My Personal Computer History

My first computer experience was with my Aunt's Commodore computer. It was the most exciting thing we ever seen, not only could we type on an actual screen(lol) but we could also play the Wheel of Fortune game (my favorite television program at the time). In school we had an Apple 2e and we used it to type our documents if time permitted (because we only had one computer in the class). The Apple was nothing like what we use today, this computer had a green screen and an equally large and loud printer that sounded more like a typewriter. For the most part most of my computer experience was limited until my sophomore year in High School, the typewriter was more the available means for drafting a document.

Attending school in the late 80's early 90's was much unlike what the students have available for their use today. I can remember drafting all my papers by hand or by the dreaded type writer. Yes I did say the typewriter, I had to take Typing 101 and I remember having to place a piece of typing paper over my hands to avoid looking at the keys. Not to mention straining my eyes to verify what I just typed. My sophomore year brought great joy to all of our hearts when we were able to use the computer in place of the typewriter. The computer lab opened to all students and we all able to go to the lab to draft our documents onto this screen that was colorful and user friendly (Microsoft Office Word) (Not to forget the wonderful printer that zapped out the document in just a few moments).

In the years to it became commonplace for me to use the computer for most things I do, I guess that is what brought me to this course. I want to navigate not only myself around a computer proficiently but also my students. I am looking forward to my near future venture of opening my computer and examining/identifying all the components that make up the computer.

Just checking if this link works...

This is my son (future Green Bay Packer Safety). I just wanted to see if this link actually works from my Dropbox account....please let me know if you can view this picture:)http://dl.dropbox.com/u/5345700/chris%201.jpg

On to Week 2....

Whew...after an exhausting week of adjusting back to being a student again, I must say I am rather enjoying this new classroom experience. This past week was very educational for me because as much as I use the computer and navigate around the web I have yet to discover all that is available in cyber space. The browser activity was the most beneficial for me, let the truth be told I only use Internet Explorer as my browser. So discovering the other browsers available made me very intrigued to try something new. In my research I discovered that FireFox is the most widely used browser and is compatible with the various operating systems on the market. I am so amazed at my ignorance of all this, (I can not believe I am sharing this little tid bit of information) but I am so excited to learn something new and apply it to my professional and personal cyber life.

As the weeks goes on I am looking forward to learning and improving my technological skills (say goodbye to the help button!)

Week 1...

Hello world...my name is Brianna Bellamy and I have a very limited experience with computers besides the basic Internet search and Microsoft office package. I enrolled into a M.Ed program specializing in Instructional Technology to improve my overall performance in the classroom and at home. With the ever changing technological advances, I needed to incorporate a way to reach the learner with fun, and innovative lesson plans that grasp their attention without disengaging them.



My passion for teaching and learning began many years ago when I was just a student myself, but as I grew into adulthood my dream turned sour with the many discouraging comments of family and friends saying "teaching does not pay well and the stress is just too much." I followed those comments and decided to enter the financial world and try fulfill my dreams in this field. After a few years in financial sales, I realized I was burned out and had no real desire in selling financial products. At the age of 31 I decided it was time to do what I always longed to do and that was to teach!



I entered into a non-traditional graduate program at Lipscomb University, where students who held a Bachelors could complete a teaching certification program. This program allowed me the privilege to learn and grow with fellow future educators from all professional backgrounds (I was very relieved to know that I was not the only transitioning teacher..lol). It was during my six month student teaching experience when I realized that I wanted to further my technological education. I hate to admit this but I have to say that I was asking my students (yes my students) how to do various tasks for my visual lesson that I was planning. Now I am not ashamed to ask questions, but this situation led me to realize that in order to reach my students I need to present my lessons in a way that captures their attention (worksheets and board work were not making the cut anymore).



So here I am at Cardinal Stritch building my own education to improve my overall performance with my students. I know this will be a heavy load right now but I it is my passion/goal in life to see every child love and understand every aspect of math without any hesitation.