Post #3

In Chapter 4 they start out with talking about input devices. An input device is something used to enter information into the computer. Some input devices are microphones, mice, keyboards, ect. They are basically the parts of the computer that we use the most. Output devices are the objects that show us the information that we have put into the computer. They are the monitor, speakers, and printer. Both input and output devices are needed to make computers useful to us. A storage device is the part used to store the data that is on the computer. They are measured in bytes and have a capacity of how much they can hold.

All of the devices that we learned about in this chapter are essential in order to use our computers. I think people are most familiar with input and output devices. I do not know anyone who does not know how to type on a keyboard or look at information on a monitor. Some people might be a little challenged when it comes to saving information on storage devices but I like to believe that most people in today’s society would be able to do that.

This chapter didn’t really tell me a lot that I didn’t know. I look forward to learning about other things rather than parts of a computer.

The first thing chapter 3 focuses on is application software. It consists of programs that help organize and process information. It is used in schools, at home, in businesses, and to communicate. A large portion of application software can be purchased as a package suck as word processing. Productivity software are programs that are used daily to help people with day-to-day activities. These include spreadsheets, personal information management, and database. One of the most popular used applications is word processing software. In schools it is used for handouts, lesson plans, parent communications, and student tests.

Mostly what I learned in this chapter is what programs to use for what. I am very familiar with word processing software and I think every college student has been since they were in probably fifth grade. I realize how important these programs are especially in schools. When it comes to sending out a letter to parents, or organizing grades of a test, these programs are a huge necessity to teachers.

A couple of the programs I have never really used and learning about it by the reading I understand how it plays a part in an educational career. The program that I see myself using the most as a teacher would probably be word processing because of the options and the variety of tasks available.

Post #1

The first thing I found really interesting about this chapter was the digital students. It talked about how kids today "play on electronic playgrounds" which is absolutely true. Digital students are kids who can accomplish many tasks with ease and use electronics to communicate. This chapter also talked about the ARCS Motivational Model which is basically a computer program to help keep kids attention while learning. It uses many different learning styles so all types of learners can relate. The International Society for Technology in Education sets up standards for both students and teachers. It gives guidelines for the teachers of what they have to teach the students and sets up what the students must know.

Reading this chapter made me realize how much the generations are changing. I knew we were always coming up with new technology but I didn’t really think about how much of an impact it had on our education. When I was reading about the ARCS Motivation Model I thought back to when I was in school. I am a very visual learner but what we mostly did in school was read the textbook. If I would have had this program it probably would of helped me out a lot in my earlier years of schooling because of my learning type.

I really think the advancement in technology will help education as a whole. All of the new programs they are coming out with and how much schools are tying in technology to their curriculum will help students succeed, as they get older. Just even things like Blackboard and Egrade make things so much easier and organized for us. Whoever thought that we would be able to take classes online for college credit, and get in contact with our teachers and hear from them the next day? Crazy.

post #0

I took CGS so I have used SAM before. I have a MAC.
I hope to learn a lot in this class, I'm thinking of minoring in education because I have already taken EDU1005. I'm not that great with computers so maybe after this class I will be better.
I'm a mathematics major but if I go into education I'm planning on teaching college level because I'm not a big fan of little kids.