Blog # 13

Article 1:Interfaces, Databases, and Applications

The most interesting information I read about was how by just inputting information onto one computer thousands of people all around the world can view it. The article talked about how databases help with filling out evaluation forms, doing calendars on the web, and other research tools. Perhaps the one that made me start comparing my own use of databases was when it started to talk about forums. Isn't the forum similar to web ct. The site that we all use as students. I never thought about it that I have had experience using a database until the description was proposed while I was reading this article. Forums make it a great place to facilitate discussions. Everyone can be on the same page about what's going on and it's a quick reference to get to at once.

Reading artcle 2: Databases: America's President
Wow! I never knew it could be so easy to organize alot of infomation into one place. The word database sounds so scary. However, when it is broken down the way it is in this article, I can really see that I would enjoy using one. There was an example of a creative and bright teacher mentioned by the name of Beth Holmes. I loved the fact she teachers problem solving skills and information management by teaching her students the 6 C's. They are easy to remember and all equally important. Compute, Communication, conclude, Confirm, Categorize, and Classify. These are important skills that students need to learn and in her U.S Presidents assignment they do just that. I actually bet the students enjoy doing these items from the assignment. The article highlights just how important it is that students learn to be orgnaized and categorize items because it's an important lifelong skill that can make life a whole lot less stressful.

Article # 3 Bells and Whistles:
Organizing Data for the whole calss
This article talks about databases for all the students. They develop critical thinking skills . The article goes step by step in explaining what to do with fields and information when trying to create a database. This was the article that I actually found most easy to read and understand. I hope that when I have my own classroom I will remember this article becuase I think it would great for my fifth graders to read that way they will not just be creating a database using hands on method. THis article goes in depth about what types of fields can be created, what they are, it even explains the drop down fields. It's a beneficial article that needed to be read.

Lastly, The database that we used in class last week was super cool. I enjoyed using inspiredata and never knew creating a database could be so fun. The word alone sounds so intimidating and it doesn't seem as though I could ever create one. Especially being the fact that I am not so computer savvy. Although after almost completing 422, I feel that I am. I create newsletters, create columns in word and start with a drop cap, I can use databases such as the wiki, web ct, I can create my own web pages. I feel so computer savvy now, my self esteem has really been raised as I have learned that the information to help teachers teach technology to our students is out there, it's free all you have to do is look for it. It was amazing to me that once I started to create these things they seemed so easy too! That's the key don't intimidate the students, show them that with proper information they too can do anything. I'm living proof of it....

Filamentality and Wikis

My filamentality URL is: http://www.kn.att.com/wired/fil/pages/listchocolatda.html
Please feel free to check it out and offer suggestions. I'd greatly appreciate it!

As for the wikis assignment. Well, I like the idea of communicating and collaborating on one site. It's so much easier than sending emails to different places. Sometimes you can't remember all people in your groups contact information this way everything is done in one spot. Everyone sees what others are doing. It's so much more organized. What a technological miracle that is. So So So much easier...... I love wikis....

Blog # 11

First and Foremost let me post my Filamentality website!!! Yeppie! I created my own URL. I'm so Proud of myself. Who would've ever guessed I could do such a thing? Well, when it's benefitting my students, I'll do anything! I can't wait to test out this assignment on my fourth grade reading group at work, once we finish the Chocolate Fever Book, of course. My URL is
http://www.kn.att.com/wired/fil/pages/listchocolatda.html
Take a look at it and see if everything looks okay!! I tried to motivate the students by using a wild combination of colors!!!


The Digital Divide:

This article made me aware that I could possible transmit my fear of technology onto my students if I don't have technology accessible to them. I need to make sure that technology is alive and ready to use in my classroom. This article pointed out that technology is a learning tool it's not just a "priviledge" to use one if a student has a chance. Learning with technology is actually education. I was shocked to see this in the article because earlier today I noticed on the California Content standards that Technology is actually a component on the Language Arts section. I look at the CA standards each and every day when I read with my students and never was aware of the Technology section in Language arts before. It does enhance student learning in many ways. I liked how the article noted that Computers are not just for independent work time. They are great ways of getting students to work with each other and share ideas. By placing two chairs to each computer its a way for the students to start viewing computers as not only individual work stations either. Sharing ideas facilitates learning better, take for example the old saying "Two heads are better than one." I liked the idea of having school computer labs open for students before and after school. This is a wonderful idea, especially for children who don't have access to computers at home. By being able to come before and after school to use a computer then won't get left behind or feel like they are less advanced. I believe that it is true that most teachers use the computer for teacher tasks over instructional tasks. It's unfortunate but very true. I think being faced with all of the California Standards to cover in only a year intimidates teachers to use computers since they take longer to get started, get the students situated, show each student how to use one and then give them directions versus just having them sit at their desks with pen and paper. Obviously the draw back to this is the lack of motivation, but it's definetly more time consuming. Also, with so many older teachers out there who are already set in their ways learning to teach with technology can be challenging. I know in my own future classroom I want to make sure that I am including as much technology as I can that way I am learning and so are the children, It will make my classroom more of a community. We will all want to help each other. Also, if I end up working in a low income area my students might not have access to technology so I want my classroom to provide that access and bridge the gap. Technology is fun and enlightening. Everything positive comes from technology and finding new easier faster ways to do things helps out a lot.

Blog # 9

Aye Yi Ya, I can't believe the semester is almost over! I am happy to say that I just completed the midterm. What a big release of pressure that was! For me, the hardest thing about the midterm was definetly the snapshot of the screen. For the life of me, I couldn't remember how to do it. I remember it had some to do with control apple and then I went blank. The other portion of the midterm that was tough was the 3 facts about desktop publisher. I speculated about that. Overall, Not to brag or boast I felt pretty confident walking out of the midterm! I was proud of myself at having done all of the work so far on a Mac Computer. I think that come test time it was a major benefit.