Friday, May 31, 2013

Google Docs

I have used Google Docs many times for various classes, but I have never used the Resume template.  I really liked being able to just enter my information into the form.  Using Google Docs free templates falls under ISTE Nets Standard 3 because it is a way to demonstrate, communicate, collaborate, and model different technologies to students.  The best part about using this in a classroom is that it is free and everyone can access it.
After I completed my resume I was a little shocked at how bare it looked.  I guess being a full time mother and college student took up all my extra curricular time, but that is okay it was worth it.  I changed my security settings to allow anyone who has the link to look at it, but do not like the idea of everyone being able to view my information.  I kind of feel like it is an invasion of my privacy, which is one reason I steer clear of social media sites.  That being said here is the link to my resume.  Enjoy and please ignore the fact that it lacks a lot of information.  My Resume 

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Millennial

When people use the term "Millennial" they are referring to the first generation to become adults during the new millennium.  Basically this includes anyone that was born after 1980.  I barely fall in this generation and don;t completely feel as if I am as technology oriented as I should be.  When I took this "Millennial Quiz" I was not surprised at the results.  I try to figure out and use all the technology found in different classrooms, and I enjoy subbing because I get to learn from many different teachers.  But even with this help I am still not what I would consider technology competent and this shows in my results.  The quiz ranges from 0-100 and I scored a 40.  This is makes me closer to Generation X then the Millennial Generation.  You can see the results in the graph below.                                                                                                I do not feel that scoring this low will impede my teaching technology to my students.  I say this because even though I am uncomfortable using many features I am willing to learn myself.  I do not give up easily and I will explore a program until I learn how to use it.  I feel that teaching students through technology is very important and I will try to incorporate it as much as possible.  All I can say is thank you professors, family, kids, and teachers, for being patient and showing me how to use different technologies.  

(If anyone outside of this class is interested in taking this quiz here is the link: Millennial Quiz)

Frand's ten characteristics of the information-age mind set and my personal responses or opinions are as follows:

1.  "Computers Aren't Technology"  I do not agree with this.  Computers are technology and they are constantly being changed into better, faster and overall smaller devices.  It seems like a month after you purchase the "Best" computer on the market a better one is out.  
2.  "Internet Better Than TV"  I have mixed feelings about this one.  I do not like surfing the Internet, but when necessary I like being able to look up unknown information quickly.  I would much rather sit down to a good movie then talk to people on the Internet.  However, without the Internet I would have much more research to complete.  Therefore it is a "draw" on this statement.  
3.  "Reality No Longer Real"  I completely agree with this.  So many things are published in papers and posted on the Internet that are false.  That someone made up to try and fool people or convince them of something.  It is actually ridiculous the amount of lies you read and see today.  
4.  "Doing Rather Than Knowing" I disagree with this.  I want to know what I am doing or going to do before I do it.  It is just like education.  We have to teach are students so that they will know what they have to do.
5.  "Nintendo Over Logic" I completely disagree with this.  I tend to over think everything, and eventually end up doing what I originally thought.  I do not like videos games because they are a reaction.  You do not have to think in order to play them, you only have to react to what is going on.  
6.  "Multitasking Way of Life" I completely agree with this.  I can not even remember a time when I was able to focus on only one thing.  Having kids, means having an eye on my work, my kids, and my house so that they do not destroy it.  I am constantly multitasking.  For instance my kids play sports so I am at the ball field almost every night.  I take my work to the games and work between innings and batters.  
7.  "Typing Rather Than Handwriting"  Unfortunately I have to agree with this but not because I want to. Everything that we do for school and work has to be typed so I have gotten so use to typing that I can do it better and faster then writing.  I would love to have the time to sit down and write letters or notes to everyone, but there is just not enough hours in the day. Actually my handwriting is horrible because I have gotten so use to typing. 8.  "Staying Connected" I am not into social media on the Internet, but I absolutely love my cell phone.  I carry it every where and have it turned on at all times.  I like being able to get a hold of my family when I need to and I love that the schools where my children go can call any time they need me.  
9.  "Zero Tolerance for Delays"  I have to disagree with this because I actually have a lot of patience.  My husband on the other hand acts like a child when it comes to waiting.  I do not mind being put on hold, I normally just put it on speaker and go about doing what I need to get done.  I do like to be prompt when responding to someones text or email, but do not get irritated when it takes them a while.  
10.  "Consumer/Creator Blurring" I am a little confused about this one but I think I agree with it.  It seem to me to be kind of like trial and error.  The creator learns how to improve an idea by allowing consumers to engage in trial and error.  Basically the creator is learning from the consumers mistakes. 



Wednesday, May 29, 2013

SoMe

Unlike many I do not use social media sites to talk with friends and family.  In fact I try to avoid them as much as possible.  I know this might sound crazy to some but I would much rather call someone on the phone or talk to them in person then write them on Facebook.  I do have a Facebook account (no others) but am very rarely on it.  To be honest my two oldest children can navigate social media sites better than I can.  (I know that is kind of scary)  I do have a smart phone which is linked to my gmail account, so I check it several times a day, but rarely any other sites.  Until this class I never even considered starting a twitter or Google+ account, but thankfully was successful in creating them.  I have linked them to my blog and hopefully I did it right so everyone can open them.

Hello

I created a blog in one of my previous education classes.  However, I have to be honest and admit that since that class I have never used it again.  So I am starting over and learning everything fresh.  Hopefully it will all work out and I will survive this class.  Good luck!