Blog Journal #1

A PC, personal computer, is a type of computer that is designed for a person to use mainly in a home or office setting. There are two main types of PCs: personal computers and Macintosh computers. Macintosh computers are created by the Apple Company, while PCs are made by the many other computer manufacturers in the business. Because of the technological advance of computers over the last few years, they have become a vital part of learning in the classroom. As a future teacher I must learn how to successfully integrate computers into the curriculum so my students can benefit from it and absorb as much information. Although all the technology out there will not help a student to learn if they are not motivated. Computers today have multiple different softwares, or computer programs, that can help a teacher get the message across to his or her students. In a school setting usually computers are networked which means all the computers in the school are connected together and therefore share information. In addition to programs, the internet is a huge tool that, if used in the correct way, can significantly improve a lesson. With all the programs, internet, and shared information due to networking, the computer is a huge tool at any teachers disposal if they properly know how to use it.

In class since the last posting we worked on learning our way around Windows XP and Microsoft word. On Microsoft Word we had to create a short test on any topic we desired. One thing I perfected while working on the test was how to apply automatic sequential numbering. I already knew it could be done but it took me a little longer to remember how I can do it, but after working on this exercise it made it a lot easier. In addition i refreshed some basic tools from Windows XP, such as how to use the help option if I do not know how to do something.

I believe that this class will be a tremendous help in teaching us how we can make proper use out of the computer. We will learn to use it to its full potential so that our future students can also get all they can from our lessons. One advantage I think that we have in this generation is we have great resources and technology that were not available when even we were in elementary school. For example now there are computers in every classroom for the students to use that can really help enhance a lesson. In addition they are improving old ways of presenting information. No longer are teachers using projectors that are bulky and taking up too much space, they have smart boards or LCD monitors that are directly hooked up to the computers so the computer screen appears on the giant screen in the front of the classroom. Learning how to use all the details in a computer to their full advantage will truly help us to create interesting lessons for students that will engage them and make them want to learn.