Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Blog Post 1

   1. Your Tech Past 
    When I was in elementary school, I rarely used computers in the classroom. The only time I used computers was for testing purposes. In middle school I took a keyboarding class each year and also took a hypercard class in eighth grade. During both middle school and high school, I used Microsoft Office to complete various assignments such as essays or PowerPoints. I also used computers for test taking in both middle school and high school. In high school, I took two higher level keyboarding classes. The first class focused mainly on Microsoft Word and how to utilize the various programs available. The second class focused on the ins and outs of databases and spreadsheets.  

       2. Tech For Teachers

    If I had to begin teaching tomorrow, the most effective tool that would allow me to successfully communicate with others is Microsoft Office. I would be able to use Microsoft Word to create letters to send to parents, and/or tables or charts to present information to the class. In Microsoft Word, newsletters can be created to notify parents, students, or colleagues of important information. I am also capable of presenting information in Microsoft PowerPoint to the class or other colleagues. I would also use Microsoft Excel to create spreadsheets to keep track of students' attendance or completed assignments. I would also be able to use Microsoft Publisher to create brochures, flyers, calendars, envelops, labels, and many various publications to help notify others with useful information. Microsoft Office is a useful program to utilize because of the various options that are available for use. Since I am very familiar with Microsoft Office, I would get the most use out of this program in an educational setting.

      EDST 220 Driving Questions

         1. Why should teachers use technology to communicate with 
                students, parents and peers?
         2. Which technology tools have the greatest potential to improve 
                communication between teachers and others?
         3. How do these tools improve communication?