ed205 Blog

I am going to start by saying, I now LOVE online classes! (at least ED205 because it is the only one I have taken). They are so much more convienent for me. I love that the fact that I can do my assignments when they most fit my schedule within the week that is given to me. I think that is the part I like most about the class, but what I also like is how I can see what others are thinking by blogs and the group discussions. It is a good way to get students to respond, because in the classroom students tend to just kinda freeze up. I think one of the things I would change is the one on one communication with the teacher. I mean there is always email but if a class is all online its hard to find time where you can sit down and discuss things and to make sure all your questions are answered. I feel you do a lot more on your own, and that is both and good and bad thing. You can become more computer efficient and more independent, but when it comes to having questions with the lab i feel like I can’t always have them answered. I think I still would like to have a mix of classes where some of them were online and others in a classroom. I think I would miss being around others, and I think the computer would become to much of a neccessity for me! I do think an English or history class may work onlinem because those are both discussion based classes. I know that math would not work all that well. But I know now that I would definitely take another online class!

The most important software is as follows:

#1. Word processing
#2. Powerpoint
#3. Spreadsheets (excel)
#4. Graphical Organizers
#5. Photo Editing Programs

The most important application for students to learn is of course word processing. I use this at least 5 days out of every week. Students should learn how to use this in middle school, and I think that more middle school teachers should have their students turn in typed assignments to help them get their feet wet. Every student will use this program until they are out of school and most likely well after that.

The second most important program would be Powerpoint. I think that kids should learn this their first year of high school. It definitely improves their speaking skills and it makes the presentation much more ‘presentable’. I wish I would have learned to use this earlier because it is an easy tool and it really is beneficial with time and neatness.

Spreadsheets kind of go right along with Powerpoint. I did not learn how to use Excel until this class. I feel that teachers need to get this program out there more, and show students that this is a very helpful application. It can be used in almost every subject for teachers or students! This should be taught by at least 10th grade.

Graphical Organizers are very beneficial for students in their early years! They really help to understand and make material clearer to understand. This should be taught in elementary because they are very simple to use and they can really help a lot of students.

Last but not least would have to be photo editing program. This application can really help with presentations and for your own benefit too! Students should learn this in high school so they can learn how to fit pictures into their presentations and make everything look that much better!