EDUC 7108 MODULE 2 BLOG

The digital camera and enhanced the way we view photography. It has enhanced picture imagery with the ability to take and delete pictures on site, enhance pictures through features like contrast, brightness, crop, and other image editing features. The digital camera can also store images. The digital camera replaces the need for film and film processing. According to YourDictionary.com (2010), “Unlike traditional film cameras that record a light image on film (analog), digital cameras record discrete numbers for storage on a flash memory card or optical disc.” This comes with the introduction of digital technology. The camera takes video with sound or still photographs, or both, digitally by recording images via an electronic image sensor. Pictures can also be uploaded to computers. With the general idea of the purpose of any camera being to take pictures, the digital camera retrieves the idea of keeping memories from personal to business reasons. It also helps to create imagery from routine life experiences. Even though digital cameras come in many forms, camera phones are more preferred.

References
YourDictionary.com. (2010). Digital camera. Retrieved June 28, 2010 at http://www.yourdictionary.com/computer/digital-camera.

EDUC 7108-Module 1 Blog

I chose to discuss Google Docs. Google Docs came on to the scene in 2006. It is an online collaborative tool for documents. It allows people to edit documents together online. Documents may include Word, spreadsheets, presentations, drawings and forms. Users have to have a Google Account to use this service. Each user can have 1 GB of space (Google, 2010). Some other benefits include the advantage of sharing work and being able to access your work from anywhere. This is a good benefit to have in education and especially distance learning. Google Docs is also integrated with Blogger which is another service provided by Google.

Even though the advantages are numerous, there are a few issues with Google Docs, one being that you have to have Internet access to work with the documents. Google Docs also has less features than Microsoft Office and space is limited on the server because of the vast number of Google Accounts. The technology probably would be better if it incorporated more features.

These are links to information on Google docs:
http://www.docs.google.com/
http://edutech.msu.edu/online/GoogleDocs/GoogleDocs.html

References

Google Docs. (2010). Retrieved June 7th from http://www.docs.google.com/

Module 5 Responses

I have posted responses to the following blogs.

http://blogberrios.blogspot.com/
http://sbreeden71.blogspot.com/

Module 5 Blog: New Technologies

In my workplace I am always encouraging teachers to use new technologies. I have held trainings and provided individual assistance. The enthusiasm is there, but the teachers may use it one time and that’s it. The problem I hear from them is there just is not enough time in class or they have various discipline issues in their classrooms that make it hard to use technology. Some teachers are just not interested in learning anything new and it can be frustrating especially when we know that technology can help and motivate our kids.


In using Keller’s ARCS model, I could have generated satisfaction for using the new technology. As stated by Driscoll (2005), “Opportunities to use newly acquired skills or knowledge in meaningful ways allow for the natural consequences of learning.” I could have showed the teachers some ways that this could actually help them in their everyday classroom experiences. I could have also connected the students learning styles to the technology. Another thing I could have done would be to continuously provide individual assistance to help them build confidence in using the new technology.


Driscoll, M. P. (2005). Psychology of learning for instruction (3rd ed.). Boston: Pearson Education, Inc.

Module 4 Blog Responses

These are the two blogs that I have responded to for this module.

http://msmomo-educationaltechnology.blogspot.com/
http://martinefanfan.blogspot.com/

Module 4 Blog Connectivism-Mind Map

Usually when I have questions I usually research the Internet or ask others within my network. Learning to connect with others has been a unique learning experience. The digital tools that really help me facilitate learning would include the use of Google Docs, eBooks and blogging. When I was getting my masters degree, I was introduced to eBooks because University of Phoenix used them a lot. It took a lot to get used to EBooks, but through consistent use I adjusted and it really helped me. Blogging gives me the chance to exchange my ideas with others and get feedback. Connecting with others does help learning because learners bring more to the table than just themselves. Learners bring different academic skills, learning styles, technical skills, etc.

Module 3 Blog Responses

These are the two blogs I responded to:

http://blogmitchell-stevens.blogspot.com/
http://sharon-mcdaniel.blogspot.com/