Post #10

Things I found interesting when I read other students' blogs is the topics they chose to write about from the chapters. I found it interesting to see what they found important from each chapter. I liked reading the last paragraphs in their posts also. It was interesting to read about the goings on in everyones' lives.

I'm going to have to go with what I said in my last post. I would like to learn more about Excel just for my benefit. I use it all the time at work and really don't know much about the program. I just know the basic functions and it's enough to get away with, but I would like to know more.

A way to achieve my future educational-technology goals is to take more computer courses and continue to take them when I become a teacher. Technology is always changing. You can't just take a class and expect to still be an expert in something if you haven't continued to take classes in the same area.

Post #9

I found an interesting Web resources called Education World. It has so many things that a teacher can use in the classroom. The best part is you can print these things out on your home computer and they're free. It has things like printable worksheets, calenders, certificates, and name tags.

It also provides ideas for teachers to use in the classroom. Things such as bulletin boards or activities to do for holidays. I also liked that they had a lot of graphic organizers and organizational tools for the classroom. They had everything listed in categories and by grade levels. The link is http://www.education-world.com/tools_templates/index.shtml.

I want to learn more about Excel. I don't think I know as much as I should. Even though I don't think I'll be using Excel a lot in the elementary school grades, it is good to just know all the functions of Excel.

I think I can achieve my future educational technology-related goals by taking more computer classes or learning from people who are knowledgeable in areas I want to learn about. Trial and error can also trying help in learning new information about technology. By trying to figure out a computer program on your own can help you to learn about the functions of that program.

Post #8

The standards that determine whether an action is good or bad are called ethics. Computer ethics are the moral guidelines that govern the use of computers, networks, and information systems. There are five areas: unauthorized use of computers, hardware, software, and information theft, information privacy, copyright, and the existence of objectionable materials on the Internet. There is also a list of computer ethics for educators.
1. An educator won't use a computer to harm other people.
2. An educator won't interfere with others' computer work.
3. An educator won't look at others' computer files.
4. An educator won't use a computer to steal.
5. An educator won't use a computer to lie.
6. An educator won't copy or use software without paying for it.
7. An educator won't use others' computer resources without permission.
8. An educator won't use others' work.
9. An educator will think about the social impact of the programs he or she creates.
10. An educator always will use a computer in a way that shows respect and consideration for other people.

I haven't acquired any new skills since my last post. I did find it interesting that there was a code of computer ethics for educators.

I can't wait to go home in two weeks! I know I was just there, but I want to get away from all this craziness of the end of the semester. I love Christmas break. I just wish it would get colder in south Florida. I have so much to do before I go home so I'm trying to start doing everything right now while I have some time.

Post #7

The Web is a good resource for teachers. However, anyone can create a Web site so not all the information on the Web can be considered credible. Much of the information found can be considered inaccurate, incomplete, or biased. Because of this, teachers and students should know how to evaluate a Web source based on authority, affiliation, content, audience, and Web design.

I learned more about Excel this week and I think the information I learned will at least help me in the present, but not so much in the future. I don't think I'll ever use Excel when I teach elementary school, but I guess it's helpful to actually have the knowledge.

I have so much work to do in the next two weeks! I have to finish these blog posts, two 4-page papers, a lesson plan and then I have two exams to study for. These weeks are going to be crazy! I can't wait until this semester is over.

Post #6

The ASSURE Model is a procedural guide for developing any instructional method. The first step is Analyze the learner. You must assess who your learners are, their skill levels, and their learning styles. The second is State objectives. This is basically what you want your learners to gain knowlege of and what the specific learner outcomes are. The third is Select methods, media, and materials. You must decide the method of instruction, choose appropriate media, and select , modify, update, or design materials for instruction. The next step is Utilize methods, media, and materials. You must assess how you will use the methods, media, and materials and also what your instructional strategy is. The next step is Require learner participation. This is basically what the learners will be required to do and if the learners will engage in active or passive learning. The last step is Evaluate and revise. You must assess if the lesson met the objectives, evaluate content and technologies used, and revise and improve.

I haven't acquired any new skills since my last post. I did think the ASSURE model was very interesting. I'm sure I'll use this in the future.

I got the job that I interviewed for. It requires a lot of work with excel which I really don't know much about honestly. I'm hoping that what we learn in this class about excel will help me out at work.