Computers: Changing the Way We Think?

Are computers changing the way we think? Have we megabit off more than we can chew? Does technology today alter the very structure of our brains? To the point where behavior and personality are manifested differently? Possible, though not for the reasons stated in the article "Are Sites Such as Google Changing the Way We Think?" At least that is MY opinion.

While it is true that information is presented in bits and pieces, which one would assume would be easier to assimilate, we have become a culture that knows a little about a lot, instead of a culture that knows a lot about a few specific things. This will, in time, work to our disadvantage. Now, that I've irked you, calm down. That's not to say that nobody knows anything. There will always be those who excel in whatever they choose to do. It's just that there is so much out there to learn, and our brains only have the capacity to store a little bit of it. Unless you read Dianetics, your just like the rest of us. Able to learn and retain a finite amount of information. Not to mention that anyone can post anything anywhere and it is up to YOU to figure out what is accurate and what isn't. As a teaching tool, technology is a boon. But I ask you to ponder this: What happens if the technology crashes for a prolonged period of time? Do you think you'll even be able to get a cheeseburger? No. You won't.

I think that what the Internet and excessive technology does, in general, is drain our physical bodies. It is difficult to stare at a computer screen for a prolonged period of time. It strains the eyes, that has been proven scientifically (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/eyestrain/DS01084 - 24k). And have you heard about positive ions? Sound good to you? Well, it isn't. NEGATIVE ions are good for you. Don't believe me? Check this out...http://www.webmd.com/balance/features/negative-ions-create-positive-vibes%20-%20117k%20-.

Having said all of that, I am absolutely, positively excited about the GDrive from Google. The mere thought of being able to look at all of my "stuff" without lugging around my laptop or those little stick thingys (which I do not own) makes me weak at the knees!! So, while I do advocate being "unplugged" on a regular basis, I want to get to my documents when I want them and I don't want to wait. Sound hypocritical? It is, I freely admit it. Hmmm, I think I'm going to go Google "hypocrite" and see what I get...

ACCESS: Alabama Connecting Classrooms, Educators and Students Statewide

ACCESS is an amazing teaching tool. Imagine a school where resources are limited, thus inhibiting educators from being able to offer AP courses, or even courses that are considered higher level learning such as physics, trigonometry and calculus! Imagine a school not being able to offer an advanced diploma (which, by the way, is required by state law). Now imagine with a wave or wand, or more accurately a click of a button, technology that will make all of that disappear! Where kids in any school, anywhere, will no longer be thwarted by limited resources! That is what ACCESS is all about!!

In short, this is what ACCESS is: School "A" has the resources to hold a physics class; school "B" does not. School "A" teaches the class and while it is being taught, students in school "B" are watching it on a large screen in their classroom (videoconferencing) Not only is it being videoconferenced, it is a two way video/audio conference. The students and teachers from both schools can interact. Viola! Now students that were unable to take and complete this course are able to do just that.

Add to that, Internet based instruction as well! Highly qualified "E-Teachers" will post class material, quizzes, tests, hold "real-time" review sessions, and hold review sessions that can be accessed at any time.

All sites participating in this amazing program receive funds for equipment, professional development (i.e. training and such), technical support, IVC equipment, tablet computers, funds for miscellaneous items such as travel, materials, etc. and much more.

ACCESS is the answer so many schools have been looking for. With technology used in this way, all students will have the opportunity to excel! To learn more about ACCESS, go to http://www.accessdl.state.al.us/showaccess.php?lnk=aboutaccess.com

ALEX - Alabama Learning Exchange

Hi Everyone! I just finished browsing the ALEX website and I am very excited. ALEX is an easy to navigate website for not only teachers, but parents, students and administrators as well. When you click on the link provided below, it will take you to the ALEX website. There, you will find eight different headings from which to choose. They are: Courses of Study, Web Links, Lesson Plans, Search, Personal Workspace, Professional Learning, Distance Learning, and Help.

In Courses of Study, you will find lesson plans by grade and subject area. In Web Links, you can find links related to subject area that provide lesson plans, links to teacher forums, content for specific courses, activities/problems (math and science) and more. In Lesson Plans, you can create your own lesson plans (see Personal Workspace), find lesson plans by author, title, school, subject, or all or specific grade levels. In Search, you can do just that. You can enter any combination of words related to the subject you are looking for and the database will be searched, results will be displayed. In Personal Workspace, you will find instructions to create your own personal workspace. Remember to write down your username and password!! In Professional Learning, you will find links to help with grant writing and available grants, links to help ELL's (English Language Learners), the latest on Alabama Leadership Development and more. In Distance Learning, you will learn about ACCESS. ACCESS is Alabama Connecting Classrooms, Educators & Students Statewide. If your school has limited course offerings, ACCESS might be for you! In Help, you will get just that. It is packed with how-to's and FAQ's about ALEX.

I can't wait to use this database and went ahead and signed in to create my own personal workspace. I think that ALEX will help not only when I am a teacher, but also on my road to BECOMING a teacher!


http://alex.state.al.us

I matriculated from...

As I stated in my personal information, I currently hold two degrees. If you would like to visit the school websites, click on the links below.

Interior Design, The Interior Design Institute, Louisville, KY http://www.louisvilletech.com

English Literature, The Univcrsity of Louisville, Louisville, KY
http://www.louisville.edu

Welcome To My EDM 310 Blog!

Hi everyone, welcome to my EDM 310 Blog! I am so excited that I created this blog - it wasn't even that hard! Yahoo! See you in class!