Some of the best teaching strategies I’ve learned about in this class are from discussions that my fellow classmates have shared, and the YouTube videos with Instructors and their use of technology. I’ve always believed that it is important to engage the learner by being creative with content, and have viewed several thought-provoking ideas in this area.
Integrating the Internet as a technology source provided me with new social media and online applications that I will use from this point going forward. I didn’t realize there were so many free applications that mirror commercially available software (especially in the Windows Office area) where multiple instructors and/or students can collaborate on projects from anywhere there is an internet connection. I really enjoy working with the Google applications (Docs, Reader, Calendar).
The assignment that I felt exemplifies good teaching technology was my group’s SIG project on using the iPad2 for students with impairments that affected their ability to learn. We had to collectively analyze the technology, determine our focus/emphasis areas and then research so that we could produce a presentation. I felt this approach is one that could be repeated across the country as teachers from the same school or subject area work collaboratively to create more interactive instructional technology strategies and approaches for their students. I enjoy learning new technology, and it was enjoyable to learn Wiki Site creation.
A couple of my personal goals have been met already; I’ve worked with our Communications team to revise our technical support website (site navigation and information has been rearranged so that it is easier for visitors to find the information that is relevant to their job. I’ve approached my manager on adding technical training classes to my personal goals, and have been told to evaluate classes and provide dates and costs. We are also looking at possibly creating and managing a blog or Wiki feature for the technical teams that support our software end users; content will include tips, hints, best practices and answer common questions and issues. I’ve also started searching through MSU’s Lynda link, for online training that I can complete as I have time.
There are two new goals for me to pursue after this class has ended. First is to explore and work with additional online applications that were covered in class, but that I did not personally use yet. Prezi is at the top of this list, and I want to spend some additional time with using Wiki widgets. I also want to create my own online social bookmarks for my job, most likely using Delicious again. I found a couple of virtual “computers” during my review on Cloud Computing, and I would like to monitor and follow advancements in this area, for both work and personal use. As I mentioned in my Personal Technology Plan, I also want to develop and expand on my Personal Learning Network, starting with a couple of MSU employees from my SIG project.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Creative Commons and Media Use
Most images I incorporate in my work (software testing)I would usually create or use my own images. For this blog, I have an image that I share with new Software Testers, so they fully understand the cycle/flow that software development takes, and what their role in the process is (green boxes).
Image Attribution:
Original Image of "V-Model-Development"
by Quality Systems International (http://www.qsius.com/index.php?title=File:V-Model-Development.JPG)
LansingTreeLightingandFireworks2005 by Brian Jenks is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.flickr.com
Image Attribution:
Original Image of "V-Model-Development"
by Quality Systems International (http://www.qsius.com/index.php?title=File:V-Model-Development.JPG)
For my own picture, I've included one of many photos taken during the annual lighting of the State Christmas Tree in downtown Lansing. This one is from November, 2005, and has been licensed through Creative Commons.
LansingTreeLightingandFireworks2005 by Brian Jenks is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.flickr.com
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Learning Styles
Analyzing my preferred personal learning style I find I prefer "Reflective" learning to "Active," "Sensing" over "Intuitive," "Visual" over "Verbal" and "Sequential" over "Global." What does that mean specifically? That I learn best when:
1. I can visualize the content (information is in a visual format, and supports the content that the instructor is verbalizing).
2. I can build/base new concepts upon the data/facts/information I already possess or have learned to date. I enjoying have a visual guide that I can study from and add my own notes to.
3. I prefer recorded video sessions (such as in my current Education class) where I can receive the information, and as necessary go back and replay it for the areas that I may still have questions on.
My learning style definitely is based off my personality traits (My Myers-Briggs Personality is ISTJ - Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judgement). From these exercises and experiences it is easy for me to see the varying number of learning styles and traits that each specific learner might have, and why singular approaches to instruction are not successful at meeting the needs of any majority of students or other learners.
I think that some of the newer technologies not only provide instructors with new ways to deliver information, but that they are in some part the actual driving force for how young students personalities are shaped and how their own learning styles are developed. For example, I grew up in the 1960s and 70s. Learning for me largely meant teachers verbal instruction, and information written on chalkboards or overhead projectors. Other information came from the TV (Sesame Street and the Electric Company). I didn't see my first computer until the start of my senior year in 1979; at least I was one of the "trusted" students that my teacher let explore this new 'Commodore Pet' computer...I thought I was Too Cool! :-)
Today's students usually start school with years of computer experience, and may have used some of the Web technologies and social media that are available to them. I feel this precipitates the need of today's instructors to cater to multiple learning styles and deliver content in ways that can reach students on audio, visual and participatory levels.
Taking this a step further, I would assume that there is (or will shortly occur) analysis at an individual student level to identify their personality traits and learning styles, and assign them to one of a few classes where the topics and content being taught are the same, but the delivery methods are different (visual, audio, kinesthetic)and the students are placed in the environment that provides them the best experiences to learn from, based on their personality and preferred learning styles. These class instructors can each provide their course content in some "shared" manner that students could access if they are having trouble with a specific lesson and are looking for information in a different delivery format.
The next prominent step is to have computers play a major role in providing individualized student instruction, to the level that continually challenges them. For example, Suzie is in 3rd grade based on her age/social skills, but through the computer she is working on 5th Grade level Math, 7th Grade Reading and 4th Grade English. The computer tracks and provides instructions to Suzie's preferred learning style, and keeps her involved so she doesn't get bored/lose interest on subjects that she excels in. It can also provide multiple delivery formats to assist in areas that Suzie may be having trouble understanding.
1. I can visualize the content (information is in a visual format, and supports the content that the instructor is verbalizing).
2. I can build/base new concepts upon the data/facts/information I already possess or have learned to date. I enjoying have a visual guide that I can study from and add my own notes to.
3. I prefer recorded video sessions (such as in my current Education class) where I can receive the information, and as necessary go back and replay it for the areas that I may still have questions on.
My learning style definitely is based off my personality traits (My Myers-Briggs Personality is ISTJ - Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judgement). From these exercises and experiences it is easy for me to see the varying number of learning styles and traits that each specific learner might have, and why singular approaches to instruction are not successful at meeting the needs of any majority of students or other learners.
I think that some of the newer technologies not only provide instructors with new ways to deliver information, but that they are in some part the actual driving force for how young students personalities are shaped and how their own learning styles are developed. For example, I grew up in the 1960s and 70s. Learning for me largely meant teachers verbal instruction, and information written on chalkboards or overhead projectors. Other information came from the TV (Sesame Street and the Electric Company). I didn't see my first computer until the start of my senior year in 1979; at least I was one of the "trusted" students that my teacher let explore this new 'Commodore Pet' computer...I thought I was Too Cool! :-)
Today's students usually start school with years of computer experience, and may have used some of the Web technologies and social media that are available to them. I feel this precipitates the need of today's instructors to cater to multiple learning styles and deliver content in ways that can reach students on audio, visual and participatory levels.
Taking this a step further, I would assume that there is (or will shortly occur) analysis at an individual student level to identify their personality traits and learning styles, and assign them to one of a few classes where the topics and content being taught are the same, but the delivery methods are different (visual, audio, kinesthetic)and the students are placed in the environment that provides them the best experiences to learn from, based on their personality and preferred learning styles. These class instructors can each provide their course content in some "shared" manner that students could access if they are having trouble with a specific lesson and are looking for information in a different delivery format.
The next prominent step is to have computers play a major role in providing individualized student instruction, to the level that continually challenges them. For example, Suzie is in 3rd grade based on her age/social skills, but through the computer she is working on 5th Grade level Math, 7th Grade Reading and 4th Grade English. The computer tracks and provides instructions to Suzie's preferred learning style, and keeps her involved so she doesn't get bored/lose interest on subjects that she excels in. It can also provide multiple delivery formats to assist in areas that Suzie may be having trouble understanding.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Thursday, October 6, 2011
PC Maintenance and Security
I have past experience with implementing and supporting both PC Maintenance and Security (from work and personal perspectives). But I did enjoy visiting the Atomic Learning site to click through the tutorials they have. Because of my background on this subject, there wasn't anything that truly surprised me, however I did learn some things, as noted below:
1. "Using MSConfig to Speed Up Your PC's Startup" - While I use MSConfig already to maximize my performance, there are many times that I do not know a particular service or Startup name. The "Startup Programs & Executibles Listing" is a great site, and it is very helpful to have a primary site to refer to when researching these startups to see what they do and what they are used for. This is definitely something I will share with my friends that support computers (or are interested in these types of helpful websites).
2. "Intrusion Detection and Prevention" Software - I've heard of this type of software, but didn't have a clear understanding of how it works, and how it differs from traditional antivirus (AV)/spyware/malware software. I enjoyed the information in the tutorial and have a much better idea how this type of software works, and like that it works off of file behavior, and not from searching some ever-changing list of virus definitions. I plan to explore this software closer and install it on one of my home computers to see how it behaves as compared to regular AV programs. Based on my findings I may share this with both my co-workers and family & friends.
3. "Testing your firewall using ShieldsUp" - this was my favorite tutorial, as I had never heard of this application. I immediately ran it and was relieved to find that my PC is as safe, secure and "invisible" as I thought it was (even though I never had a way to prove my hypothesis until using ShieldsUp). This is another great application that I will pass on to my family, friends and co-workers if they don't already know about it.
General Comments:
a) My "surprise" was seeing how many of these tutorials are 5+ years old (2006); many improvements have been made over the past few years in the area of PC Maintenance and (especially) with Security. While most of the tutorial details are still true, the user lacks the ability to find out about some of the newer technologies and software options that are available to them.
b) My new favorite buzz word from the tutorials: "Crackers and Hackers of the World." I smile every time I say this. :-)
c) Personal findings and recommendations: I disagree with the comment that multiple antivirus (AV) programs should be used on a PC. I've found no benefit in running multiple AVs, and many issues with slow PC performance/start up, and with one AV incorrectly identifying the other AV program as rogue/malware and then trying to delete it. My personal recommendation is to use one AV that includes real time scanning. This AV should be set to update definitions as they are available (and this is usually every day or two, not the week time mentioned in the tutorials). A scheduled scan should be performed every few days (or weekly) and then add-hoc scans when anything unusual occurs, or you are suspicious of a file or other data. I also have a Malware program that only runs if I select it (not automatically). All my security software is free, as I have not found that the AV programs you pay for work any better than freebies. I use Microsoft Security Essentials for my AV (and it seems to me this AV program allows deeper checking and malicious file removal than others [I believe because it is a Microsoft product and thus has more access/privileges to interact within the Windows operating systems]). I use the free Malwarebyte's Anti-Malware program, and I use Glary Utilities, which is a free application that combines all of the Windows tools, MSConfig operations and many other special Windows tools (don't use the spyware detection on this Glary app though, it is lame). Links to all three of these free programs are listed below, if you would like to review them further.
Microsoft Security Essentials: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security_essentials/default.aspx
Malwarebyte's Anti-Malware: http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html?tag=mncol;1
Glary Utilities: http://download.cnet.com/Glary-Utilities/3000-2094_4-10508531.html?tag=mncol;1
1. "Using MSConfig to Speed Up Your PC's Startup" - While I use MSConfig already to maximize my performance, there are many times that I do not know a particular service or Startup name. The "Startup Programs & Executibles Listing" is a great site, and it is very helpful to have a primary site to refer to when researching these startups to see what they do and what they are used for. This is definitely something I will share with my friends that support computers (or are interested in these types of helpful websites).
2. "Intrusion Detection and Prevention" Software - I've heard of this type of software, but didn't have a clear understanding of how it works, and how it differs from traditional antivirus (AV)/spyware/malware software. I enjoyed the information in the tutorial and have a much better idea how this type of software works, and like that it works off of file behavior, and not from searching some ever-changing list of virus definitions. I plan to explore this software closer and install it on one of my home computers to see how it behaves as compared to regular AV programs. Based on my findings I may share this with both my co-workers and family & friends.
3. "Testing your firewall using ShieldsUp" - this was my favorite tutorial, as I had never heard of this application. I immediately ran it and was relieved to find that my PC is as safe, secure and "invisible" as I thought it was (even though I never had a way to prove my hypothesis until using ShieldsUp). This is another great application that I will pass on to my family, friends and co-workers if they don't already know about it.
General Comments:
a) My "surprise" was seeing how many of these tutorials are 5+ years old (2006); many improvements have been made over the past few years in the area of PC Maintenance and (especially) with Security. While most of the tutorial details are still true, the user lacks the ability to find out about some of the newer technologies and software options that are available to them.
b) My new favorite buzz word from the tutorials: "Crackers and Hackers of the World." I smile every time I say this. :-)
c) Personal findings and recommendations: I disagree with the comment that multiple antivirus (AV) programs should be used on a PC. I've found no benefit in running multiple AVs, and many issues with slow PC performance/start up, and with one AV incorrectly identifying the other AV program as rogue/malware and then trying to delete it. My personal recommendation is to use one AV that includes real time scanning. This AV should be set to update definitions as they are available (and this is usually every day or two, not the week time mentioned in the tutorials). A scheduled scan should be performed every few days (or weekly) and then add-hoc scans when anything unusual occurs, or you are suspicious of a file or other data. I also have a Malware program that only runs if I select it (not automatically). All my security software is free, as I have not found that the AV programs you pay for work any better than freebies. I use Microsoft Security Essentials for my AV (and it seems to me this AV program allows deeper checking and malicious file removal than others [I believe because it is a Microsoft product and thus has more access/privileges to interact within the Windows operating systems]). I use the free Malwarebyte's Anti-Malware program, and I use Glary Utilities, which is a free application that combines all of the Windows tools, MSConfig operations and many other special Windows tools (don't use the spyware detection on this Glary app though, it is lame). Links to all three of these free programs are listed below, if you would like to review them further.
Microsoft Security Essentials: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security_essentials/default.aspx
Malwarebyte's Anti-Malware: http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html?tag=mncol;1
Glary Utilities: http://download.cnet.com/Glary-Utilities/3000-2094_4-10508531.html?tag=mncol;1
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Getting Things Done
Being organized and following a set plan as a way to effectively meet life's tasks and challenges is not a new idea. But for many people I do not think it gets past the concept phase and to an actionable process (to the point where it becomes habit and is done as a normal routine).
I, like most, am a busy person, juggling multiple, ever-changing work projects along with personal obligations and tasks, and managing my family duties and community events along with continuing my education. While I usually don't feel totally lost, I often think that I could do a better job of planning and organizing the tasks I need to complete.
The book "Getting Things Done" by David Allen offers five simple stages to follow to become more organized. I have listed them below, along with my current status and how each step can help me better plan and facilitate my activities to become more efficient:
1. "Collect" - Which is the act of listing all the tasks that need to be accomplished -- in one physical location (excluding your memory, which if like mine, is not always reliable!). -- I personally do collect and list my tasks out, but where I have failed in the past is not listing them all in one location. I'm great at writing something in my work calendar, adding some tasks to post it notes, etc. and then trying to find where I've placed everything. For the future I am going to list these using an online application, so not only will the list be in one spot, but I can access it from anywhere that I have Internet Connectivity.
2. Process - This is making a decision with the information that was collected in step 1: what does the task entail? Can it be delayed to another time, or is there someone else that can complete it? Can it be done quickly (in between other large tasks) or does it require devoting special time and attention to it? -- I have become quite good at this aspect, assuming I have properly collected all the tasks I must make a decision on.
3. Organize - This is determining the expectations/time frames as to when a task is to be completed. Sort the immediate, high priority/high impact tasks so they are worked on first. Tasks that have open dependencies may be able to moved towards the end of your list. -- I personally interact with my professional and personal contacts to ensure I know where each of my tasks fall in terms of when it is needed, who is benefiting from the completion of the task, and where tasks can be delayed without significant repercussions.
4. Review - This is where one regularly checks the status of their "To Do" list to see what has been accomplished, what is outstanding and what is (or will shortly become) overdue. -- I usually review first thing in the morning, and then at the end of the day, in case I need to make changes to the task order.
5. Do - As it implies, this is the actionable step of performing your tasks, using the steps before it to create a list that is efficient, effective and can be adapted based on how one's schedule or tasks list changes. -- Here's hoping this process may make your daily tasks easier to schedule and complete!
I, like most, am a busy person, juggling multiple, ever-changing work projects along with personal obligations and tasks, and managing my family duties and community events along with continuing my education. While I usually don't feel totally lost, I often think that I could do a better job of planning and organizing the tasks I need to complete.
The book "Getting Things Done" by David Allen offers five simple stages to follow to become more organized. I have listed them below, along with my current status and how each step can help me better plan and facilitate my activities to become more efficient:
1. "Collect" - Which is the act of listing all the tasks that need to be accomplished -- in one physical location (excluding your memory, which if like mine, is not always reliable!). -- I personally do collect and list my tasks out, but where I have failed in the past is not listing them all in one location. I'm great at writing something in my work calendar, adding some tasks to post it notes, etc. and then trying to find where I've placed everything. For the future I am going to list these using an online application, so not only will the list be in one spot, but I can access it from anywhere that I have Internet Connectivity.
2. Process - This is making a decision with the information that was collected in step 1: what does the task entail? Can it be delayed to another time, or is there someone else that can complete it? Can it be done quickly (in between other large tasks) or does it require devoting special time and attention to it? -- I have become quite good at this aspect, assuming I have properly collected all the tasks I must make a decision on.
3. Organize - This is determining the expectations/time frames as to when a task is to be completed. Sort the immediate, high priority/high impact tasks so they are worked on first. Tasks that have open dependencies may be able to moved towards the end of your list. -- I personally interact with my professional and personal contacts to ensure I know where each of my tasks fall in terms of when it is needed, who is benefiting from the completion of the task, and where tasks can be delayed without significant repercussions.
4. Review - This is where one regularly checks the status of their "To Do" list to see what has been accomplished, what is outstanding and what is (or will shortly become) overdue. -- I usually review first thing in the morning, and then at the end of the day, in case I need to make changes to the task order.
5. Do - As it implies, this is the actionable step of performing your tasks, using the steps before it to create a list that is efficient, effective and can be adapted based on how one's schedule or tasks list changes. -- Here's hoping this process may make your daily tasks easier to schedule and complete!
Social Networking
There are many practical applications for social networks. On a personal level, sites like Facebook allow you to stay in contact with family and friends, by receiving updates on where they are at and what (and how) they are doing. I find it very easy to track how my sons (who recently moved out on their own) are faring, which boy(s) my daughter in High School is corresponding with, and what my remote friends and relatives (scattered across the country) have been involved with.
On a professional level I coordinate software testing and support technical communications to faculty and staff at Michigan State University. I am currently looking for existing technical blogs and wikis hosted by MSU technical and support staff that I can join to, and be a trusted source of information for the software applications I have experience with. If there isn't a social media application for this at MSU, I will inquire about creating one. I've also used LinkedIn to find jobs and refer applicants to prospective employers.
There is much to benefit from, both personally and professionally, with using social networking sites to both obtain and share knowledge. The one objective I work towards is being selective with which social networking sites I subscribe to, and who I chose to trust information from. The goal to not overgrow my contacts and sites to the point that it is difficult to manage and effectively use them.
On a professional level I coordinate software testing and support technical communications to faculty and staff at Michigan State University. I am currently looking for existing technical blogs and wikis hosted by MSU technical and support staff that I can join to, and be a trusted source of information for the software applications I have experience with. If there isn't a social media application for this at MSU, I will inquire about creating one. I've also used LinkedIn to find jobs and refer applicants to prospective employers.
There is much to benefit from, both personally and professionally, with using social networking sites to both obtain and share knowledge. The one objective I work towards is being selective with which social networking sites I subscribe to, and who I chose to trust information from. The goal to not overgrow my contacts and sites to the point that it is difficult to manage and effectively use them.
Friday, September 23, 2011
RSS Page Reflection (Image)
I've enjoyed the brief time spent so far researching blogs and the specifying of specific details/updates using RSS. While blogs may sometimes contain author opinion, this is usually based on the author's research and/or personal experiences and have a level of trusted data/information at their core that can be helpful and useful to blog subscribers.
Visiting my Reader page has turned up a couple sources of new information that I believe will be helpful as I am working on future project plans and scope at MSU. I will be spending additional time on filtering current subscription sites, and better searching for sites that are of interest and use to me. By identifying useful sites up front, this can provide timely articles and information and lessen my need to perform large search efforts through the Web.
My Blog comment/response is listed below, on the need to take the time to consider all factors that impact the ability to accurately perform software testing and instruct end users on how to best interact and use the software:
Technology: It's a Matter of Perspective
The ability to support technology may depend on one's perspective, as creatively indicated in Mr. Dvorak's blog posting below.
Technology Perspective
Technology Perspective
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Blogs versus Web Pages
Many people find themselves wondering what the difference is between blogs and traditional web pages.
A web page tends to contain static information or data that a visitor to that site is looking for. There typically is little, if any, direct interaction that occurs between the the entity that creates and maintains the web page, and the people that access the page.
While a blog is a form of web page, the content tends to be more dynamic, changing regularly to reflect new and updated information that the author chooses to write about. Visitors may or may not share similar ideals and opinions as the blog author, and blogs support interactions between the blog author and their visitors via posts, messaging applications or other social media tools.
A web page tends to contain static information or data that a visitor to that site is looking for. There typically is little, if any, direct interaction that occurs between the the entity that creates and maintains the web page, and the people that access the page.
While a blog is a form of web page, the content tends to be more dynamic, changing regularly to reflect new and updated information that the author chooses to write about. Visitors may or may not share similar ideals and opinions as the blog author, and blogs support interactions between the blog author and their visitors via posts, messaging applications or other social media tools.
Welcome!
Welcome to my blog.
I will be sharing information and my opinions on technology-related topics, as they related to the field of Education. I look forward to your comments and questions!
I will be sharing information and my opinions on technology-related topics, as they related to the field of Education. I look forward to your comments and questions!
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