Wrapping It Up (and It's Not Even a Gift...)

Around 20 months after it started, this looks to be the final post-for this blog.  Hard to believe, but the last class to attend has finished.  I have to tidy up some last minute stuff, but the journey for the Master's has come to an end.  Here are some musings about the journey...


It's Almost Impossible to Keep Up with Technology
I feel like I'm WAY ahead of the game in terms of being aware of the resources out there in the technological world.  However, even with all of the tips, tricks, and tools that I've obtained throughout the last 2 years, there is still so much more out there to learn about.  For as much as an expert as I feel I can be sometimes, I have to be humble enough to see myself as a novice sometimes as well, and not be afraid to ask for help.  I'll continue to try to use whatever new technologies exist, but there aren't enough hours in a day to thoroughly explore all of these new innovations that appear on a daily basis.


Public Education Isn't Ready for Technology
I say that not to spark any reaction, but for the reality that I don't think that our schools are ready to fully embrace the technology that exists.  I see hesitancy; whether it be on behalf of administration or staff, I just haven't gotten enough consistency to believe that technology is a priority.  That's a shame, because there's so much potential out there; there's just such a fear to leave comfort zones that I don't know when the shift will happen.  What worries me is the fact that we're teaching a generation that is essentially a technology generation.  We are not serving our students well if we're not on board with the technologies available today.

10 Years Makes a Difference
It's amazing how much has changed within the last decade.  I could even look at the last 2 years, and there's been a huge change.  I say that now because I know teaching will be different by 2020.  It constantly evolves, and I hope to continue to be someone who evolves with it.  What I do with the kids today might seem ancient a few years from now.  I have to start somewhere, though.  Using podcasts, digital stories, screencasts, movies, and the like could be building blocks to something much bigger down the road.


Collaboration is NO JOKE
The one thing I will say is that we did a TON of group work.  As for me, I learned a lot about myself.  For example, I really changed how I planned time.  I became more organized (all about using the iTouch calendar), and less cluttered.  Well, for the most part.  I also learned how to work with others.  You know, you teach  by yourself for 10 years, and you sometimes forget that.  I had two partners who had to deal with me and all my eccentricities (that's a polite way of putting it), and I learned to adjust my styles of working.  I tend to be a controller, and it was really hard stopping that.  I can't say that I've made huge improvements, but I've made attempts.  Having to do EIGHT MILLION collaborative projects helped with that.

You know, I could go on and on, but I've always been one who believed in "actions speak louder than words."  If you happen to come across my name somewhere in the future (hopefully not for illegal or negative reasons...), then you'll know that this wasn't just a class or a degree for me.  It was much more, and I intend to show that through my actions.

For all of my professors, advisors, and instructors:  Thank you for preparing me and giving me the support and tools needed to be a difference-maker.  I will not let you down.

To all of my partners:  Thanks for putting up with me.  I know it wasn't easy, but I hope I was as supportive of you as you were to me.

To my family:  Thanks for supporting and believing in me as I went through this journey.  I know it wasn't easy, but you were my inspiration throughout all of this.

Virus Protection (or What I Could Use In the Real World, Too)

There's nothing more ironic than writing about Viruses while sick.  Oh well.  Anyway, at least you don't have to hear me gag up whatever my lungs decide they don't want anymore...

Well, anyway, we did a lot of items pertaining to protection from viruses, spyware, and other forms of malware.  We also had to create an Emergency Plan just in case.  For me, this was probably a good idea.  Within the last year, I made the mistake of not renewing my virus protection software.  You would think that someone taking a course in Instructional Technology would know better, but that wouldn't be the first time someone's said that about me.  Anyway, I began to realize something was wrong when I started getting A LOT of pop-ups on my computer.  Also, it seemed to take forever to load up my computer.  This wasn't good (especially during the HTML course, where I had to be on my computer a lot.)

Through searching, I found The Shield.  The first scan was nasty---lots of items found.  There was definitely a reason why I was running so slow.  The Shield would catch lots of attempts as I was on the web; I began to realize that some of the sites I frequented had adware or other items that really liked my computer.  As a result, I began to use a little bit more thought in regards to the use of my computer.

For now, my computer runs fine.  The Shield updates my computer several times per week, and I rarely get messages from my program about attempted attacks on my computer.  That makes life much easier for me.

So how on Earth did that story connect to class?  Well, I wish I would've had this prevention plan last year, or even 2 years ago when my hard drive fried.  I lost a lot of stuff (mainly iTunes stuff) that I didn't back up.  I learned my lesson.  I also didn't even realize that I pay for coverage through insurance.  Duh.  As for all of the malware, I realize that I had Adware on my computer.  That would explain the pop-ups asking to scan my computer, even though I didn't arrange anything to do so.  Glad I never clicked those options.

So, in all, BE PREPARED.  You never know what's going to happen, and if something bad does happen, be ready for it.

How a Computer Works (or, at least what the guys at Best Buy told me...)

So, for the last few weeks, we've been discussing parts of a computer, and looking at what they do, and how integral they may be to a computer system.  As of late, I've detailed one specific part, watched many others, and for this week's class, I had to construct one myself.

After discussing options with people online, in store, and through general conversation, I came to a conclusion of what I want, and that's accessibility.  I want to be able to access my network wherever I am, without worry for finding a password for a site or receiving slow access points to connect to.  I came to some realizations about myself, and what I need in a computer, and that's radically different from what I wanted a few years back.

I realize that I use way more online programs than I do installed programs.  I can use PowerPoint and Word, but I've been using Google Docs much more frequently, and that is something that I now take into consideration with my computer.  I think it's good to have a video editing program, but most laptops come with some sort of program already installed,  There's a lot of freeware out there, and I'm fine with that.

So where do I spend the money?  Processing.  I want to be able to run many items at once, and the processor is the key there.  I literally have no clue previous to this class if I ever really thought about the RAM, hard drive, or processor.  With the amount of online items that I have, I'm not sure that I really need a ton of hard drive, anyway.  However, I do need the power to run through my programs quickly, and processing is the key.

Also, it sucks to lose EVERYTHING on my computer.  That happened 2 years ago.  Since then, I've invested a bit more in backing up and protecting my computer.  I used to think that was a waste of money.  After Dell warranties covered my new hard drive, though, I changed my tune.

Overall, I could go into every single part, but this is what stood out to me the most.  You can choose to agree or argue, but either way, I'll be ready to discuss.  Hear from you soon.

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!