Post #2

As a student I've used Microsoft Word quite a bit. If there is one computer program that I have been required to use over the years, this would certainly be it. Ever since around the eighth grade I've been using Microsoft Word for things such as papers, birthday party invitations, and making To-Do lists. When I got to high school I was required to use it even more because I wrote many more papers and reports that had to be typed. I never really used Microsoft Word for anything but writing papers or reports, so this class has already showed me so much more that I can do with the program. I always thought that you just use it for basic things, but Microsoft Word has so much more to it. In college I use it all of the time! I like how basic and user friendly it is, because I'm terrible at using computers and even I can successfully work it. Not only have I been using Microsoft Word, I've also seen a lot of my teachers use it. When they make worksheets or attach documents into an e-mail, they are usually in Microsoft Word.

Chapter #9 taught me a lot about different ways a computer can be used, especially in Word. Like I've said a few times before, I do not operate a computer very well so I have a lot to learn. I think that even the basics, which were discussed in great detail in this chapter, are important for teachers to go over. Not every student is going to have the same computer skills, so it is important to make sure that everyone is starting on an equal playing field. This chapter discussed many important skills such as bullets and numbering, making links to the Internet, using tables, and importing data from different locations. All of these skills, although not difficult and advanced, can be used for many important yet simple things such as enhancing organization skills. One great idea that I got from Chapter #9 was having text reading software. I liked that you can give students the option of either reading from a book or reading the same material from the computer. You don't have to expect everyone to want to use the computer, but you should always have the option open to the students. Another thing that I hope to use as a teacher that was in the chapter was a class newspaper. Students get to be creative and innovative, but they are using computer, grammer, and writing skills. I like activities that are fun but also educational, and this chapter had a lot of great ideas of how I can create these activities as an educator!

So far in this class I have learned so much. I am probably the worst person on this planet at operating a computer, so even learning the basics has taught me more than I knew before. I think that it is extremely important for a teacher to be able to use a computer in order to enhance lessons that are taught. Every student learns differently and I think that a computer offers so much more than a teacher can. With the growing use of computers, it's more important than ever to have computer skills as an educator. I think that this class will be an awesome class to have as a future teacher. In this class I will eventually learn how to make newsletters, worksheets, quizzes, and use PowerPoint. All of these skills and more will help me be a better teacher. So far I've learned a lot about Windows, Paint, and Microsoft Word, all of which can be used for many things in the classroom setting. Not only does the class teach how to use a computer; it also gives examples of techniques and ways that teachers can more efficiently teach using a computer.