ATTACK!!

I feel very vulnerable to internet scams, criminals, and frauds whenever I read articles that alert me to the world-wide problem. I understand the risks, but it still scares me to think that I may be unprotected, especially when I know that "they" know more about computers than myself. But I did learn a little bit more today about keeping my computer and internet secure:
1. Choose a password that has nothing to do with important dates, numbers, or addresses.
2. The password should include a randomized selection of numbers, letters, and symbols.
3. Do not keep the same password for every account.
4. Anti-virus programs can detect spyware that is annoying and disturbing the flow of the computer.
5. If you recognize that you've been a victim of fraud, you can report it to the Federal Trade Commission, at ftc.gov.
6. If you get deceptive spam, including email phishing (when people try to steal your information) forward it to spam@uce.gov.

http://www.allspammedup.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/phishing-2.jpg

I now have to go change all my passwords...

The Counterculture

Another reason why Mac computers are little miracles is because they allow us to make movies like this one. Now the quality and usefulness of this video is under question, but I do see the endless possibility this may have just opened up for me. Is it too late to change my major to film editing? I can feel the disapproving look coming from my mum's eyes now. Good think I'm not very good at it. Here is ample proof as evidence. Don't worry mum, I'll stick to History Teaching.
Can I see myself using this in my future classroom. No, what kind of person would find it appropriate to lecture, then play a movie with their own voice as narration? I'm not subjecting my students to that.

Am I learning, or am I just entertained?

I was informed by a very wise person that our attention spans can be measured by adding 4 to your age and that is how long, in minutes, your optimal attention span is. For example, I am 23. So my attention span is 27 minutes (23+4=27) (I may or may not have had to count that on my fingers...)
My point:
With such a limited amount of time we have in the classroom, and even more limited student's attention spans, it is important to ask ourselves if the information we are presenting is the best, or if it just okay. Technology is great at grabbing student's attention, as it does mine quite well, but do we let it run the show for us? Are students paying more attention to the graphics on the PowerPoint, or are they actually learning? (That sounds like the making of a great potential experiment) I believe there is still a need for student-teacher relationships and that effective teaching does not substitute technology for a teacher. Technology can never express love or support for a student, or a desire for the student's success.
The difference between an effective and ineffective media is whether it is helping or hindering the nurturing pedagogy that is crucial for the student to learn.