Week Eleven Open Source Software

This week we discussed Open Source Software. Once again, I learned about something that I had no idea even existed. I wish that I would have known that there were free versions of programs like Microsoft Word before I went out and bought the software for my pc laptop and then my new macbook pro!!!! Programs like these can save people a lot of money and I think that they are a great alternative to traditional programs. In class we also went over our Web Presence Project. I am very excited to get started on that project because I think that a professional website will be very helpful when I start applying for jobs.

I will definitely be able to use what I learned about open source software in my field. This is because as a teacher I will be able to use programs in class without having to worry if my student will be able to have access to them at home. The Web Presence Project will also help me because it will allow me to have another way for employers to see what I have to offer.

Here is a link to a video that I found on youtube that shows some examples to open source software.

Week Ten Tech Tools for Critical Thinking

This week we learned how to use tools like Inspiration and Bubbl.us to create concept maps. I didn't know that there was free stuff like these programs online to use until class today! I think that mind mapping is a great way to organize your thoughts especially for individuals who are visual learners.

I will definitely be able to use mind mapping tools like the ones I learned about in class today as an education major. I remember making/using lots of mind maps when I was in elementary school, so I definitely think that I will be able to use them as a teaching device when I become a teacher. These tools will enable me to make mind maps for my students so that the students can easily organize their thought processes, notes, etc.

Here is a link to a youtube video that explains why mind maps are so useful as a teaching tool or even as an easy way to remember important information.

Week Nine Social Tools and Cloud Computing

This week in class was amazing! I learned about two of the most useful tools ever - Delicious and Google Documents!!!! I had absolutely no idea that something like these tools even existed. I was so excited after hearing about these amazing new tools, that I started using them right away and I told several of my friends about them! These tools are examples of cloud computing. Cloud computing is a term for being able to use server-based applications as a service rather than being tied to a specific platform on a specific device or machine.

I think that these tools will definitely be helpful for me as an education major. I will be able to use Google Documents to collaborate with other teachers on things like lesson plans or presentations. I will be able to use Delicious to share links to helpful websites that I can use in the classroom that might also help other teachers.

This is a link to a youtube video that has teachers, principals, and students telling why they use Google Documents. I think that this is a great video because the people in it love Google Documents for the same reasons that I do!!