology of excel for when we start learning it in class. A lot of the information I didn't find particularly relevant such as PDA and video/audio editing software. I thought the most useful thing I learned from the chapter was the School Use software. Particularly I found the special needs software very interesting. I plan to get my masters degree in special education after I finish getting my BA in elementary education so this information was particularly useful to me.

I learned SO much last week about Microsoft Word. I learned how to insert and use shapes to enhance a document and the different ways to fill the shapes, how to insert a hyper link and add columns, and different features for inserting graphics. I think learning how to make the newsletter was a great learning experience. As a future elementary school teacher I feel that good teacher/parent communication is essential. Because elementary aged children often are too young to appropriately relay important information to parents, I think sending home a newsletter would be a great way to maintain parent/teacher communication. Also I think it would be a fun way to involve students. The students could write articles about things they are doing in the classroom which could be compiled into a newsletter for parents. This expands the communication to not only parents and teachers, but students as well.

One thing I've been struggling with since starting my education classes is whether or not to get my master's degree out of school or wait. I know a LOT of teachers go back to school for their master's degree because the pay is significantly better. I've heard some people say to get it straight out of school because it will be easier than going back to school years down the road. However I've also heard people say you need to get your feet wet first and make sure it's something you really want to pursue before you spend two more years in school, then realize teaching isn't right for you. I think I want to get my master's degree right out of school because I'm going to be graduating a year early so I'd only be in school for 5 years to get my masters degree... but I'm still not sure. I was wondering if anyone else plan's to get their master's degree, and if so when?

Post #1

In reading chapter one I found the ARCS Motivational Model to be very useful. Although some ideas in the model may seem to be common sense (for example, holding a student's attention) I feel it would be helpful as a teacher to have a model to look at when evaluating your teaching plans or methods. While it may be easy to plan a lesson that is relevant to the subject material, it may not be engaging enough to hold a student's interest, or it may not challenge a student. This model encompasses all vital aspects of learning and is a good resource for future (and current) teachers. Another interesting thing I learned from chapter one was what an integral part technology has become in the education system. Of course I realized that student's use computers for homework assignments, and teachers use them for inputting grades and attendance; however, I did not realize to what level technology has become integrated into education. In the teacher section I learned about transmedia stories. I thought that would be a great and interesting way to involve media in the elementary classroom, which is interesting to me as I am an elementary education major.

I have learned a LOT about Microsoft word through this class. While I was relatively proficient with the old Word program, I had very limited knowledge of Word 2007. I feel the Microsoft Word is one of the most essential computer programs you will need as a teacher. You can use it to make up tests and worksheets, write up documents to send home with students, type up letters to parents, administrators, and fellow teachers, as well as a myriad of other uses. In order to make a document either interesting and engaging to students, or professional looking you must know how to incorporate things into the document other than just text. In class I learned to insert pictures and clip art (which would be helpful when making engaging worksheets for students) as well as learned how to insert a header and footer (which would be useful when typing up more professional documents).

To be honest I didn't think that this course would be of much use to me as an elementary education major. I felt that most technology was reserved for upper levels of education such as middle and high school. I had NO idea how I would be able to incorporate technology into the elementary school classroom. However already this class has provided me with a variety of ideas, such as the transmedia stories I mentioned earlier, and I'm sure it will continue to throughout the class. I learned that technology in the classroom does not simply mean that a student sits at a computer and does an assignment. Even if I am in a classroom of very young children who have limited computer proficiency, as the teacher I can use different computer programs to enhance their learning. The use of technology is not limited to the student sitting at a computer.

First Post

This is my first experience using blogger, so please be patient with me. I have pretty limited formal experience with technology. I somehow managed to wiggle my way out of every computer and typing class I've ever had to take. However, I have experimented with different programs and learned some very basic HTML on my own. I am familiar with the basic features of power point and how to set one up. I have also played around with different website building programs such as geocities, and have a basic idea of how such programs work.

In this class I hope to gain a better understanding of Microsoft excel. I had to do two projects using it last semester in my sociology class and it was a HUGE struggle for me. I also hope to learn different ways that I can incorporate technology into the younger classroom. I am an elementary education major and would like to learn different ways to use technology with elementary aged children.

From the learning styles activity I learned that I am an active learner. This seems very accurate as I am the kind of person who likes to DO things to learn rather than just listen and take notes. I also enjoy hearing the opinions of others and working together to come to a conclusion. This activity said that I am an intuitive learner which seems accurate. However my results showed that I was right about in the middle of the two which surprised me. I also learned that I am a visual learner by a significant amount. I personally tend to learn something better when I am able to either see it in person or through charts and diagrams, as opposed to just text. Finally I learned that I am a sequential learner which surprised me. Although the results showed I was almost right in the middle. I would definitely consider myself more of a global learner.