Issues resolved and how to be successful

I always know that once I put my mind to it that I can accomplish anything. In speaking of this, I have figured out what my issues were with my program of frustrations. I did my research, contacted my resources and we have finally found the answers. It makes me happy to have figured out the issues. It may not have been super quick but they are figured out!

Ensuring students feel successful when working with technology will help them learn new things much better than continuously failing and being frustrated with it. Now that theses issues have been worked through, the students will feel successful and begin to understand that not all computer programs are straight forward and that there is a lot of troubleshooting that will have to be dealt with. But by giving them the right tools, and learning along with them, it shows that every person needs to deal with it, it is normal to encounter problems and if you work together as a collective, then a lot more can be accomplished.

Asking for help when confused or frustrated is the best learning tool you will ever use. Sharing your own knowledge and learning from others is how the world works. If we can teach our students these fundamental abilities then they will go far.

UGH! Issues!!!!

I am new at teaching computers this year, and I am finding my way through the best I can. Except on days such as today.....

Today in my IP 10 class:
We are working on MS Access, learning databases - queries, forms, tables, etc. and my students are having a very difficult time getting their heads around what it all means, how to enter info. properly and just generally how to troubleshoot issues.
BUT I am also having the same difficulties along with them. Their frustrations are my frustrations, even more likely. I feel as though I should be able to work through it all and be successful, making them successful. I am having issues with printing; where their information is being saved; what view they are typing it all in; and generally just the students own frustrations!

It is not only those technologically illiterate people that have issues with computers, teaching with computers and all of it, but those of us that are beginners, or even intermediate teachers in this area. I know my issues are not just happening or have only happened to me, but the frustrations you feel in a computer lab with students looking at you for answers when you are flabergasted and are not sure where to go from that point, it makes it hard to push forward in that assignment. I have done all assignments I give them on my own before hand, ensuring I can play through all the "bugs" before I give them the assignment, but once they start doing the assignment, then there are more issues than successes! Following directions may be part of it, but definitally not all of it.

I know this is a rant but I wanted to put it out there as a "I know how you feel..." for those of us that still struggle from time to time with certain programs, assignments and issues dealing with computers and technology.

It will all be fine. It will get figured out. And until that time I will push forward, laughing at the situation because I truly believe that if you cannot find a bright side to a situation, then there is only darkess in your life and you will forever not crawl out of that hole.

So good luck and happy troubleshooting to those that are on my level or having my kind of day I experienced today!
Remember to always smile and laugh at yourself - it will make you feel better!

Take a look at Gary Ball's blog post. it is a comment on another person's blog, but his commentary is insightful for us "techies":
http://insidegaryb.blogspot.com/2007/11/keeping-little-red-riding-hood-from-big.html
What a wonderful post! I totally agree. I agree that it would work well with your own children. I also agree with knowing that corporate emails and web history is never fully hidden and can be viewed by practically anyone, so it is a good thing to be conscience of what your putting out there.

What do you think?

Why we should teach USING technology

I was playing around on YouTube tonight, and did I ever find what sums up what we are here to do as teachers in todays society....
This relates directly to my last few blogs, and I plan to make sure all my staff sees this video.
Maybe if all teachers can see the relevance, then they will not be so reluctant to be part of it...

PAY ATTENTION

A few videos...

A couple things for you to ponder - For those who have seen this at any meetings or at any other time, I appologize for being repetitive.
As for those who have never seen? Check it out.

an interesting video.....
The Web is Us/ing us.



For those of you who feel this way....I do not blame you.....
Learn the Book - humorous video (Medieval Helpdesk)

What should we move towards?

Technology education is typically left up to a select few who have an interest in it. But the idea behind this whole system is to encourage and help build abilities and skills in technology so our classroom teaching can be integrated with technology. This will allow our students the chance to succeed in the society they are soon to enter, which is exremely technology based. The areas of the work force that do not require much technology are likely in the future going to be moving towards integrating technology.

Therefore, we need to start the students off at a young age to develop skills in computers and technology so that once they get to middle years and high school, they will have a strong basis to build from and the depth of technology teaching can be done in a variety of specific areas and not just an overview of a couple areas. Students could learn from programs that would specifically apply to them and their job futures.

I know it's a heafty task but I believe that this is where we as a society and as a school system need to move towards. I think that if we could accomplish even a fraction of these things that our students will have a much more higher rate of success after graduation by recieving the higher wages, better jobs and leading happier, more fulfilled lives.

What do you think?

Digital video, Digital image makers, etc.

Today my IP 10's were given time to browse many of the image manipulation, image building and video applications that are free on the internet. They found slideshows and music players and many other interesting items that they are able to use and create different things to input on their websites. The personal use of these applications was appealing to them as well. Being able to have time to check out a variety of tools available on the web was a novel thing for them and they had not been able to do much of that in previous years (or so they tell me!), which made them really excited to be allowed the time to play around and create some neat items in which they can be used for things not only in computer class. Presentations, home use and portfolios are just a few other things that these applications can be used for.

Some of the websites they explored today were: Image chef, Animoto, Flickr, Flixin, Image generator, and Slide, just to name a few.

Teaching the students to use them properly and safely is key. So let them explore, but make sure to set down ground rules first!