Multimedia Uses

I have finally come to the realization that I am a pretty strong visual learner. I never really knew what that was growing up, even through high school and parts of college I could never "classify" myself as following visual cues so much better while learning. I learn better through visual means in most aspects of learning; I draw out my notes and take them whenever possible, I outline assignments as best I can, and I visualize my notes and study guides during tests as a form of mental/visual aid. We are now learning to utilize a visual means of technology in the classroom focused mainly on the use of PowerPoint. By seeing the information that I would need to understand, from a student's standpoint, I would be better suited to comprehend the material.

Especially when it comes to history and the social sciences, there are a number of areas that can be illustrated in a way that is easier to understand rather than merely telling the student. By outlining notes, drawing out time lines, genealogy trees, and cause and effect scenarios these ideas can be approached in different manners by the instructor. It is important to remember that not all students learn in the way, but it remains crucial to differentiate (at least a little) to make sure that you cover those students who learn in different ways than others.

I also enjoy this new application that we have been using in class that it acclimatizing us to the use of Digital Storytelling Programs. I really like the idea of this method as a different and resourceful way of integrating primary sources into the classroom along with providing another means of technology in the classroom besides PowerPoint. Our work on the Gettysburg Address provided me with a wider breadth of knowledge of the applications and uses of PowerPoint and Digital Storytelling devices, especially in terms of using them for Social Science purposes. In the end, another useful tool rediscovered and reinvented.

Copyright and Fair Use Practices

I would have never known that there are so many regulations to follow in order to comply with Copyright and Fair Use laws. Many times, addressing a number of different aspects of the material that you are using can tell you whether or not you are allowed to use it as you would. Examining the material's purpose, nature, amount, and effect can show you how far you might be able to take the information. One thing that can be used to determine whether or not Copyright or Fair Use laws are being broken depends on whether price or profit is being affected. It is interesting to note that the use of materials in the classroom, for specifically educational purposes, is for the most part legal where other areas might not be.
This topic seems very split to me. It seems that one half of the argument is based on information about Copyright and Fair Use that is pretty abstract and unknown, and frankly disturbing. I can say that I myself, as a student teacher, have been in at least a few situations where I might be breaking Copyright or Fair Use regulations. However, the other half of the argument seems rather rudimentary and simple. Covering some of the elements of the material in areas such as commercial activity, "bad-faith behavior", or the denial of credit to the original author or creator. Common sense dictates half of this topic whereas abstract laws and regulations dictate the other half. This strange dichotomy makes it all the more difficult for me to firmly grasp the material. I feel that, in the future, I won't feel comfortable with using outside materials in my classroom without fervently checking for its legality.
The end of today's discussion, covering internet safety, is incredibly important in the classroom. Again, I can attest to the need for teachers to monitor their student's internet habits. This represents one area within teaching and education where the teacher can easily be implicated for wrongdoing when they may not think that they did anything wrong. Ignorance towards the dangers of the internet can end in very severe consequences. It is important for teachers and students alike to take their internet use wisely to foster a more scholarly aspect of educational technology and learning.

Educational Technology at Present

I have been using computers for, it seems like, the better part of my life. However, I have only recently begun to explore the uses of new technology and their implementation in the classroom. I have experience with a number of different standard computing performances such as Word, the Internet, and messaging services. I believe that my comfort level in regards to technology is high enough that I can use my current skills to move forward into the realm of Educational Technology. I began using computers just like any other child did of my generation; exploring the world that was now at my fingertips (literally) via the use of the Internet. I used my computer for school reasons when it was pertinent, but back then, the computer was still just a fin tool to make my life easier. It wasn't until my later years, especially upon entering into high school, that I realized that my computer could not only make my life easier but also make it more efficient and more scholarly.

Having earned a degree in history from Quincy University, I have invariably become more comfortable with the use of modern technology. I have used programs such as Word, PowerPoint, and have researched both primary and secondary sources through databases, library catalogs, and journal archives.

While implementing my skills, I intend to learn more on the subjects of web-based lesson planning and "blogging", research methods, the creation of web-pages and many more applications. I believe that technology plays an increasingly important role in our society and demands attention at the educational level. By educating myself on the uses of modern technology in the classroom, I can therefore help to educate my future students to become more affluent in effectively using technology for educational and scholarly purposes.