Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Assignment #11

1. What is a browser? A web browser is a software application used to display web pages and allow users to access the world wide web. Users enter a web address and the web browser displays the web page.

2. What browser do you use most often? Mozilla Firefox

3. What are the 4 most popular browsers?
Internet Explorer
Mozilla Firefox
Google Chrome
Apple Safari

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Assignment #8

It’s my belief that computers, as we know them today, will be vastly different in 50 years. A person 50 years in the future would likely laugh at an instructional video about a computer from 2012. When I’m nearing 80 in 2062, I’ll probably tell my grandchildren about the first Apple computer I used in the first grade and how the computers I used in college were very large and bulky and even laptops weren’t nearly as portable as the computers of 2062.

First, computers of the future will likely be much more portable and compact. Computing will be handheld and all-encompassing. Our handheld computers will contain our documents, photos, music, internet and phone capabilities, and applications. Secondly, computers will almost completely eliminate the need for peripherals and additional components. Since our computers will hold our music, they’ll be no need for iPods. Paper consumption is already decreasing and perhaps will be obsolete by 2062, which would eliminate the need for a printer. Most likely, the computers of 2062 will be completely touch screen, thus eliminating the need for a keyboard or mouse.

I also happen to believe the education is on the heels of great change. Maintaining schools and the level of education desired by all Americans is very costly. I believe the mobile computers of the future will change the way education is delivered to students. Rather than continue to maintain a large school building, lessons and tests will be delivered on a mobile computing device, at least partially. Bulky, expensive textbooks could be eliminated and replaced with electronic versions. Rather than spend time and money making 200 copies, teachers could send electronic versions of worksheets. Students would have their school library available at the fingertips! The future of computers is limitless!

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Assignment #7, questions 4 & 5

4. Some schools do not allow students or teachers to access sites such as Facebook or Twitter. Explain why they are correct and give reasons/examples. If schools allowed access to these social media sites, many would use the programs in a means inappropriate for a school setting. Teachers may be tempted to use the program for personal use during school hours and students would most certainly take advantage of the right. Since many schools are pushing the use of technological learning, students are encouraged to use classroom computers. It would certainly be a temptation for a student to use Facebook or Twitter during this educational time.

5. Some schools do not allow students or teachers to access sites such as Facebook or Twitter. Explain why they are wrong and give reasons/examples. Since technology is being encouraged so heavily and so many students are using Facebook and Twitter, it’s necessary to “face reality” and use these sites to reach students and parents. If a teacher sets up a classroom Facebook account, it makes sense that he/she should be able to update the account during school hours. Students should have access to the account so he/she could respond to posts and have the opportunity to ask questions.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012