Monday, January 23, 2012

Week 1: Welcome to Ed422!

Welcome to another awesome semester of EDUC 422. . .Technology Tools for Education. By the end of this course you will learn a lot about how to integrate technology into your classroom, as well as a few tricks and tips for how to ramp-up your so-called digital life ;-)


I will use this blog to keep everyone updated on the weekly requirements for the course, as well as model for you how to create a blog for your future classroom!  I need you to read each entry carefully, as I will be giving away $50 tonight to the person who finds the hidden gnome in this very post. . .Okay, not really, but I do need everyone to read each entry ;-)

Technical Issues:  
First order of business:  If you do not have a Gmail Address/Account, you need to get one!  (and no, your CSUSM email does not count).  Don't worry, I have worked it out with Google to give you free email accounts!
You will be asked to join and/or participate in a number of web-based tools, software, etc. . .I recommend that you find a user name that identifies you, is appropriate for school/parents, and one that you can remember. . .
While this course has no required text, you will be required to subscribe to ISTE, the International Society for Technology in Education (see link on this blog), as well as purchase a subscription to TaskStream, an online portfolio generator.  
     For TaskStream (also linked on this blog): You will need to self-enroll in the Local TPE.      
     Here are the code you will need:
                                               Local TPE: 6SG3BA
                                              

I will also ask you weekly questions on this blog that you will need to answer. Some are related to education and most are related you your lives. . .It allows me to build community while ensuring that you are reading the weekly posts!

This Week's Question: What is your current favorite piece of technology and why? (currently, I think I would have to say my iPad. . .although my quest to master Angry Birds almost cost me everything I hold. . .okay, perhaps that is a bit of hyperbole ;-)

32 comments:

  1. Currently it is my new ipod nano. I had a 1st gen nano that was recalled and received a brand new one with all the bells and whistles. more songs is a plus

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  2. Mine would have to be my phone. I have an Evo 4g, and I love it! It does everything I need and works fast.

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  3. My Iphone because it has everything I need.

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  4. My iPhone without a doubt. Since I bought it last June, it has revolutionized the way I plan and act and live. This January I went on my first "grown up" adventure in San Francisco with my brother and the iPhone saved us. We decided to use public transportation and having Google Maps allowed us to instantly figure out what bus to use, how to get to the stop, and how long until the next one arrived!

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  5. My favorite piece of technology is still my PC. It provides me function, entertainment, and a way to keep in touch with my friends and family no matter how far away they are.

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  6. I still love my iPhone. It does everything! Its been over a year and I use it everyday for school, work, and leisure. It just works! My phone syncs with my laptop, desktop, and Google. EASY!

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  7. I would have to say my phone. It seems to be next to me at all times, and is my connection to the rest of the world. While I am currently an Android user, I am highly contemplating the switch to the "dark side" aka Apple :]

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  8. MY favorite piece of technology is my macbook. It has lighting speed and no viruses!

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  9. Currently it's my ipod touch. I LOVE having access to the internet 24/7 wherever I am, and the apps are addicting, including words with friends...

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  10. My new iphone. My boyfriend is in europe so having skype on my iphone comes in handy! It has tons of other benefits but right now skype-on-the-go is great!

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  11. My current favorite piece of technology right now is my iphone. I like being able to have multiple devices (phone, computer, ipod) all in one place and it's able to fit into my pocket!

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  12. My favorite new piece of technology is my ipad because it has opened a whole new world for me in the classroom and for my own personal use.

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  13. I would have to say my new favorite tech toy would have to be the iPad. I am very new using it in the classroom; I have found so many cool, student/teacher friendly apps. that are a great supplement to teaching material. not to mention... it is completely engaging! Fruit Ninja would be my game of choice, as well as my 5 year old son's!

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  14. My current favorite is my sister's iphone. I have a droid and have seriously considered throwing it through the window a number of times in the past few weeks because it keeps freezing and shutting off on me, but I will be getting an iphone as soon as I can afford it. :)

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  15. My current favorite piece of technology, ironically enough, is my XBox 360. Although it is not a PC or laptop, as a piece of entertainment technology, it more than meets my needs. I can now watch Netflix and download music, I can buy my games on disc or download them digitally, and I can also communicate with my friends without using my phone. I am able to access Youtube and Facebook on it and I can play with my children in a variety of family-friendly games. I can play DVD's as well, the only drawback... not playing Blu-Ray!

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  16. My favorite piece of technology is my Ipod nano.

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  17. I love my iPhone. I've had a bunch of different Android phones and the iPhone is way better by far. Apple is awesome :D

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  18. iphone but in particular i love the application "instagram"

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  19. my favorite is still my laptop because i use it for everything; school, work, t.v, etc.

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  20. My iphone because I can do everything I need to do on it.

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  21. I absolutely love my iphone! It helps me stay organized and on-top of things, and all the apps are so entertaining :)

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  22. My favorite piece of technology is my tiny orange ipod shuffle. It doesn't do much, and half the time I don't know the name of the song or artist I'm listening to, but it's the one and only Apple device I own. Yeah, I'm a little slow on getting with the i-stuff.

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  23. my favorite piece of technology is mi computer because I get to use it for everything

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  24. my favorite technological item definitely is my laptop. Could not live without it.

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  25. My new Droid Razor!!!! Ekkkk I love it and yes I'm still getting use to it because I've never had a android/smart phone before. I love it i can talk to it and it will text for me or search for things and also give me directions when I'm extra lost! Anywho i love my phone and i can skype and take awesome pictures of things and yeah i love my phone!!!! It can do other things but i have yet to figure that out lol i just got it :)

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  26. Just got the Iphone and I love it but I dont even know how to use it really. I know the games though, Temple Run ;)

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  27. My current favorite piece of technology is my Garmin! As much as I hate to admit it...I am horrible with directions and can easily get lost even driving down the street. Without my Garmin who knows where I would end up.

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  28. My favorite piece of technology is my itouch, it does pretty much what an iphone does except make calls. As you might guess I do not own an iphone. With my itouch I can listen to music, use the web, take pictures, play games, and the list could go on and on.

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  29. My favorite piece of technology is my phone. It is a htc evo and does everything I want. It takes pictures, videos, facebook, music, aplications, etc.

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  30. I really love (have learned to use it more) my MacBook Pro!!! :) I used to be afraid of Mac Computers...not anymore!!! I was able to put together a calendar for my dad with pictures of his childhood...

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  31. My favorite piece of technology has to be my itouch. This was the first Apple product that I purchased and I love it because it allows me to do multiple tasks. I can listen to music, view videos, use the web, and play games. It is a great piece of technology that allows me to distract my mind when I need a break.

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  32. My favorite piece of technology is my Commodor Amiga 500. Well not really. Mine would have to be my computer. I'm not really big on all the phones and i-products and comp gets done what I want and keeps up with my gaming.

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