Post #9

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My last posting for the course. I was on the roll, so here it goes. I would like to expand my technology skills to learn about music, because I play a few musical instruments and have a passion for music and art. I listen to almost anything and everything, but nothing beats classical music.

I need to continue to stay on top of new technology, so that I can better equipped my future students who are visually impaired and blind. I know that the more I know about the types of software there are the better teacher I will be in preparing the students to become as knowledgeable as I am.

I am enjoying this class, because the teacher has been great. Also because I am learning new skills.

Post #8

I liked Chapter 8, because it had important information on security issues, ethics, emerging technologies, and more. I am a true believer in keeping personal information away from strangers, neighbors, hackers, and then some. You never know if someone is lurking over your shoulder and taking notes of your personal information. The book have some good suggestions, which I personally agree with, antivirus program, not opening an unfamiliar web mail, scan all attachments, scan all software before accessing them, install firewall, log off on email account, back up files, never share personal information with others, when purchasing items over the internet make sure the website is protected or encrypt. Ethics is something we all should have. Having good morals and living by morals go hand in hand. If emerging technologies were part of a teacher's teaching strategies, then it is highly recommended for teachers to observe their students when they access the internet. It's part of all teachers' obligations to pre-teach their students about technology security issues and to make them aware of not to go to unauthorized websites.

I agree that more and more schools are emerging technologies as part of their curriculum today due to the world wide web. Teachers need to be educated on how to integrate technologies effectively as tools to teach their students. The most interesting technology for me is wireless.

More businesses today offer free wireless (coffee places, restaurants, book stores, and fast food places).

Post #7

Deciding which educational technology software to use can be challenging, because of the numerous software there are. Its crucial for teachers to evaluate all instructional materials prior to purchasing, during and after purchase. Other tasks to do prior to purchasing educational technology software is to phone interview technicians, check for technicians availability (phone, on-line, mail, 24/7), warranty and guarantee, fine print issues, read up on types of materials the software has, grade level, types of teaching strategies it has to teach both teachers and students, is it motivating, age appropriate, and are the graphics visually cluttered or manageable. Integrating technology in classroom is a fantastic idea, because the teacher can use technology as one of her teaching tools, teaching real life situations, teach students how to interact with other students, do research projects, collaborate within groups, and many more.

I liked the lesson plans examples used in Chapter 7. The lesson plans that I have written for class projects were much more detailed and longer. Because I am in the VI program, everything that I learn visually will need to be modified for my future students. Also, when purchasing educational technology software and integrating technology in classrooms, I need to consider if the software is compatible for students with multiple disabilities and if it is appropriate.

Teachers have plenty tasks to do as is, but it is great assurance to know that they can call for technology assistance when needed. The picture that is shown is a type of assistive technology that some students with visual impairment use in classrooms. I thought it would be a cool picture to share with the class.

Post #6

What is curriculum? Curriculum is knowledge, skills, and performance standards that students are expected to acquire in certain grade levels. Teachers are expected to teach their students to know the curriculum. Technology is integrated in classroom to help teachers achieve goals in teaching the curriculum to their students. Some schools have a computer lab, computers in the classroom, and internet access. I learned what KWL Charts is (Know, what they Want to Know, and then, Will Learn). KWL is another pretty cool acronym I can add on my list.

Theories are something that I have learned in numerous classes. Learning why people behave in certain ways, observing behaviors, learning from others, and interpreting conditions fascinates me. Bandura, Vygotsky, Skinner, Pavlov would be very proud to know that their work and contributions are still being taught and used in the 21^st century.

I learned that there is no escaping behaviorism and psychology.

Post #5

In Chapter 5, I learned there’s many digital media for teachers and for students. There are digital projects, conferencing with video phones, multimedia software to help students, adding clip art and animation effects to a presentation, tutorials, educational games, educational simulations, drill and practice software.

I am very impressed with the many K-12 educational software applications there are for teachers. I also read that many of the educational software applications are now correlated to state standards.

The last two SAM tests I took were very frustrating. At times, I experienced the software to have a few glitches.

Post #4

The beginning of Ch. 4 was a little too technical for me. I get lost when people start talking about byte, gigabyte, all other byte terminologies, motherboard, and so forth. I always think its a language created for marshians. Terminologies like analog, digital, system unit, processor or microprocessor, memory slots I am more familiar with. USB flash drives, zip drives, scanners, fax machines, and PC cards are just the greatest. I have never own a PC card, but I love my USB flash drive and zip drives.

I am always looking for better portable, large data storage, slim monitors, and optical storage media (CDs and DVDs). I like to have that comfort zone knowing that all of my hard school work assignments are safely kept in some type of large data storage than leaving stacks of endless paper in my house, which is also a fire hazard.

Well, I am off to take another SAM exam. Wish me luck.

Post #3

Chapter 3 was a refresher for me, which I really enjoyed! Its amazing how many different types of software are out in the market. To my surprise, I have been fortunate enough to have accessed many of the software that were mentioned in Ch. 3, such as clip art/image gallery, desktop publishing software, software suites and integrated software, PDAs, and more. Since technology has changed in many ways and the upgrades are so great, I have discontinued using my PDA. The years that I was using one, none of my friends had it, so I have finally given up on waiting for one of them to get one. Oh, well, thank goodness for Internet. On that note, I would like to learn how to use video and audio editing software, just because it sounds pretty cool.

Well, I am still learning more about SAM. I am being sarcastic. The program is very helpful, but the tests are so very long. I wish I could only do the ones I am not familiar with.

I have had a very good and busy weekend. This coming week I am working on final projects for my other two classes, so if I look tired, this is why.

Post #2

In Chapter 2, I learned how to access more links. Wheel of terms was pretty cool. Also, the crossword puzzle link is a great website. Some of my favorite search engines are "Google.com, Yahoo, and the FSU Libraries" for educational purposes and for personal usage. To look up definitions I enjoy going to Websterdictionary.com. Other websites that are useful are mapquest.com (cautious- I did get lost twice using their directions, so just get a second opion by using a different website prior to your trip i.e. Google map) and


I learned more on how to use the program SAM. I found that reviewing the materials prior to taking the exams helped me a lot. Also, allow yourself plenty of time to take the exams.

This summer is going by so fast! I still can not believe that 4th of July is 2 days from now. Where is the time going???