Top 10

Top 10 Reasons to Use Technology in the Classroom:

10. Everybody's doing it. Since the kids like to use this one, I figure why not. Actually, this one refers to the fact that technology is becoming more interwoven in our lives and it is unlikely to stop. It's a matter of get on board or get left behind. Employers like to see it and stakeholders as well.

9. The possibilities are endless. When we look at how far we have come in the last 20 years, it really does seem like the possibilities are endless. Why wouldn't you want that in your classroom?

8. One laptop is easier to carry than seven books. It's amazing how much input is contained inside of those hard plastic shells. E-books are the future of many schools.

7. We can learn a whole lot from our students. I learn more from students about technology than any other subject.

6. Who needs an encyclopedia? Again, it is absolutely amazing how much input is available at one's fingertips. Do encyclopedia salesmen still exist?

5. Get stakeholders informed and excited. Using technology is a great way to get your community excited about your school.

4. Get parents informed, engaged, and excited. Fewer conference time surprises for parents. It also is a way to get and keep parents informed, interested, and on board.

3. Instant feedback. Students love feedback. For teachers, feedback can be a time consuming chore. Use blogs and forums to provide that feedback.

2. Dunder-Mifflin is in trouble. Use social networks, forums, and blogs to reduce the amount of paper that is used in your classroom.

1. Social-networking. Is there any better way to encourage students to take ownership in their education? Since they are already doing it, it is just plain natural.

Computer Architecture

For me, the most important benefit of this course is that it has given me a little more confidence. I think that most people want to be "tech savvy." Getting there can be tough. This course certainly has not made me savvy, but it is a step in the right direction. One thing that my action research has taught me is that familiarity with content vocabulary can greatly enhance student comprehension. Well, now that I understand the vocabulary a little better, it helps me when I need to interact with others regarding computer technology.

OS Activity Reflection

I really enjoyed this activity. It is important for me to step out of my comfort zone. Right now, my comfort zone is PC, Windows, Explorer, and some Firefox. In order for me to gain a better understanding of much of this stuff, I need to continue to step out of my comfort zone. And yes, "waiting for my computer to blow up" while running Ubuntu was very uncomfortable.

The Boot

Just completed the boot-up assignment. (I know that it was due like a month ago.) Anyway, I enjoyed digging out my wife's old laptop from 1997. It is amazing how much more powerful today's computers are. The thing that I appreciated most about this assignment is that I was forced to go into parts of the computer that I had never bothered to be in before. It further punctuates how I feel that I just missed being much more computer savvy. I say "just missed" because in the mid-to-late 90's, it seemed as though universities were just themselves on the brink of discovery with how to use the technology. Anyway, that's why programs like these are good for people like me.

Another "Nerds" reflection

As I have had more time to absorb and reflect on the documentary, I have gained a greater appreciation for it and the journey it entails. It is actually quite inspirational. It is a reminder that technology and its advancements are like a whole other world to be explored. I am not a huge techy, but I appreciate the technology and the smarts of the people who develop it. It also causes me to be appreciative of certain aspects of this program that have exposed me to aspects of technology that, no doubt, I never would have experienced. I really look forward to creating Nings for my engineering classes next year. It is neat to hear how Twitter is playing a significant role in Iranian protests and to think that we learned about it six months to a year ago. It is so very nice to be knowledgeable about these topics. Knowledge truly is power, and since so much of our life contains so much technology, knowledge of this technology is empowering. I guess that is why I find the "Nerds" movie to be inspiring, even though it seems like ancient history (especially when you see those 90's era eyeglasses). Anyway, good movie, I can't wait for the sequel.

Computer Architecture and Nerds

Really am looking forward to the class. Never had too much time to open the inside of a computer before--neat assignment. I really enjoyed the nerds movie. I was disappointed that Anthony Edwards and that Ogre guy weren't in it though. It's funny watching Jobs and Gates and thinking back to college and how the Computer Science people all looked like them. This stuff really is amazing though. It is interesting to think how different a perspective toward computers my children will grow up with compared to me.

New Jing fan!

Wow! I have had a lot of fun messing around with Jing and Screencast. This technology can be so useful to me in my engineering courses. This year, I am teaching Civil Engineering and Architecture. The students have an architecture CAD program that they must learn. I am very excited right now, but I will try to be brief: Instead of always showing student what to do with the CAD software via my computer and a projector, I could create a series of tutorials via screencast! I made one here. It does not have audio--I need a microphone. Anyway--very excited--gotta go.