This week in class we discussed a myriad of topics. We discussed technology based communication and creative thinking, characteristics of the Internet, different types of search engines, and online word processing programs.
When doing the bookwork (by the way my book final arrived), I found it interesting to find the vehement difference between collaboration and cooperation. It was also interesting to examine how to be a facilitator in a technological communication setting. This material was informational and eye-opening.
Our next task was to research characteristics of the Internet, striving to find an area that you may not have been aware of. I chose plug-ins because I honestly was a little hazy to their actual purpose. However, the user-friendly nature of the reading made it easy for me to learn the general basis of this software.
Another one of our tasks was to compare different search engines, along with learning to better refine a search. I thought it was very interesting to see the different features that the various search engines possessed. More importantly however, was the tutorial explaining how to properly refine a search. I learned quite a bit, and should now hopefully be able perform a more efficient hunt for information.
Lastly, we were to use an online word processing document (Google Docs), along with comparing it to other similar programs. Online word processing, although new to me, will more than likely find a place in my classroom. Ever since learning about Google Docs a couple of months ago, I've considered using it as a question/answer forum for my struggling students.
All in all, this week's activities were very informative and intriguing.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Starting Again
I can't speak for everyone else, but I know that I enjoyed my time away from being a graduate student. It was a nice period of time to catch up with family, grade some papers, and watch some football. However, all things considered, I was ready to get back to work again.
With 515 starting last Tuesday, it was clear that this class was going to be a touch different. As 510 was more of a technical analysis of how computers work, this class appears to be more of an examination of how to incorporate different technological tools. For starters, using the TypeWithMe document was pretty interesting. I thought it was cool how it color coded typing, and also allowed for multiple people to type at the same time. It was also different to have to read chapters on technological idealogies. It was very informative to read the different takes on how to apply technology to an effective learner model, along with how a school should set up a technology program. Another change of pace was using a graphics program to create an image. I'm not saying I'm now an expert image creator, but it was still very fun/informative. Finally, before 510, I really had no idea there were online presentation tools. I was always under the impression that PowerPoint had a monopoly on technological presentation tools. However, with the beginning of this class, I've been able to broaden my horizons by viewing many other programs.
I feel the content from this class will be quite helpful to my classroom instruction. For example, I could certainly see myself using some sort of graphics program to specifically illustrate 3-D shapes. Also, the TypeWithMe feature could specifically host a study session for my advanced mathematics class.
In summation, I think 515 will be a different experience than 510, but informative none-the-less. I know I'll certainly gain some knowledge that will aid my classroom instruction.
With 515 starting last Tuesday, it was clear that this class was going to be a touch different. As 510 was more of a technical analysis of how computers work, this class appears to be more of an examination of how to incorporate different technological tools. For starters, using the TypeWithMe document was pretty interesting. I thought it was cool how it color coded typing, and also allowed for multiple people to type at the same time. It was also different to have to read chapters on technological idealogies. It was very informative to read the different takes on how to apply technology to an effective learner model, along with how a school should set up a technology program. Another change of pace was using a graphics program to create an image. I'm not saying I'm now an expert image creator, but it was still very fun/informative. Finally, before 510, I really had no idea there were online presentation tools. I was always under the impression that PowerPoint had a monopoly on technological presentation tools. However, with the beginning of this class, I've been able to broaden my horizons by viewing many other programs.
I feel the content from this class will be quite helpful to my classroom instruction. For example, I could certainly see myself using some sort of graphics program to specifically illustrate 3-D shapes. Also, the TypeWithMe feature could specifically host a study session for my advanced mathematics class.
In summation, I think 515 will be a different experience than 510, but informative none-the-less. I know I'll certainly gain some knowledge that will aid my classroom instruction.
Friday, November 19, 2010
The End of our Computer Systems Journey
At the end of any experience, I believe it is very beneficial for a person to reflect on their journey. This particular trek through technological intellectualism demanded a lot of diligence and sacrafice. However, along with the rigors of this class came informational enlightenment. There were specific lessons that I can apply to my everyday life, along with knowledge that is simply interesting to know.
One specific lesson that has helped me in my everyday life would be the classroom discussion and research on virus protection. I always operated under the assumption that good virus protection needed to cost money. It wasn't until last week's class that Dr. Sklar informed me of the opposite. From a personal standpoint I was able to help my parents, who bought a computer last week, realize that a free virus protection system would be just as proficient as an expensive one. Another concept that had an impact on my life was that of the alternate operating system. After playing around with the Linux operating system, I've come to use it periodically to surf the web. Just last weekend I used my pen drive to boot up Linux in order to utilize, what I deem as a quicker OS.
As far as knowledge for knowledge's sake is concerned, there have been several topics that have been of interest to me. One topic in particular was the component research project. As I was assigned the CPU, I was a little worried how things would work out. However, as my research progressed I found myself becoming more and more interested in the topic. A specific personal example of this would be how I learned the utmost importance of the microprocessor, the translator between all of the software and components of a PC. Another fascinating piece of information was the entire "Triumph of the Nerds" series. I thoroughly enjoyed this series, gaining a perspective of who the early players in the PC game were. I'm not sure where I'll use the background knowledge of the origins of the home computer, but it never hurts to learn something new.
Whether it's learning something I can immediately apply, or simply becoming better educated in a previously uncharted territory; this class was effective. I enjoyed the coursework, along with the company of my peers and professor. I am certainly better off for having taken this class.
One specific lesson that has helped me in my everyday life would be the classroom discussion and research on virus protection. I always operated under the assumption that good virus protection needed to cost money. It wasn't until last week's class that Dr. Sklar informed me of the opposite. From a personal standpoint I was able to help my parents, who bought a computer last week, realize that a free virus protection system would be just as proficient as an expensive one. Another concept that had an impact on my life was that of the alternate operating system. After playing around with the Linux operating system, I've come to use it periodically to surf the web. Just last weekend I used my pen drive to boot up Linux in order to utilize, what I deem as a quicker OS.
As far as knowledge for knowledge's sake is concerned, there have been several topics that have been of interest to me. One topic in particular was the component research project. As I was assigned the CPU, I was a little worried how things would work out. However, as my research progressed I found myself becoming more and more interested in the topic. A specific personal example of this would be how I learned the utmost importance of the microprocessor, the translator between all of the software and components of a PC. Another fascinating piece of information was the entire "Triumph of the Nerds" series. I thoroughly enjoyed this series, gaining a perspective of who the early players in the PC game were. I'm not sure where I'll use the background knowledge of the origins of the home computer, but it never hurts to learn something new.
Whether it's learning something I can immediately apply, or simply becoming better educated in a previously uncharted territory; this class was effective. I enjoyed the coursework, along with the company of my peers and professor. I am certainly better off for having taken this class.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
How Does This Apply To My World?
Over the past several weeks we have been learning many new "tricks of the trade" regarding the technological world. Some of the lessons have been interesting, and some have been challenging, but they have all been informative, at least for me. As this is an area that I'm not overly well-versed in, every lesson offers a chance for me to improve my technological intellect. The two major areas of application to my world would be a better understanding of computer history, and general background knowledge.
Having watched two episodes of the "Triumph of the Nerds" episodes, I feel as if I'm gaining a firm grasp on the journey that personal computing has taken. Before watching and commenting on this series, I had a few notions of how this industry began its boom, but I was far from correct. Whereas this doesn't have a direct connection to being a classroom teacher, I have been able to use it as a motivational tool. For example, in my Advanced Math class I was able to tell the tale of these young computer entrepreneurs with a sense of relevance. After all, at the this level of mathematics, logic and problem solving (essentially programming and code writing) dominate the curriculum. It was nice to be able to tell them that an appreciation for such ideologies has its rewards.
Along with gaining an understanding of computing history, I feel like this course has helped me gain a better conceptual basis for all of the little intricacies that make a computer run. Researching components, studying boot-up procedures, working with different operating systems, and actually handling the different innards of a computer has drastically increased my knowledge of personal computers. I am well aware of the fact that I nowhere near being knowledgeable enough to be a computer tech or even build my own computer, but my confidence is rising. For example, just last week I was able to help a student in an Introduction to Computer's class correctly identify various parts of a motherboard (CPU, RAM slots, graphics card, etc.).
As this class is still relatively in it's infancy, with several big projects remaining, I'm sure there will be even more for me to learn. I might not be able to pinpoint exactly when I'll be able to utilize all of this information, but having it in my intellectual arsenal isn't a bad thing.
Having watched two episodes of the "Triumph of the Nerds" episodes, I feel as if I'm gaining a firm grasp on the journey that personal computing has taken. Before watching and commenting on this series, I had a few notions of how this industry began its boom, but I was far from correct. Whereas this doesn't have a direct connection to being a classroom teacher, I have been able to use it as a motivational tool. For example, in my Advanced Math class I was able to tell the tale of these young computer entrepreneurs with a sense of relevance. After all, at the this level of mathematics, logic and problem solving (essentially programming and code writing) dominate the curriculum. It was nice to be able to tell them that an appreciation for such ideologies has its rewards.
Along with gaining an understanding of computing history, I feel like this course has helped me gain a better conceptual basis for all of the little intricacies that make a computer run. Researching components, studying boot-up procedures, working with different operating systems, and actually handling the different innards of a computer has drastically increased my knowledge of personal computers. I am well aware of the fact that I nowhere near being knowledgeable enough to be a computer tech or even build my own computer, but my confidence is rising. For example, just last week I was able to help a student in an Introduction to Computer's class correctly identify various parts of a motherboard (CPU, RAM slots, graphics card, etc.).
As this class is still relatively in it's infancy, with several big projects remaining, I'm sure there will be even more for me to learn. I might not be able to pinpoint exactly when I'll be able to utilize all of this information, but having it in my intellectual arsenal isn't a bad thing.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
How Does This Class Apply to my World?
I was once sitting with a fellow colleague, discussing our disdain for the work habits of a gifted student. During the discussion, he once uttered the phrase "I honestly enjoy learning new things; it doesn't even matter what." These words have always struck me as pertinent. If given the choice of knowledge, why not take it? Aside from the pursuit of knowledge for knowledge's sake I have been learning many things that can be applied to my personal and professional life.
For example, learning about the components of a computer has allowed me to speak with some of more computer savy friends with a sense of equality. Also, aside from the content of the class, the shear workload has helped me work on prioritization skills. Finally, from a personal standpoint, it's sometimes hard to know when you're going to need to know or use something. My brother has been a workout fanatic for years, and whenever people asked him why, he would respond, "For a purpose I'm not quite sure of yet." Last week he became a personal trainer. I'm not trying to say that I'm going to become a computer technician, but it never hurts to know things.
For the purpose of my work as an educator, I have learned a couple of things that are applicable for my job. For example, before this class I never knew how pivotal a role the fans played in the functioning of a computer. For some of our older models, I have often contemplated removing the noisy fans. However, it was not until Dr. Sklar informed me that a computer would only last a couple of hours with such a surgery, that I realized how stupid that would have been. Finally, staying on my theme of preparing for the unknown, my school offers a basic computer class, taught primarily to middle schoolers. As the current teacher is approaching retirement age, upon completion of this class, I'd like to think I'll be somewhat qualified to take his place. Anytime a teacher can be cross-categorical, a school district benefits.
Regardless of the purpose, I feel this class has been very informative, broadening my knowledge of computers; a topic that one can never know too much about in this day and age.
For example, learning about the components of a computer has allowed me to speak with some of more computer savy friends with a sense of equality. Also, aside from the content of the class, the shear workload has helped me work on prioritization skills. Finally, from a personal standpoint, it's sometimes hard to know when you're going to need to know or use something. My brother has been a workout fanatic for years, and whenever people asked him why, he would respond, "For a purpose I'm not quite sure of yet." Last week he became a personal trainer. I'm not trying to say that I'm going to become a computer technician, but it never hurts to know things.
For the purpose of my work as an educator, I have learned a couple of things that are applicable for my job. For example, before this class I never knew how pivotal a role the fans played in the functioning of a computer. For some of our older models, I have often contemplated removing the noisy fans. However, it was not until Dr. Sklar informed me that a computer would only last a couple of hours with such a surgery, that I realized how stupid that would have been. Finally, staying on my theme of preparing for the unknown, my school offers a basic computer class, taught primarily to middle schoolers. As the current teacher is approaching retirement age, upon completion of this class, I'd like to think I'll be somewhat qualified to take his place. Anytime a teacher can be cross-categorical, a school district benefits.
Regardless of the purpose, I feel this class has been very informative, broadening my knowledge of computers; a topic that one can never know too much about in this day and age.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Computer History for Jared Peterson
Although I had limited experience with computers in elementary school (I couldn't tell you the brand of the computer, but I remember only green text, along with no image capabilities), my first true interaction with a computer on a regular basis was with a Hewlett-Packard desktop. When my father brought this mystical machine into our lives in 1996, the Peterson family had officially been ushered into a new technological era. As my family has never been quick to accept change (it seemed like we were the last family to get a CD player, DVD player, or cellular phones), we didn't really immerse ourselves in the brand new purchase. For example, we had no Internet access (we weren't online until 2001). The computer was mainly used to keep track of financial information, type papers for school, or play video games (it would be scary to see how many Duke Nukem hours my brothers and I logged).
However, this old beast of a computer definitely changed the way that I worked and played. For starters, typing papers became much easier. Having the ability to type papers at my leisure allowed me more time to produce quality work. This is something I couldn't do at school, always feeling the time crunch of the end of the period. Also, through the advanced learning method of "trial and error," I became very proficient in the ways of word processing. I remember struggling with just saving a document, figuring out how to copy/paste, or even simply being able to properly use page setup. As far as my gaming history was concerned, this was certainly a massive upgrade. Before the computer, a standard NES (Super Mario Bros. all the way) was the extent of my gaming life. Then, with the introduction of the computer, I had games with amazing graphics (in my eyes), more than two player capabilities, and the ability to save seasons (I loved sports games).
Since my first experience with a computer, many technological advancements have made my first computer a relic. As Dr. Sklar mentioned, browser speed outranks processing power. For example, I vividly remember my father purchasing extra memory for the computer, along with constantly deleting programs or applications that he deemed "were slowing down" the processor. Now, I understand that too much junk on your computer can certainly slow it down, but Internet speed is a larger concern at the present. High speed Internet no longer seems like a luxury, rather a necessity with most computer activity taking place online. It would be an absolute nightmare to switch back to a computer with no Internet, which reminds me how far technology has grew in my lifetime alone.
However, this old beast of a computer definitely changed the way that I worked and played. For starters, typing papers became much easier. Having the ability to type papers at my leisure allowed me more time to produce quality work. This is something I couldn't do at school, always feeling the time crunch of the end of the period. Also, through the advanced learning method of "trial and error," I became very proficient in the ways of word processing. I remember struggling with just saving a document, figuring out how to copy/paste, or even simply being able to properly use page setup. As far as my gaming history was concerned, this was certainly a massive upgrade. Before the computer, a standard NES (Super Mario Bros. all the way) was the extent of my gaming life. Then, with the introduction of the computer, I had games with amazing graphics (in my eyes), more than two player capabilities, and the ability to save seasons (I loved sports games).
Since my first experience with a computer, many technological advancements have made my first computer a relic. As Dr. Sklar mentioned, browser speed outranks processing power. For example, I vividly remember my father purchasing extra memory for the computer, along with constantly deleting programs or applications that he deemed "were slowing down" the processor. Now, I understand that too much junk on your computer can certainly slow it down, but Internet speed is a larger concern at the present. High speed Internet no longer seems like a luxury, rather a necessity with most computer activity taking place online. It would be an absolute nightmare to switch back to a computer with no Internet, which reminds me how far technology has grew in my lifetime alone.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Another Week of Enlightenment
As we entered our second week of graduate studies, I personally felt a lot more confident in my abilities. Considering that I have never participated in anything like this cohort (an online program), I was unsure how I would be able to perform on the online assignments. However, once I sat down and hammered out the tasks, following the rubrics in sequential order, my nervousness was alleviated. It most certainly is a lot of work to keep up with, but anything worth doing is going to be hard. To our advantage though, we all of the benefit of leaning on one another for support when it gets very difficult.
However, despite the fact that there is a lot of work, I feel like I'm taking away a lot from the assigned tasks. I cannot speak on the behalf of the entire cohort, but I have personally taken education classes that felt more like "busy work" than applicable information.
Starting with the social bookmarking, I will be able to apply all of our graduate content into my classroom. Many times I come across a website that I like, and utter the phrase, "I should tell Russ about this (the other high school math teacher)." Social bookmarking is a great way to mark the site immediately and let Russ take a look for himself. In terms of online storage, I've never really considered it's application, but it certainly makes sense. As I'm in the process of setting up a website for my students to use, I'm trying to put a lot of my lesson plans on my computer. I have been around computers too long to know that all it takes is one virus, or one power outage to lose a whole lot of work. Storing information on "the cloud" offers a safe backup to saving things on a desktop. Finally, in terms of using a web cam, as I might be teaching Calculus next year, it will be more than beneficial to be able to hold video conferencing with my students (who will be from multiple school districts).
I hope everyone else is finding their experience beneficial, and look forward to your comments!
However, despite the fact that there is a lot of work, I feel like I'm taking away a lot from the assigned tasks. I cannot speak on the behalf of the entire cohort, but I have personally taken education classes that felt more like "busy work" than applicable information.
Starting with the social bookmarking, I will be able to apply all of our graduate content into my classroom. Many times I come across a website that I like, and utter the phrase, "I should tell Russ about this (the other high school math teacher)." Social bookmarking is a great way to mark the site immediately and let Russ take a look for himself. In terms of online storage, I've never really considered it's application, but it certainly makes sense. As I'm in the process of setting up a website for my students to use, I'm trying to put a lot of my lesson plans on my computer. I have been around computers too long to know that all it takes is one virus, or one power outage to lose a whole lot of work. Storing information on "the cloud" offers a safe backup to saving things on a desktop. Finally, in terms of using a web cam, as I might be teaching Calculus next year, it will be more than beneficial to be able to hold video conferencing with my students (who will be from multiple school districts).
I hope everyone else is finding their experience beneficial, and look forward to your comments!
Saturday, September 25, 2010
The First of Many Ponderings
As a high school mathematics teacher, the prospect of learning new technological strategies for the classroom is very exciting to me. I'm one of those educators who preaches comprehension of "the basics"; but at the same time understands the need to ready our students for an ever-changing society. I'm hoping to gain several different strategies that will help my engage and facilitate the learning of my pupils during the next eighteen months. The only example I have of utilizing technology in my classroom would be activities provided by Texas Instruments (graphing calculator lessons). Along with aiding my classroom instruction, I'm excited to become more computer literate as an individual. I feel like I will be able to learn so much useful knowledge from not only the professors, but also from my peers.
In regards to our first classroom session, I somewhat feel like Owen Wilson from Armageddon. I'm 98% excited, and 2% scared...or maybe it's other way around. The discussion of Google Docs, blogs, and multiple browsers was fascinating because I'm not overly familiar with any of them; but also intimidating for the same reasons. However, my apprehension is somewhat subdued by the congenial nature of Dr. Loeffler and my peers. For example, when I revealed I was one of few who had never blogged before, I received a warm reception of understanding, and that was comforting. I thought it was fitting that our first class was spent discussing some of the various tools that will allow us to collaborate and express ideas collectively.
Thanks for reading my blog, I look forward to your input and comments!
In regards to our first classroom session, I somewhat feel like Owen Wilson from Armageddon. I'm 98% excited, and 2% scared...or maybe it's other way around. The discussion of Google Docs, blogs, and multiple browsers was fascinating because I'm not overly familiar with any of them; but also intimidating for the same reasons. However, my apprehension is somewhat subdued by the congenial nature of Dr. Loeffler and my peers. For example, when I revealed I was one of few who had never blogged before, I received a warm reception of understanding, and that was comforting. I thought it was fitting that our first class was spent discussing some of the various tools that will allow us to collaborate and express ideas collectively.
Thanks for reading my blog, I look forward to your input and comments!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)