My Experience with an Application

            You may believe that to build an application requires a masters degree in computer science. Indeed, it is not easy nor simple but demands time and organization. In the same way, you may imagine that someone with little experience on computers may found this task impossible; therefore,  when the professor Cindy assigned us a final project about constructing an application  I thought: “ this is the end of the world, and I may fail on this course.” However, this Wednesday I summited my application and I felt triumphant for this achievement. But, there are some important things to that I want to share with you about my experience with this application.

           First and foremost, it is important to manage time wisely. Applications may require a series of details that sometimes cannot be done overnight. Professor Cindy gave us final project guidelines that include the construction of: slideshare, podomatic and knovio. These three websites also required time and dedication, so anyone with this assignment should consider time wisely. In the same way, time is required to check  videos on  use Youtube and time will be needed to search for information on Google in order to  learn about the websites.  Therefore, consider your time and check out  the tutorials because you may find vital information for the construction of the application.

         After some time looking at videos and tutorials, you will be able to construct the application . This  experience  is like finding  light after being in darkness. To be sure, It took me nearly 30 hours, and I had to put all my knowledge at work. I cannot express with words how great I felt when I was capable to use slideshare, podomatic and knovio.     

         Lastly, it is important to get some feedback from the professor about details that may occur during the construction of the application. Professor Cindy `s assistance is vital during the construction of the application. The completion of the task is impossible without her help. Needless to say that, during these four months she  has dedicated all her knowledge for delivering a great course. She  has made this experience meaningful.

          In the end, you will feel like a computer programmer. This task has  definitely put all of my knowledge at work. Essentially, my computer skills have become my best friend. As we have learnt " the more you know ,the better you will teach. " This application will be my shield to take after all the challenges that are coming. I want to say: “ this course means the future for me  because as a teacher  I will try to use all the principles that were acquired in this course." 

My Experience with an Application

 

            You may believe that to build an application may require a masters degree in computer science. Indeed, it is not easy nor simple but requires time and organization. In the same way, you may imagine that someone with little experience on computers may found this task impossible; therefore,  when the professor Cindy assigned us a final project about constructing an application  I thought: “ this is the end of the world and I may fail on this course.” However, this Wednesday I summited my application and I felt triumphant for this achievement. But, there are some important things to that I want to share with you about my experience with this application.

 

           First and foremost, it is important to manage time wisely. Applications may require a series of details that sometimes cannot be done overnight. Professor Cindy gave us final project guidelines that include the construction of: slideshare, podomatic and knovio. These three websites also required time and dedication, so anyone who is going to do  this application should consider time wisely. In the same way, time is required to check  videos on  use Youtube. Time will be needed to search for information on Google in order to  learn about the websites assigned by the professor.  Therefore, consider the help of the tutorials because you may find vital information for the construction of the application.

         After some time looking at videos and tutorials, you will be able to construct the application . This  experience  is like finding  light after being in darkness. To be sure, It took me nearly 30 hours, and I had to put all my knowledge at work. I    

         Lastly, it is important to get some feedback from the professor about details that may occur during the construction of the application. Professor Cindy `s assistance is vital during the construction of the application. She dedicated all her knowledge delivering a great course during these four months because with the development of this task it is impossible to say the course was meaningless.

      

          In the end, you will feel like a computer programmer. This task will definitely put all of your knowledge at work. Essentially, computer skills will become your best friend as a future teacher. As we have learn the more you know the better you will teach and this application will do just that and even more. I want to say: “ this course means the future for me as a teacher because when I work I will try to use all the principles that were thought me during this course.”

 

                                         

                                                       Class Discussion

 

             Using Technology in education is a subject that has been developed extensively in the last three weeks. Until this point no one can deny that using technology in the classroom it is  an essential part in the education of the 21 first century. This Wednesday we talked about the importance of Project Based Learning, and the usage of Online Education. During class we discussed the traditional way of teaching  and we contrasted with new ways of teaching. During class Teacher Cindy gave more input about these topics and she made us aware of the importance of using technology in education. We used most of the lesson giving supporting arguments about these subjects. In the end, the professor grant us the rest of the time for us to use in our projects. I exploited the chance and showed Professor Cindy my project, for she always gives me feedback. Basically, the project she has assigned us to do  is an Application that summarizes all the subjects viewed in classroom.

         In conclusion, although the incorporation of technology has been gradually increasing in schools, there is people who still reluctant to incorporated in their classrooms. With IT TOOL `s class I have learned to be aware of the importance of IT TOOLS in education.

                                          
                                             Three classes before the end of the quarter.

 

I distinctly remember when I first enter into the IT Tolls class. I had no idea that I could use excel or I could have a better command of Microsoft Word. I did not know anything about the importance of It Tools in the English education and how essential it is to have computer skills in order to be a better teacher in the twenty first century. I want to say that it has not been easy because to know computer skills requires trial and error. Our professor in the last classes has been giving us time to reflect on the benefits of using technology inside the classrooms.


I consider that my knowledge about IT TOOLS is limited but at least with this class I grasped the basics components that I need to expand in the near future. This past Wednesday Professor Cindy showed how curriculums have been evolving from teacher centered classrooms to classrooms were students take charge of their learning environment. To be sure that is a characteristic of the twenty first century teachers.

 

In conclusion, in spite of the fact that the lessons were hard and that they needed lots of concentration I have change 300 percent and I have become a better teacher. I hope to continue in this ongoing learning experience and become a great teacher.

 IT TOOLS IN HOLY WEEK

          


            
           The class of this Wednesday was another good day at Universidad Latina. Even though it    was part of the Holy Week, things were  normal.  To be sure, our class had almost all of the students. Our Professor had some readings for us about technology, so she distributed them among three groups. Normally,during classes what  we  do is a “Socratic activity” which means that we search on the Web to later report it to the class. Therefore,  she made three groups and gave the directions,  and  standards to follow. Our topic was about a dillema that questioned whether  social media should be incorporerated in classroom or not, another topic was about Generation Z and  the last topic was Kid`s don not want E-Books. To develop the activity the professor gave us about 40 minutes.

          Tania and I searched a great deal about our topic in order to  explain the importance of social media inside classrooms. We agreed  that social media inside classrooms is supported by many teachers who advocate to these tools.  In the mean time, we heard our classmates reporting about their topics, and we heard the professor giving more insight about them. Later we explained our topic, and the professor  gave more input  about it. The class went really smoothly, and we finished more enlighten as always.  I think that everyone did a great job explaining their topics, and I think that the professor made excellent contributions.

         In conclusion, the It tools on Wednesday was awesome.. Our professor Cindy always has great activities. In spite of  the celebrations things went normal for us.  I believe that IT TOOLS is fundamental in education because the student of the 21 first century most be proactive and adaptive with everything is out there to use.

MOOCS

            Cooperative Learning is fundamental for the society of the 21 first century. In 2001 MIT University launched a platform that shares some of its courses online, so students from all over the world have the chance to receive the same education as the ones who take courses at MIT. Sharing information is not new, from the beginning of human kind all men have share their advances in technology, and this has helped overcome wars, diseases, and to sustain our lives. Therefore, cooperative learning is fundamental for all the schools and its implementation is necessary for many reasons.

          First of all, education in institutions like Harvard, Stanford are too expensive to enroll. So with MOOCS people from any part of the world can access online and be a student in these institutions and learn as those present. This opens doors for individuals to expand their knowledge and achieve their greatest potential.

         Second of all, the cost of education is reduce because students are utilizing the premises and consuming electricity. Also, the use of libraries is reduce because students can access to material online and this facilitates research investigations.

          Finally, MOOCS have come to energize education making it more proactive< this means that educators now have to develop other curriculum approaches that facilitate learning in big scale. To be sure, educators now have to use more technology that spreads learning faster and students can learn faster.

        In conclusion, Professor Cindy has  shown us that importance of computers in education; she has introduced us  with online learning that definitely can help expand our knowledge. I have already seen my changes in the way I learn and recently I use educaplay in one demonstration at a Curriculum Class. I strongly suggest not to take for grated the internet nor computer skills.

March 10, 2016

 

IT Tools `s day

 

                 Every time I come into class it is a surprise. Wednesday 9, Professor Cindy showed us about MOOCS (Massive Online Open Courses). She had us browsed in the web for free online courses that one can enroll in order to expand one`s knowledge about any subject matter. We searched about the open educational week also. We devoted to this activity around 20 minutes. I searched for MIT Open Course Ware (MIT OCW). I pick up this MOOC because MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) was the pioneer who started to share their information to the world.  After the research, our teacher made us share our choices to our classmates. Some of my classmates chose a topic about the educational week that was celebrated this week. There were six classmates who talked about their research. When I talked about the MIT, the professor expanded the information for us to understand. In my opinion; I like the way the professor tries to incorporate the four skills in the classroom. At the end of the class, Professor Cindy helped me with my final project and she walked around the classroom helping others with their WebQuests.

                                                     Wednesday  2, 2016



      Education has been embraced by great societies as a way to overcome poverty,  to carry out traditions, values and to raise up the best people. Once a philosopher named Pythagoras said "Do not talk a little on many subjects, but much on a few" and that fits presecily my thoughts on how education should be embraced by the government of Costa Rica . This quote carries out the meaning in which I want to concentrate because since the opening of boundaries on education  which let the private Universities be opened  around 1965   education has made great improvements, and  as a result,  in the present day there are many professionals that have great and powerful ideas to be applied in  technology, medicine and other fields like economics engenering and so on; however, the education is not equal to everyone and that is exactly the challenge that  Cost Rica faces for the 21 first century. Yesterday class, Professor Cindy, brought an interesting format in the way the class was handled. She made two large groups and made a debate. The topic was”Should Technology artifacts be used in schools". Our group has a variety of participants that come from all levels some are finishing their course others this is the first year, and me I only 8 subjects away to finish the first part of an ongoing process. I started the debate but I felt against the arguments of the other group, and Marco came out with a good counter claim. In spite of this Daniel ,who is finishing this major this year, stood up and saved our team and raise up the victory  for us. I have to rescue from him his poise and tranquility,his professionalism. Although one can be very smart one have to be emotionally intelligent also, so he  thought me a lot, and I left  the class with a  sweet feeling  that made think I had gained a higher level of education due to  the debate that professor Cindy made us do. So thanks to him our team won the debate ,and thanks to him I learn an important lesson that afternoon. Our professor assigned us to make an essay about the same topic, and during this week I will do some research about it, so i may  come up with a good essay. Thanks God for the opportunity to study.  

 

The Day I learned to use Excel

 

 

      As usual, Wednesday is IT Tools ` day with Professor Cindy. Today`s class was about "Microsoft Excel". Goodness, was I frightened!!! and the reason is that I came from a public school which scarcely teaches anything useful. Anyway, the Excel `s class had manyh exercises that were elaborated, Now I have never been devoted to computers, but I am starting to be. Proffesor Cindy has us done five  excercises at  home in which  a chart was to be completed with some formulas to be applaied on it. In spite of the fact that one person may know mathematics really well, in Excel the formulas work a little different. My exercise was incomplete, but other students had complete exercises. I order to desseminate the idea among students   Professor Cindy  revised the exercise  student by student. In the mindtime we also worked  in our exercises while she explained the " If formula". She really has a good pedagogy, for she does not belittles anyone but rather takes the time to explain the students, so everyone understands. I had trouble with the if formula, and she showed me how to do it. I can say that I have overcome my fears. PSD, on Thursday, I went to her class and ask her about the exercise that she had assigned us, and she took some extra time to explained me. I feel satisfied about the many things I have accomplished in this class and look forward to do the Application.



Practice for Microsoft Word, Excel and Paint

 

 

 

Wednesday is IT Tools day,

 

 

 

 

         For  Wednesday`s class Professor Cindy brought  many interesting things to class. First of all she revised my WebQuest, and told me few suggestions.  Later she gave the entire class some suggestion for  their Webquest.  Later she revised  details about a Microsoft work task she had us do at home. Nothing was easy or obvious; in fact, I was affraid to break the computer because I always tought that "I would have broken the computer if I had ventured out" .  I am convince now that succeding in education really depends on how much hard work one can put on the elaboration of anything Although the task was difficult, I follow professor Cindy advice, and searched on Google for a tutorial that gave me all the guide lines that were necessary for the development of Microsoft Word. As I mentioned before, Professor Cindy duly went through each exercise, and even went up to each student that were in sore need of help. Finally she gave us an Excel practice that she assaigned to be finished at home, since it was a long one. I have not words to express the things that this class is making me enhance. By the way the WebQuest has been a great experience, and I hope that people exploit this strategy because webquest, and IT Tools are skills of the teacher in the 21 first century must have.

 

 

 



 

February 10

Presentation` s day.

 

         There were three topics which were IBM, MS-DOS, and the Computer`s Development. The first group delivered their presentation really well, and made us do a “True” and “false” quiz. I really enjoyed their quiz, and learned about the origins of IBM, and how rudimentary were the first personal computers. Later we took the stage and talked about the  MS-DOS. Concerning our presentation, we did a great job gathering information about MS-DOS, so we were very clear; in fact, we talked about its origin and evolution. Later we showed a POW TOON video that enforced all the information  we had said. Talking about the video we did not make the effort  to add sound to it  in order to comply with the requirements of the professor, so that was a mistake. Although the video was clear, the sound would have enhanced it even more. After the video we had technical problems with the quiz because we were not able to upload it in the campus, so we became frustrated, and the professor intervene to fix the issue. Finally, everything went right, and we finished our class with a six in performance.  Corollary to this, I would say that If we had tried the quiz before we would not have had issues. Besides the fact that we took very long time to deliver the presentation made look unprepared. Although it is  obvious to rehearse before coming to class we took it for granted, and we were penalized for it. So I agree ! The last group showed us all the computer history from the first computer in 1810 - I Think! then they told us about the (ENIAC) which was another first computer and other things. Their quiz was a Word puzzle and I was great too. Their preparation was great and they perhaps had a good grade. At the end of the class the professor me us browse an information in the virtual Campus so we can see things about the Microsoft Word and Excel  that will be discuss it  in next class.

February 3, 2016.

 

          To be sure about the importance of technology in the twenty first century, Professor Cindy made us investigate into three topics. First she made three groups, then  assigned a subject for each group to develop. My group was assigned with the MS-DOS Basics. In addition to this, Professor Cindy also gave us some instructions, for she wanted the assignation to be perform by using a video; therefore she showed us how create a video  using “Pow Toon”, yet that was not all the activity for she also gave us instructions on how to make  a quiz online which could assess the information delivered on the presentation. Now, my group members are Camila, Nairobi, Luis and I. Talking about my group I can say that we coordinated well; needless to say that we decided to split the work, so that two worked on the “Pow Toon” and the other two on the quiz. During the rest of the class Camila and I saw a video on “YouTube” that taught us how to operate Pow Toon; then we started to make the video. We had ups and downs while trying to make the video by finally overcome them. In the meantime, our professor checked our work and suggested things to be considered on it ;furthermore, because some parts were wrong she helped us to improve it. Finally, professor Cindy gave us the link of the Web Quest in which we can learn the principle and procedures to make our final project. Three days have passed now , and today when I was at my house I logged in Educaplay and created an accout ,so I could make a quizz online. At first was a little difficult, but once I received a confirmation things turn easier. My experience using useful programs has make me enhance my critical thinking   because now I am able to do interactive exercises for whomever I want, GREAT!. In conclusion, our computer class has enriched my knowledge about computers and my personal growth.

January 30, 2016


                                                         Wednesday `s Class

                  Normally I arrive ten minutes early at my class, but that afternoon I  was set back by traffic , so I arrived  late. In spite of that, the professor greet me with kindness as she was getting ready to deliver the class. Wednesday`s class was more then a reinforcement about computer concepts that  were believed   to be simple. After the professor started  delivering her presentation I realized that many of the computer vacabulary was new to me, so I carefully heed attention to the professor. During the class professor Cindy gave us more specific definitions, more  computer vocabulary as well as the proper pronunciation. Consequently,  our mentor gave us some common troubleshooting  examples  in which  she has been involved  at  computer labs.  She encouraged us to be self-reliant when it comes to tackle similar issues; moreover, she underscored the fact that  professional teachers obtain more respect from their peers when they tackle issues on their own.  In addition to this, the class, which lasted it  about  fifty minutes, was later assessed by a quiz that she had us made on online  in order to check our progress on the new words. Unfortunately none scored perfect, but the professor felt great that the class had been productive. In spite of the fact that I think technology is time consuming, and that I feel abridged by my peers who have more abilities than I; I have come to realize that the more abilities I get, the better I will be a better professor in the future.

     

             The second part of the class was about "Trello." Trello is an "APP"  that serves as internet planner that hold things online ,which is very handy because you can access to Trello   from any device. Indeed,   professor Cindy`s testimony serves to stress the practical use of "Trello" as she says:  " I have many things to do, and rather than having monologues when I go shopping or regretting the fact that a project has a deadline ,which is critical, I use Trello, so I can overcome issues like that." After I hear that, I downloaded  it in my phone. At first I thought it was no useful, but once I figured out how it worked,  I felt very happy to have it.  However, as everything in technology works when  I was synchronizing my phone with my computer things were not together, so I was overwhelmed. Fortunately; I found out how to fix it, and  I uploaded many of my future projects on Trello. Now whenever I want to see my obligations (tasks) I check Trello. It feels amazing to have a program which I can rely on. Thus, I hope to learn more Apps that can make my life a little more practical.

 

 

             The last part of the class was about and online store place for files and other documents. This App is called " Drop Box" , and serves for multiple purposes. First of all, "Drop Box" helps me to have my files as Handy as a USB does; Nonetheless, with " Drop Box" my files are stored   online, which is sufficiently practical . Second of all, it is an efficient way to have my files stored because if I were to present something, and my USB is missing or damaged my Drop Box will be there to fix an issue like that . As I have mention before, Drop box works online, so it does not get damaged nor my files get lost which is very distinctive with its similar device USB. More importantly than storaging  Drop Box will help me elude akward situations in which an USB will be useless.  Having mention all this, my concerns about acquiring knowledge in the performance of computes have arise. Now I know  how important is to have a planner like "Trello", how indespensable is to have an online storage that can be a backup  for my files.  Therefore, I can say that computer knowledge does make things easy.

Friday 22, 2015.


                              How should the teacher of the 21 first century be?

                  Although education is the only way to emerge from poverty, people still not see that the biggest leverage in society is the teacher. The teacher himself is a role model for lawyers, doctors and social workers who serve  us every day; therefore, the teacher of the 21 first century must have good preparation in every subject matter, including technology. Nevertheless, the Subject of technology has been the hardest one to be covered by teachers, since it is found very demanding. For this reason in order to be a competitive teacher in this demanding world we, teachers must try to introduce technology in the classroom ; moreover,  envisage a better curriculum as much as possible, so  the subjects can be more appealing to the learners.

                One of the reasons why is important to introduce technology in the classrooms is because the amount of information that the teacher can adressed is limited, and the internet serves as platform in which the students can search and find  more information. Also the students can interact with other students in chat rooms with people all over the world ,giving them more access to expand their social knowledge, and learn things that are outside their communities. Another reason is that the use of computers can serve to create tasks in which the student can develop real situational projects that matter for the society. This is very important because it enhances the critical thinking, and helps in many areas like the development of better ways to do things. In spite of this technology  still continues to be seen as a secondary tool in third world countries, and teacher still say the textbooks have all the sources necessaries in the development of the learners education. In addition to this,   the unfortunate disposition of the Minister of education is a shame because  it does not reinforce  the qualities for the future teachers .In summary, the unquestionable influence of the teacher in the formation of the future people would be pointless to refute. Also,  people`s success   lies in the preparation that they can obtain in the classrooms; for that reason,  the future teachers must have at least basic knowledge of computer skills,  so  that  the qualities of every individual can help the create a better future to all.

                             This other entry is about my reflection of the class

 

 

Wednesday 20

 

                Every time I go to professor Cindy`s class I am looking forward to learn about the  21 first century`s  teacher . During Wednesday class she showed us how technology has helped to emerge the way subjects are taught around the world,  the way how students can engage better when they learn critical thinking, and the way teachers must learn to adapt the curriculum to the demands of a never ending society. Besides I learnt how technology   is used in  the present day an age. My doubts about how practical  it is or how useful it is technology in the classroom have been clarified, and Little by little, step by step I have learnt  the vast scope of oportunities that lies on the internet.  I have come to realized how  education can change human beings; therefore, I am fortunate to  learn computer skills. I have come to realized that learning is a never ending process, and that the more updated I can stay, the better results  I can expect from my work. My computer skill class has become the most challenging Subject, but the one I  am specting  to  get the skills so I can reinforce a better curriculum when I get to be a teacher. During Wednesday class  my english also has improved because professor Cindy has a great command of the English Language, and she definitely express everything clear; moreover, she has make me aware of the importance that lies in the acquisition of computer skills.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday 13, 2016

         That afternoon when I was in the classroom Professor Cindy gave us the course`s outline, and she made us to design a blogg, so we  can write down our experinces during classes. My name is Erik and this is the recound of that day. First , I want to start by saying that  professor Cindy is very profesional and has a great command of the English Language, she gave us reasons "why?" as teachers we must put aside the constraints when using technology. During the class I made many questions and she was very patient with me because I am one of those people who have many contraints when it comes to use technology. Second, the profesor made three groups an assigned to each group a task to be delivered on Wednesday the 20th. My group  has three plus me; we were given the assigment " Project Based Learning". My group had some issues about  "who?" and "were?" to meet and the profesor Cindy showed us a way by ussing GOOGLE DRIVE. This was to me  what made my afternoon because like magic we were able to work together from different computers and without going anywhere outside from were we were. I have no words to describe my feelings about this because I was speachless. To conclude, my afternoon was very productive and I feel that professor Cindy Jimenes will become our favorite teacher and by the end of this course I will have learn lots of new things about computers, and more importantly I will have let asside my common constraint about computers.