Week 14

Computer Security Risk:

A computer security risk is any event or action that has the potential of causing a loss of computer equipment, soft ware, data and information, or processing capability.

Different Types of Security Risk:
Virus

Safeguards:
1. Purchase and install reliable antivirus software.
2. Scan all removable media.
3. Scan all files downloaded from the Internet.
4. Scan all attached files before opening them.
5. Turn off email preview.
6. Scan all software before using it, even if it is shriek wrapped.
7. Do not use pirated, illegal copies of copyrighted software.
8. Never start your computer with removal media in the drives.

Virus:

A virus is a potentially damaging computer program designed to affect your computer negativity without your knowledge or permission by altering the way it works.

3 Types of Viruses:

• Boot Sector Virus: replaces the boot program used to start the computer with modified, infected version of the boot program.
• File Virus: inserts virus code into programs files then it spreads to other programs.
• Macro Virus: uses the macro language of an application, such as word processing or spreadsheet.

Why they are commonly found in schools:

• Schools have a huge use of networks and the Internet makes the spread of viruses easier than ever. Viruses commonly infect computers through email attachments.

To Minimize the Impact of Viruses:

• Before you open or execute any email attachment you should ensure that the email message is from a trusted source and you should scan the attachment using antivirus software.

Computer Ethics:

Computer ethics are the moral guidelines that govern the use of computers, networks, and information systems.

5 Important Areas of Computer Ethics;

• Unauthorized use of computers
• hardware, software, and information theft
• information privacy
• copy right
• existence of objectionable materials on the Internet.

2 Recent Government Actions Protecting Children on the Internet:

• 2002 - Dot Kids Implementation and Efficiency Act: Establishes the Dot Kids Domain that lists only Websites that conform to policies to protect children under the age of 13.
• 2000 - Children Internet Protection Act: Protects children from obscene and pornographic materials on the Internet.

Over voltage:

Over voltage or power surge occurs when the incoming electric power increases significantly above the normal 120 volts. This can cause immediate and permanent equipment damage.

Protect Your Computer:

• Surge Protectors for your computer and the modem, telephone lines, DSL lines, and other Internet Cables.
• An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a devise that contains surge protection circuits and one or more batteries that provide power during a temporary or permanent loss of power.

Week 12

Web pages & Hyperlinks & Hypertext Mark up Language:

A web page is an electronic document viewed on the web. It can contain text, graphics, sounds and video as well as hyperlinks to other web pages. Hyperlinks allow users to navigate from one web page to another. Hypertext Markup Language is a set of special codes that define the placement and format of text, graphics video and sound on a web page.

Streaming:

Streaming is the process of transferring data in a continuous and even flow. Streaming audio enables you to listen to the sound file as it downloads to your computer. Streaming videos allow you to view longer or live video images as the video file downloads to your computer. Streaming video is creating new possibilities for teaching and learning. Streaming allows teachers to download videos that can help with the students' understanding of the lesson being taught.

Firewall, Filtering software, AUPs:

A firewall is a general term that refers to both hardware and software used to restrict access to data on a network. Firewalls deny network access to unauthorized users. Acceptable Use Policy is an outline of user standards that reminds teachers, students, and parents that they are guests on the Internet and that they need to use it appropriately. Firewalls, filters and AUPs are important to K-12 students because they keep the students from going to sites that are not appropriate for young users.

Search Tool:

A search tool enables users to locate information found at websites all over the world. A search engine is a specific type of search tool that finds websites, web pages and Internet files that match one or more key words you enter. A subject directory is a type of search tool that allows users to navigate to areas of interest without having to enter keywords. I would use a subject directory to search for links in the category Education.

Week 10

System Software:

This consists of programs that control the operations of the computer and its devices. I use Windows XP.

User Interface:

This controls how you enter data or instructions (input) and how information is presented on the screen (output).

Graphical user interface:

This interface combines text, graphics and other visual cues to make software easier to use.

* Common features of both Windows and Macintosh graphical user interface:

• icons- represent a software program
• button - is a graphical element that when selected, causes a specific action to take place.
• pointing device (mouse)
• Menus

Note Taking Software:

Advantages:

• can convert handwritten comments to type text or store the notes in a hand written form.
• can include audio recording as part the notes
• can organize notes, reuse them and share them
• flag important notes with color, highlight and shapes

Disadvantages:

• not all textbooks are provided as a soft copy

Productivity Software:

This is designed to make people more effective and efficient while performing daily activities.

• word processing - used to create, edit, and format documents that consist primarily of text Example: newsletter
• spreadsheet - allows you to organize numeric data in rows and columns
• database - allows you to create a computerized database, add, change, and delete data, sort and retrieve data from the database; create forms and reports using the data Example: student information
• presentation graphics - You can create presentations to communicate ideas, messages and other information to a group Examples: power point
• personal information management - this software application on PDAs and smart phones that includes an appointment calendar, address book, notepad Example: to do list

Desktop Publishing Software:

I have use this with my 9th grade English class to have them create a newspaper representing the Shakespeare era. I have also used this with my Kindergarten class to make newsletters to send home for parents to see what it is that their children are doing.

Clip Art:

This is another application that I have used in ,making power points for my kinder class. As a 9th

Grade Book Software:

I used this as a 9th grade English teacher to keep track of the students' grades.

Week 8

Digital Media and Educational Software Applications:

Digital media and educational software applications allow teachers to use them to deliver classroom presentations that enhance student learning. Students use digital media applications to learn by reading, seeing, hearing and interacting with the subject content.

Media Components:

Text:
This is a fundamental element use in all multimedia and digital media applications. It is used to convey basic information, they also use a variety of textual effects to emphasize and clarify information.

Graphics:
This is a digital representation of non text information, such as a drawing, chart or photograph. Graphics can illustrate certain concepts more vividly than text.

Audio:
Audio is any music, speech, or other sound. Audio allows digital media developers to provide information in a way that brings a concept or concepts to life.

Video:
Video is a visual frames that are played back at speeds of 15 to 60 frames per second and reinforce lectures and readings, provide a common base of knowledge, and show how things that students would not otherwise experience.

Electronic Reference vs How-To Guide

An electronic reference text uses text, graphics, sounds, animation, and video to explain a topic or provide additional information. A How-To guide are digital media applications that include step by step instructions and interactive demonstrations to teach you practical new skills.

A electronic reference text is used more often in education because it uses digital media to clarify topics for students and supply additional information about thousands of subjects.

Virtual Reality (VR)

Virtual reality is used to create an artificial environment that appears and feels like a real environment that appears and feels like a real environment and allows you to explore space and manipulate the setting. Teachers use VR for virtual field trips, Virtual Reality can be found on the Web.

Week 6

Rubrics:

A rubric is a detailed scoring guide for assessment, based on stated criteria. A rubric is a great way to let the students know exactly what it is you as the teacher is going to expect on an assignment. A rubric will also give the students the understanding of how their grade will be calculated. Rubrics can be used in any subject and in any grade. I have used them with my GT Kindergarten students.

Web Resources:

If you are using the web resource as a teaching tool then they certainly need to be evaluated. It is not an easy task to evaluate a web resource, unlike printed resources. If the teacher is going to let the students use the web resource for an assignment the teacher needs to make sure the site is creditable, otherwise the students will not get the correct information out of the lesson you are trying to teach them. I think it would be wise to teach the students how to find out if the website is a creditable source so in the future they will know what to trust on the net.

Web Site Evaluation Rubric:

Title: Star Fall
Curriculum Area: Students: PreK-2nd, Sp. Education, ELD, ELL, and ESL
URL: www.starfall.com
Learning Objective: To motivate children to read with phonics.

Ratings: Authority: 4 Currency: 4
Affiliation: 2 Design: 4
Purpose: 4 Objectivity: 4
Content: 4 Learning Process: 4
Audience: 4
Total: 34/36


Comment:

"To be successful in integrating technology, teachers must rethink and redesign activities and create new teaching and learning strategies as they actively integrate integrate technology across their curriculum."

This statement could not be more truer. Teachers have to take what they know and have used in the past and integrate technology into these lessons. It is our job as teachers to provide our students with what they will need to survive in the world. Since everything from cars to banking to entertainment revolves around technology teachers need to integrate technology across their curriculum.

Week 4

Transformational Models

This week we looked at the different models of integrating of technology into the classroom. The first one was Welliver's Model and this really help in explaining how technology got from there to here. It helps explain how teachers go through stages from beginning to the integration. The next model is ASSURE Model. This model actually helps the teacher integrate technology into his or her lessons for the students. ADDIE Model is a model that is use for businesses. This is a hands on step by step model that helps to design, develop and implement and evaluate. Kemp Model is better for working with the lower level learners. Dick & Carey Model a model much like the others that includes Identify, Conduct, Characteristics, Objectives, Develop Strategy, Select Materials, and Evaluations.

5 Barriers

My five barriers to technology that I think are the biggest issues in technology integration:
1. Lack of Administration Support
2. Lack of teacher training
3. Limited time for teacher planning
4. Budget Constraints
5. Computer placement in remote locations making access difficult

I think out of these 5 the largest barrier is lack Administration support is the biggest issue because that affects so many other things. If the Administration does not support the technology integration then the funding isn't going to be available or are the teachers going to get he proper training they need to implement the technology education.

Learning Styles

A learning style plays a huge role in how our students learn. A learning style is how an individuals learn, including how they prefer to receive, process and retain information. The three major learning styles are: Visual, Auditory and Tactile
A teacher can use technology to address all three of these learning styles. Technology can encourage students to be more active in their role of learning.

\Keberg County Livestock Show

We are very excited. My daughter got Reserve Champion boilers this year at the livestock show. My nephew got Grand Champion and my son got 3rd place.... So it was Griffith, Griffith, and Griffith.... We are so excited. Last year my daughter got Grand Champion, but you know we can't win every year. :)

Integrating Educational Technology

Social Networking

Social Networking is the way most of the students today communicate with each other. Email, texting, and instant messaging are all part of this social networking. "My Space" and "Facebook" are the way these kids socialize. The advantages of social networking are that you can communicate with lots of people at one time. It's a way of finding people that one has lost contact with over the years. The news media uses it because they can get many different views on topics in a very short time span.
On the other hand, social networking can be dangerous, specially to the young naive person. Sex predators and the other unsavory sorts often cruise the social networks looking for unsuspecting individuals.

Integration Corner

After going through the different websites on scsite.com/tdc6 I have picked my top three. Now everyone needs to remember I teach Kindergarten....

#1 Introduction to Computers and the Internet: This website gives lots of other websites that interact with other subjects such as the ABCs and Rhyming. This site has the students learning to move the mouse in order to play the different games.

#2 Internet4Classrooms: This is a great site for Kinder students. It has interactive kinder skills such as matching the capital letters to the lower case letters. It also goes through the ABCs and the sounds that they make along with other games.

#3 Teaching with the Web: This site is one that you can print out worksheets and has ideals on how to use the computer with lessons. I really liked it because it has different ideas on the different holidays. It also covers thinks that are on the TEKs such as Family and community and other related issues.

Streaming Videos

Streaming videos is great at enhancing lessons. At my school every teacher has an interactive white board in his or her classroom. We all have been trained on the Discovery Education website. It has information on every subject from Pre K to 12th. I use this website every week in everyone of my lessons from Science to Social Studies and others. For example we are discussing soil and the uses of soil in Kindergarten right now. There are videos or just video segments that can help introduce or reinforce what you are teaching. The videos help students relate to the subject better. This is especially good if you have visual learners. I recommend this site to everyone.

Technology Standards

Administrators and Teachers

Technology is fast becoming a necessary in life. The state of Texas has decided that students from Kindergarten thru 12th grade should be taught how to use the technology of today's world. In reviewing the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) put out by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) it is apparent that administrators and teachers both have similar and different rolls in implementing of these standards.

Administrators are to set goals that they feel will help the teachers and students to meet these standards. They are also to provide funding for equipment and training for the teachers. It is up to the administrators to see to it that all teachers are qualified to teach the students what they will need to learn upon entering the world after grade school.

Teachers on the other hand are the ones that have their work cut out for them. They are to attend workshops and trainings to become well rehearsed in the area of technology. They are to provide technology enriched lesson plans that the students can relate to. Teachers are expected to teach subjects in areas of math, science, English, social studies and others using technology to advance students' learning.

On the other hand both administrators and teachers are to provide guidance. Administrators are to provide teachers with guidance while teachers do the same for their students. They are both suppose to demonstrate and model effective use of technology and keep up with they rapidly changing technology from day to day. They are both to promote, model and establish safe, legal and ethical use of digital information and technology.

Digital Student

A digital student is one that can teach the teacher how to run a program, find information on the Internet. These students are the children growing up that have spent 90% of their life with some kind of technology in their reach such as, computers, ipods, video games, cell phones, televisions. These are the students that are well advance in research and technology but are sometimes lacking in the basic skills such as social skills.

Students

Students should first become familiar with the technology of the computer. Students should be able to learn how to surf the net in order to find information elated to a subject to determine if the information is credible and useful. Students must be able to learn to navigate safely through the web in order to research information. They must learn the legal and responsible way of obtaining information off the web.

my first blog

I'm new at this and who knows if I'll ever be able to get back to it after I leave here but I made it here once :)