Sunday, January 31, 2010

Where Technology Will Take Me

I consider myself Pretty decent with technology as i previously mentioned. Although i believe this, there is without a doubt room to grow, there always is. I would say I'm 70% compatible this day and age with computers, i pods and all technology related things. So there is definitely room for improvement here. In the future I would like to be more efficient with technology, mainly speaking of computers here. I want to be able to completely understand how a computer works and runs. This is more of a personal goal. When it comes to the future I plan on being a specialized nurse, without any idea what exactly where the specialization will be yet. I do know that nurses have to be pretty good with technology believe it or not. One of my really close family friends is a nurse and she said to me "the better you are with it, the easier your life will be" when I brought up technology, so I'm planning on taking her advice. I figure i use technology everyday all day long why not embrace it and really learn it, i mean really learn it. Sure most of us do use technology every second of our life, but i believe we kind of take it for granted and don't "learn" and understand what we have been blessed with. So my future goal in regards to technology is to improve my understanding of what i already know and further become familiar with new technologies.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Where I Stand With Technology

Before assessing where I stand in regards to technology let me first explain what technology is, or means to me. I believe technology is obviously related to computers, but also can be distant from computers. For example music mp3s and even CD’s, because you actually have to play it somewhere whether on your computer or car radio and those are forms of technology. Most people think of technology as being solely comprised of computers. That’s very untrue. In fact I’m willing to bet everything we do every second involves technology, even the less obvious like using our cars. When it comes to technology I consider myself and my generation in general at the top of our game. We our exposed and somewhat forced to stay current with technology. Even in school were expected to use programs like Microsoft Word and PowerPoint. Most of these programs are constantly being updated and so we must adapt to the changes. Technology is a part of us and will be forever. Older people may say they despise technology but I’m willing to bet they have cell phones, and use email as a form of communication at the very least. Technology in my life that I use on a daily basis includes using Facebook, emailing, and also using programs like Skype to video chat with friends. I am very active with all these things as most of my friends are. I am also ok when it comes to using cameras and editing and posting photos. The majority of my technology usage comes in the form of entertainment, texting, Facebooking, taking pictures, downloading music, etc.

Although I am young and have good knowledge with technology there are some things I’m iffy about and aren’t as comfortable using. A great example is using programs like Microsoft Excel and other business related programs. I can’t seem to figure them out! Also I’m not very good at blogging and never really have until this class. Another thing I seem to suck at is setting up a network and getting internet running, sounds dumb but man it frustrates me. My roommate would probably also argue that I’m not very good at typing which I guess could be related to technology. I use computers all day long and type a million words a day, but can’t seem to improve my typing speed at all. As we speak I’m still in class typing this while everyone has left. I know enough about technology to keep me happy and get what I need to get done, but I am not by any means a computer genius. I would not be able to take apart my computer and rebuild it.

Monday, January 25, 2010

" Connecting the Digital Dots: Literacy of the 21st Century Connecting the Digital Dots: Literacy of the 21st Century" Summary of article

This article is written by two educated women, who may quite possibly be teachers based on the fact that they speak a lot about new "literacy" and the classroom setting. This article was published in order to inform all of America, but mainly older people I'd say between 20-50 years of age. The article deals with how technology has come a long way and has influenced heavily literacy. According to the article it is no longer enough to be literate by just being able to read and write, literacy has taken a totally new meaning. Now, in the 21st century to be completely literate you must be able to access and use computers, phones, and other of technologies blessings. Everything is computerized and often times what we read comes directly off of computer screens. Also discussed is how a new generation of fast paced teenagers, "E-Generation" has emerged. Teachers must now meet the demand of these kids and change their teaching completely, from standard, traditional chalk boards to computers and fancy projectors. Many older teachers find it hard to meet these needs and have a difficult time engaging the students. The authors believe we will slowly connect the dots between old literacy and the new form of it. Till then they suggest that its a great thing, and that because of it we are communicting more so than ever before.