Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Lesson 7

While I was working on my powerpoint I found it very interesting for the reason that there are many templates to choose from and to even copy and paste pictures. To be honest this was the first time that I used powerpoint and I enjoyed it. I found it useful for making a gift for someone with pictures and burning it to a cd.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Lesson 6:

This is the first time that I use Wiki and it was a fun experience. The thing that I liked was that we can go back and edit and see what other students had to write about. It is great for educational purposes. I also like that idea that you can also may planning easy for parties, etc. with family members online and if needed any one of them can make changes.

Friday, April 3, 2009

Lesson 5- Wikis

After reading about wikis, I found it very interesting that it could be used for just about anything from educational to where assignments can be viewed, book clubs which would allow readers to view other reading materials and post a comment. It is also useful for parents to be able to communicate with teachers. Teachers can post an online spelling list to where students would write down the definition of the word. And class notes can be viewed also when students have assignments that have to do with group assignments they can edit and save their work while the others can also make any changes that are necessary.

Friday, March 27, 2009

Lesson 4 Games

According to pbs.org many children lack the physical and cognitive ability to play a video game. Many children devote themselves to games instead of outside sports. Too much video gaming can be hazardous to a child’s health. But video games can also be beneficial it teaches skills and by that one is required to use the control and use speed, rules need to be followed it also teaches learning the value of being a good sport; it can also deliver troubling social messages. For preschoolers some games benefit a (1) child’s development by being able to set the skill level as he/she masters challenging levels. (2) Gives him/her chances to make decisions by choosing the color, character, or landscape, (3) multiple players at once. Parents should monitor and stay in touch with what games your child is playing and ask questions. They should also check the video game ratings and reviews and limit the use of video game playing. Parents should avoid games that have violence and negative images of women and other cultures. If demos are available parents should try the demos.
In the website familyinternet.about.com many parents hear the term “video games” and think that it has to do with violence, crude humor and non-child-friendly content. When considering purchasing software for younger kids parents should consider the age appropriate content so that it will not be too boring or frustrating which will have the child be violent for the reason that they can not master the level.
Parents should also consider purchasing educational games that will simulate a child to learn to plan ahead and perform basic math skills and be creative.
In an article that I read at www.drphil.com/articles/article/ it states that (1) parents should know their children and how they handle playing video games (2) read the ratings, (3) go online to the ESRB website to get more details, (4) rent the game before you buy, (5) ask questions to other parents (6) play the game and talk to your child about the game, (7) place games/computer in a public place, (8) contact game makers if you feel game is inappropriate. Researchers suggests that active parental involvement in children's media usage — including discussing the inappropriateness of violent solutions to real life conflicts.
The other article that read at http://www.babycenter.com/0_a-parents-guide-to-computer-games it states that parents should choose a game that encourages more that one person to play the game and that gives them an opportunity to succeed. Also, ask if you can return the software.
I feel that video/computer games can be good in a way that some are a educational learning experience for a child. But, some are bad especially if there is too much violence in the game. Every parent should review the games and monitor the child no matter what age the child is.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

I LoVe My LaPtOp & CaMeRa !!!

I enjoy using my laptop not only for schoolwork but for navagating the internet. I also love my digital camera because I can take pictures where ever I am and save them to my memory card. I love taking pictures of my children and grandson. He is six months already and to be honest I think that I have taken pictures of him just about every day since the day that he was born. I also take pictures of my kids when they do funny things and I even use the camera to video tape them and burn them to a DVD so that I can cherish it and watch it on my television or make movies of them to give to my parents as gifts.....
I download them to my laptop and I am able to edit them and share them with family and friends. And if they want they can print them out if they want. With my laptop I like to send messages to my family. I think that since just about everyone has internet it is easier and quicker to communicate with family. I like typing more then writing letters. And besides they will not have to wait for the postal service to deliver the mail. Without my laptop I don't know what I would do. :)

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Lesson 2: What I learned from teacherfirst.com

This is my first time blogging and have been doing a lot of research on it. Maybe if I like it I will use it more frequently. I learned that blogging is another way to communicate with family, friends, teachers or just about anyone. And anyone who reads what you write can leave you comments. I think that it is more like having pen pals because you don't know the other people but you will be communicating to each other through your blog. It is like writing a diary that is visible to everyone. It is also a place where pictures can be viewed.

Keeping Busy

Hi there !

Well I am just here keeping busy with work, school, and my kids. Also, taking care of my grandson....My life revolves around my family. I really don't have time to do anything. I am just trying to concrete on my school work especially this semester I will graduate and receive my associates but I plan on still furthering my education. The weather here is weird because in the mornings sometimes it is real cold then it will got hot. I can't wait till summer....Hopefully, my husband and I will take the kids on a little vacation.....