Koch,+Ryan

Link to Ryan's Social Bookmarking Network Page []


 * Journal #1 - 7/12**

I have to admit that I have never embarked on a technological journey, created any technological innovations, or awoken to any technological epiphanies.I didn’t have a cell phone until I was 19.My video game purchases came to an end after Sega Genesis (which I still own so I can play NHL 94, greatest video game ever.“I made Gretzky’s head bleed” – //Swingers//).I don’t own an Ipod, Ipad, Iphone, Icar, Ibathroomsink, etc.I am always the last person to comprehend new sources of technology in the classroom (hence why I am rewriting this a half an hour before class after failing miserable at my ability to save and post it last night).I have always found more joy in the outdoors and being one with nature.Now don’t label me some sort of “grassroots dirty hippy” (thought I share their extreme paranoia for the “man”).Tally it up to a father obsessed with hunting, fishing, and the outdoors, a mother who is adamant about exercise an health, and my ability to drive them insane within the confines of a small suburban home.This combination accounts for the lack of time spent inside the home.

Technology isn’t entirely absent from my life though.I own a laptop.I have a TV (but only for watching O’s games and movies).I am a fan of the cinema, even though technology has made it a dying art.People are more entertained by explosions, lasers, and crappy CGI effects than by creative plots and talented acting skills.I listen to music in the form of CDs.I drive an automobile in the form of a 98 Ford (Danger) Ranger.It’s funny how being a few years behinds seems more like a millennium of technological separation.

As per the request of Ashley, I will rant about social networks, specifically Facebook.I am the only person on the entire planet that does not have a Facebook account.I believe Facebook has created a new breed of obsession.In a world controlled by marketing, advertising, and promotion, Facebook has become a hub where individuals can buy and sell their entities, which are filled with empty pathetic nonsense.No one cares that “Jessica is excited for flip flop weather.No one is inspired by your crappy Rascal Flats song quotes.Instead of contributing their services to better the real world, people are spending hours finding the perfect “pics” to post.You know, the ones where your ass looks great in those designer jeans, or your biceps are brought out a little more by the lighting.I believe it is more dangerous than we may know. I have always believed that we cannot be controlled unless we are identified.Facebook has become a very small place that holds population to a majority of the country, and maybe the planet.All those people gathering their identities in one place is frightening to me.Well that is my rant.I am sure I came off extremely pretentious, and I apologize.I know everyone in class has Facebook, and I think you are all a solid bunch of folks, and I don’t hate you; I just think it is very easy to get “sucked in” (quote South Park).

In closing, I do believe in the idea of technology despite my own personal experiences.My problem with technology is that it has only developed and been used mainly for those institutions that can garner a profit.It’s secret that technology has exploded in advancement over the last 20 years, and it will continue to develop faster.I just wish ethics and compassion could advance along with it.There are hundreds of amazing technological ideas that have been put on hiatus because they cannot receive the funding needed to implement it.Technology moves with the money flow.If we can change this trend, we can change the world.We can create safer, cleaner, and more efficient public transportation (research electromagnetic trains).We bring cures to crippling diseases to the whole population (didn’t Magic Johnson have AIDS once?).We can develop cleaner and safer energy sources (oil rules all).Will this happen?Who knows?Greed sucks.Technology doesn’t have too?


 * Journal #2 - 7/14**

I believe Technology should be taken advantage of in the classroom, but it shouldn’t dominate the environment.The problem I have with technology and learning is that it can create a passive attitude towards learning.If you understand how the technology operates, can you learn the technology to achieve the goals without understanding what was meant to be learned?I believe technology can replace outdated methods of teaching in order to be more engaging with students.You can show more visual or audio examples as opposed to lecturing.

My experiences include using the internet, Excel, Word, and Power Point in many of my college classrooms.I graduated High School in 2001, and to be honest, I don’t remember using to many technology based tools then.I used some computer simulation programs, audio tools, and webpage creation programs when I was in Business School.I will be honest and admit that my experiences need to expand before I graduate the MAT program.


 * Journal #3 - 7/15**

This many not surprise anyone, but I don't use any of the Web 2.0 tools that we researched. After researching the tools, there are several that I could see myself using in the classroom. I think many of them would be very engaging for students. Which ones would I use in my personal life now? I would strongly consider using the PodCast tools. My friends and I have discusses creating a Podcast for a while now and I had fun with it the other day when completing the UDL assignment. I also liked WordSift because it is an interesting way to look up words I do not know. I could also see myself writing a blog that dealt with relevant information on social issues. Besides that, I wouldn't use any of the other tools for myself, only the classroom.

I do intended to use Web tools in my classroom. Even though I don't personally engage with technology that often, I would be a fool to ignore it in my classroom. The children of the 21st century are "plugged in" and one of the best ways to grab their attention will be with the technology they enjoy. Technology is only gaining speed in development. I could see video classrooms, optional attendance, and more interactive connections with students from around the world. Is this good? Yes and no. Its great to connect with people from around the world, but at the same time people currently spend 90% of their lives indoors. Will our cultures be all that different 10 years from now if we are all "living" online? We may think the world is getting more exciting with technology, but I challenge that idea. If we all end up in the same place, using the same tool to enjoy the same things, will their be any diversity in the world?

Familiar 1) The legal constituents of a copyright. 2) What can be copyrighted.
 *  Journal #4: Copyright and Fair Use  **

Unfamiliar 1) How much of a song, text, or movie you can legally use. 2) The limitations teachers have of using copyrighted info in the classroom. I was very surprised to see all the percentages and statistics regarding how much of a song, movie, poem, book, etc, you can use.I would be curious to see how the committees in charge of creating these laws came up with these numbers. With all the avenues to access free media for free, I wonder how these laws are enforced.If a 12 year old kid illegally downloads a song, what sort of legal action is taken against him if he is caught?Another concern I have deals with providing information to students who can’t afford (or the school can’t afford) to purchase it.We discussed in class the case of teachers photocopying textbooks for their students.While on the surface this is viewed as a criminal offense, a closer look reveals that broke schools may be doing their best to provide broke students with an education.There are ethical issues on both sides, but I would much rather help the student than the textbook corporation.What can be done? Many of my friends steal music and films online.I personally do not.The music I listen to is written and recorded by musicians who are more broke than I am.A CD purchase is their paycheck.I don’t have any issues with people stealing music, especially from corporate musicians who have more money than I’ll ever see. Even then, most musicians, whether popular or not, make a bulk of their money on tours.It is the record companies that make the money of CD sales.


 * Journal # 5**

This class has been very helpful in introducing me to new tools to use within the classroom. I really like programs such as Prezi, Social Bookmarking, some of the Web Tools (which I acutally utilized in my lesson plans for the other class we're taking now), and the Movie Making tools. I feel confident in my ability to implement these into my class (atleast until I do it tomorrow). I would like to be introduced to more helpful tools as they are created. I still want to learn how to use a SmartBoard too. I would also like to figure out more effective ways to use communication tools such as WebX.

My views on classroom technology haven't changed, but this isn't a bad thing. Coming into the class, I knew these skills were neccesary to learn, and I feel that I have learned a lot. I still feel a little threatened by what technology could turn society into. I feel technology can be utilized for good, but will it?

**__ PERSONAL HOMEPAGE __

1. Why are you taking ISTC 301?**

Have to

** 2. What are three important things you hope to learn while taking this course? **

How not to continuously fail miserably when it comes to technolgoy.

Incorporate technology into my classroom to better engage with students.

What the hell is a Smart Board?


 * 3. In what ways do you think taking this course will help you in your other college coursework and future professional practice? **

I think technology will help me write more interesting lesson plans and make a better connection with students who are light years ahead of me in technology.


 * 4. Basic, interesting information about yourself. **

I think I'm pretty solid. I like reading. I used to work in Baseball for 4 years (scouting, player development, etc). I ended up leaving because the business side of it almost ruined my life (hence my personal vendetta against the business world. Die yuppy scum!). I work as cook in a bar in Highlandtown, Baltimore called the Laughing Pint (come have a beer, I'll cook you a meal). I grew up in Carroll County (cue Deliverance soundtrack). I hold the record for most riblet baskets eaten at the Ocean City Apple Bees (9 baskets).


 * 5. A photo of yourself. **

I did this at school and don't have a photo of me. So I found a photo on google of another guy named Ryan Koch. Enjoy