*Is distance education a good idea in high school classrooms?*
As a future teacher, I think distance education is great in the high school classrooms. I think it is important for students to get the experience of the distance classes in case they have to take some like them in the future. It is a great way to expand their knowledge of technology and everything it can accomplish. Students would also be able to make and meet friends from all over the world and even learn about different cultures. I think that all students should be required to take at least one distance education class if the resources are available.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Technology Too Early?
*Are kids getting technology too early?*
I remember that I was in high school and being very active before my mom even considered me getting a cell phone. The only reason I ended up getting one was because she couldn't keep up with all of my extra curricular activities and I could call her when I was done and needed a ride. These days, I feel like kids are getting technology way too early. What is the point of a kid having a cell phone in middle school or even younger? The girl who sent over a thousand text messages a month was an eye opener for me. I am just not sure what the point is. I feel that high school is a good age to begin thinking about a cell phone for a student because this is when they are most active in school.
However, technology such as computers and computerized toys/activities could be a good thing. They could help students to begin on their educational knowledge and help with studying. Although, parents should be careful of how their children are using technology resources such as the Internet.
I remember that I was in high school and being very active before my mom even considered me getting a cell phone. The only reason I ended up getting one was because she couldn't keep up with all of my extra curricular activities and I could call her when I was done and needed a ride. These days, I feel like kids are getting technology way too early. What is the point of a kid having a cell phone in middle school or even younger? The girl who sent over a thousand text messages a month was an eye opener for me. I am just not sure what the point is. I feel that high school is a good age to begin thinking about a cell phone for a student because this is when they are most active in school.
However, technology such as computers and computerized toys/activities could be a good thing. They could help students to begin on their educational knowledge and help with studying. Although, parents should be careful of how their children are using technology resources such as the Internet.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Technology in the Class
I just recently learned that technology is a great way to get students involved in the classroom. By using technology such as blogs, wikis, and online discussions, students can be actively involved in classroom discussion as if they were talking out loud. Some students may not be able to express their ideas verbally and come out of their comfort zone during online technology discussions. These are also a great way for students to get familiar with technology. Technology is becoming an integral part of the classroom today and it is important to expose students to it in many different ways. Computers are also a great resource for students. There are many different softwares for students to explore and create things on. Students can also use the Internet to research and further their education in the class. So, I think technology is definitely a great thing in the classroom!
Monday, March 30, 2009
2007 or 2003?
*Which Microsoft program software is better, 2003 or 2007?*
Well, I can't specifically say it is better, but I like Microsoft 2007 program better than 2003. Items are so much easier to find on the toolbar and it is laid out so that you can actually see everything instead of having to click on a thousand menu bars to view it!
I did take a whole course on the 2007 programs, so I would probably choose this one over the other. However, when I began the Microsoft Word class (the first one I took of 2007), I hated it. I couldn't find anything and I was so confused. After playing around in it and completing my lessons, I loved it! My only concern is that not all schools are changed to 2007 software yet. So, I might have to change my teaching or re-teach myself Microsoft 2003 programs and whichever school I end up at.
Well, I can't specifically say it is better, but I like Microsoft 2007 program better than 2003. Items are so much easier to find on the toolbar and it is laid out so that you can actually see everything instead of having to click on a thousand menu bars to view it!
I did take a whole course on the 2007 programs, so I would probably choose this one over the other. However, when I began the Microsoft Word class (the first one I took of 2007), I hated it. I couldn't find anything and I was so confused. After playing around in it and completing my lessons, I loved it! My only concern is that not all schools are changed to 2007 software yet. So, I might have to change my teaching or re-teach myself Microsoft 2003 programs and whichever school I end up at.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Praxis
I just recently took the business education praxis exam. I was very nervous going in to take it. I bought the study book and read through every page of it and complete the practice exam at the end like a million times! I also went to the website and used their study questions. However, going in on the day of the test, I did not feel very prepared. I felt like I had not studied enough and that I was going to fail.
When I began the test, I felt much better about the questions. Some of them were even the exact same ones from the study guides I had completed! It was like any normal exam. There were questions I knew right off the bat, questions that I could narrow down to two answers, and some I just had to guess at. I passed.
However, my main point of this blog is that just because I passed the exam, does that mean I am certified in all six areas that are covered in the test? I could have gotten all of the computer application questions right, but not one single accounting question right and still passed. So, that makes me certified to teach accounting and computer classes? I just feel that there has to be a better way to test the knowledge of each subject area and show that we really are ready for every subject-not just a combination. Don't get me wrong--I am very happy I passed! It just does not make sense to me that I can get all of one set of questions right and another wrong, yet I am still qualified to teach all of the areas??
When I began the test, I felt much better about the questions. Some of them were even the exact same ones from the study guides I had completed! It was like any normal exam. There were questions I knew right off the bat, questions that I could narrow down to two answers, and some I just had to guess at. I passed.
However, my main point of this blog is that just because I passed the exam, does that mean I am certified in all six areas that are covered in the test? I could have gotten all of the computer application questions right, but not one single accounting question right and still passed. So, that makes me certified to teach accounting and computer classes? I just feel that there has to be a better way to test the knowledge of each subject area and show that we really are ready for every subject-not just a combination. Don't get me wrong--I am very happy I passed! It just does not make sense to me that I can get all of one set of questions right and another wrong, yet I am still qualified to teach all of the areas??
Monday, March 23, 2009
Certification Exams
*Are certification exams a good thing?*
There are two types of certification exams you must pass in order to intern in the business education field. The IC3 and Microsoft Office exams. IC3 stands for Internet and Computing Core Certification. There are three parts to the exam: computing fundamentals, key applications, and living online. This exam tests the basic knowledge of computer functions and all that is associated with technology. The Microsoft Office exams include Excel, Access, Word, and PowerPoint. Each of these tests infers upon your knowledge of each program.
When I began taking the exams, I felt that it was a waste of my time. However, now that I am almost ready for internship, I am so glad I have all of those under my belt. I feel like I really learned from them and they made me more prepared for the information I will have to teach. There is a downfall to the tests. Each test is about $80 dollars to take. However, you do get one free re-take if you do not pass the first time.
There are two types of certification exams you must pass in order to intern in the business education field. The IC3 and Microsoft Office exams. IC3 stands for Internet and Computing Core Certification. There are three parts to the exam: computing fundamentals, key applications, and living online. This exam tests the basic knowledge of computer functions and all that is associated with technology. The Microsoft Office exams include Excel, Access, Word, and PowerPoint. Each of these tests infers upon your knowledge of each program.
When I began taking the exams, I felt that it was a waste of my time. However, now that I am almost ready for internship, I am so glad I have all of those under my belt. I feel like I really learned from them and they made me more prepared for the information I will have to teach. There is a downfall to the tests. Each test is about $80 dollars to take. However, you do get one free re-take if you do not pass the first time.
Monday, March 9, 2009
New or Old?
*Is the new Course of Study preferred over the old Course of Study?*
First and foremost, I think the Course of Study for Business and Marketing Education is great. During my methods class last fall, I worked with the new Course of Study that will be used in the schools starting in the fall of 2009. We also took a look at the old COS in order to make a fair comparison. I personally loved the new COS. They have changed some of the classes around to make them more efficient and are offering some new courses for students. The State Department has also narrowed each course down to only have 20 objectives. The list of objectives is now compressed, but it covers the same amount of material.
Although I think the new COS is better, there are some things I have not learned enough about and I may not feel comfortable teaching those areas. I wish that students majoring in Business and Marketing Education would be taught somewhat by the COS. I feel that if it is in the COS, we should have at least one class about it. Overall, I like the new COS better than the old COS.
First and foremost, I think the Course of Study for Business and Marketing Education is great. During my methods class last fall, I worked with the new Course of Study that will be used in the schools starting in the fall of 2009. We also took a look at the old COS in order to make a fair comparison. I personally loved the new COS. They have changed some of the classes around to make them more efficient and are offering some new courses for students. The State Department has also narrowed each course down to only have 20 objectives. The list of objectives is now compressed, but it covers the same amount of material.
Although I think the new COS is better, there are some things I have not learned enough about and I may not feel comfortable teaching those areas. I wish that students majoring in Business and Marketing Education would be taught somewhat by the COS. I feel that if it is in the COS, we should have at least one class about it. Overall, I like the new COS better than the old COS.
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