Changing the Ways of Education Through Technology

Education has changed dramatically since our parents' generation was in school. Where our parents used encyclopedias for research papers, we now use "Google Search". Our parents had typewriting lessons on typewriters, which could only print text, whereas we now have typewriting lessons for computer keyboards with which our options are limitless. Classroom resources for demonstrations have transformed from chalkboards, to overhead projectors, to smart boards. They have become easier to use and more effective in student's learning. By using the resources we have, we are able to enhance the way in which students learn. We should use our knowledge of various strengths and weaknesses that children have in learning to create ways in which all students can obtain a better education. It is great that with the advancement of technology, businesses are finding ways to increase the use of interactive learning processes.

http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/19/tech/mobile/apple-ibooks-2/index.html#

Advancing in Technology: For better or for worse?

Technology has come a long way in the past fifty years, but the question is, has it been a positive or a negative influence in the world?  I believe that technology can be of both assistance and hindrance in our lives depending on how we use it.  If you are one of those people that can lose track of time for hours on social networking sites, playing video games, chatting, or doing meaningless activities, then technology appears to be holding you back.  On the other hand, if technology is used for good, such as family history work, or research, it can help us solve problems more efficiently. So many factors of life have been made simpler by the advancement of technology like spreading the gospel, staying connected with family and friends, and providing unlimited resources of information. In my opinion, the answer to whether or not technology has improved the world we live in all depends on how we use it.
http://www.mat.upm.es/~jcm/neil-postman--five-things.html
http://lds.org/ensign/2001/05/focus-and-priorities?lang=eng

First Three-day weekend of the New Year!

Although the semester only began two weeks ago, our first day off of the semester was gladly welcomed.  Having long breaks like Christmas vacation makes me realize how much I really enjoy just relaxing and letting my brain be stress free for a little while.  This weekend included lots of family fun, my first experience in my new calling, and of course some relaxing on the side!  Yesterday, was my first week as a primary Sunday school teacher which, in my ward, really means nursery teacher/baby-sitter.  Since Daniel and I are in a married student ward, of the few babies that there are, there is only one child old enough for nursery.  As nursery teachers, two of us team up to take care of one cute little girl for two hours and it's so much fun!  Sunday afternoon, during my usual Sunday phone call to my family, my brother had been practicing his French horn and decided he was going to play to me over the phone for twenty whole minutes!  I actually really enjoyed it and was glad to hear that he practices, probably more than I use to.  From sixth through twelfth grade I played the French horn in school and when my brother started middle school this last year he decided to take after me and do the same.  I'm very impressed with how well he plays already!  Sunday evening was spent with some of Daniel's family including Nanny and Papa and cousins all that came down from Idaho for the weekend.  It was a late night of watching "Dolphin Tale" while pigging-out eating popcorn, Goobers, and brownies, and then playing several rounds of 'canasta', the card game.  Today we all went out for lunch to Pizza Pie Cafe of course, since Daniel and his uncle work there.  And even though we went there for lunch and we have four boxes of pizza from there in our fridge at home, I still haven't had a single slice of pizza all day.  And boy, is that rare! However, I did devour half of a large cookie monster while we were there, but that's just typical me.  I tend to have a major sweet tooth problem when exposed to a large amount of treats and sweets! And of course there's nothing like spending a few hours reminiscing with your best friend!  Well I'd say it was definitely an enjoyable weekend and there's nothing better than family time!

I have a BLOG!!!

Guess What! I have a blog!  I suppose I've been meaning to create one for a while, but now I'm required to have one due to one of my CS classes.  Because of this, most of my posts in the beginning will probably be required assignments and not posts written on topics of my choosing.  I know this post does seem rather dull, but I didn't want my first post to be a homework assignment and I thought I should give an explanation before I began.  I guess that's all for now.  Oh and I would like to wish anyone out there a Happy New Year and good luck on the new semester!