Post #1

I found the section with examples of how a teacher might use computers as one of the very few pertinent to my situation. The ISTE standards do not apply to my intended field (at least the book does not mention post-secondary education as subject to the law), as very little of the K-12 legislation might as well. The technology, however, does not change. I find the focus of Windows XP to be somewhat self-defeating as well, since Windows Vista will most likely be the dominant operating system when we begin teaching. Plug-and-play also makes many of the peripheral concerns null, as you simply plug it in, and it works. Familiarizing yourself with the device comes more through experience than anything else. The diagrams do give accurate representations on how many devices are linked, however. And I believe they may help to get a general idea of how things connect.

I have not acquired any new skills that I am aware of. I knew most of the XP shortcuts, locations of links and programs, etc. Generally, when I have to troubleshoot anything, I search forums for an answer. If I had to say I learned anything new, it would be the location of the blogger website and remembering to type in "@fsu.edu" after my username to log in (which I forgot a few times).

I just spent about $120 on this book and the disks that come with it, and I doubt that would make anyone have a "good" day. I recently just fixed my desktop computer by messing around with some of the CPU options in the BIOS. I also began playing a game that I had not played in about three years with a few friends recently. Regarding technology, that may be all I have to say. I am glad my desktop is up and running again, as now I am not stuck with my laptop that overheats anymore.

Post #0

Here is my life plan: Once I blast through the Undergraduate program in two and a half years, I will go on to graduate school. I have not decided on a school yet, but I plan on moving somewhere up north (I do not much enjoy walking to class while it is 90 degrees out). After getting a Masters (most likely in some form of literature), I will go on to teaching at the post-secondary level and pursuing a Doctorate-level degree. Hopefully, at some point in my life I will get married and have a family. If not, I will get a dog and be happy. That is the plan.

I have had nerd friends most of my life, and while I do not actually consider myself one of them, I have been exposed to a variety of technologies because of them. I have been using a computer for as long as I can remember, and I have consistently been the only one in my family who knows how to use the television remote. I took one web design class in high school, but that is the extent of my formal education concerning technology. I have always had a knack for taking electronics apart and putting them back together (sometimes not quite successfully). All-in-all, I would consider myself an average technologically-experienced user.

First of all, as I am sure is the case with most, I would like a good grade. Beyond the grade though, I would like to understand Microsoft Excel a bit better (as I have always felt it would be useful). Other than that, I always enjoy a chance to write. Blogging seems like it could be fun.