Janell Barker

EIA: Chapter 6: Online Voting

2007-07-16T14:31:00.000-07:00

The question at the beginning of the chapter was, " Should we start online voting?" Although counting votes would no longer be an issue, submission of votes would be very easy, and results would be almost instantaneous; voting online would be a very bad idea. Worms, viruses, and Trojan horses are ways the voting system could be easily tampered with. Trojan horses, to me, is the scariest. Anonymous people could hack into computer systems from anywhere in the world (like in Jeffery Deaver's The Blue Nowhere).

Defense mechanisms are being put into place, but as of now they can be bi passed by serious hackers. The most we can do now is to install antivirus programs, have a firewall, and not open attachments from unknown people.

EIA: Chapter 5: Identity Theft

2007-07-16T14:12:00.000-07:00

Identity theft is not a new term for me, although I found this section in chapter 5 very interesting. Twenty-seven million people have been victims of identity theft from 2000-2004 (Quinn 250). One out of six thefts come from people you know (Quinn 250)! WOW!

I have heard of the different ways a person can steal your identity, but the idea of skimmers was new to me. People actually have credit card readers, scary.

A few ways were mentioned to try to fix the identity theft problem. I think the Real ID is the best idea. The card has your picture as well as a "biometric identifier" to help make identity theft harder.

I think thieves will be thieves and that they will just find new ways to steal identities. Maybe we can stop some, but thieves will find their ways around the ID ideas. We have a great start on stopping this problem, hopefully in the near future we can find a solution.

The School of the Future

2007-07-03T12:17:00.000-07:00

By:Sharon Cromwell-Education World 1998

Reflection: This article featured ideas of future schools. Some of the ideas included remote learning, individual learning plans, and ways for students to socialize.

Opinion: I think it would be wonderful to have individual learning plans, but how are really going to know the student to provide an individual plan without meeting the child. Another down side to this is the hands on learning. Students will not receive the application to learning, and some children can't understand a concept without the hands on application.

Laptops, Handhelds, or Tablet PCs?

2007-07-03T11:31:00.000-07:00

By: Lorrie Jackson-Education World 2004

Reflection: I have not experienced handhelds or tablets. I read the information in this article and handhelds and tablets have specific uses that may not be of use to all teachers.

Opinion: Laptops have a variety of uses and can be used in all grade levels. The article also expressed that laptops my be more inexpensive than handhelds or tablets. I would have to have more experience with handhelds and tablets before making my final decision.

The Internet Safety Debate

2007-07-03T11:12:00.001-07:00

by: Sharon Cromwell- Education World 1998

Reflection: After reading this article I have new incite on how to better prepare my students to use the Internet. Teaching students to be responsible and setting rules is important for both parents and teachers.

Opinion: I think all ages should be able to use the Internet. Students need to keep their personal information to themselves (address, phone number, etc.). Students need to have a set of rules and responsibility training before using the Internet at school. Students could sign a contract showing they understand use of the Internet.

Laptops Change Curriclum--and Students

2007-06-20T11:35:00.000-07:00

By:Sharon Cormwell 1999 (Education World)

This article discussed providing laptops for all students. The students would have to pay an insurance fee of $60. The school believed this would make the students more excited about learning which means a decline in discipline issues.

Opinion: Students also need other materials that will probably be cut because of the laptop purchases. A classroom set of laptops make more sense to me. Most students have access to a computer at home or at a public library.

Author Says Technology Brings False Promise to Schools

2007-06-20T10:43:00.000-07:00

By: Todd Oppenheimer 2004 (Education World)
T. Oppenheimer thinks schools need to de-emphasize computers. Some of his reasons why are: teachers are not being cautious with the Internet, computers cost so much resulting in lack of funding for other programs/needs, computers are taking away from layered lessons, and students my become victims of commerical novelties.

Opinion:I agree that SOME teachers are not as cautious as they should be about computers and the Internet. I think it is necessary for teachers to teach computer ethics and dangers before letting students on the computer. I also agree that teachers should use computers as a supplement to their lessons. T. Oppenheimer went a little too far on technology de-emphasization, students live an a technology driven world and are interested in learning with a computer. I don't believe in using a computer for every lesson, but once every 2-4weeks to be sufficient.

How Teachers View Technology

2007-06-20T10:26:00.000-07:00

By: Linda Star @2003 (Education World)

This article talks about a study correlating teacher training, years of service, and technology use. I reviewed the numbers and data given. Here are a few items I felt were interesting and my opinion:
1. Most teachers believe computer technology translates into higher achievement and improved parent/teacher communication.
*opinion: We are in a technology driven society and our students are excited to get on the Internet. I believe this is why student may be achieving higher. The Internet is a great tool for parent communication. Sometimes it is hard to reach a parent by phone. By emailing, the teacher can send a message at his/her own convince and the parent can respond when he/she gets a chance.

2. The article mentioned training being the key to increased technological use.
*opinion: I agree. Learning needs to be meaningful no matter now the material is presented. Teachers need to integrate appropriate technology lessons for student learning to take place. To create technology lessons, training needs to be involved.

3. I love the last comment in the article: Teachers would love software to be adaptable to individual student needs. I hope the future brings adaptable software.

The Blue Nowhere by Jeffery Deaver-2

2007-06-18T13:27:00.000-07:00

Phate-
He can not decide what is reality and a game. He has figured out Gillette is on the case and may be changing his game plan.

Jon Holloway made the cops think he was somewhere else to he could crack into the CCU. Smart guy, but very evil.

I am anxious to see what happens to Jon and Gillette. I think Jon may go after Gillette.

The Blue Nowhere by Jeffrey Deaver1

2007-06-18T12:57:00.000-07:00

The Blue Nowhere has been a definite page turner. I have read the first half of the book and I can't believe some of the things "crackers" can really do. At first I really enjoyed Gillette's character, he was trying to do something for the police department that hasn't really done he any favors. I changed my mind about his character when he escaped from the police department. I just finished the chapter where Gillette's reason for escaping was to make things right with his wife (ex-wife). I guess he isn't such a bad guy after all.

I need to realize when I am teaching my 7th and 8th grade student, they can be hackers. I can learn some of their computer skills in hopes to understand technology a little better.

I need to educate my students on hackers and how dangerous they can be.

ISTE Rules

2007-06-18T12:56:00.000-07:00

I feel comfortable with technology and am always eager to use new technology tools. Blogging is brand new to me (I hope I am doing it correctly).After reading the student and teacher rules/standards on technology, I feel I can fulfill most of the standards. I understand technology resources, creative projects, computer tools, bias of electronic information, how to develop peer situation, and etc.I looked specifically at the 6-8 standards, and I am not sure how to create a webpage. I know what a webpage is, and I have heard of people creating their own webpage.