Blog Post #2 Chapter 3 Baby!!!

This chapter is mostly about the operating system and tools for educators. There are different types of software's that help people in specific areas. One is Tax Preparation Software. These like, Turbo Tax, help people to file their own taxes. Another type is Grade Book Software. This can be used school wide. It gives teachers a more organized way to take attendance, grade test, etc. The last one that I'm going to talk about is Presentation Graphics software. Most students are probably familiar with Power Point presentations. These are a form of Presentation graphics software.

I have acquired a few skills since my last post. Dealing with the new Microsoft Word, has proven to be a little bit complicated. I had to play with it for a while before I could understand it. I learned how to make a background on my page. I didn't even know that was possible with Word. Its kinda like hidden alley with many things that are undiscovered.

This week, I had the opportunity to go and observe a 4Th grade class. I was amazed at how much these kids used technology in their learning. The teacher had her own myspace page that she posted her assignments on every week. She also had times when she had live chat. if a student needed help with their homework, they could go online at those times and ask their teacher. I thought that this was a really great idea. Some students are not comfortable asking questions in front of classmates. This gives the silent kids a chance to get their questions answered.

OK....I better get to work on my Newsletter that I was supposed to do last week!
Whatever!I know I'm not the only one that does this stuff at the last minute!

Chapter 1

Here is another Lindseyology post about my class. Today I read about an interesting perspective that teachers can take to get get their classes in the learning spirit. What I'm talking about is called the ARCS motivational model. This model has 4 main points to it: Attention, Relevance, challenge/confidence, and satisfaction/success. Attention points out the fact that a lot of kids get easily distracted. If you have a lesson that is interesting and keeps the kids attention, this makes them want to learn more. Also make your lessons relevant to what is going on in the world around the kids. It makes it easier for them to understand. Next, the students need o be challenged to achieve their goals. Once they have achieved their goals or completed their task, they have the confidence and satisfaction in themselves that they can do anything in the classroom.

Since my last post, I learned about Microsoft Word 2007. This s a really updated version for me. When I first looked at the layout of the 2007 version, to be honest...I was kinda worried. However, after playing around with it for a few minutes
i noticed that it is pretty much the same as what I had been using. Just a different layout. I just had to learn how to navigate the system. I really like the new version.

I want to close out tonight with a few thoughts. Although I have already taken a class that covers mostly the same things that this class does, we didn't do blogs. I think that this is a great idea...I just wish we didn't have to write so much. I mean, three paragraphs isn't really a lot, but for those of us that are procrastinators, its like a freaking book. Ha ha, it really isn't bad. I like this class so far.

P.S.
Since this class is nothing but girls... Heath Ledger...so saddddd!! :(

This is a continuation of my first post. I'm a newbie when it comes to all of this blogging stuff. While I do have some technological experience, its not a lot. I did take a computer class at the junior college that I attended. In this class, I learned how to use Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access. I use Microsoft Word and Excel everyday at my job. Working as an Administrative Asst. is where I use these. I think that I am really good at Word and Excel.

In this class, I hope to learn more about Excel. For example, How to set up a grading system. Or learn which methods/formulas to use in certain situations. I would also like to learn what "Not to do". There are some things that teachers need to stay away from or set certain boundaries when it comes to technology. These would be great to know. It would suck to lose my job over a blog!

In class today, I realized that I need to really listen and take notes about what is going on. I have a tendency to get lost really fast if the situation involves multiple steps. I also need to ask questions when I don't understand something. I normally try to figure things out on my own. This usually leads to problems. Ha ha, I really think that I will enjoy this class.

My First Post

This is my first post.