Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Lesson7 - PowerPoint
Power points, for me, are always fun! While putting together my powerpoint over how to choose video and computer games for your child, I picked a few key factors to discuss. Factors such as age appropriateness, interactive ability, imagination and creativity, personal interest, and cost effective. There are other factors to consider, but in my opinion, these are a few of the most important. With my powerpoint, I was able to use effects to customize my pages. Although, because of the computer which I was having to use (my brother's MAC, which was a bit complicated for me) I wasn't able to make it exactly how I would have liked, but I feel I could make an affective presentation from my powerpoint.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Lesson 6 Wiki
This was my first experience with using a wiki and was suprised just how easy and useful they can be. A wiki is a great way to communicate among a group of people; just as we did in my EDTC 1313 class. With the editing option, others can add and remove information within a wiki. For lesson 6, we, as a class, were able to add our own work to a shared wiki, then review what the other students wrote. Other then for classroom purposes, a wiki would be a great tool when planning trips, parties, or with any other event where a check list is needed.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Lesson 5- Wikis
I never realized just how useful and interactive a wiki can be. I knew wikis were used in educational settings, but I had no idea just how great a tool they really were.
Wikis can be used for all types of things associated with educational learning. A wiki would be a great tool for clubs and programs within a school to take advantage of, such as a book club; it would allow the readers to discuss what they’ve read, view each others comments, and add their own opinions and comments, with the option of editing, saving, and adding links to the wiki. Wikis would also be a great tool to use within a classroom for subject discussions among students. Other then used for discussions, a wiki could also be used as a calendar or agenda for a classroom; a place where students could go and see what assignments are due and when.
A wiki is a great educational tool which can be used among teachers, students, parents, and all other school staff; it’s a convenient way of communication to a large group of people.
Wikis can be used for all types of things associated with educational learning. A wiki would be a great tool for clubs and programs within a school to take advantage of, such as a book club; it would allow the readers to discuss what they’ve read, view each others comments, and add their own opinions and comments, with the option of editing, saving, and adding links to the wiki. Wikis would also be a great tool to use within a classroom for subject discussions among students. Other then used for discussions, a wiki could also be used as a calendar or agenda for a classroom; a place where students could go and see what assignments are due and when.
A wiki is a great educational tool which can be used among teachers, students, parents, and all other school staff; it’s a convenient way of communication to a large group of people.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Lesson 4 - Games
Computer games for preschoolers can be beneficial in many ways, but at the same time, too much time spent in front of a computer can deny children of their play time; time spent outdoors, being creative, and socializing with other children.
According to the article found at pbs.org, the following are 6 suggested ways to maximize computer time: 1) Ask lots of questions as your child uses the computer- by asking a child questions about the game which he/she is playing, it promotes thinking and reasoning from the child.
2) Don’t let screen time substitute for physical activity- it is suggested that you make your child have breaks, time away from the computer, for other activities such as physical activity, reading, and crafts.
3) Introduce your child to software and Web sites that fan her creativity- choose software or Web sites where your child has to be creative.
4) Get your child playing electronic games alongside others- look for games which allow your child to play with others. In doing so, you’re showing your child that computer games aren’t just something to do to occupy his/her time.
5) Find opportunities for your child to make decisions and try something new- in playing computer games, your child will be forced to make decisions, even decisions as simple as choosing a computer game character, but in doing this your child will learn this very important skill.
6) Keep one child or group from dominating program choices- show your child that they’re not limited to only the games in which they’re friends say they can play, and also teach your child just how important it is to take turns while playing computer games.
According to an article found at familyinternet.about.com, video games can be good for children, as long as they’re age appropriate, have minimal or no violence, are developmentally appropriate controls, have some educational merit, contain open-ended exploration, and are fun!
Another article found at pbs.org, suggests that video games, when unmonitored by the parents, can affect children’s health. Children learn by what they see, and with today’s violent video games, our children are being introduced to inappropriate behaviors and actions, resulting in tragedies, such as the Columbine High School shooting in Littleton, Colorado. Parents need to sit down with their children and see just what kind of video games they’re allowing their children to play. Although some video games can be a positive learning experience for children, many of today’s games are not. The article gave a percentage of parents who don’t monitor what types of games their children are playing, that number was 90%. Our children need to be monitored!
An article I found at cbsnews.com, titled “Are Video Games Actually Good For Kids?” said that video games might actually be good for our children. Although there are violent games out there, the majority of video games our children are playing are not! The article also had a good point. The majority of our children play their video games with other children, they’re not down in a basement, in the dark, completely secluded from the real world. In playing video games, our children aren’t just learning problem solving skills, they’re also, in a way, learning social skills.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/09/16/eveningnews/eyeontech/main4453801.shtml
An article from abcnews.com, titled “Do Video Games Make Kids Smarter?”, says yes; video games do teach children problem solving skills and how to think strategically. It is suggested that although the video games may even be violent, they are making our children smarter and have redeeming qualities.. In the article a 10-year-old boy was interviewed about his Halo 2 video game, and told of how he had to finish certain tasks to get win the game. In playing these games, children are having to start and finish tasks to get the prize at the end. They’re becoming goal oriented. I believe here, the question are video games good for our children, is yes, depending on if the game is appropriate for the child.
http://abcnews.go.com/wnt/health/story?id=814080
According to the article found at pbs.org, the following are 6 suggested ways to maximize computer time: 1) Ask lots of questions as your child uses the computer- by asking a child questions about the game which he/she is playing, it promotes thinking and reasoning from the child.
2) Don’t let screen time substitute for physical activity- it is suggested that you make your child have breaks, time away from the computer, for other activities such as physical activity, reading, and crafts.
3) Introduce your child to software and Web sites that fan her creativity- choose software or Web sites where your child has to be creative.
4) Get your child playing electronic games alongside others- look for games which allow your child to play with others. In doing so, you’re showing your child that computer games aren’t just something to do to occupy his/her time.
5) Find opportunities for your child to make decisions and try something new- in playing computer games, your child will be forced to make decisions, even decisions as simple as choosing a computer game character, but in doing this your child will learn this very important skill.
6) Keep one child or group from dominating program choices- show your child that they’re not limited to only the games in which they’re friends say they can play, and also teach your child just how important it is to take turns while playing computer games.
According to an article found at familyinternet.about.com, video games can be good for children, as long as they’re age appropriate, have minimal or no violence, are developmentally appropriate controls, have some educational merit, contain open-ended exploration, and are fun!
Another article found at pbs.org, suggests that video games, when unmonitored by the parents, can affect children’s health. Children learn by what they see, and with today’s violent video games, our children are being introduced to inappropriate behaviors and actions, resulting in tragedies, such as the Columbine High School shooting in Littleton, Colorado. Parents need to sit down with their children and see just what kind of video games they’re allowing their children to play. Although some video games can be a positive learning experience for children, many of today’s games are not. The article gave a percentage of parents who don’t monitor what types of games their children are playing, that number was 90%. Our children need to be monitored!
An article I found at cbsnews.com, titled “Are Video Games Actually Good For Kids?” said that video games might actually be good for our children. Although there are violent games out there, the majority of video games our children are playing are not! The article also had a good point. The majority of our children play their video games with other children, they’re not down in a basement, in the dark, completely secluded from the real world. In playing video games, our children aren’t just learning problem solving skills, they’re also, in a way, learning social skills.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/09/16/eveningnews/eyeontech/main4453801.shtml
An article from abcnews.com, titled “Do Video Games Make Kids Smarter?”, says yes; video games do teach children problem solving skills and how to think strategically. It is suggested that although the video games may even be violent, they are making our children smarter and have redeeming qualities.. In the article a 10-year-old boy was interviewed about his Halo 2 video game, and told of how he had to finish certain tasks to get win the game. In playing these games, children are having to start and finish tasks to get the prize at the end. They’re becoming goal oriented. I believe here, the question are video games good for our children, is yes, depending on if the game is appropriate for the child.
http://abcnews.go.com/wnt/health/story?id=814080
Monday, February 23, 2009
Lesson 3 - I LOVE my cell phone!
Well I don't know about you, but my favorite piece of technology that I own is definately my cell phone! With today's technology, cell phones are now equipped with texting, cameras and mp3 players. With my cell phone, not only can I talk to family and friends wherever I am whether it's through texting or actual conversations, I can also use my phone's mp3 player to listen to music while I'm working out, cleaning house, etc..
One of the best features of my cell phone is the 3 megapixel camera, which takes amazingly high quality photos and has the capability to download them straight to my computer. Whenever I travel I always tend to forget my camera, but never my phone.
My cell phone is also my alarm clock, my calender, and address book. I honestly can say I'm addicted to my phone, and without I would be lost! :)
One of the best features of my cell phone is the 3 megapixel camera, which takes amazingly high quality photos and has the capability to download them straight to my computer. Whenever I travel I always tend to forget my camera, but never my phone.
My cell phone is also my alarm clock, my calender, and address book. I honestly can say I'm addicted to my phone, and without I would be lost! :)
Monday, February 16, 2009
Lesson 2 - "What I learned from teachersfirst.com"
This is my first experience with blogging. Through teachersfirst.com I learned that 1) a blog is an online diary that is visible to everyone. Blogging can be quite useful, especially for me, while I'm living overseas. This will allow me to write the events of my day so that friends and family can see what I've been up to. Another thing learned, that I didn't realize was, a blog is similar to Facebook. 2) A blog gives you the capability of posting pictures and the ability for your readers to comment on what was written. Also, I found it interesting that 3) people get paid to blog. One of my favorite features I learned about blogging would be 4) the informal style of writing which is used. Informal writing, I believe, is more personal.
Enjoying Italy
Hey Y'all!
It's another gorgeous day here in Carnago, Italy! It's about 45 degrees with clear blue sky, allowing an amazing view of the Swiss Alps, which are completely covered in snow. To this day, I still can't believe I'm living in Italy! My family and I are finally getting settled into our new apartment, it's so nice to have a place to call home after spending 6 weeks in a hotel. Between unpacking, schoolwork, and just normal, everyday life activities I haven't had much time to go and see Italy, but that's about to change. This coming weekend my family and I are planning a trip to either Florence or the Venice. Lately it's been too cold and the weather hasn't been conducive to traveling, but with spring approaching and so many wonderful places to go and things to see, the next few months are going to be quite busy, and I can't wait!
It's another gorgeous day here in Carnago, Italy! It's about 45 degrees with clear blue sky, allowing an amazing view of the Swiss Alps, which are completely covered in snow. To this day, I still can't believe I'm living in Italy! My family and I are finally getting settled into our new apartment, it's so nice to have a place to call home after spending 6 weeks in a hotel. Between unpacking, schoolwork, and just normal, everyday life activities I haven't had much time to go and see Italy, but that's about to change. This coming weekend my family and I are planning a trip to either Florence or the Venice. Lately it's been too cold and the weather hasn't been conducive to traveling, but with spring approaching and so many wonderful places to go and things to see, the next few months are going to be quite busy, and I can't wait!
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