Internet Madness

I was excited to see that chapter 7 was based on introducing the internet and other distance learning tools because that is what our world has become consumed with. Don’t get me wrong, the internet is a wonderful learning tool for all ages, but call me old fashioned sometimes I also can’t stand it. In ways it is positive for our society, but our society today has also taken it to a whole different level to where I think it has completely made people lazy and not as inspired to find out new knowledge based on their own skills and motivation. I will be the first to say, I do use the internet in my class as a learning tool as well as a reward some days. However, when I got out my dictionary one day for my class and me to look up a word, a child asked why don’t we just look it up on the internet. I explained to him that we do not need to use the internet for everything when we can use other resources as well and I wanted to teach them how to use a dictionary anyways! I think the internet has also damaged our line of communication. I would rather meet someone and talk one afternoon rather than e-mailing 15 times back and forth. Although, I know sometimes this is just not the ideal situation such as if 2 people are in separate states or even cities. Obviously, I could go on and on about my opinion on the internet in today’s world, but I will save that for a later time. There are many advantages and disadvantages to the internet and all of the resources that go along with it; I just think people need to use it to there advantage when needed and in moderation.

Multimedia and Hypermedia

As technology increases in the school systems, we continue to have more opportunities to use multimedia and hypermedia tools in the classroom. Chapter 6 discussed the differences between multimedia and hypermedia and they both have many advantages and are closely related. Also, the great thing about both types of media is you don’t always have to use each for a learning tool. One of the teacher’s in my grade level is very computer savvy. Throughout the year, she takes pictures of her kids participating in various activities and even video records them during special times as well. Then, at the end of the year she puts all of her recording and pictures on a CD-ROM for the parents’ of her class to purchase if they desire. I would absolutely love to do this one day when I learn more about technology. Especially since we teach first grade, it’s a great way for the parent’s to have keepsakes and memories of their child during that year. Each type of media has a variety of software that enhances the media. Even though I use both types of media in my classroom, I would have to say I use hypermedia more often. Hypermedia pertains more to me because I always take pictures of my class doing different things whether they are working at their center, on the playground, or during a holiday party. Another resource of hypermedia is texting such as Word Art which I use in an assortment of tasks such as newsletters, flyers, and my lesson plans. One of the best things about both types of media is that they are user friendly for people like me with hardly any technical skills.

Amazing Software Programs

Chapter 5 discussed even more of the software programs used beyond just your basic programs. I was fascinated at some of the programs they have such as the IEP generator software that assists teachers with coming up with IEP’s as well as the Worksheet and Puzzles generator. A worksheet or puzzle on skills that have been taught is an easy way to assess children’s knowledge. Also, the electronic gradebook is amazing to me. I have recently heard of teachers having that program at their school and how it is a convenient and quicker way to input grades for progress reports and report cards. We don’t have that program at our school, but I think I would enjoy it if we did. I was interested in many topics in Chapter 5, but the one I could relate to the most was using the graphic tools. However, I don’t have any of this particular software except what came on my computer such as word art, paint, etc. I can’t imagine actually having the software and some of the techniques I could use to create certain documents. Right now, I even use word art in my lesson plans sometimes, but like I said before it doesn’t come from an actual program. If I taught upper grades like middle school or high school, I think it would be necessary to purchase many of these programs due to some of the assignments they would be working on. However, it would be a waste of money with early childhood grades. I think what we have now on our computers is sufficient for my first graders. For example, on Fridays I allow some of the one’s who made good choices all week to use the paint program in Microsoft word to draw and they absolutely love it.

The Positives of Word Processors

Chapter 4 was based solely on the basic three software tools: word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs. Out of those three with being a first grade teacher, I related to word processing the most. As the book states it offers a wide range of advantages. First of all, it saves time, enhances document appearance, and allows you to share documents with other writers. I use word processor for a variety of assignments mostly for myself. I use it to type my lesson plans on a weekly basis. I also use it to type my newsletter bi-weekly. Any note I send home that I know that I’m going to use again the next year I simply save it and just pull it up again the next year. At the beginning of the year we have a packet to give to our parents with an assortment of papers to be filled out. These are anywhere from classroom rules and management to what each folder will be used for in our classroom. However, I use some of the same procedures each school year so all I have to do is pull it up on my processor where I have it saved and change the dates. Talking about saving some major time? It has been a lifesaver for me in the past. The book suggests that word processing can be introduced to students as young as 4 or 5 and I completely agree. My student’s have computer lab time every other week, so most of the time we practice handwriting drills and write stories in class, but if they did not have that “special” I would incorporate something in my lesson where they would do some kind of work at the computer typing especially where our world is headed with technology these days. They would be lost in the future probably without practice at a young age! With that being said, I’m not surprised word processing has become the most commonly used software in education.