Comment on a Blog #2: Microsoft Surface

I commented on the actual blog, but it seems as though the comments are viewed separate. I added my comments and the URL just to be safe.

http://www.ditii.com/2008/05/28/microsoft-demos-multi-touch-surface-in-windows-7/

Comments:I am not much of a technology whiz, but the rapid rate at which these large technology companies seem to constantly improve on past technology amazes me. I think that this surface “experience” could someday become particluarly useful in the classroom setting considering all the work could be performed at a desk and then submitted electronically to the instructor. This type of classwork would could certainly help push toward a someday “paperless” classroom, which seems as though it woud only help school districts with cost and help the environment since these operations are sustainable.
Since I hope to teach secondary science, it is makes me think about some of the endless possiblities this technology could have in a lab setting, I see another post about a potential sphere shaped “surface” experience and after that many more shapes could be implemented to bring out of reach scenarios to the classroom. Hands on technology always grabs my attention and this is no exception.

Software

The top five most important software programs students should learn before leaving college or "the real world" are:
1)Word processor- Almost any assignment can be created using a word processor and knowing more details of the software than siimply typing in 12 font Times New Roman will be valuable to anyone
2)Excel- The ability of excel and similar programs to sort and store data can make pretty much anyone's life easier, this was close with PowerPoint, but as our lab demonstrated Excel fits nicely in PP and takes the lead
3)PowerPoint- There is no simpler way to balance the ability to decently present information, while saving time compared to video editing etc. PowerPoint has the ability to be used for training in alsmost any field and is a good tool for anyone to learn if they hope to someday be in a leadership role.
4)Tutorials-I wouldn't have made it through Organic Chemistry without some of the online Tutorials. Some of the details in using Tutorials were new to me since I had never used this type of program before. I have found Tutorials to be one of the best tools to use to get conceptual ideas down since you can repeat the Tutorial until you have mastered the material.
5)Multimedia editing- I wish I had been taught more about editing my pictures, sound clips, and video media before entering college. I could have really improved some of my presentations, and had a lot of fun working on personal projects. I'd say this type of software is the least important of the five just because it used to enhance some of the other programs, and not essential in many job or classroom settings.

I think that the basics of Word Processors should be started right when students start using computers, I'd guess around third or forth grade. As students move up through the grades and writing improves, the more intricate features of Word should be introduced. Excel and PowerPoint should be initially introduced in Middle School when students start doing projects involving a lot of data or presentations and potentially both. Tutorials and Multimedia editing softwares really could wait until later in High School just before students head off to college or the workforce. This way they can get a sample of this type of program and choose for themselves how involved they want to get with the software.

Commenting on a Blog

I decided to comment og the Google generation study Prof. Lancaster originally blogged to. The blog can be found at:
http://atticmooses.com/blog/2008/01/18/170/#comment-35975

Ed Tech Link

I found this link interesting on how some schools and communities may link blog type conversations with mobile devices in the near future.
http://mobiled.uiah.fi/

Technology and Me

Computer-related technology seems to be around every corner in our lives today in America. Computers like the one I am typing on are a necessity for college students, and it is quickly becoming so that high school students do the vast majority of schoolwork on a computer (either desktop or laptop). My car has a computer, the time clock at work is wired to a computer, along with the computer that processes orders from customers.
In my own personal experience, I have used technology in education to word process papers, create poerpoint presentations, and do research for class papers and projects through the internet and online databases. Even when I choose to walk to the library for research, I use a computer to help me locate the source I need.
For the most part, teachers have proven to be big fans of PowerPoint presentations, but they also use technology to broadcast a movie on the projection screen, or to bring up data found on the internet to help emphasize their ideas.
In this class I hope to learn new ways to better use the technology I currently use, and improve and develop new tools to someday help me teach my students in a meaningful way.
I feel as though educational technology is any form of technology used to enhance the message of an instructor, in order to help the student understand, apply, and retain new knowledge.