Week 13- Trends in Educational Technology

Do you agree with all of the assumptions of "ESL in the mainstream?" Explain your answer.

I do agree with a majority of the assumptions of ESL in the mainstream. The assumptions say that overall it is up to the teacher to provide some stipulation and motivation for the students to want to learn. Things that are affecting them directly and relate to what they learn will help them the most with learning. I have always believed that no matter how good the teacher is, there will be times that if the student is not motivated, there is no way to getting through to them.

What were your initial reactions after reading the article about gaming in the classroom?

Using games in the classroom to motivate your students to learn can be very helpful. As a young student, I used to learn a lot of material such as vocabulary and mathematics by playing games on the computer. I did notice though that I would hurry to do my work as quickly as possible to play on the computer which wasn't effective because I would rush through my work instead of concentrating.

Week 12- Open Source Software

What was the most difficult part of writing a software review?

The most difficult part of writing a software review was trying to include enough a synopsis on a software I was relatively unfamiliar with. I think writers of reviews should become very familiar with the software they are rating so that they can truly understand and use some of the features they won't use at a glance. Being familiar with audacity, it was much its easier for me than it was to evaluate RSSOwl.

Were you "wowed" by any of the software?

I wouldn't necessarily say I was wowed by any particular software but I would say I did find some of them useful or at least interesting to look into. With so much software out there, it is hard to decipher which one is the best since some are similar and seem to have the same purpose.

Week 11- Tech Tools for Critical Thinking and Web 2.0

In a sentence, describe the differences between Web 1.0 and Web 2.0.

Web 1.0 (information sharing) is the basic webpages created when the internet began with basic html pages and changed when Web 2.0 (social networking), an interactive system for user that has transformed the internet.

Which corporation had used Web 2.0 tools most effectively?

I think Coca-Cola is using Web 2.0 most effectively by constantly involving their customers in the decision making process and by improving their image amongst consumers. Branding is very important among soda pop and by maintaining it, they can acquire more business.

What was something you found interesting about Web 3.0 and instruction?

Web 3.0 can be changing the way we collect information and the way cultures perceive information. Reality and cyberspace can be blurred thru the use of Web 3.0 applications.

Week 10- Professional Web Presence

What do you think is the biggest mistake people make on their "about me" page?

The biggest mistake people make when creating their about me page is that they don't really tell much about the person. There is a balance people should have between not revealing who you are but maybe including content that sheds a bad light on you.

What advice would you give job seekers in regards to their online presence?

Watch out that you keep it professional and make sure that you have someone look over it. By having someone look at it, it gives you a perspective on what other may think of you when they see your page. Make sure they are honest, because it could mean saving your job.

How "professional" would you rate your Facebook/Myspace Page?

As a journalist, I am inviting people to look at my profile and be curious about what I am doing. I make sure to keep it professional because a lot of possible employees could see it and I want to make sure it doesn't ruin my chances of getting a job. I would say it doesn't have any inappropriate content.