Post 10 (due November 21)

In this class I would like to learn how to create a class website and other useful ways to incorporate the technology we learn into the classroom. I like the applicable parts of the chapter that provide suggestions to creatively integrate and use technology. For instance Id like to learn about other ways to use technology when you only have one computer in the classroom, because I think that the majority of classrooms have limited access to computers and technology in general. Now Im not the big technology person, but this class has convinced me of the importance of using technology in this generation, so I would like some user-friendly ways to do that.

To achieve my technological goals in education I will make sure to incorporate technology into my lesson plans, and try to keep it in the back of my mind throughout the rest of my college classes for education. Its easy to forget about a class that you took your first semester in college, but this class has impacted the way I think about technology in general, so I will be more likely to remember what I learned and in general the ideas that technology can lead to increased learning and an environment that helps students prepare and relate to the world outside of school. Also, so I stay in practice, I will try to use the skills and programs that we learned in my future classes so I keep them in my mind.

Post 9 (due Novemeber 14)

What I found most interesting in my peers posts:

Tara made a good observation about how you can utilize technology even if you only have one computer in the classroom. She noted two ideas that I could really use in an English classroom. One was the class newsletter letting the students take turns on the computer, and the other was the class blog where everyone could contribute. By reading her post on Chapter 7, I had to think about the reality that I could only have one computer in my classroom and that its unlikely to have access to enough computers for an entire class, even if it is a small class.

I also noticed specifically in Lindsey's blog, that a lot of people enjoyed learning about and using the blog and the wiki assignments. They could be very useful in our classrooms for connected to other teachers and possibly making a class website or wiki. Im glad that everyone else is thinking about our future careers and how this class can apply.

This semester I have learned a great deal of new ways to use technology. For instance, like I mentioned above, the wiki and the website creations on Word, and the blogging. Of course it's always nice to learn more about Word and Excel, which are obviously useful in the classroom in everyday activities. The more effective you are at using Word and Excel, the easier they make your life. These programs are designed to help you save time and when you know how to use them properly they are extremely helpful and time efficient. Also, the book has given me many new ideas about HOW to go about integrating technology into education and the importance thereof.

Chapter 8 (due Novemeber 7)

Computer Security Issues, Ethics, and Emerging Technologies in Education

A common way that computers are put in danger is by viruses, aka malicious software programs. These dangerous programs come in many different forms and can be relatively harmless or extremely corrupting. Creators of these viruses typically send them in attachments to emails. Beware of opening attachments from people you do not know and trust. There are three main types of viruses; boot sector, file, and macro virus. A boot sector virus "replaces the boot program used to start the computer with...an infected version..." When the computer user starts the computer the virus saves to the computer memory and can then spread to any storage media. The second kind, file virus, saves into program files and spreads to any program that accesses the infected file. The last kind is a macro virus. This is the one I understand the least. It saves to the macro language of an application, like Microsoft Word. Then when you open the ap, it loads into the memory and is activated by a certain action, such as saving.

Though there is no way to COMPLETELY protect from viruses, the book provides some good tips on protecting yourself from viruses...

• Reliable Antivirus software- should update virus definitions every week
• Scan all removable media like USB drives etc., especially if someone else has given you one that has been used in another device
• Scan all internet files, and attached files- This is the MOST common way to infect a computer
• Turn off email preview- Some viruses can be delivered just by viewing the message
• Scan ALL software- it is possible for manufacturer products to be infected
• Avoid illegal copies- favorites for viruses
• Dont start the computer with unknown media in the drives
• Install personal firewall program
• Back up your files often
• Set antivirus program to automatically scan

Firewalls are something I have never understood. I learned though that a firewall is a security system to prevent unauthorized access to a network. You can either have a network firewall, a hardware firewall, or a personal firewall- which protects your specific computer.

The book also gave some guidelines about ethics concering computers.

An educator will...

• not use it [a computer] to harm others
• not interefere with others work
• not look at others files
• not steal using the computer
• not use it to tell a lie
• not use others computers without permission
• not use others work
• think about social impact
• use it in respect and consideration for others

This chapter had a lot of information to take in, but what I wrote about is what I learned that was new, and most interesting to me. I didnt realize the impact viruses could have on a computer and had never really seen the importance of protecting against them. Now that I see how damaging they can be, and saw the tips they gave for protecting my computer, I am more likely to continue using my antivirus software etc. I also was excited to learn about firewalls, because I had never really had a concept of what they were. I always heard people talking about them. I think these things will be helpful because they will guide my use of the computer in the classroom. Not only concerning ethics but also saftey in protecting my students information etc...