Firewall

I really enjoyed this movie. I was able to better understand the technology side of the storyline after reading "The Blue Nowhere" and reading all of our assigned readings. It is very scary to know that all of these things could possibly happen. Could someone really make it look like you have a very large gambling debt? How scary! These hackers could ruin innocent people's lives. It was good to see Ford's character use his knowledge for good to get all that money back to his bank costumers. After viewing this movie, I am more aware of technology advances, but at the same time a little nervous about how others use these advancements.

Chapter 6: Computer and Network Security

I found the section about viruses, worms, and Trojan horses the most interesting. I never truly understood how viruses worked, but knew I didn't want them infecting my computer. One thing I like about the company my e-mail is through is that they scan for e-mails that may contain viruses. They send me a message telling me that there are e-mails that may be infected by viruses and I can go check them at a different location. I also never open a message from an unfamiliar account. It's amazing how smart people are to be able to create such programs and viruses, but totally unethical!

Chapter 5: Privacy

In chapter 5, I particularly found the section about public information interesting. I do not like the fact that sometimes personal information can become public information, but after reading this section, I understand why it would be beneficial.

I have heard about the implanted chip, but never thought of the possibility of having parents implant chips in their children. Children could be easily found if lost or abducted. I agree that a child's life is more important than privacy.

I've also hear of the radio frequency identification (RFIDs), but now have a better understanding of what they are. I can see in the near future all bar codes being replaced by RFIDs. The idea of me being monitored because of the RFIDs in my clothing is a little scary. There would definitely be a loss of privacy.

I do like the idea the stores in the United Kingdom have- body scanners. How nice it would be to have my body scanned and the computer tell me what clothes would fit me the best. Also being able to view what the clothes on you would look like would be great. This would save so much time, but I can't imagine how much it would cost me.

There were other topics in this chapter that interested me, but public information interested me the most. It will be exciting to see how the implanted chip will be used and how soon the RFIDs will be in every store.

Area Schools Draw Clear Line

I found this article to be very interesting and saddening. It scares me to know that some of my former students may be involved in such bullying tactics. I've heard so many bad things that occur from being on My Space.com that I don't even want my own child on that site. I don't think that my third grade students would cyber-bully, but technology is changing and so are the ways of bullying and children catch on very fast when it comes to technology and finding their way around the Internet. I can see cyber-bullying happening more with middle and high school students, but I wouldn't put it past upper elementary students in doing the same. What scares me the most is my own child possibly getting cyber-bullied! My school doesn't have a bullying policy when it comes to electronic harassment, but knowing my principal, I expect this to be discussed when I return to school in August. I think that it would be very important for my school district to have this type of policy and I will be addressing my daughter's school on the subject also.

How Teachers View Technology

After reading this article, I wasn't surprised with the survey results it was reporting. It reported that "most teachers believe the use of computer technology translates into higher student achievement and improved parent-teacher communication." I also view computers as a valuable teaching tool that can improve students academic performance and attention class. I continue to educate myself and "step out of my box" to find different ways to use technology in the classroom. Communication with my students' parents have increased for those that have access to the Internet. It is very easy to e-mail parents and I usually get a quick response back. I also like when parents e-mail me about questions or when they drop a message to let me know things that may be happening at home. I do agree that students who have access to computers at home have an advantage over those that don't. They are more knowledgeable about computers in general and know how to research information very easily on the World Wide Web. We also have grades posted on-line so parents have quick, easy, and immediate access to their child's grades. I like it not only as a teacher, but also as a parent.

Technology in the Schools: It Does Make a Difference!

Some people in 1999 may not have agreed that Technology does make a difference, but knowing what a difference it has made in the past seven years would make anyone change their opinion on the subject. Many schools do spend money on technology instead of updating textbooks, but teachers can get updated information on the Internet at anytime. From my personal experience, students LOVE technology. They are excited in this form of learning. Software programs allow children to work at their own level, which allows flexibility between students, and it reaches ALL students. If computers are used appropriately, they do make a difference. Technology does reinforce and enhance skills that are learned. When teachers have enough training and support on specific software programs, students are successful. And having updated software does foster successful learning. Technology needs to be available to all students in order to allow them to compete in the technology rich job market. Technology DOES make a difference in our schools and believe that most everyone would agree.

Debate Rages Over 'Digital Divide'

Knowing that this article was published in 1999 made me wonder how different the "digital divide" is today. I was not surprised to read that in 1998 there was a fourteen percent difference between the "average" nation's classroom and low income communities and minority neighborhoods in regards to having Internet access. I think that it has improved since then, but know there is still a gap. In 1998, there was a survey completed that showed that the majority of the U.S. students did not have Internet access in their homes. I would be very interested to know what a survey done today would show. Not having access to technology and/or not being educated on how to use technology will leave many students behind. This is obvious especially in Black and Hispanic Americans. I hope and believe that the education in this area has greatly improved in the past nine years. I totally agree with what David Warlick said in the article: "...the degree to which a school or school district embraces and utilizes technology is not as much a wealth issue as it is a leadership issue." Having a great leader in a school, I believe, makes a world of difference in the standard of education a student receives. And a great leader will make sure that students are engaging themselves in this world of technology.