Blog # 3

Output is data that has been processed into a useful form called information. These include text, graphics, audio, and video. Output devices are capable of conveying information to the user or the surrounding group. We use floppy discs and hard disks as inexpensive storage that can be read magnetically. Also, most computers are digital and must convert data into a form it understands using bits and bytes. When eight bits are grouped together they are called bytes. Most of this information came directly from the textbook, "Integrating Technology and Digital media in the Classroom."

The most beneficial tool that I came across in Chapter 4, was the idea of input devices that can benefit students with special needs. This would be very helpful in the world of education because it allows even challenged children with motor disabilities. They have technology advances such as joy sticks and small trackballs that are controlled with the thumb that can be either mounted to a wheel chair or be attached to the hand. Because so many disabilities are present in an everyday classroom, it is necessary for such advances to be made available to assist teachers. Alternatives to keyboards and specialized hardware in the classroom is a good advance in the classrooms.

Since my last post, I learned a lot about the program "Inspiration." This program is very beneficial in using a visual learning style within the classroom. It is also helpful in organizing information and class lectures so that students can better understand the material. Furthermore, they can take their own notes on the graphic handouts and organize their thoughts for a test.

Blog #2

Productivity Software is designed to assist people in their daily life, by helping people work more efficiently. With such software, people have access to word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation graphics. Presentation graphic software, such as graphics and multimedia software, are useful in communicating ideas and messages to a group of people. They are also designed to specifically aid people in their career endeavors with organized programs such as desktop publishing, paint editing software, and multimedia authorizing tools. It is also helpful in publishing web pages, with specific software just for creating web pages and maintaining them.

Within the world of education, such productivity software can be useful inside the classroom as a source of excitement for the children to interact with, or as a way for the teacher to help organize and maintain the students. For example, teachers can perform specific tasks using application software to create a grade book, make an educational reference, or even manage their students absences more easily. Such technology tools can allows the schools and it's faculty to focus more on the education of the students, instead of wasting time managing students. This is also a good idea to keep the students disciplined in a classroom environment. For example, by using such support tools, teachers can keep track of absences and tardies and prevent students from skipping class. Furthermore, graphcis and multimedia software in the classroom can help teachers in their lectures because it will assist teachers in conveying a broad message to the classroom using a visual stimulus.

After reading my "Introduction to Education" book, I realized it would be beneficial to myself and my future career if I join a club involving education or if I start volunteering at local high schools. I believe to stand out from other job applicants during my job interview as a new teacher, I need to have credentials outside of the classroom that will support me as a good candidate for the future position. Furthermore, I was thinking about maybe taking a different language so I can communicate more easily with the growing cultural differences of our nation.

Blog # 1

In todays world of education, children are more understanding of technology and use computers on a daily basis. They are more equipped with such knowledge than the older generation who had little or no access to computer based technology, and therefore are more visually motivated. The idea behind the ARCS Motivational Model is that it is made to encourage children to learn by use of digital media. Digital media is more desired by young adults. If teachers and their learning environment can cater to their technological world, then we can motivate the people of our future world. Also, such familiarity will allow the student to be positively motivated, comfortable with their abilities, and feel successful.

Since my last post, I have acquired many word XP skills, including how to use a combination of keys on the keyboard to simplify a task. For example the shift + hyphen makes a underlining. I have also learned how to post comments on other pages of blogs. Such things will be useful in my educational career because it will allow me to simplify tests and use technology and digital media in the classroom.

I believe a blog post would be exceptional in the teaching world so as to communicate with parents and students via the internet. I hope to teach high school history so using such technology will appeal to my students!