Blog 3

The World Wide Web, along with e-mail, voice mail, videoconferencing, etc, is an example of a program that relies on communications technology. A local area network covers a limited area, such as a building an office, or a group of buildings. The internet is worldwide, and allows people to communicate from anywhere there is internet.

I learned how to use Insiration last week. I thought it was really cool and really useful. It'll be great for making study guides and stuff like that.

I'm taking a poetry class this semester. I thought I wasn't going to like it very much, but it has won me over. It's a lot of fun and I am actually learning a lot. It has inspired me to teach a section on poetry when I become an English teacher. I really think kids can get a lot of out of it if it is taught right. Hopefully I'll be able to do that.
As a complete side note, if you are reading this and have never listened to a lady named Regina Spektor, you should. Her music is fantastic. I haven't stopped listening to her for a couple of weeks now.
Have an awesome day. =)

Blog 2

Chapter three was cool because it talked about all the different kinds of programs you can use on a computer. It talks about what programs can be used for education and how to use them. The chapter talked about different kinds of software, such as productivity software, word processing software, graphics and multimedia software, and educational software, just to name a few.

I am probably the only one, but I was really excited to learn how to wrap text around a picture. I never knew how to do it before, and it always bothered me so much how a picture always messed up my words! Now I can successfully incorporate pictures into my text and it makes me happy.

So I'm taking a vampire class, which is really cool, and it makes me want to write vampire stories. It's fascinating how the vampire has developed through different cultures over time. Maybe when I become an english teacher I'll force my kids to read creepy vampire stories. I'm sure they would love it.

Blog 1

The first chapter of the book pointed out how different kids today are from the generation before when it comes to technology and computers. Because kids use technology so much more than adults, kids today multitask much more and also are more visual learners than in the past. The ARCS Motivational Model was created to motivate kids to WANT to learn instead of just learning to pass school. It talks about the following: Attention- Teaching techniques should stimulate a student's interest, which includes digital media because that is what kids are interested in. Relevance- Using digital media in lessons brings familiarity into the classroom, which makes students more interested. Challenge/Confidence- Digital media allows students to challenge themselves with something familiar, and they will feel confident when they succeed. Also, using digital media allows more of the imagination to be used. Satisfaction/Success- Digital media allows students to show off their work, which makes them do better work so they get better feedback from fellow students.

I don't think I've really acquired any new skills that would help me in my educational career. However, I did realize how much kids use technology today. Kids are constantly on the computer, playing video games, or doing something technology-related. I've never really thought about how kids would be excited to do more digital activities because it is what they are more familiar with. It makes sense.

I know I want to be a high school English teacher. I don't know what I should major in, though. I can't decide if I should major in English Literature, Secondary English Education, or just try to double major. So, if anyone has any input, it would help a lot.