Vioce Threads

Vioce thread is a way to put audio or text with a picture or video. You can even draw on the screen as you talk. I was supprised to fin that you can even ad audio via tlephone. I am not sure whether or not I like the fact that other people can add comments. It is nice However that you can edit a comment in a case where you find new info or have a cahnge of views.

If i was t use video i could see where this could be useful. I would have to play with it a little more before i was to make a decision on its use. I could see it being used by putting up a diagram and starting a class dicussion,

RW

Technology in the classroom

I think that a teacher should use up to dat technology so that a student will be familiar with the basic technology that is used in the world of work. Teachers should try to use technology that a student may use later in the faild of the class.

I see IM and chat as more of an out of class value instead of in class. In the durring instruction they would be a distraction. I think IM and chat are good for at home for students to interact if a snag is hit durring homework. Then student will be able to colaborate and help each other.

I like both online class format and in class situations. Online classes can be more relaxed and done in spare time... seems that is getting hard for me to find these days! But in class is good so that when you have a question you have time with the teacher to have interface.

To some extent a podcast can catch students attention but it is still the same concept as showing a video or using a tape with the textbook. To some students will grab their attention but to others, like i was in high school it will simply annoy me to use the computer... I have gotten better and am more open to computers so it is not such a bad thing for me.

Video games are notheing but a distraction from learning, work, and the real world. They occupy time and take use of skills that could be yused more efficiently and effectively in more productive activities. I see no skill that can be gained from it. I will have to disagree with the article. I have seen firsthand what playing videogame everyday does. It will distract people fromother tasks and cause someone to waste money on new games. Tthey are a sad addicting habbit. I hope i can raise my kids in away that theyty will not want to spend their time inside glued to a screen but rather be doing something prodctive.

RW

A bookmark.. from anywhere.

I took a look at the delicious website and this seems like a nice service. I twould be nice to have book marks at any location on any computer. I am not a big fan of creating another account to just have one more password to remember. Even though this looks like a nice thing I don not see myself signing up. I don't even use my computers bookmarks that much.

Excel Spread Sheets

I like the Excel program. It is a use ful tool for organizing information and making some large calculations on a single sclae or being able to make a large average or sum. I think i can use Excel in many forms in my classroom.

As teachers we use spreadsheets for many reasons: to keep track of grades and attendance which i say is the most useful tool. Spreadsheets also allow us to present information in an organized form to our class. The advantage of spredsheet over a calculator is that it keeps a running total of all records and that it allows you see what information is being processed. Another feature of Excell is that you can make various functions in an easier manner thatn on a calculator. Excell s a very useful tool where the possibilites are endless.

Inspiration Software

I think inspiration software is a useful tool that allows students to brainstorm and collect ideas. I see some useful lesson plans and functions to help me teach. However I cannot see trainang my students to use this program when they might only use it once or ttwice in my class. This program seems to be useful for and English or history class, but i am having trouble tring to envision using this software in an Agriculture class, where there is alot of hands on activities and class room dicussion. This tool could be apllied in my class if it were well known on campus. i just could not see putting the investment of a couple of class days used training to only use it a couple times.

I believe that brainstorming is a form of writing that has benefited most from technology. I see how this program has an excellent brainstorming function that could be helpful once a student gets used to the ideas.

I think students cam help each other in writing by brainstorming in groups and sharing ideas. The more i see a blog used in a class, the more i become adapted to its ideas. i think a blog is an excellent way for students to communicate after the school day is over. this allows them to share ideas an feed back while workin on projects at home.

Blogs in the classroom

It seems to me that blogs in the classroom could be used to let students free-write and express thier thoughts. Students can also continue classroom discussions after reserching topics so sharing information would be easier. It seems blogs could be good educational tools as long as students stay on topic and notice the value of this tool.

Mi Familia

I have an interesting family. My parents divorced when i was youn and have since remaried other people. But befor splitting up my parrents produced My older brother Kevin (26), ME, and my younger brother Micheal (18).

My mom married a guy the had never been married before and did not have any kids, so he went through a big change. My dad married a woman with 3 kids two were mostly grown and the third was the youngest of all of us who was a spoild brat...

I am close to my mom's brothers and parrents. they live just north of Waco. I love going to that area to work and play.

My dad's dad had past on before I was born. I was extremely close to my grandmother untill congestive heart failure got the better of her in 2006. It devestated me. I had lived around the corner from her all the 18 years we shared together. She had a handful of beef cattle she had bought after her and my grandpa sold their dairy cows.

My grandma and dad gave me a good work ethic and tought me alot about livng right and loving the country life. I have always loved living and working in agriculture, and working hard to keep agriculture and the country life thriving

About Me:

My name is Rob Wren and I am from Winnsboro, TX
I am a junior at Texas A&M Commerce Fixing to celebrate my 21st Birthday!
I am majoring in Agriculture Science and Technology with Teacher Certification which is a technical term for Ag ED.
At Commerce i am a Member of Collegiate FFA, Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, and Pi of Texas- an international honors association.

I transfered to TAMU-Commerce in 2008 after Completing my Associates Degree in Agriculture Science from Northeast Texas Community College in Mt. Pleasant.

I also graduated from Union Hill High School in 2006 where i was very active in the FFA.
Union Hill is a 1A school in the middle of a pasture just north of Gilmer.