Technology at its best!

Well, some of you may have been reading my blogs and thinking I am quite negative towards technology. So, maybe I will tell you about some highlights of it (not dealing with computers but with medical advances). I work at Valley View Centre and we were introduced to lifts and electric beds and much more. Back 50 years ago (heck I think it was even 20 years ago), they did not have these luxuries and the staff would have to manually do everything such as lift the heavier clients which was strenuous to their well-being and may jeopardize themselves. However, with the advances of putting a client in a sling and using a mechanical lift is quite relaxing and does not hurt ourselves as much. THANKS TECHNOLOGY!
Ok, enough with the sappy moment of praising it. Let's get back to my other views... The other day, I was drawing pictures on the wall at work using a projector and transparent sheets. This was pretty much the FIRST TIME I used a projector and I had no clue how to use it. It was rather an old-school one, and so I had hard time finding the button to turn it on, focussing it, making it the size I wanted, and all that stuff. By the time I figured everything out, I could of just drawn the stuff free-hand on the wall! I guess this was a good lesson to be learned as I am getting into a profession where I may need to use the projector for different lessons! *sighs*

Digital Camera usage :D Fun lesson!

I was searching through my H: Directory when I came across this photo. I can't believe I still have it, so I figured I will share it with all of you. I was in ECMP in the Spring course for about a week and on first day of classes we were given digital cameras and were given the opportunity to explore the university and take pictures of random things that interested us (using all kinds of features on the camera and perspectives/sides to the object). After taking the pictures we had to upload it onto our computer and then go to this site (forget what it is) where we can alter the pictures with special effects, fades, and more. We had to use 2-3 different effects for our final product; thus this is my final picture. Can anyone tell where each of these pictures were taken? (especially the one in the top left hand corner) I used 8 pictures to form this scene and I loved this assignment because it gave us the freedom to do what we wanted, set it up however we wished, etc. VERY FUN AND CREATIVE, GOOD IDEA FOR AN ART ASSIGNMENT DEALING WITH TECHNOLOGY, if you have a digital camera in your classroom that is ;)

New Findings in ECMP

Well well well... another day we learned the wonders of what the computer can do! We have learned many things such as Microsoft Office and how easy it is to complete many cover letters from using mail merge; slideshow and how to use captions and other special features; the many games that are educational and fun to play; how to create a blog (and still finding new things to put on it); wikipages; and where to get music from (pandora and singingfish are my favourites now) Today, we finally learned how to do some REALLY COOL stuff! LOL How nerdy does that sound?

We focussed on creating animation and creating our own webpage! The animation thing is so cool (we used MS Paint to create slides, then we went into Unfreez to create an animation film strip sort of thing). Later we went into SmashMX and it is pretty sweet! This is where we can do anotehr kind of slideshow where we can add text and pictures and then watch it. If I can get my "first" creations onto my blog site I will post them on to show you my creativity ;) Well its not that creative since it was a lot to take in for one class... but its a start. Lastly, we learned how to create a webpage! I have been trying to find a program that would suit me and be easy to understand. I thought creating a webpage was so hard, like only special computer people could do it. I never thought that I would be able to. But I can! YAY! This is what I have been waiting for awhile since I have NO clue how to do it and the ones that I have tried sucked majorly. We used a program called DreamWeaver and it is great! I know how to link pages together, design, make it pretty, all that jazz! Now I am really excited to start on my major project! I have the perfect idea... now we will see if technology will be my friend or my worst enemy!

The Carillon posting

Recently I picked up The Carillon Jan 18-31, 2007 (Vol 49- Issue 13) university newspaper. On page 21 there was a commentary on overrated technology in 2006 by Matt Obrigewitsch. In this article he discusses the disappointments that technology has been in the past year. He stated: "In our consumer society, so many products are hyped before they are available in a sometimes futile attempt to get us to buy the merchandise". To begin he starts with the Apple's Mac computer. He tells us how people focus on the "Mac" part and forget the computer part and how costly it can get to fix once it breaks down. Then, he goes on to say how YouTube "is filled with poor quality junk; it is about one person coming up with a good idea, five people copying and filming it with a cellphone camera, and thousands of others saying 'omg 2 cool' or 'u suk'". Lastly, he talked about gaming systems such as PlayStation 3 being overrated by Sony itself. It is way too costly ($680) and uses Blue Ray discs to play movies.

This article really stood out to me because its someone's opinion about technology. Some people may agree or disagree with Matt on his view. What do you think? Do you believe that a lot of technology that is coming out is overrated? If so which ones and why? While looking at this article, I agree with him on the gaming systems because seriously coming out with a new system like every year for $700 + is not the best way to spend money (especially for university students). However, I like YouTube and the videos that can be found on there. So, I agree with some of the things he says. So, let me know what you think? As Matt concludes: "In the meantime, keep your eyes on the iPhone".

What you can do on the net!

Hey Everyone! I created this bottlecap from going to this one website where you can choose a picture and then "type" whatever you want onto it. I also did a bridge where what I typed looks like actual graffiti in which I fooled a few people that I actually did. It looks rather realistic; however, when I wanted to go back to this website I forgot what it is called since I did this about 2 years ago. So, if anyone knows what site this could be, let me know!

Career Expo

Hey! Time is sure flying this semester and year. Can anyone believe it is already January 23rd??? I can hardly believe this! Soon enough most of us in this class will be graduated and pursuing teacher careers. How did everyone enjoy the Career Expo yesterday? I found it very informative yet stressful finding a district that I would want to live in. All we can do is cross our fingers though right?
Besides this, how is technology going in people's lives? Any new things you have done that you haven't yet? Well, I just got a new cell phone with camera, text messaging, and more features that I was not used to from my old 2003 Nokia phone. I am still discovering things on this phone such as flash for the camera and understanding how to use T9 word (yeah Im simple minded so its really hard for me lol). At this moment in time of only having the phone for 5 days, I cannot understand how people can text message so much and so fast. Maybe I am just old fashioned, but wow it takes me like 10 minutes to type a simple sentence!

Cartoons

I would like to take the time to reflect on two cartoons I have chosen for my blog site. The first one is at the top and I chose this picture to show our dependence on technology. I strongly believe that technology is taking control of us instead of us being the ones controlling technology. Thus, I chose this picture to show evidence on how reliant we are on technology and how it is it our lifeline. I would like feedback about what you all think about the cartoon I have chosen. Do you agree or disagree?

Also, I chose something that is funny, yet suits my lifestyle (being known as a hick I found this funny at least). For those who know me, understand my hatred for cities. I will always dislike cities because of the busyness, crowds, traffic, etc. Through the first teck task I noticed that I am not the only one that is "country" in this class, so I figured since we are learning about a bunch of high tech fancy schmany terminology and whatnot .... I wanted to show the country way of technology. If you were to travel back 50 years ago, and you asked townsfolk what reboot, mouse, and even modem meant, how do you think they would respond? Maybe in the same fashion as the cartoon?

This is just some things to think about and "reflect upon" (since we all know we all know in the education section we all LOVE to reflect) on how much technology has changed throughout the years. Hope to hear some feedback
Peace.

What Language Programmer Are You?

So, I went to a site Alec blogged about what programming language are you? I found that quite interesting. I am php! I believe this rings true to me, I do enjoy the web and I do confuse people who work with me! I'm a confusing person time to time but yeah its all good! Just thought I would share my results with everyone. You all should try it!
http://www.bbspot.com/News/2006/08/language_quiz.php

Personal life

Well, I figure I should write a little bit about myself and what I have been up to the past while. I am on a roll at blogging I have blogs coming from everywhere it seems. If you want you can check my blog out on MSN myspace (if you dare to seek the dark side of me just kidding). I wanted to keep my personal side away from my professional side; however, I figure I will tell you a bit of news about myself that I haven't already said in my profile. My name is Krissy and I have many of nicknames that you probably saw. Yeah some of them are a little nuts but all have meanings behind them. I described myself to my coop is that I have many sides to myself, and he always commented on these sides, dominantly on my hick-ness. I'm just your average student, in her fourth year of elementary education and anticipating April to come quickly. People tell me not to look forward to the "real world" and spend as much time as you can in university... well I feel like I have been here forever and I think I just greatly want to get out of this city.
I pre interned in a grade two classroom at MacNeill School and interned in a prek/k classrooms at Imperial Community School (both in Regina). I had a lot of fun teaching and in some sense it didn't feel like teaching at all. I was told taht internship is the hardest part of the program and to be truthful I found it to be the most fun! Going into internship I was very bitter due to fact my first coop backed out on me the last minute and I got asked to go into a classroom which was my last preference. Nonetheless, I made the best of it and in four months the little munchkins grew on me. Pre internship and internship was a time for me to test my boundaries. In pre - internship I focussed on a whole unit on Aboriginal content (boy that was sure a hassle, but accomplishment all in one), and in internship I focussed on the five senses but to raise the bar I taught the children Spanish and made my pre k kids do special presentations for the family. Also, my pre k kids and I created a song along the same lines as "Looking for Dracula" but ours was a Christmas version.
Other than education, there is a lot going on with my personal life. Some greatest accomplishments is finally making the doctors believe my knee is still hurting after 2.5 years and I'm on a waitlist for Scoping, and I am having my tonsillectomy on Feb 1st (another accomplishment because this took half a year if not more to get into a specialist) . Also, I work as a Casual on Resident Care at Valley View Centre in Moose Jaw on the weekends. This is one of the best jobs that I have had and it is something I am passionate / interested in (special education component). Working out in VVC has taught me many lessons that I can adapt to my teachings such as passion, caring, loving, understanding, motivating, staying active and singing songs, etc. I will definitely take what I have learned into my teachings. Alas, everyone had something to say about their weekend. To sum, mine was sad as I found out some very upsetting news and am attending a funeral for a friend of mine on Wednesday. So, things can only look up from here...

Peace. Love. Happiness.

New things I learned and my family tree book

Wow! The new things I am learning in this class is great not only for my career as a teacher but also for my personal usage. The tux games we played are SOOOOOOOOOOO much better than the games I remember. Tux Typing beats Mavis Beacon; Tux Paint beats Paint; Tux Math beats math blaster! I remembered when Midnght Rescue was the in - thing in my school. Wow was it sure a great game on the old orange and black screens! Now you can do virtually anything on the computer in full color! Spreadsheets are a wonderful thing to have to record data for grading. I have used spreadsheets before and nothing has phased me because the equations for averages and the cells are very similiar. But, it was a great review to have!

I am still at doubts with technology because let's face it, it can screw up just like anything else! Back in high school, I was one to write a lot of stories, essays, and reports. I was not that smart to save every ten minutes and thus sometimes I would push a button and it deleted everything on me. There was no way of retrieving this at all, and thus I disliked technology. However, I am so happy to learn about the different things about Microsoft Office that I did not know about before. For resumes, letters, and cover letters, I will definitely think about using mail merge as a source of making things easier on me.

I think one of my greatest accomplishments while dealing with computers is my family tree book. Four years I worked on my family tree book while attending high school. Four long and grueling years (maybe that is a little dramatic); but, it was hard work and partially due to the fact I made it more complicated than I should have. I would of been done in 2 years; however, we just got a new scanner and thus I figured the family tree book would look awesome with pictures of my family in it. So, waiting for snail mail (ahhh one great thing about the internet is receiving pictures much faster than snail mail) took forever. Finally when I started scanning my pictures they were all sizes so I had to learn about cropping and making sure that I enlarged the pictures the same length and width so that some pictures didn't make the people look bigger than they should have. Thus, I was finished December 2004 and believed it was a success. Unfortunately, a family tree is never complete. So, with this said technology played a very important part because with receiving a hard copy of the book, I also included a cd rom with pictures and a disc (rtf format) so that when new information arises they can just add it to the book electronically.

Remote Assistance

Hey everybody! I don't know if its from sleep deprivation last night or what but I am yet truly amazed at the power of technology. My boyfriend introduced me to remote assistance tonight. Does anyone know what that is or am I just behind the technology time? My mind is still boggled, yet intrigued, all at once. Of what I gathered you can go into someone elses's desktop and do stuff (or like Alec mentioned "assist another computer user from a distance"). Its really weird! From my computer I was actually be on his desktop also, where I could have conversations with his friends, change his tunes, go through stuff of his. Although it did lag somewhat, it is interesting to be able to jump from desktop to desktop if needed at a click of a button. Maybe technology can be beneficial especially something like that when you have no clue what's going on and you need help asap!

iPhone perspective

Picture taken from http://www.apple.com/iphone/

There is a new technology device sweeping the nation and that is Apple's New iPhone! The iPhone has many different functions; it is a cell phone but it is also an iPod where you can check email, send text, photos, watch videos, and more on a touch screen. The website to look at such a "revolutionary advance" is http://www.apple.com/iphone/

The underlying question is "do we really NEED this?" Well, obviously the answer I will say would be NO! It is just another luxury item to distract some people from everyday events. It is bad enough talking on a cell phone while driving or text messaging while a friend comes to visit you; now we have a whole new distraction.

What will they think of next? Technology where with a push of a button you can access food, go to bathroom, get dressed, etc? Where are our lives heading? A lot of us rely on technology to get us through the day... check it out we take a car or the bus to school, we use computers to type up reports and research, we go on MSN to chat with our buddies, etc.

Technology is everywhere, no denying it; however, what did they used to do in the past? Hmm... People complain at how hard life is nowadays but if you want to think of it in another aspect we have it pretty good compared to 100 years ago, 50 years ago, heck even 20 years ago! And now they are thinking about implanting microchips in your head to be used as a cell phone! OH MY GOODNESS! That is all I have to say! I am guilty of using MSN for means of communicating to others or the computer for my writing; but I could live without it. In truth, it is getting to be more of a problem then a luxury (at least in my case). They have already created things to send messages, photos, have digital music and videos, and whatever else this iPhone does. But now because of our "wanting" of such technological devices they had to bring it all together into a hand held carrying device so that we can be around this stuff even more. At least, when a person went to university or to your job they can get away from such things so that it would be somewhat of a luxury; but now what luxury is it really? I don't really agree with these kinds of technological advances, but I think advances that are helpful such as machines for medical purposes for example are beneficial in society.

Why do we feel now that we can't function in society today without having the best computer/phone/tv? ( Jenna Pfeifer, ECMP 355). We feel compliant that we must follow the trends. If you meet someone that doesn't have a cell phone or digital camera, it's like a huge gasp and shock of why they wouldn't. Technology can be compared to as survival of the fittest. If you don't have the most up to date material you are living in the past. Why must we let such things swallow us whole and make us feel we have to spend our money on this?

what i learned today

I am hoping to learn a lot in this class about technology and computers in general. I am really interested in creating a DVD with music and maybe some videos for my parents' 25th anniversary. I think this will be a huge job but I am determined to get it done for August! I am excited to discover the different things that the computer and internet has to offer. Thus far, I have fell in love with tux tools, blogging, and youtube videos. The Free Hug campaign is awesome! That is just something I could see myself doing someday while watching down the street. Yeah Never dare me to do things because I will do them :P Anywho this is just a short note before class ends but rest assure you will get annoyed of my blogs because they can get lengthy at times! :P

Peace.

My First Blog

Hola Amigos e Amigas!
This is my first blog and you may think of me as Jekyll and Hyde if you compare my MSN myspace blogs to this one. I have decided to separate my MSN blog to this one because like in education (at times) we have to separate our personal/home lives with our professional lives. I hope you enjoy this site! I will have some pictures, my opinions, links, and just random blogging. So, enjoy and Feliz Ano Nuevo (Happy New Year)!