Blog #2 -- Software

There are five applications I believe are most important for students to learn which will be valuable for them as they enter the work force or higher education.

1. Word processing is a must for all college students for writing and submitting papers and other assignments. Most professionals use this as well for reports, briefs, and communication. For those who own their own businesses or practice a trade, word processing is important for professional correspondence with clients and suppliers.
2. Being able to set up a web site and manage it well is also one of the top five on my list. To promote your business or organization, a web site is a great source of information and efficient. It is an easy way for customers to find you and your product. It is also a comprehensive way for parties to learn about your organization or group and to contact you.
3. Using presentation software depends on the kind of business you will be entering, but any business or profession that deals with customers/clients will find good use for such a software. It can be used for presenting ideas, educating people about your product, or training employees. For college students, this software is excellent for giving creative presentations in class. Of course, teachers use this often, too.
4. Knowledgeable internet searching supplies students with world-wide information in seconds. But students need to know not only how to search efficiently but carefully to get information from reliable sources. Navigating through web sites and into links can also be tricky. It is important to be able to find what you need for research or for your business.
5. Knowing the workings of the computer and how all typical applications are found and managed is important for college students and employees almost everywhere. A useful and efficient employee is one who can understand the computer enough to problem-solve when snags come. Most professional firms have in-house computer staff, but smaller businesses rely on outside sources to fix problems. A computer-experienced employee would be a great asset to a business because computer training would take less time and the employee could solve difficulties him/herself.

My Technologies -- B1

There are many computer-related technologies available in our everyday lives. We have a computer at home. Our telephone company runs on a computer. The satellite dish company we use controls our choice of channels and the satellite itself through a computer. Our automobiles also rely on computers fpr nearly all of its functions.

Professors have used power poiint presentations in class, downloaded web sites for the class, referred sites for further study, and used software to write music. The library uses a large variety of electronic sources. My professors have asked us to listen to music on line as well as find journals this way.

I had hoped to learn how to use the computer for spread sheets, organizing my class paper work, and surveying helpful sources.

"Educational technology" is software and other programs that can be used for teaching in general--like PowerPoint--or specific software--like Finale for writing music, for example.