Blog Post # 2

I found Chapter 3 to, like previous chapters read, be very basic and explaining things I knew. However, although I knew almost everything they talked about, there were a few key terms that I didn’t have a name for what they were describing, or I just didn’t know what it was. I also thought it was interesting that all the software I’ve either used or heard of was put into different categories because when they are separated like that it is much easier to see the differences. I could see how it would be very helpful to cover so many simple terms like cut, paste, clipart, font, icon, word-wrap, search, header/footer, etc if I had never used a computer before because all of their explanations are very process detailed. The difference I found between the three main software programs was that application software is basic programs that assist people in completing their tasks. Productivity software steps beyond that and enhances their tasks to make it even better (although I don’t think their definition made sense -- it says that the software makes “people more effective and efficient while performing daily activities” -- I understand it could make whatever they’re doing more effective for the viewer but I’m not quite sure how a software could make a person more effective or efficient.. It kinda made me laugh. It is more specific than application software and makes everything more organized because each program is designed for certain things (i.e. spreadsheets are more for numbers, data, tables, etc). Lastly, graphics and multimedia software programs get even more narrowed down to what types of things it is for and make it easier. For example, a desktop publishing software may be used for the layout of a yearbook or newsletters. This program would be easier to use for those types of things than just a Microsoft Word document because it’s more organized and made for those types of tasks.

Something I learned was from the reading that I thought it was really interesting was when they talked about the voice recognition option and the note taking software because they are not extremely prevalent right now, at least at the college level. However, I think it’ll be a big change when it becomes more common for students to be able to tell our computers what to do or type, or write something have then have it printed out in Times New Roman.

I really loveddd making the “quiz” in class and working on my newsletter.. I know, I’m a dork. As ridiculous as it sounds, I love making things like that because I feel so accomplished for making something so detailed/creative/informative/etc on the comp! I think it was really helpful to do it together in class because it felt effortless, and once I know how to do it I’ll remember because it’s something I think I will use!

Blog #1: Chapter 1 and The Age of Technology

I felt like the beginning of Chapter One was almost funny because it had this dragged out explanation of computers and the "digital generation" and said how as future teachers we are the immigrants. I thought this was funny because it seems like that's already outdated. I feel I am absolutely in the age of digital technology and that I fit into every description of that generation. Since I felt this way, I found the first portion of the chapter to be quite redundant and unnecessary; however, the next part of the chapter was very interesting and helpful.

One important topic to discuss from the first chapter would be the ARCS Model. I feel this is a beneficial theory that every teacher should focus on and ask themselves if each of the tenets apply to their lesson plans because by following ARCS students will not only be more engaged, but more importantly successful. The topic of ISTE was also interesting to me because I didn't realize national educational standards had been set for technology in the classroom. I really liked how the program set separate standards for students and administrators because the categories are extremely relevant and important topics specific to the students and administrators respectively. Lastly, the scenarios that depicted EVERY type of member involved in the school and their interactions with technology was interesting because although separate, they were all intertwined. Furthermore, the portion about "community" was especially important and encouraging because it really shows how technology can connect all types of people at all ages.

I felt this reading, although extremely redundant and rather dry, was beneficial for me to actually read a description of the tools I use everyday. As a part of the digital age, we often skip the instructions and descriptions to go on more of a trial and error method to use new technology; therefore, I found it really helpful to actually read the difference between different components of technology. The most beneficial part of this reading, I felt was the ARCS Model because I think focusing on those tenets as a teacher will really be key to my students' success. Lastly, the information in this chapter is overall important because it is the details that everyone should know.

I think it's really interesting to see how technology is exponentially growing in its integration into the classroom. I cant wait to see the new types of technologies that will be available to teachers within the coming years. I'm excited to learn more about computer programs that will help with the teaching profession in general as those are areas I am not familiar with.