I must start by saying ...I love this website: www.microsoft.com/ENABLE/ What a super helpful and very informative site that covers computer navigation for multiple operating systems. I discovered so many wonderful features that anyone using a computer can benefit from. Perhaps I never ventured into some of these icons simply because when we purchased our computer, I assumed it was "set up" for me and that I would simply adapt to the screen size, resolution, etc. I do need to remind folks that I just missed the "onset of the computer era" so I was never forced to use the computer or understand operating systems until after college and into a career.
Once I began navigating through the site, I discovered some fantastic features that I could even currently benefit from. I explored the various options in the 'Display and Appearance' section and discovered that one can change colors to customize what is best for their sight. For example, I tend to process information better when there is a strong contrast of colors between pieces. I also liked the idea that one can increase screen resolution and increase font size to prevent eye strain. If teachers and parents are familiar with these features, it will make a world of difference for those using the computer that might require cutomized adjustments. Perhaps the individual that can't focus on black and white lettering/background would truly benefit from a color change on the screen. Consider the student that has poor eye sight and needs to increase font size...at their fingertip- this can be changed.
I also loved the "Wizard and Utilities' feature. Do you have a student or child that has trouble reading and writing? Well, review this great feature here where you can turn on the narrator feature...great options that address visual, hearing and mobility issues. One simply selects what the area of concern is, and the wizard adjusts the settings to meet those needs. It's like having a "computer best friend" sitting right next to you.
My new motto after discovering some great features here - Don't fear teechnology...it can be our BEST friend...we just need to take advantage of what it has to offer!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Friday, May 7, 2010
It's amazing to witness how far technology has come even since I was in elementary school over 25 years ago. I feel very fortunate to be able to slowly "walk through" this new and quite impressive technologically advanced educational era. But in all honesty, I have a love/hate relationship with computers. Perhaps it is my ignorance of how they work, my impatience to sometimes learn about them, or the thought that sometimes - paper and pencil is simply easier for me to use. In any event, this is my first experience setting up a blog - so why not start with my thoughts on the advantages and disadvantages of blogging in education.
Blogging is a fantastic way for students to learn about technology and utilize multiple resources while comunicating personal throughts, ideas and concerns on various issues. It offers students the opportunity to become a columnist in which they can be creative and truly enjoy a writing experience. Blogging does not have to be structured in such a way that grammer must be 100% accurate or page margins must be APA approved. The great thing about blogging in or out of the classroom is that students can have fun with it and be adventurous when posting. I think blogging might push students to be more creative and get more involved in the journaling process. It's a great way to create ongoing discussion forums with no time constraints. Moreover, many students, especially those that might shy away from public discussion, could really benefit from blogging.
On the flip side, I do think that teachers must carefully monitor blog posts and classroom discussion. Since blogging allows students the freedom to say what they feel, perhaps at no great cost to others, teachers should always be familiar with what is being posted. We have to keep in mind the dangerous sides to the internet, such as cyber bullying, child abductions, "sexting", etc. This means to free speech can become dangerous if we are not monitoring what is going on.
While there are clearly advantages and disadvatages to blogging, I personally think it can greatly benefit our students. The pros outweigh the cons in my view. With proper "codes of conduct" and constant monitoring and involvement, I think blogging is a very innovative approach to modern day journaling. Anyone have thoughts??
Blogging is a fantastic way for students to learn about technology and utilize multiple resources while comunicating personal throughts, ideas and concerns on various issues. It offers students the opportunity to become a columnist in which they can be creative and truly enjoy a writing experience. Blogging does not have to be structured in such a way that grammer must be 100% accurate or page margins must be APA approved. The great thing about blogging in or out of the classroom is that students can have fun with it and be adventurous when posting. I think blogging might push students to be more creative and get more involved in the journaling process. It's a great way to create ongoing discussion forums with no time constraints. Moreover, many students, especially those that might shy away from public discussion, could really benefit from blogging.
On the flip side, I do think that teachers must carefully monitor blog posts and classroom discussion. Since blogging allows students the freedom to say what they feel, perhaps at no great cost to others, teachers should always be familiar with what is being posted. We have to keep in mind the dangerous sides to the internet, such as cyber bullying, child abductions, "sexting", etc. This means to free speech can become dangerous if we are not monitoring what is going on.
While there are clearly advantages and disadvatages to blogging, I personally think it can greatly benefit our students. The pros outweigh the cons in my view. With proper "codes of conduct" and constant monitoring and involvement, I think blogging is a very innovative approach to modern day journaling. Anyone have thoughts??
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