Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) and Teacher Instruction

                CAI was introduced into the special education world and since, the small number of studies, though excluding preschool age students, have shown dramatic improvements and differences in the effectiveness of the instructional technology and a teacher's instruction alone. As a student studying to be a teacher, the fact that I alone cannot teach my student to his/her full potential is scary and depressing. I use to think that my future students would only depend on  me and for me teach and instill in them the right and wrong ideas, theories, philosophies, etc.; however, the reality of it is that my students, especially those with special needs will need more than just me. They will need a wide range of types of instruction, areas and ways in which to learns, and different techniques to keep them involved and encouraged.

             While reading this article I noticed that the studies were done by computers to see how well computers were at giving instruction? I can only wonder if this would be hindered if it was administered by a teacher. Just thoughts.

Signed,
Anna Claire Burns

http://tec.sagepub.com/content/20/3/145.full.pdf+html

What I Know About.....

 1. Software = gives instructions that software programmers have generated to make the program due whatever it is suppose to do

2. Hardware = anything you can touch
    Input = keyboard, mouse, scanner
    Output = screen, printer

3. CPU = Central Processing Unit that carries out instructions from your keyboard; it's on your motherboard; think of the CPU like a brain

4. RAM = Random Access Memory that allows your computer speed up when doing a lot of things at once

5. ROM = Read Only Memory does not erase when the power goes off; it is saved in your hard drive

6. Hard Drive =stores information saved to it

7. Server = very large CPU that many computers will run off of. Ex: Google, USM


Signed,
Anna Claire

The Machine is Using Us

Questions about the video: What was the correlation with the title? 


Interesting Thoughts:
      
        We teach the machine every time we click something, go to or follow a link. i don't believe the machine is using us though, we stilll teach the it what to do, it doesn't use us. I do not agree with the thougth that digital text > written text either, I believe written word is more thought out, more flexible, and sophisticated. Lastly, there has to be a limit to what the internet can hold.


Signed,
Anna Claire

    

The Dirty and Dangerous Side of Tech

       

              Humans are becoming increasingly more technological. We purchase, return, throw away, etc. electronic devices daily without a second thought with what does or will happen to them when they end up in a landfill. These can cause damaging effects to our water, land, and air as well as causing tragedies in other countries There is a solution though, buying less electronics over the years lessens the impact on the environment. In addition, using companies that use less toxic materials or dispose of their materials ecologically.
         
             I believe these solutions are plausable and could be very effective if done by a large number of the population. Education is the key part of making these changes happen. The world needs to be educated on the problems at hand and the solutions proposed to lessen the impacts. Only by education of the forthcoming impacts can we persuade people to take part in the actions.

             Lastly, I believe we could use or develop more safe materials for the environment. Materials that cause lesser impact on the environment and/or are possibly biodegradable.

Signed,
Anna Claire

Pay Attention

     After viewing "Pay Attention" I am given a totally different perspective on using technology in the classroom. There are so many more options that I could ever imagine. For instance, text messaging activities and Geo Caching to teach geography; the list goes on.

     Just last week in my Math for Elementary Teachers class, my teachers used an internet site to take a poll. Instead of having us verbally give answers, we texted them and they came up on the screen anonymously. How fun! It was engaging, everyone wanted to do it, and no one was to shy to answer! This type of activity could be used in so many ways.

     The shocking statistics on high schooler's opinions about the importance of their education definitely made an impact. I want to make an impact. Inspire. I want to use new ways to engage students and have them look forward to coming to school each day to learn.

      I had never thought of using podcasts before, but I will think twice about it now. I will be an elementary teacher and students will most likely have an iPod before they have a cell phone. Those are ways to draw the students' interest into the lesson more and use my resources more effectively. Also, teaching them how to use technology and social media responsibly and effectively. So, to answer the question, technology definitely has a place in my classroom even more so now than before viewing the video.

Watch the video, it wil have an impact on you. I promise.

http://youtu.be/gT2E2F0DmyE

Signed,
Anna Claire

Comments on Te'o and McKelvey

     

         First on McKelvey, as a college student myself, I cannot fathom impostering someone at the insitution and/or posing to be someone else just because I believed it would give me greater chances at something. I do, however, believe that had McKelvey not impostered someone, he should not be hindered from playing football just because of his age. I don't believe individuals should punished due to their age, if they meet the requirements, there are no rules on the issue, and they are at the same level as other candidates. Of course, the individuals have to be held to the same standards, they cannot be treated specially due to special circumstances. If a person may  be at a disadvantage due to age or anything else he/she makes the decision to continue.

        Second, Te'o. I really do not understand this story, or the purpose or benefit of making this story up. The entire thing seems pointless and confusing in the end. Without further information into the person's life I cannot explain why he/she did it, but I do not agree with it. Whether people personally knew him or not, it affected others. Due to the fact that he was in the spotlight, others may have sent donations, flowers, etc. to this "fake girlfriends" funeral. What happened to all of that? This boy went to a lot of trouble to make up these stories, pictures, trips, deaths, etc. I believe the death may have been a way for him to end the hoax, although I don't know why they couldn't just "break up". To each his own.

       Now, them together, while these stories remind me of one another. It is only because I read them close together in time. Other than that, the lies and football are all that seem to tie them together. Which is misleading from the title of the Daily Press article "Teel Time: Te'o girlfriend hoax reminds of Texas imposter before Sugar Bowl against Virgina Tech".


Signed,
Anna Claire

   

A Little About Myself

          

           My name is Anna Claire Burns. I am a sophomore at The University of Southern Mississippi. I am a Special/Elementary Education Major with a minor in Math. I enjoy sewing, crocheting, and cooking. I am the Vice President of Community Service for Kappa Delta sorority and am excited for the year to come. Once I figure out how to use this site, I hope to create my own blogs for my hobbies and teaching. I know that God has great things in store for me and I cannot wait for them to be revealed.

Signed,
Anna Claire