OOPS!

Here are all the OS Activities that I did.  I originally had them as a Google Docs page, so the responses are right HERE.

Thanks.

OS----What Did I Learn (Other Than What OS Stands For...)

For the last few weeks, I've been toying around with different activities involving OS, or Operating Systems.  Here's my insight on the situation.

One, I understand more than I think that I do.  I think that the overwhelming part is that all of these OS systems will change within the next five years.  I originally knew about OS systems because of games I wanted to play on my computer as a kid.  Different games had different system requirements, so I learned what my computer had, and what I could put on it.

Once I got into teaching, I guess I really didn't think about it much.  By that, I mean that I had a PC at home for 10 years, and a Mac at school.  I was using 2-3 different operation systems without putting a lot of thought into it.  Yes, there were some differences, but nothing to the extent that I couldn't use it.  I just adjusted and used whatever was in front of me.  With Grad. School, I've been the same.  I could use a Mac if I needed to.  They're just so pricey, I haven't ever seriously considered buying one.  Not that I'm cheap, but there is a considerable price difference, and I've been thinking of that over OS systems.

However, a lot of items and assignments have at least opened my eyes to what the OS systems can do.  I think the item that stood out the most was the security.  It sounds like the Mac OS systems are very strong and protective; I guess I wish I could get similiar feedback about my Windows Vista system!!!  Oh well...

So what has this done for me?  If anything, it's informed me.  I have an idea about what OS systems to maybe think about using in the future, especially when purchasing a new computer.  I have a bit of a better understanding about the positives of both, as well as the shortcomings.

Overall, I'm nowhere near a master in this category; on the other hand, I'm not necessarily a goober about it, either.

Well, by all means, please do share your comments below.  Thanks, and I'll hear from you soon.

Computer Architecture (aka What Does This Part Do?)

Well, it's down to the wire, and we're on to the last class-computer architecture.  I just got off of the phone with my dad, and I joked with him that I could actually be able to keep up with him in conversations after this class!  I guess that what I'm saying is, I'm not quite so good at the technical part of computers.

How can that be?  I'm the Technology Leader for my school!  Well, it's simple-I never had an interest in it.  I like to drive my car; it doesn't mean that I want to know how every car part works, though.  I've had that same attitude towards computers.  There are people in this world who get paid to take care of that aspect of technology, and I trust them.  However, I suppose I should learn a LITTLE about the make-up of computers; it would certainly up the authenticity of my position as the Tech. Leader if I could actually define and detail specific parts of the computer.

So what do I currently know about computer parts?  Not much.  I know the components of a computer, and I've done a little with replacing and upgrading parts, but I'm a bit of a novice in that area.  To be honest, I haven't had to replace much on the computers, other than the ENTIRE HARD DRIVE for my laptop a few years back.  For the most part, though, I've been lucky with my computers.  With that in mind, I haven't had a necessity to take apart a computer, and other than the buying process, I don't give much attention to the specifications of a computer.

However, after class, I think that I know more than I'm letting on.  I do have general knowledge of the parts of the computer, and the history aspect with computers I found very interesting.  I knew about the revolution of sorts in the 70's, and I was aware of the exploration of computers from the 40's to the 60's.  However, I find it amazing that we find crumbs of history hundreds of years ago.  That's something that simply blows my mind, that people had these ideas and were clearly ahead of their time.

Now, I simply need to explore more about the components of a computer system.  I think that's where my confusions lie, and I'm the kind of person that isn't going to learn about it unless I dive head-first into it.  So, if you'll excuse me, I have to go take apart a computer and figure out what those parts are.  Where's the sound card, again? 

Until next time...

I knew I forgot something...

MY BLOG POST!!!

That's what happens when spring weather hits, I guess....


No, in all honesty, I simply forgot, so, better late than never, I suppose.

This week, simply, what am I pulling from all of this.  For me, it's simple; a LOT!  Seeing as how I immerse myself into what we're doing, there's a lot that I'm going to take from this class.  The major ones are what I'll focus on today.

1. Google Reader---I've become a bit obsessed with this, as I check for updates on all of my sites mainly through this now.  Most of the time, I'm checking through my iTouch, which reduces the amount of time I spend pecking around on my favorite websites.  Also, I found a few that have given me a GREAT DEAL of information, which also reduces the amount of time I spend looking for this stuff.  I tend to use this more than Twitter, where I often catch repeats of the stuff I have on Google Reader.  Overall, it saves me time.
2. Screencasting---This is one of those tools and skills that I've wanted to do for years, and I just didn't know how.  Now I do.  I've already begun using Jing to record narrations for students, parents, and teachers.  This hopefully cuts down on the amount of time that I need to use to explain how to do the same process again and again.  That, and it's EASY to do!
3. Podcasting---Again, something that I wanted to do for years, and now I can.  It's forced me to use Audacity, allowing me to create edits of items and clean them up.  My students are jacked up about podcasts, and want to record multiple shows.  That's something that I can deal with.  More importantly, I'M excited about podcasting---I, too, am trying to record my second episode of my podcast.

There's so much more out there, but those are the three new tools with technology that I plan on continuing my usage of.

If any of you would like to elaborate on this, I'm more than happy to hear from you.

Take care!