navigational systems

My favorite piece of technology is easily the navigational system for my car. My dad bought it last Christmas as a present for my mom. She had no need for it but realized within five minutes that it was the perfect solution to my problem. Having NO sense of direction, the navigational system gives me comfort when I am going somewhere for the first time. It also accurately estimates the arrival time. Although I try not to be too dependant on it, it has made driving so much less stressful for me.

Google

One website that I would not be able to live without would have to be Google. I can honestly say that I turn to google at least one time a day. Google is a search engine that finds hundreds of websites containing the information that you requested.If used effectively, it can quickly find specific information. When there is a word on the tip of your tounge that you can't remember, simply run to google, type in some key words, and you'll find it in no time.I can honestly say Google makes my life so much easier.

Facebook and Myspace

In today's world, social networking sites seem to be taking over. Teens spend more time on sites such as facebook and myspace than they do studying for school or being with their families. Why are these sites so appealing?
Social networking sites let users send quick notes to friends, keep in touch with long distance friends, share and display pictures, and even give each other digital gifts. They also allow people to meet people that have the same interests. Another application that users find appealing is the ability to make groups that stand for a certain cause or event.
Facebook currently has 55 MILLION users, and myspace has a stunning 200 million. Myspace also attracts 230,000 new users a day. With this rapid growth rate, it is no wonder parents are getting worried. Although there are optional security settings, if teens are unaware or don't want them, social networking sites can be dangerous.
If teens post information such as their address or highschool, they can easily be found by online stalkers. I think it is important that parents are aware of social networking sites and how they work so that they can make sure that their children are using them effectively.

Ed Tech Tools in the classroom

Technology is making it easier for teachers to get students' attention and teach effectively. Between smart boards, clickers, powepoint, and educational websites, these tools open the gate to learning in the classroom.
In highschool, my school got its first interactive white board. From experience, I can say that it definantly encourages class participation, and makes learning more enjoyable. At college, I used clickers for the first time. They not only help evalute the classes progress, but help take attendance in large classes.
By the time I have a class of my own, I can only imagine the new tools and services that will be available to make my teaching experience amazing.

Why did I become a teacher?

Ever since I can remember, I have always wanted to be a teacher. When other kids were playing with Barbie dolls, I was busy teaching my imaginary class addition and subtraction. As a teacher, I hope to make a difference in my students' lives. I know that is cliche, but its the truth.
Although thinking of being in a classroom at the moment makes me very nervous, I know that after graduating from this University, I will be well prepared.

Clickers in the classroom

Wireless clickers have recently been added to classrooms across the nation. These electronic tools provide a way for teachers in large classrooms (such as lecture halls) take attendance, evaluate their students, and get their students involved. Each clicker is equipped with a radio ID, picked up by the teacher's computer. The teacher can poll students, ask them questions, and test them on their knowledge in a multiple choice format. They encourage all students to participate without the fear of being embarrassed. Because all answers are displayed anonymously, students can feel safe sharing their answers. Clickers gather information that can track a student or classes progress, and display needs for improvement.

Picasa

Ever feel like Google is taking over the world? They have added yet another application for online users. Picasa makes downloading, editing and sharing photos easier than ever. Users with Google accounts are given 1 free GB for photos. After that, it is 10 GB for $20 a year, $75 for 40 GB, and $200 for $140 GB. Users are allowed to email photo albums, organize and edit photos, and even make slide shows. There are also ways to transfer images from Picasa to your blog. Soon, tangible photos will be replaced completely with these online photo albums.

How can blogs be used in the classroom?

October 29, 2007

Blogs are an online source that provide a person's insights on current events, or particular subjects. Blogs can be used in the classroom to get students to reflect in a journal, to encourage group work, and to share course related information. Teachers should make sure that their students are writing about important and informative subjects. Blogs should not contain personal information.

What are wikis and how are they used in education?

Wikis are websites on the internet where people can communicate electronically. Usually within a wiki, many people contribute to a specific topic. Information on the wiki can be changed, altered, or deleted. (also be known as "open editing") On a wiki, YOU are the author. You have the power to write whatever you want.
In education, it is important that students know that websites such as wikipedia are not always trustworthy. Because people have the power to change the information, someone could
have easily come into the wiki and contributed information that was false. Students should also be aware that some wikis have biased information.
Wikis can be used in the class room when group work is assigned. Students within groups can create a wiki to collaborate information. If one student sees that his partner has added information that is incorrect, he can correct the information. If someone else finds more information they can add it to what a classmate has already wrote. This is helpful so that students can work on a project outside of the classroom