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.