Saturday, July 28, 2007

Blog 7

How do you feel about the hands-on Task activities? Do you feel like you are showing what you know at all or would you rather do something else? If so, what else would you rather do (besides not do they at all)?

Personally, I do not like the hands-on activities, but if I know what I'm doing they're not unbearable. I don't feel like they show what I know, mostly because what we're learning in class is rarely integrated into the tasks. If I had the choice to do something else, I'm not sure what I would propose. I feel that the SAM modules, exams, and midterm/final are effective in showing what we know. Perhaps there are no better solutions than tasks to offer hands-on experience with these tools besides using them how we do already on an everyday basis.

Sunday, July 22, 2007

Blog 6

What is your favorite web site in the world? What is the one place you have to visit every time you get on the computer? What is it about that site that makes it better than all the others? Is it the content? The layout? The things you get from it?
For this I would have to say Myspace. It's the one website I'll check when I have no other reason for being on the computer. I like it because it's very easy and whenever you see something cool or something you would like to implement onto your own myspace, there are many available help options for you to use. The content and layout make the site very easy to use and self-explanatory.

Blog 5

What has been the most frustrating thing for you about doing a class completely online to this point? Would it have been easier if we had been able to meet face to face between 6-8 times during the semester?
If you would have liked to have met, how many times do you think would have been optimal? Why?


The most frustrating thing for me is that I'm currently taking 3 classes and often forget to check for this one! Last summer semester I was also in 3 classes, but one was also online so I seemed to remember better. I'm not sure it would have been better for me personally to meet just because I think the Sam stuff is very self-explanatory and there is always help available when it's needed.

Monday, July 9, 2007

Blog Number 4

What applications do you use most often on your computer? Why? Is it related to school? Work? Fun?
What would you rather be doing right now?


I use the internet most often on my computer. I use myspace all the time to keep in touch with old friends as well as new ones, and I use google all the time for many various reasons. I also use WebCT for the obvious reasons!
I use Word a lot as well, mostly for school related projects and papers. Sometimes I use it to write poetry or short stories when I don't feel like hand writing them.
Most of the things I use the computer for are for fun, but things like Word and WebCT are used for school.
As far as computers go, I would like to be fixing my soundcard- it's dead and I'm not sure it's fixable! As far as life in general, I'd like to be sleeping or living in my new apartment!!!

Monday, June 25, 2007

How has the internet changed your life?
How have computers changed your life?
What would life be like without either or both?

The internet has been instrumental in my life. I use it to keep in touch with friends, I use it to do research for classes, and I use it for online classes. I'm not big on talking on the phone so being able to keep in touch with friends without that is quite convienient. I also can show pictures to my friends without having to go to the store and pay to develop them. It's nice to have access to information without having to break open an encyclopedia. The internet has made being a good friend and explanding my intelligence much easier!

Computers offer an escape from boredom through computer games! I'm always on the computer using the internet, playing Solitaire, or writing papers. They have definately made life easier.

Without the internet and computers, my life would be much more complicated. I would have to hand-write papers or use a type-writer, neither of which I have much patience for. I would have to talk to friends on the phone or go see them, or I might risk losing people! I would have to develop pictures, and wait for my bank statements to come in the mail. I know that would cause me to overdraw more than I do with online statements. To keep in touch with friends that may bo out of town I would have to write letters as opposed to emails. I think computers and internet have made life much easier for people, and without them I am not sure people would fare as well as they did before computers were around.

Monday, June 18, 2007

Week 3&4 Discussion

Now that you have completed the first two weeks of class, we would like you to reflect on a couple of things in your Blog.1. What role have computers played in your life until now? How do they help and hinder you?2. How competent do you feel you are with word processors like Word Perfect or MS Word?

Computers have been very important in my life for as long as I can remember. I use Google constantly to search for information, I use Word and Powerpoint to write papers and projects, I use hotmail and myspace to keep in touch with old and new friends, I use aol instant messenger and msn messenger to chat with friends. Without a computer in my life, I'm not sure where I would be. They help me to be a better friend as I hate talking on the phone, they help me to be a better and more creative student, and they keep me from being bored most of the time. They don't really hinder me at all, as all the applications I use are ones I am familiar with. Also, my mom is a computer whiz, as is my dad, so any time I might have a problem, they are always there to help me. I guess the main thing I have had some difficulties with are installed things going wrong and not having the hardware to reinstall them. It has led to a few difficulties especially in the last week, but with the help of my curiosity and my roommate I am up and running smoothly again.
I feel that I am very competent with MS Word, though I'm not sure what Word Perfect is. I use word all the time, whether it's just to jot things down when I don't feel like writing, or using word to write a 7 page paper. I have never had any complications with word, as everything is pretty much cut and dry. If, on the off chance I do have problems, I know there is always help nearby. Basically, I feel completely at ease with all aspects of word.

Tuesday, June 5, 2007

Week One Discussion - Introduce yourself

Hi, my name is Katie Wilson, I'm a junior at UNT with a major in Early Childhood Development and a minor in Women's Studies.
My past experiences with technology include but are not limited to various computer games growing up ( my favorite was a math game I think called Avi), emailing various people, using Google, Word, Powerpoint, using Myspace etc. It's been an integral part of growing up, and I feel that just by experience I have learned a lot. I feel that I am relatively strong with the technology I use on a regular basis, but things I never use, such as Excel, I don't feel comfortable with.
My most positive experience with technology would have to be email, because aside from Myspace, it is the website I frequent the most. I have had the opportunity to keep in touch with people I have met from various travels in Europe, as well as friends who have simply moved away. I can send pictures, or email funny clips to my friends. All in all email just makes life easier.
Honestly what I hope to get out of this course, is to still be alive! I'm taking 18 hours this summer so I'm busy all the time. I got all A's for the first time ever in the spring 07 semester so that is my ultimate goal this summer as well. I hope to learn more about the things I use on a regular basis, as well as familiarize myself with things I am not comfortable with.