Monday, November 28, 2011

Reflection

This technology class was very fun to be in. I was able to refresh old skills. I also learned how to make old skills more effective. We reviewed Microsoft Power Point making, Spread sheets on Goolge Docs, and modifying Microsoft Word Templates. We created Social Bookmarks and these are better than regular bookmarks on the computer because you dont have to be on your personal computer in order to access the save bookmarks. I learned how to makle a more appealing photo album using the Photo Album in Power Point that ensures proportionate pictures per slide.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Quote of The Day

"Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent."
-Isaac Asimov.

That Quiz: Online Quiz Maker and Database for Teachers

There is always the question of how to utilize technology in the classroom. The answer is not far! "That Quiz is a useful online test taking tool is free for teachers to use with students. Registration is free and you can quickly and easily make student accounts that let you keep track of student progress.
It started as a tool for testing math skills, but has grown to to include vocabulary tests, geography quizzes, and even science tests. Teachers can create specific tests, and tailor them according to the abilities of their students, but there is also a test library." This new innovative way of taking quizzes is similar to online test taking seen on blackboard but is useful for students K-12. This technology can be taken a step further in that it can be accessed by smart phones, which many students today own. this is one way teachers can have students utilize their phones in class in a productive way rather than as a distraction to the learning process. Check out That Quiz, NOW!

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Has Power Point become Obsolete

Microsoft Launched their innovative form of presentations better known as Power Point Presentations in 1987. in the 1980s The average income was $19,000, one gallon of gas was $1.97, Disposable contact lenses were created, and the first criminal was convicted of a crime using DNA evidence. Since then technology has advanced tremendously! The majority of college students today have been using Power Point since they were in 3rd grade. Power Point has been around for 24 years. Technology advances daily yet we have held on to Microsoft Power Point for more that two decades. There are other forms of presentations available in the world. The monotony of a power point presentation no matter how many bells and whistles one uses it still remains a major chore to bare when sitting and viewing one or worse having to prepare one. As educators we must become innovative in the way we present information. As a member of the generation that grew up in and surrounded by the advances of the 21st century I find it extremely insulting and mundane to create Power Points in a Technology class focusing on the 21st century and the things we can implement in our classrooms. Not only does technology change daily but education is steadily adapting to fit the technological needs of today's students. So has Power Point become obsolete? If it has not... It is most certainly winding down to its last days.