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.

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The Children Will Lead Us

I received an e-mail from a student the other day letting me know that the JV soccer team has a blog. If it wasn't for this program, I don't know if I would have understood or even cared. But I checked it out and it's not bad.

As a coach, I understand how sports can be used to help students find their way through school. Just like academics, it is important for athletes to take ownership in their team. Blogs are a tool that allow this to happen.