Post #6

Chapter 5 discussed many applications of digital media, simulations, etc. that benefit the classroom. For example, computer-based training (CBT) helps learners utilize their skills if it's a technology lesson (SAM). However, I have experience with online training of trigonometry, and needless to say, it didn't work. It was very difficult to use and even more to learn. Electronic books are very useful, however, helping one study via the computer, often times with the same advantages or even more advantages than having the actual text in front of you. Web-based courses may have their advantages, but they don't always work for everyone. My professor for an online class told us that either you ace it or you fail it. Very rarely does a web-based course produce many high grades if the subject material is new the the student.

Some of the skills I've learned recently that may help me in my teaching career include....... well...... nothing really. There haven't been any new developments in my 'learning how to teach' area, but I'm constantly observing my professors and taking what I like and eliminating what I don't like about their teaching style (or lack thereof).

I've recently discovered some new options when I go to grad school for education. Originally I was planning on simply going for a masters in english education or administrative ed. Apparantly FSU has a program where you can get certified to teach community college as well. This really sparked my interest, because that's more of what I would enjoy. Obviously I still have awhile till I get that far, probably a year and a half, but I like to be prepared, and I like knowing that I'm not stuck with being a high school teacher (though I would enjoy that as well) if I happened to change my mind or become interested in a different aspect of education.

Post #5

Chapter 6 included a lot of interesting applications to technology. I liked learning about how technology integration is actually quite complicated. There are many factors, such as curriculum standards and learner outcomes. Learning styles are also a main factor in how technology is integrated. Some people learn better with hands-on, others with computers, and others just by reading. I remember using a KWL chart in high school, a Know, Want to know, and what we Learned. It was kind of useful, but not something I would be interested in using.



As a future educator, I've acquired a few skills simply from watching my professors lecture. One of my favorite professors keeps us interested by relating topics to everyday life, calling on people randomly, and asking for our opinions. I saw that these things make the class much more enjoyable and something everyone looks forward to, and I intend to teach my classes with the same enjoyment.



I hate computers sometimes. Mine just quit on me the other day, right in the middle of a paper. They say in like 50 years a computer will equal the intelligence of the entire human race. Maybe this is true, but I think they need to work on keeping them from freezing and erasing everything first.

Post #4

Computer Based Training (CBT) is interesting because there are a lot of things about it that are still being developed, and may very well be the new way to hold class. We even have a graduate major that involves research of this here at FSU I believe. iPod books are also discussed, which is a very interesting topic. I am personally interested in this, because I have to read a lot of books for my classes, and this particular development would be extremely useful and time saving. I have recently stopped subscribing to magazines as well, because most magazines post their content on their website for free, and my mom does the same for the daily paper. I am a big fan of these because it helps the environment by saving a lot of paper (not that they don't try to make up for it with junk mail). There is an enormous selection of applications for learning, and I've seen my little brother and sister use these. They make learning enjoyable through creativity applications, educational games, educational computer simulations, and tutorials. They have so many new things I wish I'd had when I was a kid, especially with those boring subjects like history.

I was surprised at the web search assignment we did in class. I didn't expect to learn much, but I learned a lot of useful things, the teacher blogs I was probably the most interested in. I actually got sidetracked reading a particular high school teacher's account of her profession, and she seemed to really be dedicated and happy. I'd always had teaching in the back of my mind, sort of as a backup plan, I thought, because I would want to make more than a teacher's salary. I like to think I do very well in school, and I'm not trying to brag, but teaching is definitely not a backup plan, I could do whatever I set my mind to. This summer I realized that what I wanted to do with my life, what I looked at as a backup plan, was what would ultimately make me happy and satisfied. Reading this teacher's blog reinforced my enthusiasm and excitement to start teaching. She was in love with it, and I know I will be too.

I would just like to say that I had laryngitis for the past week or so, and I sounded like I smoked a pack a day. I guess that and the flu are going around, so be careful. Also, has anyone noticed the crazy guy by the union who wore a shirt today saying "Accept Jesus or burn in hell"? Funniest thing to watch, he runs around in circles and stuff sometimes if someone makes him really mad.