Blog Numero 3

This week was spent studying one of the most important chapters of all. Chapter 4 covered all of the basics to useful hardware in the classroom. I remember quite frankly, sitting in one of my high school classrooms which seemed like many years ago and watching my teacher constantly struggle over her equipment needed to teach. Of course, we, the students were ecstatic because non functioning equipment meant a day where she couldn't teach. Looking back with the knowledge that I have gained throughout college, that memory pains me because my teacher wasted away a day of teaching only because she lacked the knowledge to process computer hardware. Some of the main topics that were covered in this weeks reading were input/output devices, storage media and devices. Input and output devices are pretty self explanatory. Input devices process information INTO the computer whereas output devices transport information OUTSIDE of the computer. The keyboard, mouse, touchpad and pointing stick, trackball, and touch screen are only a few among many input devices. The main advantage to input devices is that they enable you to process data, programs, cmmands, and user responses into the computer. Output devices include monitors, printers, projectors, fax machines, etc. These are all parts of a computer that aid in the process of providing information to the user. Storage media is among one of the most important aspects of a computer system. Without it there would be no point in using a computer and every necessity we would need it for would be pointless. Storage media and devices include various disks, Cd-rom, USB Flash drives, smart cards, etc. These are all so important in the teaching profession and the ability of a computer because anyone and everyone who uses a computer will need to save some bit of information somewhere. Storage media devices help us to save information that is needed later such as a paper, internet information, or lesson plans.

I have to say that I enjoyed this weeks assignment the best thus far. The previous assigments were just so tidious and kind of boring to a sense. The concept maps were a wonderful way to unleash creativity and I loved them because they seem so useful in the teaching profession. I plan on teaching younger children and going into the field of elementary education so for me, the concept maps were perfect because young children need pictures and entertainment to learn. I felt as if the inspiration program had a lot to offer and was very easy to operate.

This year has been extremely stressful for me because I go to school everyday from 8-12 and then off to work. I absolutely love my job but it gets discouraging at times when you have not one bit of time for yourself and to regain your sanity. For those of you that don't know, I am a preschool teacher and have the time of my life teaching ten 3 year olds. They are amazing but definitely a handful so balancing them and school has been a huge struggle. Some days I go into work completely wiped out but try to regain my energy so that I can be the best with my kids. Its amazing how the littlest things can brighten your day and create a whole new perspective on things for you though. As my week dragged on and I counted down the seconds till my weekend started of doing absolutely nothing I received a surprise letter from a parent of a child I had taught in the summer. It was a thank you letter describing how much this mother appreciated what I did for her child. She explained how she was so worried about him because he was the smallest and youngest in his class but that she truly believe that I helped him in so many ways and that she basically entrusted him in my hands. What touched me the most was when she further described that her son had talked about me all the time and would tell her that I gave "big hugs." From that day forward I can honestly say that I have thought back to that one childs' life that I touched and used it as an encouragement factor when I am down in the dumps. Teaching is truly rewarding and I look forward to influencing many more lives for the better. :)

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This previous summer I had a very hard time deciding what to make of myself. I was currently a business major who was about to make a big step into the program. However, I just wasn't happy...or interested for that matter. Business bored me and I was really wondering if it was the right path for me to take. I can still remember applying to FSU while frantically asking my mom what major I should declare. I had no idea. But without a beat she stated, "You would be an amazing teacher." Of course the first thought that ran through my head was "Heckkkkk no...they are so under paid and you couldn't catch me dead, wasting away thousands upon thousands just to be a plain old teacher to struggle through life just to pay the bills!" Two years of college made maturity sink in as I realized my talents and assets as an individual and came to the conclusion that no other field fit me better than education. When it comes down to it...I refuse to be that plain teacher. The ARCS model is perfect in regards to fulfilling this goal in my life. It is basically a model of motivation that maps out ways to really make an impact on a child's life. It includes Attention, Relevance, Challenge/Confidence, and Satisfaction/Success. John M. Keller basically states that without these key components to learning education will continue to fall under the trap of only performing to pass tests. Schools use technology and computers to organize their work and aid in the process of planning. Without computers and technology we wouldn't be able to get as far in providing up to date information to our students on an efficient time scale. Even though technology equipment for classrooms can rack up finances and raise budgets, there is a nonprofit group that helps in promoting the use of technology to improve the learning environment called The ISTE National Education Technology Standards.

I feel as if I am becoming more familiar with how to do specific little things on programs like Microsoft Word. This could definitely help me in the near future in improving my lesson plans and helping me get things done fast so that I have plenty of time to organize in all areas. The ARCS model also introduced other key areas to focus on besides just motivation alone and I feel like it will be something that I will follow when I begin teaching.

I really didn't have an interesting weekend at all. But one thing I would like to comment on is that procrastination is not a very good friend. I admit that I did this assignment at the very last minute. Not cool. If anything...stay organized with your schoolwork at this chaotic time in your life and break bad habits so that they don't follow you in your career. Go Noles!