The operating system is a type of system software that contains instructions that coordinate all of the activities of the hardware device in a computer. Different operating systems include the many versions of Windows, Mac OS, Unix, and Linux. The operating system also enables you to run application software, or application programs. Application programs can be used as a business tool, to support school and professional activities, to assist with graphics and mutlimedia, and to facilitate and support communication. Application programs are often opened up for use by clicking on a specific icon or navigating through the Start button (Windows only) on the desktop. Application software today can even have voice (speech) recognition or allow you to take hand written notes and save it as a document.. Both of these tend to be quite popular with and useful for the digital students.
Productivity software is especially useful to teachers as it is designed to make people more effective and efficient while performing daily activities. One commonly used type is word processing software such as Microsoft Word and WordPerfect. These programs often offer spell check, a variety of templates and clip art, and a wizard to walk you through any step you are unsure of. Another common type is spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Excel. Excel allows you to input, view and store numerical data much easier than by hand, as well as quickly and easily perform mathematical functions. Database software, such as Microsoft Access, allows you to create a computerized database. You are able to add, remove, and change data, as well as create forms and reports using the stored data. Presentation graphics software such as Microsoft PowerPoint allow you to make organized, visually appealing presentations using self-created slides. There are also several specific software that were made for and are used in schools throughout the country. School management software is a centralized program that allows district and school personnel to manage the school district operations (i.e. budgeting and inventory). Student management software is similarly constructed but instead keeps track of information about students (i.e. attendance and grades). Grade book software is also becoming increasingly popular as it is extremely convenient. Educational and reference software exist for a wide range of subject areas and are great learning tools.
After reading chapter four, I feel I have a much greater understanding of all the different kinds of application software they have out there today ! The Software for School section of the text was really enlightening, because I did not know they had specific software just for the use of school staff. I guess I just kind of always assumed they used one of the other programs that exist and just adapted to it as best as possible! I remember those thick, messy paper grade books from elementary school and I think it is really cool that I will be able to record my grades electronically. I also did not have a clear understanding of Microsoft Access but now I am aware of its many useful functions, such as created an address book for my students and colleagues! Overall, I now feel more confident in being able to use many different softwares to enhance my productivity, and enhance my career in the world of education!
Friday, January 26, 2007
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Blog 2- Chapter 2
Communications (or telecommunications) is defined as a process in which two or more computers or devices transfer data, instructions, and information. A communications channel is the path that data follows as the data is transmitted from the sending equipment to the receiving equipment. These channels are made up of transmission media, with the twisted-pair cable being the most common type. Computer networks have many benefits in the field of education, including the sharing of both hard and software between all teachers, faculty members, and students in a school district, andalso having instant access to the wide variety of sources available on the Internet. The Internet first began with the networking project of the U.S. Department of Defense's Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA). ARPANET became fully functional in September 1969. When its advantages and potential was realized, its research and growth exploded and ultimately help lead to the creation of the Internet as we know it today. The basic way the Internet operates can be broken down into three steps: First, data is divided into small pieces known as packets. Next, packets travel through the Internet via routers. Finally, once the packets reach their destination, they are reassembled into the original message. You can connect to the Internet through dial-up, high speed cable modem, digital subscriber line (DSL), satellite modems (the last three all use broadband technology), and power line communications (PLC).
The World Wide Web (Web) consists of hyperlinks (links) that allow you to efficiently navigate the Internet's web pages. A web page is simply an electronic document viewed on the web, while a web site is a collection of related web pages, which often includes a home page (similar to a table of contents in a book). Like every home or business, every web page has an address, known as a uniform resource locator (URL). There are three types of hyperlinks: Target, which link to another location within the same document, Relative, which link to another document on the same Internet computer, and Absolute, which link to another document on an entirely different Internet computer in a different geographic location. Hyperlinks help promote discovery learning, which is learning about separate but related topics. Firewalls and filtering software are programs to help keep our Internet safe and secure. Schools also often implement an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP).
This chapter really helped to clarify the meaning and function of terms I hear every day, but wasn't quite sure on their definitions or how exactly they operate. I always thought of the Internet of this ultra-complex system I could never possibly understand, but the book helped to simplify its process to where it started to make sense! Also I have heard of and used different kinds of Internet connections, but I didn't know until now what their abbreviations stood for or how exactly they differed from one another. Also this confirmed that Al Gore did not create the Internet! (Had to throw in a little political humor there!) I also enjoyed the last few pages of the chapter, which summarized how the Internet and Web has impacted education. ePALS is a totally cool project which pairs up "penpals" electronically and promotes awareness and appreciation of different cultures. It makes communicating across the world possible without any hassle! I was surprised to read that within the next few years, the Web will operate at speeds up to 10,000 faster then they currently do! Amazing!
The World Wide Web (Web) consists of hyperlinks (links) that allow you to efficiently navigate the Internet's web pages. A web page is simply an electronic document viewed on the web, while a web site is a collection of related web pages, which often includes a home page (similar to a table of contents in a book). Like every home or business, every web page has an address, known as a uniform resource locator (URL). There are three types of hyperlinks: Target, which link to another location within the same document, Relative, which link to another document on the same Internet computer, and Absolute, which link to another document on an entirely different Internet computer in a different geographic location. Hyperlinks help promote discovery learning, which is learning about separate but related topics. Firewalls and filtering software are programs to help keep our Internet safe and secure. Schools also often implement an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP).
This chapter really helped to clarify the meaning and function of terms I hear every day, but wasn't quite sure on their definitions or how exactly they operate. I always thought of the Internet of this ultra-complex system I could never possibly understand, but the book helped to simplify its process to where it started to make sense! Also I have heard of and used different kinds of Internet connections, but I didn't know until now what their abbreviations stood for or how exactly they differed from one another. Also this confirmed that Al Gore did not create the Internet! (Had to throw in a little political humor there!) I also enjoyed the last few pages of the chapter, which summarized how the Internet and Web has impacted education. ePALS is a totally cool project which pairs up "penpals" electronically and promotes awareness and appreciation of different cultures. It makes communicating across the world possible without any hassle! I was surprised to read that within the next few years, the Web will operate at speeds up to 10,000 faster then they currently do! Amazing!
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Blog 1: Chapter 1
Chapter 1 was very informative and I took a lot of information from it. The first few pages were basically a review of the history and components of computers, such as input/output and hardware/software. Integration literacy is a big part of teaching in our current world, in which we use computers and technology combined with teaching and learning strategies to facilitate learning. That to me kind of summed up what this whole course is all about! It certainly is true that we are living in the age of convergence, in which communication devices are merging with personal computers. It has become apparent that we need to keep up with this growing technology in order to make sure our students are prepared to face the ever evolving real world! We need to keep in mind that the youth today are very digitally-oriented: using multiple tools of communication and multitasking often and with ease. One way to effectively work with these digital students is by using the ARCS Motivational Model, developed by John M. Keller. He explained that learning and retention is only likely to occur if the students are motivated to learn. His model is an acronym in which each letter stands for each of these important factors: Attention, Relevance, Challenge/Confidence, and Satisfaction/Success.
Moving along in the chapter, the text then gave an overview of some of the different types of the computers that exist in our world today. Many of them were a review for me, but I did learn that an embedded computer is a special purpose computer that functions as one component in a larger product, such as a car. Networks are a connection of multiple computers than can range from a limited area such as a school or office in a local area network (LAN), or to a large area such as all computers in a nationwide corporation in a wide area network (WAN). The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is promoter and advocate of technology usage as a learning tool, and also led to the development of the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS), who are responsible for accrediting teacher education programs. Lastly, the book gives an overview of how each profession and participant involved in the field of education can use our world’s latest technology. As a teacher, it seems technology can make educating more interesting, interactive, organized, and visually appealing.
Personally, I learned a great deal from this short chapter. It was a great “refresher” for some of internet and computer terms I had encountered in my computer literacy course and through my own experiences and usage. There were also many new concepts that I was unaware of but now have a better understanding. The ARCS motivational model is an effective way to promote and enhance students drive and motivation, plus it’s easy to remember! I also learned that IBM was the producer of the first PC, with the Apple’s Macintosh computer following next. Now it seems kind of obvious, but I learned that “software” and “program” can be used interchangeably. I had heard of the term graphical user interface (GUI), but I didn’t know that it was what permitted you to interact with computer programs using visual items (i.e. icons). I learned that a program called E-rate exists, which helps to provide communication technology to schools at low or discounted costs. After reading this chapter, I now have a clearer image and idea about our current technology and more awareness on just how I may use it in my profession.
Moving along in the chapter, the text then gave an overview of some of the different types of the computers that exist in our world today. Many of them were a review for me, but I did learn that an embedded computer is a special purpose computer that functions as one component in a larger product, such as a car. Networks are a connection of multiple computers than can range from a limited area such as a school or office in a local area network (LAN), or to a large area such as all computers in a nationwide corporation in a wide area network (WAN). The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is promoter and advocate of technology usage as a learning tool, and also led to the development of the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS), who are responsible for accrediting teacher education programs. Lastly, the book gives an overview of how each profession and participant involved in the field of education can use our world’s latest technology. As a teacher, it seems technology can make educating more interesting, interactive, organized, and visually appealing.
Personally, I learned a great deal from this short chapter. It was a great “refresher” for some of internet and computer terms I had encountered in my computer literacy course and through my own experiences and usage. There were also many new concepts that I was unaware of but now have a better understanding. The ARCS motivational model is an effective way to promote and enhance students drive and motivation, plus it’s easy to remember! I also learned that IBM was the producer of the first PC, with the Apple’s Macintosh computer following next. Now it seems kind of obvious, but I learned that “software” and “program” can be used interchangeably. I had heard of the term graphical user interface (GUI), but I didn’t know that it was what permitted you to interact with computer programs using visual items (i.e. icons). I learned that a program called E-rate exists, which helps to provide communication technology to schools at low or discounted costs. After reading this chapter, I now have a clearer image and idea about our current technology and more awareness on just how I may use it in my profession.
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
Blog 1
I do have some previous experience using technology. I took the computer literacy course here at FSU in which we used SAM on a daily basis. I earned an A- in the course so I did acquire considerable knowledge and skill in the programs. I have used Microsoft Word and PowerPoint regularly since middle school and feel I am fairly compotent in using both of them. I have used Excel only minimally and hope to gain in my profiecency in this area.
I hope to further advance my skills in Word and PowerPoint and also gain a better understanding of Excel. The "Inspiration" program is completely novel to me so I am interested in finding out what it is all about. I would like to learn some "do's and don'ts" regarding what visually appeals to students and what will most facilitate their learning. I would like to gain and overall understanding of how to best use technology to my advantage in enhancing a lecture and as an instruction tool.
Today I learned I have a moderate preference for reflective learning. I learned that pausing after reading a few pages to think about the material or even writing a short summary of what I read can really facilitate my comprehension. I am balanced between a sensing and intuitive learner. I have a strong verbal learning preference, which was surprising to me as I know it is not the norm, but made sense the more I thought about it. It seems college courses are structured in my favor and that written summaries will also be helpful in this regard. I also have a moderate preference for global learning. This explains why the "chapter overviews" found at the end of chapters in many textbooks seem to make so much sense to me! The site encouraged me to overview the entire chapter or section first, as it will help all the smaller details make sense.
I hope to further advance my skills in Word and PowerPoint and also gain a better understanding of Excel. The "Inspiration" program is completely novel to me so I am interested in finding out what it is all about. I would like to learn some "do's and don'ts" regarding what visually appeals to students and what will most facilitate their learning. I would like to gain and overall understanding of how to best use technology to my advantage in enhancing a lecture and as an instruction tool.
Today I learned I have a moderate preference for reflective learning. I learned that pausing after reading a few pages to think about the material or even writing a short summary of what I read can really facilitate my comprehension. I am balanced between a sensing and intuitive learner. I have a strong verbal learning preference, which was surprising to me as I know it is not the norm, but made sense the more I thought about it. It seems college courses are structured in my favor and that written summaries will also be helpful in this regard. I also have a moderate preference for global learning. This explains why the "chapter overviews" found at the end of chapters in many textbooks seem to make so much sense to me! The site encouraged me to overview the entire chapter or section first, as it will help all the smaller details make sense.
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