There are many different types of security to prevent viruses and hacking. AVG, Norton, Firewall, and site blockers are a few types of security for computers. At the school where I work all the computers have AVG and Firewall.
AVG is an antivirus system and is the most common virus protector. For most computers, AVG can be downloaded for free. AVG protects a computer as long as you want it to. The only down-fall to AVG is that it runs slow which can slow other programs down.
Firewall is another type of security that keeps a computer safe from viruses. Firewall also prevents hackers from being able to hack into someone else’s files. The school also provides this type of security on all school computers in order to keep student files safe and confidential. Firewall is a good security program as far as keeping hackers out, but it is not that good when it comes to viruses. That is why the school also has AVG to use as a back-up so that no viruses are able to come through and cause problems with the computers.
The school technology program also put site blockers on all the computers in the school system. This site blocker is controlled by the technology center. All the teachers in the schools decide what websites would not be appropriate for students to see. Then the technology coordinator puts a block on all those sites to insure that students will not have access to them. With site blocker in place, students are not permitted to use any social networks or any site that could be inappropriate. This site blocker is also a good thing to have in schools to ensure that the computers are not prone to viruses. Some websites and social network sites can put viruses on a computer without anyone knowing until it is too late. The computer lab teacher at the school where I work stated he got a virus on his computer at home from his wife instant messaging her friend. Her friend had a virus on her computer and did not know it and when she was messaging her friend the virus spread to the other computer without either person knowing it.
Once a computer contracts a virus it is really hard to get it back to the way it used to be. Most of the time materials have to be removed from the computers hard drive and tested for viruses and computer worms. Once this process is finished all the files and other materials can be put back on the computers hard drive. After this, the computer must be restored back to it original settings in order to prevent another virus from crashing the system.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
Educational Software
There are so many different types of software today than what there used to be long ago. One type of software I plan on using when I become a teacher of my own class is educational game software. Educational games can be in the form of video games or simulation. A lot of people do not want their children playing video games in fear that the games will start to consume the life of the child. However, as long as the games are teaching a child and the child is enjoying it does not matter. The educational games can include subjects such as math, social studies, science, and reading. Kids enjoy these games because they are colorful and engaging which is influential in getting kids to learn. The games also make learning entertaining. These games are a wonderful element in the classroom, but do not need to overshadow the instructional elements. Educational games are also used as simulations. These games simulate traditional board or card games. Most of these games require a student to respond with correct answers before advancing. These simulations allow students to take part in virtual experiences. When learners interact with simulation it responds to their actions. An example of a simulation game is “The Oregon Trail”. This game exercises problem solving, decision making, critical thinking, and content. It can be used in the following subjects: civics, architecture, urban studies, social studies, anatomy and science. Not only are these games teaching students in a different way, but also having fun while learning.
I want to use the educational software to make learning more fun and interesting for my students. Due to the fact that I do not have a classroom yet, does not keep me from thinking ahead for the future. I would like to use software games as a reward for completing assignments or as a replacement for other review strategies. I feel this teaching strategy will be beneficial for the students in the fact they will be learning and not even realize it because of all the fun they are having. On the other hand, I do not want the students to think playing games is the only way they will learn. I just feel by using simulation games will require students to think outside the box and not rely on multiple choice answers. By having them thing outside the box it can open up a whole new can of worms.
I want to use the educational software to make learning more fun and interesting for my students. Due to the fact that I do not have a classroom yet, does not keep me from thinking ahead for the future. I would like to use software games as a reward for completing assignments or as a replacement for other review strategies. I feel this teaching strategy will be beneficial for the students in the fact they will be learning and not even realize it because of all the fun they are having. On the other hand, I do not want the students to think playing games is the only way they will learn. I just feel by using simulation games will require students to think outside the box and not rely on multiple choice answers. By having them thing outside the box it can open up a whole new can of worms.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
QuestGarden Lesson
http://questgarden.com/100/93/4/100413182356/
Here is a description of my WebQuest lesson and the challenges I faced while putting it together. I explained what the lesson was about and went over some terms the students needed to know in order to do the lesson.
Do you like to read poems that rhyme? If you do, then you will love this WebQuest activity. If you don't, then get ready to be amazed about how exciting it is to learn about poetry.
A poem uses figurative language and is written in lines that often use rhyme and rhythm. Rhyme is the occurrence of same end rhymes in the lines of a poem. Another important part about poetry is finding the rhyme scheme. Rhyme scheme can be described by using letters to represent the rhyming sounds at the end of lines. For example, every new stanza (line) begins with "A".
As you work through this WebQuest, you will learn how to create your own poem and hopefully be able to teach others about rhyme scheme as you share your work with them.
When I first began this WebQuest my thought was, “Oh my word! What have I got myself into?” I honestly felt like I had no idea what I was supposed to do. Then I realized, “How am I supposed to know what to do when I have never heard about this or done anything like this.” It was at that point I started to relax because I knew I was probably not the only one feeling like this. Once I got over initial shock of how to do the assignment, I sat down and began brainstorming on what I wanted to focus on. I also had the help of a teacher whose room I visit throughout the day. She really helped me pull all my ideas together and gave me some wonderful books with poems in them for me to read. I guess the only real challenge I faced was pulling all my ideas together to come up with a good lesson. Once I got started with my WebQuest it was self explanatory. When I would get to a point where I was not sure what to do, I clicked on the “Advise” button and it told me how I needed to do that part. I am so thankful for the “Advise” button. I had to use it a lot! I also looked over some other WebQuest lessons to use some of the wording and to make sure I was doing mine correctly. Actually, when it was all said and done, I really enjoyed doing this activity. I learned so much about WebQuest, and now I know how to set up lessons using it.
Here is a description of my WebQuest lesson and the challenges I faced while putting it together. I explained what the lesson was about and went over some terms the students needed to know in order to do the lesson.
Do you like to read poems that rhyme? If you do, then you will love this WebQuest activity. If you don't, then get ready to be amazed about how exciting it is to learn about poetry.
A poem uses figurative language and is written in lines that often use rhyme and rhythm. Rhyme is the occurrence of same end rhymes in the lines of a poem. Another important part about poetry is finding the rhyme scheme. Rhyme scheme can be described by using letters to represent the rhyming sounds at the end of lines. For example, every new stanza (line) begins with "A".
As you work through this WebQuest, you will learn how to create your own poem and hopefully be able to teach others about rhyme scheme as you share your work with them.
When I first began this WebQuest my thought was, “Oh my word! What have I got myself into?” I honestly felt like I had no idea what I was supposed to do. Then I realized, “How am I supposed to know what to do when I have never heard about this or done anything like this.” It was at that point I started to relax because I knew I was probably not the only one feeling like this. Once I got over initial shock of how to do the assignment, I sat down and began brainstorming on what I wanted to focus on. I also had the help of a teacher whose room I visit throughout the day. She really helped me pull all my ideas together and gave me some wonderful books with poems in them for me to read. I guess the only real challenge I faced was pulling all my ideas together to come up with a good lesson. Once I got started with my WebQuest it was self explanatory. When I would get to a point where I was not sure what to do, I clicked on the “Advise” button and it told me how I needed to do that part. I am so thankful for the “Advise” button. I had to use it a lot! I also looked over some other WebQuest lessons to use some of the wording and to make sure I was doing mine correctly. Actually, when it was all said and done, I really enjoyed doing this activity. I learned so much about WebQuest, and now I know how to set up lessons using it.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Online Communication Tools
Online communication tools are a wonderful part of technology and more and more is being integrated into the classrooms every day. There are so many different types of online communication tools today: blogs, e-mail, and chat are just a few. There are also different types: synchronous tools and asynchronous tools. “Synchronous tools enable real-time communication and collaboration in “same time-different place” mode. These tools allow people to connect at a single point in time, at the same time. Synchronous tools possess the advantage of being able to engage people instantly and at the same point in time. The primary drawback of synchronous tools is that, by definition, they require same-time participation -different time zones and conflicting schedules can create communication challenges. In addition, they tend to be costly and may require significant bandwidth to be efficient. Asynchronous tools enable communication and collaboration over a period of time through a "different time-different place" mode. These tools allow people to connect together at each person's own convenience and own schedule. Asynchronous tools are useful for sustaining dialogue and collaboration over a period of time and providing people with resources and information that are instantly accessible, day or night. Asynchronous tools possess the advantage of being able to involve people from multiple time zones. In addition, asynchronous tools are helpful in capturing the history of the interactions of a group, allowing for collective knowledge to be more easily shared and distributed. The primary drawback of asynchronous technologies is that they require some discipline to use when used for ongoing communities of practice (e.g., people typically must take the initiative to "login" to participate) and they may feel "impersonal" to those who prefer higher-touch synchronous technologies.” (www.asaecenter.org)
Because I am only a teacher assistant and not an actual teacher, I do not get the privilege of using online communication tools with students. I do, however, communicate with other teachers using e-mail, chat, and text messaging. This is very beneficial when one needs to find out something quickly.
I plan on using the blog in my classroom. In order to prepare my students for blogging I will have to determine that all students’ AUPs are in the file and up to date. Then I will inform parents of procedures and secure parental permission. During class, I will teach my students about safe, acceptable, and sensible behavior as online authors and readers. After going over this, I will then review the policies and guidelines pertaining to student access. Then I will discuss with them the non-posting rules of no complete names, e-mail accounts, or references to reveal location. I will finish by setting clear expectations regarding respect and consequences.
Works Sited:
Ashley, Julia. "Synchronous and Asynchronous Communication Tools." ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership, Dec. 2003. Web. 10 Apr. 2010.
Because I am only a teacher assistant and not an actual teacher, I do not get the privilege of using online communication tools with students. I do, however, communicate with other teachers using e-mail, chat, and text messaging. This is very beneficial when one needs to find out something quickly.
I plan on using the blog in my classroom. In order to prepare my students for blogging I will have to determine that all students’ AUPs are in the file and up to date. Then I will inform parents of procedures and secure parental permission. During class, I will teach my students about safe, acceptable, and sensible behavior as online authors and readers. After going over this, I will then review the policies and guidelines pertaining to student access. Then I will discuss with them the non-posting rules of no complete names, e-mail accounts, or references to reveal location. I will finish by setting clear expectations regarding respect and consequences.
Works Sited:
Ashley, Julia. "Synchronous and Asynchronous Communication Tools." ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership, Dec. 2003. Web. 10 Apr. 2010.
Monday, April 5, 2010
53302_Hatfield_lesson4_comprehensive assignment
PowerPoint presentations are a big part of technology today. Many teachers use them in their classrooms to provide a new way of teaching and to keep students involved in lessons. PowerPoint presentations can be used to teach many different subjects to students of all ages.
My previous experience from using PowerPoint is when I had to give a presentation about my internship experience to my instructor, other professionals, and my fellow internship students. I began my presentation by showing pictures of the place that allowed me to do my internship experience. As I was showing the pictures, I gave a brief history and told what kind of work is done at The Children’s Center. The Children’s Center is the name of the place where I did my internship. As I continued on with my presentation, I showed pictures of myself participating in prevention education. On my PowerPoint slides I did not put many words because I wanted my audience to hear about my experience from myself and not by reading the slides which would have been very boring. I wanted to make my presentation interesting and excited all while I was teaching my audience. During my presentation, I talked about how I taught children ranging from Pre-K to seniors in high school about gun safety for the younger kids to shaken baby syndrome for the older kids. I showed this by showing pictures of myself in action while explaining what each lesson was about. The audience loved being able to see the pictures of what I had done, as well as listening and learning about my experience.
I was very proud of my presentation and felt it was probably the best PowerPoint presentation I had ever done. No one had ever really taught me the proper way of doing a PowerPoint until this time. My internship teacher, Dr. Norton, gave us all some very helpful tips on how to make a productive PowerPoint presentation. She told us to make it our own and to not use too many words on out slides because the audience wanted to hear about the experiences from us (the students) and not by reading from the slides. This was good advice I will not forget, because by doing this I was able to make my presentation interesting and memorable. Not only did I have the pictures for my presentation, but also I had props to use which made the experience more real life. By doing this, I was able to add emotion and humor to my presentation.
After doing my presentation I can honestly say that I would not have done anything any different. I brought my experience to life so that my audience could get a feel of what exactly I had done.
I know when the day comes and I have my own classroom full of students I will definitely use PowerPoint. I feel they make lessons exciting and more enjoyable for the students which will help them learn more.
Here is my PowerPoint presentation: C:\Users\Tia\Documents\Internship PowerPoint.ppt
My previous experience from using PowerPoint is when I had to give a presentation about my internship experience to my instructor, other professionals, and my fellow internship students. I began my presentation by showing pictures of the place that allowed me to do my internship experience. As I was showing the pictures, I gave a brief history and told what kind of work is done at The Children’s Center. The Children’s Center is the name of the place where I did my internship. As I continued on with my presentation, I showed pictures of myself participating in prevention education. On my PowerPoint slides I did not put many words because I wanted my audience to hear about my experience from myself and not by reading the slides which would have been very boring. I wanted to make my presentation interesting and excited all while I was teaching my audience. During my presentation, I talked about how I taught children ranging from Pre-K to seniors in high school about gun safety for the younger kids to shaken baby syndrome for the older kids. I showed this by showing pictures of myself in action while explaining what each lesson was about. The audience loved being able to see the pictures of what I had done, as well as listening and learning about my experience.
I was very proud of my presentation and felt it was probably the best PowerPoint presentation I had ever done. No one had ever really taught me the proper way of doing a PowerPoint until this time. My internship teacher, Dr. Norton, gave us all some very helpful tips on how to make a productive PowerPoint presentation. She told us to make it our own and to not use too many words on out slides because the audience wanted to hear about the experiences from us (the students) and not by reading from the slides. This was good advice I will not forget, because by doing this I was able to make my presentation interesting and memorable. Not only did I have the pictures for my presentation, but also I had props to use which made the experience more real life. By doing this, I was able to add emotion and humor to my presentation.
After doing my presentation I can honestly say that I would not have done anything any different. I brought my experience to life so that my audience could get a feel of what exactly I had done.
I know when the day comes and I have my own classroom full of students I will definitely use PowerPoint. I feel they make lessons exciting and more enjoyable for the students which will help them learn more.
Here is my PowerPoint presentation: C:\Users\Tia\Documents\Internship PowerPoint.ppt
Sunday, March 21, 2010
53302_Hatfield_lesson3_comprehensive assignment
After reading the articles and chapters for lesson 3, I have more knowledge about word processing and desktop programs. I already knew what word processor was used for, but I did not have a clear understanding of desktop programs was or that it could be used in so many different ways. Word processors are programs used in the school, business, or home that offer tools to make typing easier. The tools may include spell checker, thesaurus, or reference creator. These tools help make documents look professional. They also help to create documents needed in a classroom. Some examples of word processing programs are Microsoft Office and Microsoft Word. Not only do word processing programs benefit students, it also benefits teachers. Not only do teachers benefit from word processor programs, but they also benefit from desktop publishing programs. Desktop publishing programs are programs that design flyers, brochures, etc. Teachers use this to make documents and/or posters look more appealing.
There are so many ways that technology can help in the classroom. Technology can be a big help for students with special needs, as well as keeping gifted students engaged in a lesson. With technology in the classroom, it can help students with physical, visual, and auditory disabilities. Teachers use different programs for situations like these such as, text-to-speech programs or talking word-processing programs. Teachers also use programs to aid in education, as well as programs that will help a student who speaks English as a second language. However, teachers use other forms of technology other than programs, and are making their classrooms more technology friendly. They are doing this by adding digital cameras, webcams, computers with touch screens, projectors, etc. By doing this, teachers are not only making learning more fun for students, but also teaching them the basic use of different kinds of technology.
I am a teacher assistant, not a teacher, so I do not get to make all the neat flyers or newsletters. When I do become a teacher, I want to make my documents for my student and/or their parent visually appealing. I will make mine colorful and fun to look at. My reason for doing this is that students and parents are more likely to look at something that is colorful or on colored paper to see what it says than to look at something dull on a white piece of paper. For example, every Friday my son's teacher sends home his graded work and any newsletters or flyers pertaining to the following week. As a parent, I always know when there is something in my son's stack of papers that I need to read because it is always on colored paper. If the newsletters or flyers were on white paper I may overlook them and throw them in the garbage because it did not stick out to me. Also, I know my son likes getting stuff from his teacher on colored paper because he says it is more fun to read.
There are so many ways that technology can help in the classroom. Technology can be a big help for students with special needs, as well as keeping gifted students engaged in a lesson. With technology in the classroom, it can help students with physical, visual, and auditory disabilities. Teachers use different programs for situations like these such as, text-to-speech programs or talking word-processing programs. Teachers also use programs to aid in education, as well as programs that will help a student who speaks English as a second language. However, teachers use other forms of technology other than programs, and are making their classrooms more technology friendly. They are doing this by adding digital cameras, webcams, computers with touch screens, projectors, etc. By doing this, teachers are not only making learning more fun for students, but also teaching them the basic use of different kinds of technology.
I am a teacher assistant, not a teacher, so I do not get to make all the neat flyers or newsletters. When I do become a teacher, I want to make my documents for my student and/or their parent visually appealing. I will make mine colorful and fun to look at. My reason for doing this is that students and parents are more likely to look at something that is colorful or on colored paper to see what it says than to look at something dull on a white piece of paper. For example, every Friday my son's teacher sends home his graded work and any newsletters or flyers pertaining to the following week. As a parent, I always know when there is something in my son's stack of papers that I need to read because it is always on colored paper. If the newsletters or flyers were on white paper I may overlook them and throw them in the garbage because it did not stick out to me. Also, I know my son likes getting stuff from his teacher on colored paper because he says it is more fun to read.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
53302_Hatfield_lesson2_comprehensive assignment
Spreadsheets and databases are becoming more and more popular in the classrooms. Teachers are using them as early as Kindergarden to give the students a head start on how to use them. One of the websites I found that discussed spreadsheets and databases in the classroom was http://askeric.org/cgi-bin/printlessons.cgi/Virtual/Lessons/Science/Process_Skills/SPS0023.html
A teacher has put together a lesson plan in order to teach her students how to use spreadsheets and databases. Her lesson pertained to science. She either took the students outside and had them collect leaves or had them bring them from home. The teacher had the students use index cards as the database in which the students would write down identifying fields for the database which would include: size, shape, and color. From this lesson the teacher concluded that by teaching the students how to use databases they could use the information further by making spreadsheets. The teacher also discusses other way students can use spreadsheets and/or databases in the classroom.
Spreadsheets and databases can be used in so many different way. The spreadsheet can perform various functions on the data entered. Math formulas, graphs, and charts can all be created or performed in spreadsheets. A database is a way of storing and analyzing varing amounts of information. Even though spreadsheets and databases look similar in format, they are used for very different reasons. They both are used to collect information and that information is arranged in columns and rows.
I never knew spreadsheets or databases could be used in so many different ways. I remember being in elementary and middle school and it seems like the only time we worked with spreadsheets and databases was when we were learning about them in the lesson for the day. After that, I don't remember using them often. Now it seems teachers are using them in every subject in school. I knew you would use them in math, but I would have never thought that you could use them in social studies and science. It makes since to use them in lessons though. From one of the articles I had to read for this lesson a teacher was talking about how she uses spreadsheets in her math lessons and her students love it. It makes learning more fun and enjoyable for the students.
I am not a teacher but I am a special education teacher assistant. I have not done any work using spreadsheets, but I do use datatbases in order to document what my two 6th grade students do during each day so that I can be sure not to go over the same thing twice. I am sure that when I do become an actual teacher I will be using spreadsheets and databases as well as teaching my students lessons involving them.
A teacher has put together a lesson plan in order to teach her students how to use spreadsheets and databases. Her lesson pertained to science. She either took the students outside and had them collect leaves or had them bring them from home. The teacher had the students use index cards as the database in which the students would write down identifying fields for the database which would include: size, shape, and color. From this lesson the teacher concluded that by teaching the students how to use databases they could use the information further by making spreadsheets. The teacher also discusses other way students can use spreadsheets and/or databases in the classroom.
Spreadsheets and databases can be used in so many different way. The spreadsheet can perform various functions on the data entered. Math formulas, graphs, and charts can all be created or performed in spreadsheets. A database is a way of storing and analyzing varing amounts of information. Even though spreadsheets and databases look similar in format, they are used for very different reasons. They both are used to collect information and that information is arranged in columns and rows.
I never knew spreadsheets or databases could be used in so many different ways. I remember being in elementary and middle school and it seems like the only time we worked with spreadsheets and databases was when we were learning about them in the lesson for the day. After that, I don't remember using them often. Now it seems teachers are using them in every subject in school. I knew you would use them in math, but I would have never thought that you could use them in social studies and science. It makes since to use them in lessons though. From one of the articles I had to read for this lesson a teacher was talking about how she uses spreadsheets in her math lessons and her students love it. It makes learning more fun and enjoyable for the students.
I am not a teacher but I am a special education teacher assistant. I have not done any work using spreadsheets, but I do use datatbases in order to document what my two 6th grade students do during each day so that I can be sure not to go over the same thing twice. I am sure that when I do become an actual teacher I will be using spreadsheets and databases as well as teaching my students lessons involving them.
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