| LTCY 518 Literacy Education and Technology - Dr. Pam Petty - pam@pampetty.com |
Ready
for a ROAD TRIP?? I told you this
course was going places!
I am going to use the analogy of a road trip through each of the learning modules (places we "stop" on our journey to do some investigating/learning). I am also going to MODEL for you how to PRESENT new technologies to your learners (and colleagues) in such a way that the "trip" is actually quite enjoyable.
Just like any other trip we would take, there are preparations to be made. The two surveys you took provided baseline information to ensure that we would all be "compatible" on our ride and that each person's needs could be met as we travel through the course. The GOOD NEWS is that your driver (me) knows where we are going and has already scouted out the best routes to take. There are, however, things you need to bring with you that will make your travels more comfortable. As on ANY adventure where two or more people are brought together, there also have to be some ground rules to ensure the most pleasant ride possible.
Avoiding Obstacles
(potholes,
,
black ice, running out of gas, fanny fatigue, etc.):
1) If a computer can break down, blow up, or throw up, it WILL do so when you are taking a 3-week technology-based course. Even Bill Gates was stricken with the "blue screen of death" (truly a technology term to describe the blue screen that can appear when a HUGE crashing event has occurred) during a recent presentation of new Microsoft tools. The likelihood of technology problems while you are installing new applications is even more pronounced as setting you recognize on your computer may be altered. Establish a back-up plan. Start by BACKING UP your computer. If you do not have a program that automatically backs your computer up each night you can manually back up your files.
| Backing up Files: http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/update/backup.mspx http://www.pchell.com/support/backupoe.shtml (backups for Outlook/Outlook Express) |
2) Designate an EMERGENCY computer. Think through "what would I do if my computer/Internet went down right now when I need to be working?" A public library? A friend's house? A relative's house? My school? An alternate computer in your home (laptop, possibly). If you have your files backed up on a portable storage device (portable hard drive, flash drive, or even CDs) you should be able to bring your files up on any computer that has the same software programs and continue your work. The main thing to do that will avoid the PANIC that comes WITH the frustration of a computer problem is to already HAVE A PLAN in place for where you will go or what you will do to be able to continue your work.
3) There is losing Internet service and then LOSING Internet ACCESS. Sounds like the same thing, huh? When you locate the webpages you KNOW you are going to use CONSTANTLY for this course, SAVE them either to your hard drive on your computer OR to a CD. This includes ALL the pages associated with this course (like the one you are on now) AND pages I have linked to within the course (tutorials, idea pages, etc.).
| How to Copy Webpages for use OFF-LINE: 1) Open a webpage you need in your browser (Internet Explorer and Netscape are examples of browsers)
3) Continue this same process until you have all the webpages you need. You will be viewing the pages OFF-LINE - the pages will look exactly LIKE they are on-line except you will not be able to follow any hyperlinks. |
4) Slow drivers may not cross the finish line! Do not get behind - by design this course travels in the fast lane. You may feel at times as though you are being dragged behind the vehicle instead of sitting comfortable inside it, but this course is an OVERVIEW of MANY things with the hope that exposure and opportunity will enable you to set realistic technology goals and improve your literacy instruction through the expanded use of technology tools. Part of your challenge in this course will be to identify the types of hardware and software applications/programs you think will best fit your needs and your students' needs. Try to choose good "fits" while at the same time really STRETCHING and GROWING in your skills.
5) Blackboard will be our "home base" for many applications in this course:
- The homepage you build will serve to help us get to know each other and to put a face with a name.
- The discussion board application will be vital as a means for us to discuss, brainstorm, and share ideas/fears/ and our own experiences.
- All grades will be posted in Blackboard.
- All assignments (unless otherwise noted) will be submitted via the ASSIGNMENTS section in Blackboard. ALL types of files can be submitted and all scored work will be sent back to you that way as well.
- All grading will be done electronically and re-submitted to the Assignments section of Blackboard for you to retrieve to review feedback on your work.
- It may be helpful to "meet"
electronically periodically throughout the course --- we
have the following options:
- we will use SKYPE (http://www.skype.com/)
- or MSN Instant Messenger (http://im.live.com/messenger/im/home/?source=MSNTDLINK)
- let me know which service you would like to use and when
you would like to meet with me - this is a time for me to
clarify assignments and for you ask any questions/discuss
any course related issues you may have
To use any of those features we need common TIMES that we are available to meet there.
Please use the following form to let me know what days/times of day work best for you.
AGAIN you will get a message that this form was NOT SENT - NOT TRUE. My server is in a wad about something. I am GETTING these forms when you submit them and have contacted my ISP to try and determine why the error message is being generated. I apologize for any confusion!
More info on IM: Another way for us to stay in contact is through Instant Messaging. Are you already signed up? There are many options, but I would like to recommend MSN IM and Skype. To download the free Instant Messenger from MSN, please visit this site: http://join.msn.com/messenger/overview/ Once you get the software on your computer you will need to add me as a contact. My screen name is pam@pampetty.com (original, huh?). You can select any anonymous code name you like - you may have to try a few until you find a screen name that isn't taken, but keep thinking and you will find one. You can also choose from one of the ones they may recommend to you (usually they add a numerical digit or something like that). You can download SKYPE here: http://www.skype.com/download/skype/windows/
Email me YOUR screen name and I can add you from my MSN IM or Skype. The cool thing is that it will let you know EVERY time I go on-line - we can chat as you work - no slow email - quick and simple. It is like being in the same room. I have a webcam and can talk to you face to "screen" (unless you have one and then it would be face to face!). We can send photos - videos - files - you will LOVE this, I promise!
