The Computer Delusion

It was very interesting to read this article because it sure made a lot of sense and it really hit home with what is currently occurring in the classrooms.  I find that it has definitely been an emphasis in many school districts to have computers in every school and classroom. I also feel like the administration might rather have computers handy instead of books and other materials.  I think this article states that we are spending way too much money for the wrong reasons.  I don't believe computers are completely inapplicable to school curriculum, however we should not make technology our only educational focus.  Nor should we spend so much money on computers for the wrong reasons.  As we have learned in this class, computers definitely have some programs that are applicable to the curriculum and can certainly enhance any student's learning, but the people who make these decisions need to be buying them for the right reasons.  It was definitely interesting to see the quote by Thomas Edison. He hit it right on the money when he said that "the motion picture is destined to revolutionize the educational system" and it definitely has, as any educator can see and attest to that.

My Reflection of ED 400 thus far

I honestly feel i have learned quite a bit in this class and i love how it has such practical uses in the classroom. I genuinely love courses like this: where we learn a lot, we interact and we don't have to read a silly textbook for the information. I feel i have gained more knowledge and its uses in the classroom than i had ever learned before. Inspiration was such a simple program and i love how i can use it with my students. I had never used it until I took this class. I have found every assignment useful in one way or another. The copyright assignment was good because i became much more aware of the rules that apply to educators and schools. The blog creation was an opportunity for me to learn how to create a fast, easy and free blog that i can use with my friends, students and parents. It allowed me to be creative and express myself through words and pictures. The website is basically the same thing as the blog, except it is a bit more challenging to create. It is an interactive way to get some information across and i have found it very useful as well for the same reasons mentioned above. I liked learning about how to manipulate images because my boyfriend does photo manipulation all the time on Photoshop and it was nice to learn how to do it as well. Right now i am working on creating a digital story. I absolutely love the concept, however am finding it rather challenging to get done because of the program that i am using. When i do this one day with my students, i will definitly use Photostory and not iMovie! All in all, i have learned a great deal and sincerely feel that my time in this class has been worthwhile. :)

Copyright Implications for teachers

The copyright laws effect everyone, especially teachers. Teachers usually print things off of the internet or copy things from books and distribute them to their students. Teachers also allow students to use the internet to access information for a report. With the fair use policy in place, a teacher needs to be really careful about what she is doing and allowing her students to do. Certain things are acceptable, but not all. I know that when i teach i will most likely do what everyone else in my building does, but i think it's important that we're all careful and think about what, when, where, why we're using the copyrighted information. This is important because you never know what could happen.

My Altered Image

My Altered Image

Inspiration

I Really enjoyed using Inspiration! Here is what i was able to do to hi-light some of my readings.

Standard

The Standard i chose to use was the one that applies to producing texts. It is a language arts standard for grades k-4. It states that: students will produce written, oral and visual texts to express, develop and substantiate ideas and experiences. I chose this standard because it applies to the part of education that i am passionate about (language arts, reading and writing). I also liked this standard because it allows students to b e creative which i love.

Technology and my life

I feel pretty technology savvy.  I, thankfully grew up using a computer for various projects and internet browsing. In the past three years i worked for companies that utilized computers and various programs as their main data keeping.  Therefore, i know how to use Microsoft office and how to add printers, pictures, music, data, docs, etc; to the hard drive.  I know how to use a PC and a MAC very well.  I just recently upgraded my 10 year old PC desktop to an iMac and am still learning how to use all of Macintosh's amazing computer features and programs.   I love Apple, Inc! 

I own an iPhone 3G, iPod nano, Canon digital camera, a Dell PC laptop, and an iMac. I have used a smart board and feel like i might need more training with that. My boyfriend is very smart with technology and he essentially is my teacher when it comes to a lot of things, but i pick it up easily. I love technology! I especially love it because it has made our lives so much easier in so many ways!  

My Reaction to Dexter

I Really found this piece interesting because it seems to take into account all that needs to happen in order to effectively incorporate technology into a classroom.  I like how Dexter mentions that teachers need to support their students with technology and that the administration needs to support the teachers.  Its interesting because often times the public likes to put the blame on teachers, when in fact it is the administration that is lacking or vice versa.  Basically, everyone needs to do their part otherwise it doesn't work. 

I found it useful that Dexter provided some ideas or principles that we, as future educators can implement in our own classroom someday. It's so tough to come by some good advice, but i found the advice in this reading very usable and practical.  Often times, teachers will get ideas, but never get any input on how to make those goals a reality.  Dexter does a good job of providing some useful ways that these principles can be applied.

Digital Pictures