Sunday, May 2, 2010

PSA Imovie Nets-3

This is an Imovie that I created for class that touches on the subject of hate crimes on college campuses. I edited clips, added transitions, screen effects, music, and then posted the video onto youtube.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Crossword Puzzle-Nets 1

This is a crossword puzzle that I created using Excel.
It meets the Nets 1 standard because it pushed the
student to generate new ideas, and apply their existing
knowledge to a new product, while having the freedom
of creativity and individuality in their creation.



Monday, April 26, 2010

JCCS Internet Safety Collaboration Nets-2

JCCS Internet Safety Collaboration was a collaboration paper that was created using google Docs. Google docs is a program that offers you the flexibility of writing a paper and having access to it at any computer or writing one document with other classmates. It gives the writer the opportunity to share their work and have it edited by other classmates which can be extremely useful for students in all grades. I think this project meets Nets 5 because it pushes the student to understand issues related to technology we well as how to practice safe and responsible behavior while on the computer. Overall, this Internet Safety Collaboration really goes into depth on how to stay productive, while practicing ethical behavior.




Writing Penzu thoughts..... - CSUSM Web 2.0 Tools for Educators-Nets 2

Writing Penzu thoughts..... - CSUSM Web 2.0 Tools for Educators
Nets 2 standard in the fact that students can use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively or on their own. It's a program that allows flexibility in it's use and can be worked into just about any classroom.
Penzu sample!
What is the tool and what does it do?This tool allows the user to create an on-line journal in which they can share their thoughts, ideas, assignments, pictures, etc. It can open or you have an option of locking the pages that you don't want people to see. It just allows you webspace to have your thoughts or notes online with the security that you want for your personal information.
How might it be used with a particular age or grade level?I think this could be used for all sorts of ages and groups, but especially maybe teenagers that might have a ton of assignments that are due that they need to keep track of or notes that they need to remember. I think it's useful because it eliminates that fact that students lose notes when bringing them back and forth from home to school and they can utilize them from where ever they might be at the time.
What is an example of a project that this grade level could do?I think children in the lower ages elementary grades would benefit from having this tool because they could have a small time in class where they can keep an online journal of all their reading assignments and what they've been learning from their reading since I know that is a huge paper trail in elementary school with the mandatory reading amounts.
Sample posted as an example
You can see what Penzu looks like and the simplicity of it at the top of my page OR start your own by clicking on my link!...https://penzu.com/p:)
ConsiderationsThe only thing I would have to consider when bringing this into my classroom is the fact that the students have to be responsible and use this website to their advantage and yet not take advantage. I think this website would make giving/sending information about classwork and homework a lot easier and possibly cheating and so you just have to make sure that your students know the ground rules and make sure to stick to them.
Would you use this tool in your class room and why?


I would use this tool in my classroom for several reasons. First they can use it at school and then access their notes or homework assignments from wherever they are and secondly it really cuts down on the paper usage. They could be writing important reading journals and logs on this website and savings our world at the same time.

Prezi (Presentation Software) Nets 1 & 3











This presentation of the standards was created in
Prezi, which is a Presentational Software that
allows the student or teacher to easily and
creatively express their ideas for projects or
assignments in a new modern fashion
that can keep the interest of just about
anyone!
This presentation meets the standards
of Nets 1because it gives the student the
ability to create original work as a way
to express individual ideas or those of
the group. Additionally it also meets
Nets 3, in the way that this software makes the
user plan, organize, and evaluate their date
in which they are presenting, all the while using
a new media technology tool!


Thursday, April 22, 2010

My Wiki Page-Nets 3

This is my Wiki Page that I created in the Wetpaint. The tool that I chose to learn was in the writing category and it was called Penzu. This allows you to get onto this website, login and write on a piece of paper. It literally looks like paper and you can add pictures, links, and save it and then next time you have access to your work. When using this program, your not limited to just writing a document on your home computer and that limited access. It's very similar to Google Docs, but it's more aesthetically pleasing and it's your own private document. This wiki page meets the standard of Nets 3 because it allows you to use technology in your room, while being able to evaluate different tools to use in your classroom and evaluate what tools would be best for your students!


Thursday, April 8, 2010

Inspiration project- Nets 3




My Inspiration project is based on the Nets as the main points and then from each Net standard I have 2 artifacts that meet the standard. I think meets the Nets 3 because the Inspiration program allows you to organize, analyze and use technology to present your ideas and your information gathered to a whole variety of people and sources.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Journal #10 Mixed Ink gives voice to the Crowd-Nets 2 & 5


Figal, D. (2010). Mixed ink gives voice to the crowd. International Society for Technology & Education, 37(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=March_April_No_6_1&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4516&ContentID=25511&DirectListComboInd=DT
This article was all about a free website that you can collaboratively create a document. This allows you and partner or several to create documents in which the others may edit or add a draft to your idea. If they add a draft from your original idea then the author gets credit on the top of the draft. Although this sounds a lot like other programs that are out there, including google docs this one is pretty interesting because when your done writing then you can rate the piece. The one with the highest rating at the end is the final document and that's how it differs from the rest. I think programs are becoming more popular as time goes on because of the demand of busy life and it just allows people to work together virtually when they can't physically work together.
#1 How would you incorporate this in your class? I think that I would have my students use this program and although the editing is a nice tool I might just allow the them to rate each others writing, so that they have a chance to read other students writing and also get feed back from their peers at the same time. I think reading others work gives you ideas you might not have thought about and is therefore a learning opportunity.
#2 What are other good aspects about using google docs or the newest Mixed ink?
The one thing that keeps popping into my mind is that we are starting to become so "green" and plant friendly and this is just one of those steps in the right direction. Instead of having every student write and the print their own papers, they can write them and then read them straight from the computer! I think going green is good and these new technology advances are even better for our students.

Journal #9 Playing with Skype Nets-2 & 5

Weller, J. (2010). Playing with skype. International Society for Technology & Education, 37(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=March_April_No_6_1&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4516&ContentID=25508&DirectListComboInd=
This article just describes the way that skype became a useful tool for a teacher in a classroom when trying to incorporate outside participation in a musical event they were having. I never thought of having outside influences come into the classroom from skype and so I think that all technology can be useful to students, we just have to be creative in finding those ways. It's also so much less expensive as they were explaining in the article to bring in someone over skype than having them fly out there for one single event. I think this is such a good use of this technology.
#1 In which ways would you use Skype in your classroom to enhance learning?
I think I might just bring skpye in to show the students how other students learn on their part of the world or what their classrooms look like. Like for example collaborate with a classroom teacher in a different country and then our students can see their learning styles or some project they have been working on and then we can show them something we have been working on. that would be so fun for the students!
#2 Do think that technology is going to start playing too much of a role in the classroom, especially when incorporating skype? NO because I think it takes a smart person to realize that when the future is knocking, you need to know when to jump on and learn the new things that are coming along. I think kids will learn the things they need to know in this life regardless of the different techniques that are used over the years. These kids are really going to be such a smart and quick generation i think....we better start catching up NOW!

Journal #8 Navigate the digital rapids Nets-5

Lindsay, J., & Davis, V. (2010). Navigate the digital rapds. International Society for Technology & Education, 37(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3720092010/MarchAprilNo6/Navigate_the_Digital_Rapids.htmI
This article really stressed all the points about internet safety and whether or not that's even a possibility. I think kids need to be able to use the internet and in this article it talks about the scary parts of even going into the internet scene with the kids and yet you can't be afraid to really embark on that adventure with them. I think the rules and the knowing what to do when an incident arises is definitely one of the most important things they wrote about in the article because knowing what's going to take place is something goes wrong, make the teacher secure in knowing they have rules, and a plan. I think the kids also need to know that if they are inappropriate that action will be taken, so that they learn very quickly. I know teachers are looked at under a microscope these days and that we have to be extra careful but computers are here and they are the generation. These kids need to learn technology in order to be successful and without it they will for sure be at a disadvantage.
#1 Would you allow computers to be used in your class for assignments and learning purposes. Yes absolutely because I think that students can learn so much from the internet and just like the article says I know that internet safely kinda sounds like hunting safety in the way that it's almost ridiculous but we have to be able to take that chance and know that accidents and mishaps happen, but we can't fear that to the point that we don't use the technology around us.
#2 Would you allow the student to go back on the computer if they were caught being inappropriate or ban them from the school year? I think kids need to be able to learn rom their mistakes and so yes their would be a punishment that comes along with not following the rules of the computer but I would also take into consideration that the student will go back on the computer whether at home or somewhere else and they just need to learn what they did wrong and understand so that they can go back and start new, with the rules FRESH in their mind.

Journal # 7 "The Beginners Guide to Interactive Virtual Field Trips," by Jan Zanetis. Nets-2 & 5

Zabetis, Jan. (2010, March/April). The Beginner's guide to interactive virtual field trips. International Society for Technology & Education, 37(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=March_April_No_6_1&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4516&ContentID=25443&DirectListComboInd=D
Reading this article gives hope to the kids that don't get the opportunity to go out and go to those field trips and yet still have a day of fun that they can learn something and get away from the day to day work. I think it stinks that with such little money going into the schools that field trips are being cut out ( understandably), but they were always a favorite of mine as a kid and it was the excitement of leaving the school and having a new adventure!
#1. Would I use this technology in my classroom? Yes I think I would because at least the kids can have a day where they are learning inside the classroom, but their mind is outside of the world they are in everyday. I think it's kinda of an amazing idea in the way that they can see even more than on a regular field trip. Yeah you can see the monkeys at the zoo, but you can show them the pyramids through the internet when they would never get that opportunity. I think it's a good way idea for such a sad situation in the schools right now.
#2 How could you make the day even more interactive?
I think I would tell the kids where we were going so that they could bring some sort of clothing that might represent the day in a way. I know everyone is touchy about everything these days in schools, but if the parents allowed to have them wear some attire that would connect with the country they were going to see. I think just for fun for the kids and maybe a little more imagination thrown in!


Thursday, March 18, 2010

Journal 6: Google Earth (2.0 tools) Nets 4 & 5




















The technology that I picked from the classroom 2.0 tools is called Google Earth. Google Earth is a virtual globe which maps the earth by the superimposition of images obtained from satellite imagery and aerial photography. You can see many different aspects of the world from a far point of view to being building level. From this tool I learned the students are very excited to work with this program because it intrigues them on all different levels. Additionally I learned that you can use measuring tools to measure miles and kilometers in which you can create lessons for your students that cover many multiple NETS standards. I think this tool would be a great aspect to incorporate into the classroom because many kids are visual learners and showing them the world from a different point of view is a great opportunity!

I believe that it goes along with the standards of Nets 4 because with the interactive program it allows students to conduct research on the areas in which they are interested in, as well as plan and create a projects from such a program. It's truly a program that many kids can learn from, and interact with one another as they use technology in a safe and ethically manner.

NETS Collaborative Powerpoint/Prezzi Rubric

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Social bookmarking (Delicious.com)-Nets 5

This social booking project was done in Microsoft Word and was done for the purpose of being able to look at websites and learn where we can gather information that can later on be used in the classroom. Additionally, when you bookmark the websites you have access to your websites in any location that you may be at in comparison to only being able to access your websites at one computer. This meets the Nets 5 because it meets the technology, but also gets you involved in different websites that look at societal issues and just pushes you to look at different websites that can open your mind to different ideas and ways of teaching, and learning.

1. This website is really good for teachers and for students because of the material that they are offering for your own knowledge. I think it's a good idea to have these sort of primary resources in your classroom for the benefit of research projects and they aren't limited to just the books or having to search and search on the website. Also I think it's hard for people these days to really look up information online without getting a bunch of crap that comes up when trying to find an answer and I learned this website is helpful in really linking you to the spot for the right answers to the questions that the students or teachers may have.
2.Student groups that may experience achievement gaps are racial and ethnic minorities, english language learners, students with disabilities, and students from low-income families. I think these suggestions really talk about getting into the community and receiving help that way in your teaching and I think that I would be as aspect of life that I would like to pick up when teaching because I learned that everyone in the community can bring different ideas, skills, aspects, and points of view to the table. In the long run it just help out the students and that's what teachers are for!
3.link and discuss three of the areas where you feel fit your teaching style. Explain why you chose the three areas. (Each answer should be at least three sentences long!)In the article “Becoming a Culturally Competent Educator” I really liked three parts of the discussion, which was having participation from the community because I feel like that is so important to grow a community of diverse people together and all the different strengths they can add. Secondly I appreciate the point they make in building a support of diverse groups that can collabrate as a network so that all the children can be reached at the levels at where they are in their lives and have that connection that maybe others might not be able to reach them at, and lastly working with other schools in the area is a great suggestion because in reality some schools have already tried out things with the kids and they might not have worked and they can share that knowledge so that we wouldn’t make the same mistakes. We’re just all trying to teach and grow these children the best we can while they’re in our hands, so why not all come together and learn from each other and collaborate in all ways possible.
I also, well I went onto the cyber bully website and I took the quiz for the ages 7-10. I guess I am considered a cyber saint. I believe it, because I get on the internet usually do what I need to do and don't waste time bothering with other people. My most time spent on the computer would be creating some sort of art or messing with video editing programs. The thing that I learned from the teacher section of this website was something called "Teenangels". This is such a brilliant idea in the fact that these kids are being educated in the ways that they can keep themselves from all the unwanted material or people on the internet. Through these teens, they are teaching other children. I think the most amazing part of this is that kids are basically teaching kids and that makes such a huge difference because lots of kids love to listen to their peers or their friends rather than a parent or teacher figure. I think that this program is a really good way in keeping our kids safe from the unwanted internet junk out there!
4.On this website I was reading under the teachers helpers and I found this area that was called gadgets and podcasting, under that subject it became a topic on how ipod touch can create education tools for children in the classroom. ( inventive for the kids and their wallets, but that's besides the point) Anyway they advertise that you can make flashcards on the ipod touch and maps they can see, and let's them interact with this technology and learn at the same time. I like the idea that they're getting at and it's good but it's also a little bit unneeded since, paper and pencil also make flashcards. But I get the whole tech and Educ thing together. Good idea, and I think I would use it in my classroom because I like gadgets/tech and I think the kids would get a kick out of playing with the ipod touch too.
5. Quiz
Naturalistic
58%
Bodily-Kinesthetic
33%
Musical
0%
Interpersonal
75%
Intrapersonal
81%
Visual-Spatial
33%
Logical-Mathematical
38%
Verbal-Linguistic
67%

The video that I watched was about the theory of multiple intelligences and how they are taking these aspects into mind when teaching in the classroom. They even had a time where all the kids were playing an instrument and basically just doing activities that would stimulate all those different intelligences that children have instead of just focusing on a couple like math and reading. I think it's a good idea to broaden the ways in which students are taught these days and stop limiting them to just the test material and such a rigid teaching schedule.
AND THEN....under the subject access tab I went to an art website http://www.eduref.org/cgi-bin/printlessons.cgi/Virtual/Lessons/Arts/Visual_Arts/ARA0026.html and I found out some interactive lessons to have with the students that focuses in the filed of art and education. I was reading and learning about how to do art projects with melted crayons, and I would love to incorporate some of these ideas into my classroom. I think also the use of colored pencils in water is even a better idea because kids are messy an heating crayons does seem a little crazy with small children. color pencils in water become like water coloring and I would bring this technique in my room because it would be fun for them, and a lot cleaner for them and me! :)





6.Grades 3-5, Arts, and topic is "Fighting Prejudice and Discrimination Against People With Learning Disabilities." The lesson that they described here was having children learn and understand what it means to have a learning disability. I think this would be a good idea because I know that students associate learning disability with the level of intelligence that a student may have and that really has nothing to do with it. They could really benefit from trying to be in someone else's position for a day, so that they can learn to accept all their classmates and not judge those with disabilities of any kind.
7. I took this quiz on this website called "Classism and Poverty Awareness Quiz". The two most interesting questions that I saw in my quiz were;
The U.S. military budget is by far the highest of any country in the world. By 2003, the U.S. military budget was roughly equal to that of:

a. the next 5 countries combined b. the next 10 countries combined c. the next 15 countries combined d. the next 20 countries combined**

The answer to this question was actually the next 20 countries! I had no idea the budget was so high and this interests me because my husband has been in the Marine Corps now for 8 years and all I ever hear is how the military has no money and how so much of the equiptment they need they can't get because of little money and then I wonder, where the heck is all that money going? The second question that stood out to me was;
What percentage of people around the world lives on less than $750 per year?

a. 10% b. 33% c. 50%** d. 75%

I guess we just don't realize how lucky we are and how much money, resources, and opportunities we have here in America. The sad part is that we as Americans have the money, resources and everything we need to change the world. I know that sounds a little dramatic, but we could do so much MORE for those counties with nothing, but we choose to pay millions to people for entertainment and we do so little for our fellow HUMAN beings that need so much.
8.The core rules for Netiquette were all reasonable rules that most people should know and when I was reading them, it reminded me of rules that should be followed so that cyber bullying doesn't take place. I think people need to just carry over common sense and respect when they go on the internet. The people you're talking to on the internet are still people and your still not super cool because your behind a computer screen. I guess I would just keep these things in mind when teaching kids or teens how to use the internet properly. Follow the rules, play fair, play nice, and you won' find yourself in trouble. The quiz was just basically so that they could go over their rules again in a different format. I got 100%! :->














Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Journal #3 "Keeping the Peace" Nets-2 & 5

Levinson, Matt. (2010). Keeping the peace . International Society for Technology & Education, Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=February_No_5_4&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4495&ContentID=25244&DirectListComboInd=D

This article was basically about a test run of laptops given to kids for the uses of academics/technology that could increase their knowledge and give them something that could use at school and at home. Quickly the situation became that the students were using the technology way more for social interacting than anything related to actual academic work. Ichat was the popular choice that students were using and this caused a controversy between teachers, parents, and became a crazy situation pretty quickly. Basically parents all have different views on what their child should or shouldn't have access to and the internet etc. So there was argument between the parents on the usage of the computers. Additionally it was causing issues among teachers as well, because some didn't mind and some flat out refused to even allow them in their classroom, due to the interruption or lack of focus that it caused. Trying to make the problem better they created a blanket rule that no ichat was to be used, etc and then people had a fit over that too. So, as we all know you can't make everyone happy and with something such asa technology that might be an touchy subject with the parent shouldn't be placed in their homes without consent and permission from the parent. I understand that, because it really does make sense. Either way it was a cool experiment, and now they have a bunch of precautions they take to ensure a better process, but basically they just had a huge learning curve on the do's and don'ts of sending kids home with laptops.

QUESTION #1 Would I allow kids to even bring the laptops into my room?
In my opinion as good as the experiment was, I would have been more reluctant to let the students have that sort of technology as a distraction. I think it's hard enough to keep kids from being distracted with a million other things and then you basically place a toy in front of a child and then tell them to pay attention to math on the board. Good luck. Anyways my answer would probably be, not so much.

QUESTION #2 Do I think that social interaction through technology is something we need to be exposing to children in the first place? Well I think that social interaction is a huge skill to have to be a well rounded person and so yes I think they should know that they can interact through such programs such as Ichat, but I also think that kids these days are so stuck behind a computer and I don't think they can get away from social interaction through technology and that maybe school's shouldn't even really put an emphasis on teaching that. But I guess I would have to see how I feel when I step in the classroom. I have no idea. This is just my best guess at my answers with no experience to back it up.









Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Journal #2 "Using Podcasts to Develop a Global Perspective" Nets-2 & 5

Maguth, Brad.M., & Elliot, Jeff. (2010). Using Podcasts to develop a global perspective . International Society for Technology & Education, Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=February_No_5_4&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4495&ContentID=25244&DirectListComboInd

I think this article was actually really interesting and insightful in the way the teacher taught and approached podcasts to his students. I bet before this project they knew about podcasts but they didn't know how to create one and the fact that it could reach so many people. Additionally, it shows the kids that what they have to say in this world is important and if they want people to hear them, this is a great way to get their voices, opinions, and thoughts heard by many. I'm also super impressed that these kids were not only writing out their own arguments and point of view on the topic, but that they were re-arranging and editing their own sound clips as well. I mean these kids are 10th graders and to show them the ability of technology and what it can do at that age is so powerful for their future. I think the main point they will learn from this project is that you don't have to stay within your perimeters of your own town, city, or country these days. People can get their opinions and ideas to all parts of the globe.... and in seconds! Back in the day that wasn't available like it is now, and for the most part it's creating opportunities that never existed before and is keeping us in tune much quicker with the rest of the world.

QUESTION #1

What other ways can these students express their opinions or ideas using technology that will reach people around the world?

I would introduce my students to blogs because I think blogs are such a useful in getting your ideas, pictures, and much more to many people. I also think that another really popular sight that gets tons of attention, but can be used for good is youtube. I would have them be familiar with the different ways in which you can record, and edit your projects and then download them to the internet. I think both these ideas can reach many people around the world.

QUESTION#2

Do you think this project is a good way in getting your students active and educated in current global issues?

My answer would be absolutely! From my own experience, I have had professors at this University try to come down to the "reality TV" level so that she could try to connect and teach us through our current culture and our society. As proactive as she was, it didn't seem to reach many people because our reality TV society is such a joke and a waste of time. I think that fact that this teacher came at this students with the intention of getting them involved in their world with REAL WORLD issues and didn't lower his standards to teach is more of what we need. I guess I think this is a great way in getting your students involved in the world, in a positive way.

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Newsletter- Nets 1


This is my newsletter that I created in Illustrator. It really just gives me an idea on a creative but also important layout that you can use when creating a newsletter for your classroom. I think this meets the Nets 1 because it gave me an opportunity to create an original piece of work that incorporates technology and would be extremely useful for welcoming students and parents to my classroom.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Journal 1; Computing in the clouds Nets-2 & 5

Johnson, D. (2009). Computing in the clouds. International society for technology and education, 37(4), Retrieved from http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learning_leading/200912#pg18

This journal is all about explaining what cloud computing is about and the opportunities in which you can utilize online access to different tools. This article explains how it’s beneficial to keep all your information on one network and the benefits of not having to hold all your information on your hard drive, so this offers you the chance to have less information on your computer which will make it run a lot faster or own a computer with a smaller hard drive. (Which can be a lot cheaper) The benefits that I get from the article is that you can work on any of your documents from any computer that you have access to, which can be helpful because many times you have documents saved only to your computer and unless you put it on a thumb drive or hard drive and bring it with you, your pretty much up a creek if you need it. I can see what a great tool this would be for school and kids because some kids don’t even have access to computers in their home or can’t afford thumb drives and it puts them in the same playing field as their fellow classmates. The other benefit to this cloud computing is the fact that you can’t really lose your data. The Internet is so reliable compared to your home computer, which can suddenly die for some random reason. I’ve lost information, pictures, and files that way and this is a way around that problem. The scary part of this whole idea though is that all your information is out there on the web. As safe as sites can be, there’s always someone out there that can get into it. I find security to be a huge barrier for myself and other people and the reason some won’t soon or ever jump on the cloud computing bandwagon.

QUESTION 1: How can children in schools benefit from cloud computing?

I think children who are introduced to cloud computing can benefit in many ways because they can have access to many more tools through the Internet without having to purchase them. Additionally it’s a huge financial savings for not only the parents but also a time saver for the schools because they don’t have to create a different e-mail for every student.

QUESTION 2: If this continues to really catch on, will it continue to be free to the public? Truthfully I have no idea. I know that Google will continue to be free, because they already benefit so much financially with everyone using their web browser. But in the long run, my prediction is that it will become something that might cost money and security will be a selling point. I’m not for the whole cloud computing, but interested in seeing where it leads in the future.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Introduction Letter




My name is Rosa Baker, I’m originally from San Jose and did all my schooling in San Jose, Ca until I moved to Redding for my sophomore year of high school at Central Valley High school. I moved to Vista when I was 18 and attended Palomar and received my associate’s degree in Liberal arts. I then continued my education here at CSUSM and just finished my Bachelor’s degree in Art & Technology. I am continuing on here at CSUSM to get my teaching credential. My experience with technology has really increased over the last few years. I had my first Mac when I was 13 (when they were big and fat and had “cool” colors on top). I basically only knew how to use word and that’s it! Kids are so far more advanced than we used to be! Anyways, I decided one day that I was so bad at the computer, but loved and had a talent for art and would force myself to either sink or swim in the technology world! So I just enrolled in the Art & Technology track and just graduated with my degree, and believe that I swam and now I just love everything about illustrator, Photoshop, advanced video art, video installations, and much more! But overall, I’m a PC, but everyday at school for the last 2 years I’ve been a Mac. I have both at home, so actually I think I’m…um…both! I use technology on a daily basis and highly depend on it for my everyday activities. I mostly use Microsoft Office 07 because it’s just so much easier. I think the difference between PC and Mac is that Mac is hard to get used to, and PC’s are so user friendly. The CSUSM mission statement had no factor in my decision to enroll at this college, but the part that stands out to me is when it states that they are committed to diversity, educational equity, and social justice. I feel like diversity, and social justice are such a huge component to teach our upcoming teachers because we will become the ones that will show generations to come what really accepting everyone is all about. I’m also all about social justice and always base most of my video/installation art on injustices that really need to get attention because I feel like art and technology can really reach so many people in so many different ways. Especially in our culture today, where video and web based art is so much of what our younger generation is interested in, it’s important to capture the attention of everyone in different mediums. Anyways, that’s it. That’s me in an egg shell or a nut shell….or whatever.