Topic 1 Reflection
This week in class I discovered what a web log, or `blog' was, and taught myself how to set one up. I think they are a clever idea - an online diary of sorts. I also re-taught myself the basic functions of an AppleMac computer. I did have previous experience using this type of computer, but it was obviously an outdated knowledge and not appropriate for the new computer I used in the computer lab! I think that this week I have successfully performed outcome 6 from the subject outline by using an unfamiliar tool (the blog), on an unfamiliar computer (the new AppleMac).

Through reading Roblyer's text, I learnt about the positive and negative aspects of using technology in the classroom. The history of classroom-computer usage was interesting and I particularly liked the definition of educational technology. Mary Anne Bell's article Technophobia or Technophilia made me smile as I have heard my mother and other older relatives comment about not being bothered to learn about computers, just like Bell's friends did. The factors that changed `phobes to `philes made sense, and I could relate to them, especially factor two, because the popularity of email and the internet prompted me to learn more about computers when I was in year seven.

*Alison*

Hi!!
Hi, my name is Alison and this is my blog. I'm still a bit lost so it may take a little while for me to get the hang of it :)

I've been using computers for as long as I can remember, because my father, being in the business always had computers at home, although I only used them to play games. During high school I taught myself how to use Word, PowerPoint and the internet. Other than that, my knowledge of computers and IT is quite limited, and I mostly end up learning things by trial and error.

By the time I have finished this course, I hope to have a much wider knowledge of ICT than I already do and hope to feel more confident about attempting new things in conjunction with the topic. I would also like to be able to easily implement ICT into the classroom. Actually passing the subject is another goal, as the whole topic seems kind of daunting!

Til next time,

Alison