Chapter 6 and 11 Assignment Responses

Chapter 6 Blog Response-

Based on the information presented I would far prefer to teach in a classroom with more digital technologies. Although it is true that the use of modern technology in the classroom has some down sides (including cost and reliability) the fact of the matter is that the benefits they provide far exceed these. First of all the magnitude of different technology options allows for a wide degree of different activities and lesson opportunities. The nature of technology is that it has the ability to be multi-facited and expansive allowing for a range if different things to take place that otherwise couldn't. The cites several pieces of technology that hold range of purposes, and are hold a range of opportunity in themselves. Some of these include the smart board which allows all the features of a white board along with internet access on a classroom level. In another example the book cites tablet computers which give the benefits of a laptop with all of the interactive applications and tools a touch screen interface can offer. Over all, there are pros and cons to everything, but it is the world of new opportunities technology opens up that makes it desirable. 

Chapter 11 Blog Response-

The nature of technology is that it constantly changes and improves upon itself, striving to out do its previous version of for the most convenient and relevant way to teach and learn. In the audio world of technology, in the classroom just a few short years ago on of the most popular way to transmit sound was through a tape recorder. It could capture any sound or come with with preloaded sound that could be used to play something out loud to a group of people. It was a quick and efficient way to capture and share sound with a large group of people. Now however, in the modern world of emerging technology that has been out done by the MP3 player. Also able to capture music or come with some prerecorded. Now however, it can play out throughout a myriad of mediums, with clearer sound, and it greater volume. In the world of visual technology, the same also holds true. Where there was once the VCR, a device used to play VHS videos and record things off of a television set, now there is internet video. They can both play a record video, yet the internet video if often times free and requires less hardware. In addition to that and its superior quality, it also exists in far greater reserves. All of this technology can still be used, and used effectively, however, as technology improves, so do the means of teaching. 

All About Me

FYI Dossier for: Nick Rainaldi

Major: AYA Education Single Specialty in Physics                      

1. I want my friends to describe me as: Funny and comfortable to be around. I like to entertain and be sarcastic, but I also hope my friends want to be around me.                                                                    
2. Memorable learning experience: Over the summers I work with at risk inner city children in a summer camp setting. During my experiences their I learned more about myself and children in special circumstances than anywhere or anytime else in my life.
3. My favorite subject at school and why:  Physics. It is what I hope to major in because I find the material and purpose so interesting. To me physics is something real and useful and understanding it gives me real insight into the world.
4. Accomplishment I most cherish: Learning to play 7 different instruments fluidly.
5. My work habits can best be described as:            Motivated and determined….but not until a certain point before it is due.                                                                                                    
6. Three words that describe me best: Dry, witty, determined.
7. People may be surprised to know:             I have traveled out of the country 5 times, including Australia and New Zealand.                                                                                                    
8. What I hope to be doing in ten years: Teaching Physics at a high school or college level.
9. What I do in my spare time: Practice music, fencing, or play a few games when I can.                                                                   
10. Things I can do without: I suppose I would choose something already negative like cabbage, therefore I wouldn’t loose out on anything I enjoy. But then again, that seems to defeating the point of the question.                               
11. My all-time favorite movie: Back to the Future Part One                                                                                                                                                          
12. BG’s best kept secret: Well it wouldn’t be a secret if I knew.                                         
13. Three things always found in my refrigerator: Hershey’s syrup, milk, and a second Hershey’s syrup                   
14. Person I would like to meet: Reese Roper ( You don’t need to get it, no one else would either)

15. What are your general expectations about this class? I find expectations only lead to disappointment.
16. How comfortable are you using Windows? How comfortable are you using Macs? Very comfortable with PC’s and somewhat comfortable with Mac’s.
17. Which application(s) do you use the most? Skype, social medias, word
18. Which application(s) do you want to learn how to use? I guess I will find out when I get further into the class.
19. Is there anything I need to know about you? Not that I can think of.
20. What is your attitude about using technology? I use some piece of it almost every minute of everyday. So I understand the importance of learning more about it.