Teasley’s Instructional Media and Technology Blog

I read another article on Yahoo! Tech about this year’s Daylight Saving Time has been “re-jiggered” in order to save energy.  Unfortunately, most people’s computers are not programmed for this new change; therefore, between March 11, 2007 and April 1, 2007 our computers will be an hour off.  Luckily, Microsoft has added a downloadable program to their “automatic update” feature to update Microsoft’s Daylight Saving Time program on users computers.  As long as users have their “automatic update” feature switched on, they will not have to go to the Microsoft’s website to download the feature manual.  Users that have downloaded Windows Vista will not be affected by the change, because it is prepared for this energy save.  This article also gave helpful precautions to take during those few weeks such as to send e-mails and bank deposits early if there is a deadline (automatic machines may not get updated during those weeks) and to include the date and the time you are sending e-mails and other information electronically.

To read this article written by Robin Raskin, click below:

http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/raskin/8280

For the past few weeks, I have heard a lot of people talking about Windows Vista.  I finally took the time to do some research about it on the Internet.  From what I can gather, Windows Vista is the new upgraded Windows program that is replacing Windows XP.  Windows Vista is offering a number of improved graphics, multimedia creation tools, and has an improved state of security (Windows XP was highly criticized for its lack of security).  Windows Vista became available for the public on January 30, 2007.  With this new program available, this puts school systems another step behind on being up-to-date on technology available for students.  Will school systems ever catch up to an always-changing technology system?

To learn more about Windows Vista, click below:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/default.mspx

I have never heard of a webquest until this week.  None of my previous teachers used webquests.  I would love to employ webquests into the curriculum when I start teaching.  They would be most helpful when I teach science.  It is easier to understand science with a more hands-on approach.  I believe the creative techniques I learned in the EDUC 642: Critical Thinking and Creativity in the Classroom class will be beneficial to developing engaging, yet educational, webquests.

This morning I read an article from Yahoo! Tech that stated laptop users can increase the lifespan of their computers by closing the cover of their laptops when they are not in use.  Robin Raskin said it was her experience that “after two or three years, hard disk failure in laptops [are] pretty common.”  It is hard to believe that we spend so much money to have laptops that will last only a few short years.  It seems that manufactures intentionally build laptops to have a short lifespan so that consumers are constantly buying new, upgraded computers.  I see this same trend in most tech items today (i.e. cell phones).  I question what consumers can do to stop this trend from occurring.

Robin Raskin’s article:

http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/raskin/7771

“I’m In,” was posted on Hillary Rodham Clinton’s website Saturday morning.  Following in Barack Obama’s footsteps, Clinton announced her decision to be a presidential candidate via video stream.  Obama and Clinton’s actions suggest that the 2008 Presidential Elections will not closely reflect past elections, but venture headfirst into the twenty-first century with technology leading the way.  Clinton stated in her video stream Saturday, January 20, 2007, that she wants to use her website as a “two-way dialog conversation” between her and the voters.  The Internet will be the presidential candidates’ main tool in swaying votes in their direction with American youth being their main target.  If technology continues to be the dominating force in elections, political candidates may attempt to solicit voters via text message. 

 Hilary Rodham Clinton’s official campaign website:

http://www.hillaryclinton.com/ 

 Barack Obama’s official campaign website:

http://www.barackobama.com