CEDo520 Week 3

As much as I like Google Docs, I've found a couple of new tools that I really like. I used Buzzword for the first time. I found it very similar to the word processor in Google Docs, but the inability for those without Gmail accounts has always bugged me. With Buzzword I can designate anyone to edit the document.

I also found 280 Slides to be similar to the presentation tool in Google Docs.

I also put together my first survey on Survey Monkey. Part of my job function is to train staff on processes using our student information system, Skyward. I need to spend some time this summer reflecting on my training methods. I'm going to use my survey to discern how to make my training sessions faster. I'd be curious to hear from teachers who have used Survey Monkey in the classroom.

CED0520 Learning Resources-Week Two

I found a couple great new resoures this week. Alexa.com provides data on web sites. The user types in the site to be reviewed and alexa.com provides information such as who typically visits the site and the countries where the searched site has been accessed. Alexa also provides information on what other sites link to the searched site. The author of the searched site is provided as well as contact information.

I also found Kathy Schrock's Guide for Educators on the Discovery Channel website. All I can say is 'Paydirt!' As someone who has been out of the classroom for a while, this resource is going to be very valuable to me. Kathy offers great resources on all contect areas. In order to do my site evaluation assignment, I went to Kathy's Guide to find my sites to review.

With all the great resources on the web, I'm relieved to know that I won't have to spend a fortune at the teacher supply store.

CED0520 Week One

The more and more I move through this program the more I realize how crucial it will be to teach students about critical thinking skills. The web is full of information with conflicting information and some of it with the purpose of selling something. Students often think that if they find something on-line then it must be true. I guess I'm starting to think of this type of critical thinking as a type of 'on-line street smarts.' Individuals need to consider the source of information and even more importantly consider carefully what information they themselves publish on the web.

What I learned this week

This week I paid more attention to virus scanners than I ever had before. I wasn't sure what made a good virus scanner so I researched the topic and found an article that was basic enough that I could understand some of the basics. Next time I think I'll make a table so that I can compare products side by side. I would like to learn more about some of the bells and whistles, but basically I found that automatic updates, email and IM scanning, and clean up tools were key. I also liked that some of the products can protect private information like account numbers.

I've started thinking more about disaster recovery plans and how I want to back up my data. I looked at the best buy site and am planning to buy an external hard drive. Now I just have to remember to back up on a regular basis and keep it at a different location. I admit that I'm not usually good at remembering things like this and that's what attracts me to services like Mozy. Do I pay the money to be able to set up an automatic backup schedule or just treat the backup process like I'm paying bills and just dedicate the time on a regular basis?

My district is considering hosting our student information system offsite. I learned that we currently have 7.5 MB of bandwidth and will soon have 9.0. I was shown a basic drawing of how our network is set up. I felt that part was very valuable. One of the concerns regarding hosting offsite is whether or not our new streaming media capabilities will overwhelm the bandwidth that we have. Whether we can segregate the information system's traffic is also being explored.

How this Class Relates - Class 4

I was badly in need of this class. I have very little knowledge of how a computer works and knowledge of hardware. I really need to increase my confidence in the area. I never would have opened up a computer if it wouldn't have been an assignment. When I've gone into a store to buy a computer I've always relied on my husband to help me figure out what to buy. It will be great to feel like I know something.

While I feel a little unsure, I know the remaining assignments will help me learn new skills and help me find good resources.

What Would I Lose?

I don't have many documents on the computer anymore. I store primarily music and photos on my computer. I currently back up my music and pictures to CD. I'd like to investigate backing up my music online. I have some of my pictures on-line, but I should be backing more of them up.

The Future of Windows

In my opinion the future of computing is in cloud computing. More and more people are becoming familiar with tools such as Google Docs. Cloud computing provides greater accessibility in accessing data. I think people will only want more access and opportunities to collaborate. I believe Microsoft will evolve to produce other types of products to support the trend in order to remain profitable.