technology in the classroom

I’ve had both positive and negative experiences with technology in the classroom.

On the positive side, I enrolled in a hybrid course at AACC that met once a week on campus with the majority of the instruction and discussion done online using the college’s proprietary version of BlackBoard. The professor understood how to use the online and on-campus portions of the course and tailored each section to its strength. Lectures and other tedium were handled online, where we could easily view and study the material at our leisure. Each week a question or discussion topic was posted by the professor and everyone was expected to respond to both it as well as other student’s responses. The limited classroom time was utilized for face to face discussions and activities to enhance what was covered in the online readings and discussions. Because of its hybrid nature, we were still grouped together as a class, but school and hence the learning no longer ended as we left the building. Technology enriched the course and made it more engaging and informative.

On the negative side, reliance on technology can also hurt. For whatever reason, it was decided by the powers that be that Algebra II in my high school should be taught with and through use of graphing calculators and not through hand calculations. Without seeing how the calculators arrived at their answers for variables and without seeing how graphs were generated, matrices filled, and more it was hard, for me at least, to learn what and how to do. I've always learned best through writing and repetition to cement information and techniques into my memory, and removing the work of the calculations hurt my understanding and retention of the subject.

So I see technology as a double-edged sword. In some cases, properly used, it can enrich and enhance a class. In other cases, it can be a distraction, unnecessary complication, or oversimplify material to the point that retention and learning are harmed, not helped. Everything in moderation...

Technology in the Classroom

A time were technology helped me learn in the classroom was in my in English 102 class. We had to login on to blackboard to turn in our homework, writing assignments and respond to our classmates writing assignments (received participation points for blogging). This was new to me at the time; never had heard of it before and I thought it was very convenient. The teacher had no excuse for losing your assignment and as a student; you were able to check your grade at anytime, to see your progress in the class. Another thing was that through blackboard we were able to actually do our homework online and just “click submit”. There was a link in the course documents that went to the page where our homework assignments were at. I really like this website (for some reason I can’t think of the name) but it was very helpful to improving your grammar skills. It allowed you to read up on a certain grammar skills and then you did the assignment. After doing that, you received your results and it explained why it was the answer. I just loved it because that’s where I had trouble at. I thought this was a good way to integrate technology to improve learning, because most of the time students are always on the computer and internet. So it made it easier for students to do the work. But at the same time a distraction because you could see yourself bouncing back and forth, between your assignment and some other activity on the internet. Nevertheless, I really thought it was of benefit to all in the class, especially those who struggle with grammar skills, participating in class and turning in assignments.

My Technobiography

Technology has always played a role in my life. It is likely I would not be alive today without technology as I was born six weeks premature. Looking back it amazing how far technology, especially communications and entertainment, has evolved since I was born. Growing up through the 80’s and early 90’s, I’ve been able to watch the end of several old technologies and experience many of the one’s we now take for granted from their inception. It is astounding how fast GPS has replaced traditional paper maps and a compass. Music went from tapes to MiniDisks to CDs and eventually left the record store my migrating to multitude of electronic formats easily and instantly distributed around the world. I still do not own an mp3 player or iPod, though I probably won’t hold out for much longer.

When I was a kid, computers were not nearly as omnipresent as they are today. My only options for putting words to paper as a kid was writing, as I was not allowed to use the family typewriter for fear I would mess it up. The first time I used a computer was in 2nd or 3rd grade when my elementary school built its first computer lab, full of Apple II computers. We got a family computer when I was in middle school, an IBM with a Pentium I chip that I used to type papers and occasionally play Wolfenstein3D or Doom. Today my cell phone has more memory, a better processor, better graphics, and can play those games! I did not get my own computer until I was a junior in high school, which is also the first time I used the internet for anything personal. Before that, my only experience with the internet was through the school or county library for research. That Compaq computer served me well through my first semester in college when I finally bought myself a laptop with a then awesome Pentium III chip. I’ve watched displays evolve from black screens with green type to gigantic high definition plasma and LCD screens.

Speaking of games, the first computer games I played were on my friends Commodore64. I’ve owned or played basically every home console system available since the early 80’s, starting with an Atari 2600, moving to a Sega Master sysem, NES, SNES, Sega Genesis (with the Sega 32x and Sega CD add-ons), TurboGrafx-16, Neo Geo, Atari Jaguar, 3DO, Sega Saturn, Sony Playstation, Nintendo 64, Sega Dreamcast, and their modern heirs in Playstation 2 and 3, Xbox and Xbox360, Nintendo GameCube and Wii. Evolution can be circular it seems, as every time I play the Wii I can’t help but think back to the original NES pad and power glove. I still dust off my original Game Boy for a round of Tetris for old times sake now and again.

The ubiquity of communication devices today has changed more than anything. We still had a rotary dial phone when I was little. Unless you were home or at work, there was no way to get in contact with someone. Remember the giant briefcase sized cell phone? My mom had one, it was a blissfully silent device since no one knew to call it and it was for emergency purposes only. I got my first cell phone in 8th grade, a Motorola about the size and weight of a brick, so my parents could check on me when I was out and so I could call home without needing to find change for a pay phone. And phone calls were all it could do, not play video, games, music, or browse the wireless internet that of course did not yet exist. What was once so important, having an actual physical land line in your house, has been usurped and even replaced with cell phones and broadband phone services.

With all the changes I've seen over the last two decades, it is with wonder that I look forward to how things will change as I grow older. It is nice to cut the leash every once in a while though, staying off the computer for a few days, getting somewhere new without googling directions, looking up information in a book, etc. to keep technology in perspective: its purpose is to make life simpler and easier, not more complex and trying to remember the KISS principle (Keep It Simple Stupid).

My Technobiography

My first memories of technology are probably the same as the ones that many have. Watching TV, VHS Tapes, and those fun electronic toys that our parents all hate! You know that ones that make noise, have flashing lights, that all kids love to play with. Listening to music on the stereo in the house, and listening to music in the car Oh and Nintendo, my favorite game of all time when I was little was duck hunt. I sucked at it (and I still do), but it was so fun to play!

In elementary school I remember when my school got computers. They were Mac's and they were the coolest things ever!!! Of course we the "little" kids did not get to use them except during indoor recess we sometimes were allowed to go play games...Oregon Trail anyone? ;) Then we got a computer at home, and my brother and I got a Toy Story game. That's all we cared about back then was playing games.

As I have gotten older I have learned a lot more about technology and learned to appreciate it (the good and the bad). I can't be without my laptop, my iPod, my cell phone, my DVD player, my car, and so many other things. In fact right now as I type this blog I am watching a movie on Comcast OnDemand, having a text message conversation with my mother (of all people), and of course I'm surfing the net using my tabbed Firefox browser. My house has been taken over by technology. There are 5 adults in my house...2 XBOX 360's, 1 Wii, 6 iPods, 3 laptop computers, 1 desktop computer, 4 cell phones, 2 HD Tv's, and a whole list of other things.

Next on my list of techie things to get, the iPhone. I have decied that I need to have it.

Technology in the Classroom

In 7th and 8th grade we were required to take a Keyboarding and PC Apps class. These classes were designed to help the students learn how to use the computer and its programs in a more effective and useful way. We worked with programs like Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel and more. This class was very helpful in that it prepared me for future times when I would need to use these programs. Without this preparation I would have been working with these programs without the experience I need to fully understand how to use them.

Technology in the Classroom

In my sophomore year of high school I took a desktop publishing class. In that class I learned many things that to this day are very helpful to me when using a computer. We were taught mostly on how to make publications and fliers; but also we learned the ins and outs of Microsoft Word, tools to which this day remain very helpful. In my junior of high school some of the classrooms became equipped with SMART Board's, an interactive whiteboard. It is a large touch controlled screen that works with a projector and a computer. T0 write on the board you would use digital ink or your finger. When this was first introduced into our classrooms, everyone was very eager to get their turn to use it. In my opinion, it made teaching easier for the students because everything that is written on the SMART Board can be saved onto their computer. It makes it easier because teachers can then pull up lessons from previous days and refer back to them. Also in high school, we used a program that was similar to Blackboard, it was called Edline. Edline was a place where teachers could post our grades and assignments just like the professors do on blackboard today. I find these sites very helpful because I can easily track how I am doing in the classes and when and what assignments I have to do.

My Technobiography

My first memory of technology was when I was about five or six on Christmas morning. My parents got 3 computers for me and my two sisters. When I was that young, computers were obviously not as fast and innovative as they are now. Being so young all I used the computer for was playing games. My parents bought me and my sisters computer games that were educational but also fun. Those games would keep us occupied for hours. As I got older I was introduced to AOL where I created my first screen name. I was able to keep in touch with my friends on the weekends and after school.

As I got older, technology started entering my life in more ways than just the computer. I was given my first cell phone in 7th grade. It was a simple, black Motorola phone that could just receive and make phone calls. I have had many cell phones since my first cell phone in 7th grade. Right now, I have the Verizon LG enV2. This phone can do much more than just make and receive phone calls. It has texting, the Internet, music, a camera and is able to send and receive picture messages. My phone has basically become another part of me. I'm always on it texting my friends or family to keep in touch. My iPod has also become a very big part of my life. I love listening to music and carrying around my iPod instead of a Walkman or a CD player is so much more convenient. Having all of your songs all in one place rather than carrying around each individual CD and those bulky head phones and CD player is more suitable.

Being in college now, technology has become even more important in my life. I wouldn't be able to live without my laptop here at school. I use it for everything; keeping in touch with my family and friends, research, homework, listening to music and writing papers. Technology plays a different but also important part in everyone's life.

Technology in the Classroom

My fifth grade teacher, Mr.Clopper, made sure to make learning fun. I had Mr. Clopper for all subjects of the day. He was an inspired cartoonist. He had his serious times but the year flew by from his genius teaching methods. He told the 30 students in our class that we would all thank him for our keyboard sessions. The computer lab had around 50 computers. That was nicew because during our whole Language Arts block each student had a computer of their own. He had us in the computer lab twice a week working stricting on Type to Learn. Type to Learn teaches the correct way to type while making it fun. With success, you increased in level and difficulty. The game also detects if you are incorrect with spelling or hand placement.
From time to time, I pause and think of how thankful I am to be a fast typer. I have noticed that it helps for every online assignment and typed paper. I probably save hours of homework time with my typing skills. I owe this all to Mr. Clopper.

My Technobiography

My first computer experience that I can recall was around age six. At this age, I had a strong passion for horseback riding. I attending camps and had weekly lessons. My parents decided my hobby was going to become a huge part in my life--not just a phase. For Christmas, they decided to give me my very own computer game. The game was Barbie Horseback riding Club. I started to realize the responsibility of owning a horse. Acting as Barbie, I would have to wash,brush,feed walk, etc. the horse. At the same time, I was getting to know how to use the computer. I slowly got comfortable with the mouse and keyboard.
At about age thirteen I had moved on from my horse phase. I had become more interested in my social life. When this came about, I had my parents create me a screen name on AOL. AOL helped me to learned about online chatting, websites, and Google. In school I was also learning more in the computer lab.
Now in college, I cannot live without my labtop. It has become a necessity. I have written many papers using Word. I am knowledgable in powerpoint to make a presentation. I still keep in touch with my social side. I have moved away from AOL but I go on facebook daily. When I took ISTC 201, it was actually one hundred percent online. College classes incooperate the computer with every lesson.
My social life does not stop at just the computer. My other must-have technology is my cell phone. I have the Verizon Voyager. I am constantly texting friends. And of course I call my close friends and family to have personal talks.
I could not imagine my life technology free. I go day to day relying on the popular technologies in America.

My Technobiography

Technology, whether we realize it or not, has been a part of our everyday life since before we can remember. The first time that I remember using technology for a learning purpose would be somewhere around the 1st grade. I would be playing computer math games teaching me my adding and subtracting. As I grew up internet entered my life in the version of a slow AOL dial-up. I remember using the internet as a way to communicate with my friends, play many different games that were on the internet, and send e-mails. I quickly became very accustomed to the way that the internet works.



As years past, technology became more prominent in everyday life. When I reached middle school I began to use the phone a lot more. I would use it just to talk to my friends to see what they were doing. I had always wanted my own phone line, but my parents never budged. It wasn't until the 8th grade when I got my first cell phone. I still remember it to this day, a big, bulky, non flip phone, with a black and white screen. All I could do on it was make phone calls. Now, I have the EnV2, which allows me to text, take videos, take pictures, send picture messages and so much more.

There was also the invention on the iPod which made listening to music on the go, much lighter and easier. The first iPod that I had was a green iPod Nano. I loved my iPod because now instead of having to carry around a big CD player and each individual CD, you just have one thing to carry around, it was a place for all of your music to be stored without having to carry it all around with you.
Now that I am in college technology is a very important part of my life. I use my lap top everyday, to check my e-mail, talk to my friends, go on the internet and of course type papers. Technology is an ever changing aspect of our life. From desktops to lap tops, CD's to iPods, VHS's to DVD's; who knows what the future holds for technology.

Post #2

When I took college algebra by junior year in high school, my teacher happened to be the department chair and was very interested in trying the new technologies my high school received through a grant. She was very adventurous when incorporating the different technologies into our classroom. Although some were more successful than others, one I remember in particular was very effective when preparing for tests. Unfortunately I do not remember the name of the program but it was an application downloaded to all of the TI-83 graphing calculators and the teacher's computer that was meant to record data. Each student in the class of about 20 had a calculator with an assigned number that was linked to the teacher's computer. She used this technology by projecting a concept or a math problem we had to solve in the form of a multiple choice question. Depending on the question, she gave the class a time limit to completing the problem at our desks. Once we had the answer or what we thought was the answer, each student entered either a, b, c, d, or e on their calculator. After everyone answered, the data was compiled on the computer and presented on the board through the projector. This allowed for both the class and the teacher to see what other students chose as the answer.

This technology proved to be very effective before an exam. A day or two before the test, the teacher would use this program by asking sample questions from the test. Once the data was compiled, the teacher would discuss why the incorrect answers some students were wrong and then would discuss what made the anwer correct. This was a very effective study method because we were able to learn the type of questions that would be on the test and it helped reinforce and study the information we had already learned.

My teacher also used this technology for our drill. Since the drill question was usually from a lesson from the day before, she was able to use the results of the questions to see how well we learned the material and if she had to go over anything again. Although a lot of the students did not like this because it required them to do the drill, it allowed the teacher to gain insight on how well she taught the material and the classes understanding. By using this technology, she was able to see if we needed help which improved our overall performance in the class throughout the school year.

My Experience with Technology

I cannot remember a day when technology was not a part of my life. Although I did not always depend on many of the technologies in the way I do today, it played a key role in my development. From watching Sesame Street and Barney on TV to learning all the digital coloring book programs and Oregon Trail in my elementary school's computer lab, these simple technologies serve as some of my earliest memories as a little girl. At the age of 7 my father purchased a huge, bulky, Hewlett-Packerd computer with access to the Internet through AOL dial-up. Aside from downloading pictures to color and playing online games, I was quick to take advantage of the communication opportunties AOL had to offer. I spent a lot of time on the computer in the many kid chatrooms that were created for Mary-Kate and Ashley fans and for countless other reasons. Since my parents were divorced and all of my friends lived in my mom's neighborhood, these chat room allowed me to meet plenty of girls my age to keep me entertained while I was away from my friends.

By the time I got into middle school, the communication abilities through the Internet were being used by even more of my friends. A lot of the people I knew had AOL screen names and had created their own online profiles for everyone to see. Because my mom still did not have a computer at this point, most of my free time for socializing was spent on the Internet at my dad's house since I did not have the opportunity to use it elsewhere. However, by this time I had my own phone in my bedroom as well as my own six disk changer stereo, VCR, and television. Technology was beginning to become more and more important in my life.

Once my dad got high speed Internet and a newer model computer with a flat screen monitor, this technology became very important in my social life. By then I had learned to make profiles on websites such as Buddy4u and create my own homepage through AOL. Although I was unsuccessful in creating computer graphics on my own, I took advantage of others' creations and decorated all of my pages with tons of glittery, colorful graphics and pictures of me and friends that photo developers were able to put on a Kodak CD-Rom so that I could put them on my computer. Along with spending most school nights on AIM, I was fully engaged with the current technology of that sort and was very curious to learn more.

By my sophomore year in high school, I created a Myspace account and my communication capabilities became even greater. Although this was the time each profile could only add about 8 photos and the convenient comment back button did not exist, I embraced the new technology. My page was filled with graphics and pictures from my new digital camera and it quickly became one of my main sources of communication aside from the color screen cell phone I got for my 8th grade graduation.

Of course this technology grew and more social networking sites such as Facebook became popular. By the time I graduated high school, I was completely dependent on technology to keep in contact with my friends and to do all of the research needed to complete school projects. Now that I am sophomore in college, technology still plays a similar role. With a cell phone that can text message, email, surf the internet, access my facebook, take pictures, act as a GPS, as well as perform its other many capabilities, most of my use for technology can be done from the palm of my hand. Although I am not a technological wiz, I am very comfortable with most new technologies. I am very curious to learn how to use and take full advantage of the new capabilities provided by technology and will continue to use them to help benefit and enhance the quality of my life.

First Experience with Technology

Well let’s see I really don’t remember getting involved with technology until my elementary school years. That’s when I was in computer class playing Oregon Trail and Carmen Sandiego Word Detective on the computer. At the time it was fun and easy; a little hard when I couldn’t figure out the answers though. I had a computer at home but I really didn’t get on it too much only to play bowling and solitaire. By time I got in middle school, I had a technology class; to be exact it was my first one. I was pretty nervous about that class, I guess because I wasn’t too familiar with it. Once I got in the class, it wasn’t working out for me. For some reason, I always had the slow computer, the computer with poor internet access or the computer that couldn’t print. So while the teacher is guiding us through a process, I was always a couple steps behind; that was very frustrating.
By time I reached high school, I used technology more in my life. In school we used power points and the overhead projector for learning in the classroom. This is also around the time; I got my first cell phone and began doing less talking and more texting. Also I began to get more familiar with Microsoft word, e-mailing and at the time myspace. I used the internet for networking and research a lot. But to be honest for some research projects, I did use the encyclopedia; probably because I had a whole set in my home and when I didn’t have the internet at my home I used the encyclopedia.
Now in college it seems like everything I do involves technology. When talking to professors, classmates, turning in assignments and registering for classes; it’s amazing. I have graduated from cd players to I-pods that can hold thousands of songs and using a computer at home to carrying around a laptop. It makes me wonder what the future holds for all this technology and how it’s going to affect us; particularly in the workforce.

Post #2

I attended a high school in Baltimore County that is widely known for its strong music program.  Not surprisingly, I had plans to go to college and pursue a degree in Music Education.  In order to prepare for the rigorous audition process and theory screenings, I enrolled in AP Music Theory my senior year.  Because of the strength of the program at my school, the Music Department had its own Music Technology Lab and had received a grant for a SmartBoard.  A SmartBoard has the appearance of a white board, but it is touch sensitive.  Normally, a computer is connected to a digital projector, which then projects onto the SmartBoard.  Using this method, you can touch an application icon on the SmartBoard and it will open on the screen.  On the first day of class, this wowed us.

Our teacher, Mr. Engel, was young and enthusiastic about the subject, and we, a small class of 11th and 12th graders all preparing for college auditions and theory screenings, were excited to learn.  Mr. Engel was a fan of using instructional games to test our knowledge.  The SmartBoard became his technology of choice in these situations.  He would have two or three of us face the SmartBoard, and then he would open a document showing musical staves and prompting us either to fill in key signatures, natural, melodic, or harmonic minor scale patterns, or to identify chord inversions and chord progressions.  At first, we hated this game, because it was timed and there were a lot of tricky musical "rules" and patterns to remember.  After a while, we got the hang of the game and began to really enjoy testing our own knowledge.

I thought that his integration of technology in the format of a game was a great use of the SmartBoard.  The technology did not overshadow the material - it enhanced it.  Using the SmartBoard in a game setting allowed us to be more comfortable when approaching it in other situations in the classroom.  The best part about the SmartBoard Theory Game was that Mr. Engel saved our attempts so that we could examine and correct our mistakes as a way of studying for actual tests in class.  If we had played this game on a white board, we wouldn't have been able to come back and examine where we had messed up and where we had succeeded.  I thought that this activity was very worthwhile and would consider implementing a similar lesson plan in my classroom in the future should I have such technology available to me.

Jessie Wilson

My Technobiography

Technology has always been a part of my life, whether or not I have taken the time to notice its presence or its impact.  I was born in Cincinnati, Ohio in a hospital that had computers in each Labor & Delivery room and each Recovery room.  I only know this because I was born to parents that had recently purchased a video camera - one of those huge, clunky ones that weighed fifteen pounds and got carried around in a large black case covered in buckles and straps - and my dad felt that such a technological advancement was worth documenting on film.  As the first child of a young couple living far away from their parents, my every moment was documented on film and on embarrassingly narrated videotapes.

As a child, my only use for TV was PBS: Sesame Street, Mr. Rogers, and Reading Rainbow... my mom was big on educational TV.  My two younger brothers and I are close in age, so for most of my childhood, we played together and had little hands-on experience with technology outside of Oregon Trail and Number Munchers in the computer lab at our elementary school.  That was, of course, until our family got our first desktop computer.

 

Like most other early '90s models, our computer was a behemoth.  It took up the entire desk in our family's spare room, whirred and groaned under the weight of the tasks we demanded of it, and occasionally had the power to actually scare us kids if we attempted to dail-up using AOL.  As kids, we loved our first computer - it opened up the possibilities to create our own cartoons, to learn to type with Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing, and even to attempt to master SkiFree.  But soon enough, it was too slow, too old, and too big.

When I entered middle school, I encountered computer stations in my classrooms and a digital tuner in the Band Room.  We repeated after "Pedro," the voice on our Spanish CDs, and created graphs and tables for the Science Fair.  At home, I had my first email address and my first AIM account, both of which were used habitually to keep in touch with my friends.  And, of course, if they weren't online, I could always call them on my brand new purple telephone.  I had begged for my own phone line, but my parents knew better and refuted all of my pleas for telecommunications freedom as a 12 year old.

When my family finally replaced our too slow, too old, and too big computer, the old one was brought into my room where I was able to use it for word processing.  Just as I had begged for a phone line in middle school, I asked persistently about a cell phone in high school.  The answer was: get a job or wait until you're 16 and have your driver's license.  Easy solution: I got a job and a chunky flip-phone that did nothing but call home in case of emergency or call my friends in case of boredom.  With that job came the funds to buy an iPod.  Within two years, I had even graduated to a phone with a full QWERTY keyboard and an unlimited text-messaging plan.

Around that time, I graduated high school, taught my parents how to text message, signed up for a Facebook account, bought a digital camera, and was granted relatively free reign over "the family's third car."  At the end of the summer, we took a trip to the Apple Store and bought my beloved Macbook, which came with a free iPod Nano.  As a college freshman and then a Music Education major, my Mac allowed me to record projects for Music Theory in Garage Band, easily organize all of my media files, and video chat with friends and family across the country by using its built-in camera.

 

Today, my cell phone is about the size of a deck of cards, but I can use it for text/picture/video messaging, music storage, taking pictures, recording video, writing emails, surfing the web, playing games, computing basic math, keeping appointments, setting alarms, calculating the appropriate tip at a restaurant, and, oh, making phone calls, too.  My computer can handle all of the same functions - but it can also play DVDs, create CDs and DVDs, edit films, record, edit and mix music, create photo projects, keep my calendar, and manage my finances.  In case there's anything else I want it to do, I just have to download a widget.

 

At this point in my life, I trust, and even count on, technology everyday.  I'm sure that my smoke alarm works and that a home security system will protect my friends and family.  I've learned how to operate systems and manage technology when files don't transfer and documents don't get exported properly.  I'm confident that I could navigate through most computer systems and electronic technologies.  The irony of it all?  To this day, I still can't tell you how to program the clock on a VCR.

Jessie Wilson

post #2
I had never really realized how great of a tool technology has been in the classroom until recently. Although people may dislike this program, Blackboard has been an amazing tool for checking grades, receiving and submitting assignments, and much more. PowerPoint is used in most of my classes to present and then later posted on blackboard.
Last semester I had this really "old school" political science professor. He would spend the whole class writing on the chalkboard and Ispent the whole class copying what he wrote. I could not focus on learning because i was busy coping and it seemed like he could not focus on teaching because he was to busy writing. If he has used power point and posted them on Blackboard, he could have spent much more time teaching and I could have been spent more time learning. There was also no real way of checking grades. That class really opened my eyes to how great it is to integrate technology in the class room.

post #1
My first real encounter with technology was in the second grade. My elementary school had one computer lab. We were learning the proper way to type. I did not like it at first because it seemed awkward and I felt I could just write faster with a pencil. Then it became like a competition against my friends to see who could type more words per minute. I used these skills for many years and still do today. I used this to type up book reports until high school where I really learn more.
In ninth greade I took a class where I became familiar with microsoft office. These programs have helped me with school and work. I got my first cell phone around then as well. I would say that I have not exposed myself to much technology in my lifetime. Recently I purchased a GPS and Blackberry cell phone. I love them and i am definatly interested in finding out more about technology and how Ican use it to my advantage.

Post #2 Classroom Technology Use

One of my favorite memories I have that involves using technology in the classroom was my 6th grade pen-pal project. We were each assigned a student from a different state and had to e-mail back and forth with him or her. The student who was my pen-pal was a girl who was in 5th grade and lived in New Mexico. We had to e-mail each other at least once a week and had to find out information about each others culture, hometown, and any other facts that we found interesting. We also had to do research on our pen-pals home state on our own. I had to use the internet to find New Mexico’s main exports, religions, famous people who were born in that state, and any current events happening in New Mexico that I found interesting. We then had to give a presentation to the class informing them on our pen-pal, the state he or she was from, and all the other information we found out about the state. This was a social studies, English (we had to write a report also), and computer technology project. I think this was a great way to integrate technology into the classroom. It taught us how to communicate with others and how to research a subject using the internet. Instead of doing our research through the library or textbooks, which we already knew how to use, we got to use internet. Since we were all in 6th grade at the time our knowledge about computers and the internet was limited, this project really taught me how to use the internet.

Kathlyn Kaiser

Post #1- Technobiography

My experience with technology started when I was very young. When I was about four years old I took some medicine that I wasn't supposed to, I spent the next three days in the hospital getting my stomach pumped. All I remember from my hospital stay was all the machines around me. There were machines to monitor my heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and lots more. Other than that I can't remember ever needing any technology when I was young, except if wanted to watch a T.V show or someting, my favortie show was Care Bears.

As I got older and grew more independent, I started to use more technologies. I would constantly want to talk on the phone with my best friend, even though she only lived three houses down from me. My sister and I were on the phone so much that we eventually got our own phone line. I also loved to play Nintendo 64, I got one when I was about eleven years old. My sister, brother, and I would always rush home from school to play or favorite games (my favorite game was Golden Eye).

When I was fourteen years old I recieved my first cell phone for Christmas. I remember walking into school after Christmas break and feeling so cool with my new cell phone, that was until my teacher took it away for playing with it during class. I loved my cell phone because it meant I could talk to my friends as much as I wanted. Since recieving my frist cell phone over six years ago I have gone through about ten cell phones. My first cell phone I only used for phone calls, but with my cell phone now I can: text, search the web, play games, download music, e-mail, take pictures and videos, use it as my alarm clock, and make phone calls.

When I was about sixteen I got my first i-pod. This was the orginal i-pod, I could listen to music and play some games, but that was about it. I now have the i-pod touch, this i-pod allows me to listen to music, play games, search the web, e-mail, and watch videos. In four years Apple has made big advances on their i-pods.

When it was time for me to come to college I had my own car, I also recieved a brand new lap-top, my first! A new digital camera, that could also record videos, and a new t.v and d.v.d player. So, with my cell phone, i-touch, camera, lap-top, t.v, and d.v.d, I think I have all the technologies I could ever need to get me through college, and life.

Welcome!

Welcome to the course blog for ISTC 301, Monday/Wednesday section, Spring 2009 at Towson University! We'll be blogging together throughout the semester; see the course wiki for specifics on the blog assignment, and blog groups.