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....