The PC Maintenance and Security lab was such a purposeful one! Although, I would consider myself knowledgeable in a many aspects involving computers, I do have to say that I learned a lot from these tutorials. The first tutorial that I watched was about cleaning up and speeding up your computer. I learned so much from this tutorial. I had never heard of Windows Cleanup! before. I followed the instructions, downloaded the program, and on the first cleaning removed over 18,000 files equivalent to 2.3 gigs!! I also watched the video about cleaning up your start up menu. I ran msconfig and removed some unwanted programs that slowed my computer on start up.
The second tutorial that I watched was Using Firewalls. The reason I watched this set of videos is because I knew that I could increase my knowledge about firewalls. I liked that the videos were straight to the point and easy to follow. I really liked the video that covered what firewalls do and don't do. I was slightly familiar, but I didn't know that the firewall would not block a file downloaded through a peer to peer network. The last video that I watched was installing ZoneAlarm, which is something I didn't do on my work computer, but I will do on my home computer. It can't hurt, right?
The last tutorial that I watched was Helpful Website Resources. Wow! What awesome resources they had listed. The PCPitstop is so beneficial. What a great resource for people that aren't that familiar with optimizing their computer performance. There are many different tools on this site that cover different troubleshooting prospects for computer users. The other video within this tutorial was Using TechsupportAlert Website. This is another wonderful resource that provides tech support information for PC security. One really cool resource this web site offers is window guides. The window guides show users how to perform tech tasks themselves.
All in all, this lab was very informative. There was a plethora of information available; way more information than I had time to cover. I'll definitely have to check back in to watch more of the videos.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Sunday, May 22, 2011
RSS Reflection
I have to admit I wasn't all that excited about this at first. I just thought it was going to be something else I had to check on a regular basis, but one thing I've realized from this class is that the things we are learning are actually quite simple to integrate if you find ways to do it that coincide with your daily routine. Really Simple Syndication is actually very simple; I wonder where they got the name? LOL. Anyway, I've been using my Google Reader for a couple of weeks now and it has supplied me with lots of information that would have normally been bypassed.
I have noticed that the majority of the feeds I subscribed to update on a regular basis. There were only a select few that minimally added new content. I think NPR is really cool because they're constantly updating with global, newsworthy information. I also really like Edutopia. They are consistently updating with content across the board. I really enjoy the fact that they focus quite a bit on project based instruction. They also seem to have lots of tips for new teachers. I also subscribed to Free Technology for Teachers. They post new resources every single day. The resources are very useful; they are primarily free online applications to use in the classroom.
I do have to say that I added some "entertainment" feeds as well. This is sort of how I integrated Google Reader into my daily routine. I noticed that I always checked the Huffington Post app and the TMZ app on my phone on a daily basis to catch up with gossip, but I had to log into each one separately. I subscribed to both of those in my Google Reader; I know I know not the most educational feeds, but entertaining none the less. I then thought to check my Android Market for Google Reader (I should have figured they had an app). I was able to download the Google Reader app for my phone. What's the result? I have all of my educational feeds and entertainment feeds synced directly to the Google Reader app on my phone. Everything I need is now in ONE place!
I'm so glad that I have this reader because I feel constantly up to date with these resources. The Internet and other technologies are changing all the time, I was worried that as an educator I wouldn't stay as up to date as I should. This is one way to prevent that from happening. I think an RSS feeder would be an awesome tool for students to use in the classroom as well. They can change their feeds based on the classes they are taking in school and use them for resources. They can also use it to help manage themselves on the web by subscribing to all of their favorite websites. One thing that is extremely important for students today is to stay current with what is happening in the world. It is so important as an educator to connect real world knowledge with what we are teaching in our classrooms. I think using a RSS feeder is a great way to get started.
I have noticed that the majority of the feeds I subscribed to update on a regular basis. There were only a select few that minimally added new content. I think NPR is really cool because they're constantly updating with global, newsworthy information. I also really like Edutopia. They are consistently updating with content across the board. I really enjoy the fact that they focus quite a bit on project based instruction. They also seem to have lots of tips for new teachers. I also subscribed to Free Technology for Teachers. They post new resources every single day. The resources are very useful; they are primarily free online applications to use in the classroom.
I do have to say that I added some "entertainment" feeds as well. This is sort of how I integrated Google Reader into my daily routine. I noticed that I always checked the Huffington Post app and the TMZ app on my phone on a daily basis to catch up with gossip, but I had to log into each one separately. I subscribed to both of those in my Google Reader; I know I know not the most educational feeds, but entertaining none the less. I then thought to check my Android Market for Google Reader (I should have figured they had an app). I was able to download the Google Reader app for my phone. What's the result? I have all of my educational feeds and entertainment feeds synced directly to the Google Reader app on my phone. Everything I need is now in ONE place!
I'm so glad that I have this reader because I feel constantly up to date with these resources. The Internet and other technologies are changing all the time, I was worried that as an educator I wouldn't stay as up to date as I should. This is one way to prevent that from happening. I think an RSS feeder would be an awesome tool for students to use in the classroom as well. They can change their feeds based on the classes they are taking in school and use them for resources. They can also use it to help manage themselves on the web by subscribing to all of their favorite websites. One thing that is extremely important for students today is to stay current with what is happening in the world. It is so important as an educator to connect real world knowledge with what we are teaching in our classrooms. I think using a RSS feeder is a great way to get started.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Getting Things Done (GTD) Lab
I would like to think of myself as being organized, but I notice that I go back and forth. Growing up I always used a planner and would write down every single thing I had to do. As I finished these tasks I would cross them off one by one. Looking back, that method seems rather archaic with all of the technology around. After reading the GTD process I hoped that it may be the answer the helping me fine tune my organizational skills.
With starting new classes this summer, teaching full time, being a NHS advisor, working a separate part time job, and keeping up with family duties, I have found myself to be much busier than my "younger" years. However, until getting a smart phone, believe it or not, I would still write lists down and cross out tasks as I completed them. Since getting my first Blackberry in the beginning of 2008, I have transcended from pencil and paper. I started using the memo, calendar, and "push" e-mail functions of the phone to categorize my tasks. This seemed to work well for me since I could also set a reminder. I've been using the this process for awhile now.
When I first started this lab, I was a little overwhelmed with all of the tasks I had come up with that needed to be completed. Basically, it was a lot to type into the memo section of my phone! I will say that getting every single thing out of your head and somewhere else is a major stress reliever; until the reality that you actually have all of this "stuff" to complete sets in. I suppose this is where the rest of the steps come in, right? Then, I figured something out...
I realized that I could use the Google calendar that I had created for the lab and input all of the my tasks in there. Not only could I put all of that "stuff" into the Google calendar, I could sync the calendar to my phone because it's Android! Go Droid!! Now, everything that I put into the calendar online will automatically update in my phone. I can still set all the reminders and categorize things by type, priority, and color.
I think this new process of organization will work well for me. I do think that the entire GTD process will take some getting used to before I master all aspects of it; it does seem sort of intense. I will just have to be consistent in using it and maintaining it.
As far as continuing to use it; I will absolutely continue to use this new process. Hopefully, as time goes on I will be able to develop more ways to stay organized. It should be much easier for me since I get on Google almost everyday, and it's synced to my phone.
With starting new classes this summer, teaching full time, being a NHS advisor, working a separate part time job, and keeping up with family duties, I have found myself to be much busier than my "younger" years. However, until getting a smart phone, believe it or not, I would still write lists down and cross out tasks as I completed them. Since getting my first Blackberry in the beginning of 2008, I have transcended from pencil and paper. I started using the memo, calendar, and "push" e-mail functions of the phone to categorize my tasks. This seemed to work well for me since I could also set a reminder. I've been using the this process for awhile now.
When I first started this lab, I was a little overwhelmed with all of the tasks I had come up with that needed to be completed. Basically, it was a lot to type into the memo section of my phone! I will say that getting every single thing out of your head and somewhere else is a major stress reliever; until the reality that you actually have all of this "stuff" to complete sets in. I suppose this is where the rest of the steps come in, right? Then, I figured something out...
I realized that I could use the Google calendar that I had created for the lab and input all of the my tasks in there. Not only could I put all of that "stuff" into the Google calendar, I could sync the calendar to my phone because it's Android! Go Droid!! Now, everything that I put into the calendar online will automatically update in my phone. I can still set all the reminders and categorize things by type, priority, and color.
I think this new process of organization will work well for me. I do think that the entire GTD process will take some getting used to before I master all aspects of it; it does seem sort of intense. I will just have to be consistent in using it and maintaining it.
As far as continuing to use it; I will absolutely continue to use this new process. Hopefully, as time goes on I will be able to develop more ways to stay organized. It should be much easier for me since I get on Google almost everyday, and it's synced to my phone.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Social Networking
After searching through all of the resources available in the social networking lab I have come up with quite a few ideas in which social networking can benefit my classroom. Honestly, I had only been using social networking websites for personal use. I have a Facebook account in which I connect with old school friends, family members I haven't seen in years, and other people whom I would just like to keep in contact with. I just recently started using Twitter for personal use, I have been following a few friends and a plethora of celebrities.
I was excited to see the numerous networks available for educators. I've always thought that networking was a wonderful way to stay informed. Apparently, I forgot to network professionally online because, looking back, I see many missed opportunities for learning. Through the lab I just completed I joined the MACUL Space site, LinkedIn, recently created a professional Twitter account, and will soon create a professional Facebook account. I think it will be a wonderful opportunity to share the knowledge I have and to gain the knowledge and advice of others from these social networks.
I am very excited to implement a social network into my classroom for the upcoming year. I definitely am interested in using Edmodo. I also want to check more into Ning. I think these will be great for my students to work together online and collaborate with each other. This will be a wonderful opportunity for them to see first hand how social networks can be beneficial to their learning. At this point, I think the value they see in social network sites is simply keeping touch with friends and family. I hope that the new things they are about to experience in my room will help broaden their horizons; so to speak.
-JP
I was excited to see the numerous networks available for educators. I've always thought that networking was a wonderful way to stay informed. Apparently, I forgot to network professionally online because, looking back, I see many missed opportunities for learning. Through the lab I just completed I joined the MACUL Space site, LinkedIn, recently created a professional Twitter account, and will soon create a professional Facebook account. I think it will be a wonderful opportunity to share the knowledge I have and to gain the knowledge and advice of others from these social networks.
I am very excited to implement a social network into my classroom for the upcoming year. I definitely am interested in using Edmodo. I also want to check more into Ning. I think these will be great for my students to work together online and collaborate with each other. This will be a wonderful opportunity for them to see first hand how social networks can be beneficial to their learning. At this point, I think the value they see in social network sites is simply keeping touch with friends and family. I hope that the new things they are about to experience in my room will help broaden their horizons; so to speak.
-JP
Friday, May 13, 2011
RSS Lab
This image is of my RSS reader page using Google Reader:
The following image is of the comment I made to the blog I'm following. The blog was about e-books and their effect on education:
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Personal Growth Plan
I hope to learn so much from this class so that I can apply the things I learn directly to my classroom. The incredible thing is that it’s only the first week and I feel like I have learned a lot already. Nonetheless, I have two specific goals that fall within the following areas: 1) Using technology to make a difference in education and 2) Increasing your skill in using technology.
I have a huge passion for working with students who are labeled “at risk.” I feel like these are the kids that get overlooked and left behind. Because of this passion I want to use technology to make a difference in the education of these students. I want them to experience first hand the plethora of things that can be done with new and emerging technologies in the classroom; taking them on web quests, creating collaborative learning environments, using starboards, social networks, etc. I know first hand the impact technology can have on students that may have never experienced it before. I hope to spark interest in learning for these kids by getting them excited and engaged in the classroom by incorporating new technology; to be proud of themselves and their work. My ultimate goal is to have my students develop a passion for learning and work with a sense of purpose because they simply enjoy learning. I feel like this is a much more feasible goal with the integration of technology in the classroom.
I have a huge passion for working with students who are labeled “at risk.” I feel like these are the kids that get overlooked and left behind. Because of this passion I want to use technology to make a difference in the education of these students. I want them to experience first hand the plethora of things that can be done with new and emerging technologies in the classroom; taking them on web quests, creating collaborative learning environments, using starboards, social networks, etc. I know first hand the impact technology can have on students that may have never experienced it before. I hope to spark interest in learning for these kids by getting them excited and engaged in the classroom by incorporating new technology; to be proud of themselves and their work. My ultimate goal is to have my students develop a passion for learning and work with a sense of purpose because they simply enjoy learning. I feel like this is a much more feasible goal with the integration of technology in the classroom.
In order for me to make the previous goal come to fruition it is imperative that I increase my skill level in certain areas of technology. I am a computer teacher with a business education degree. Although, I am certified to teach technology courses I feel like it was never a main focus during my studies; though, I knew I wanted to be in the computer lab and I am quite knowledgeable in the use of computers. I want to learn as much as humanly possible so that I can make my lessons extremely engaging and purposeful for my students. More specifically, I want to learn much more about Google Docs, Google Apps for Education, mobile apps for schools and classrooms, social networks, cell phone use, Moodle, etc.
Not only do I want to learn how to make my lessons more exciting, purposeful, and engaging, I want to learn how technology can be more effectively used in assessing students. More often then not, students are assessed with the same old paper and pencil, standardized tests. I want to learn alternative methods to this 20th century ideal.
All in all, I feel like these technology applications will help me become more efficient as a teacher, and provide new and exciting opportunities for learning with my students. There are so many technology applications I feel like I’m in the dark about that would be extremely beneficial to me, my students, and the other staff members after I train them.
810 Blogging Lab- "Web Pages vs. Blogs"
What is the difference between a traditional web page and blog you ask? Well, the answer is simple: web pages are generally used by a company and deliver content revolving around one specific topic. For example, web sites exist for schools, businesses, and many organizations. On the other hand, blogs are created by people for readers. Blogs are similar to an online diary or journal, but have the capabilities of reaching numerous people. Content also varies among blogs; just as you would find in a normal diary. I believe web sites are very apathetic to visitors. Blogs seem to be tied to the emotions of the author. Whatever that person is feeling on a particular day may be the item of discussion in a blog. Not only does the content differ between the two, the navigational set up is very different. In every web site you will find a home page with multiple links to locations within the site and abroad. Blogs generally operate like an actual diary; a blog post for the day with numerous archived blogs before it.
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