How Does this Course Apply to My World Part 3

As we near the end of this course, our last assignment is to design our perfect computer. The erect computer is something that I am having a hard time wrapping my mind around. Is there such a thing as a perfect computer? It seems now as technology advances computers lose their value as soon as they leave the shelf. Then when you get the machine home and get it running exactly how you want it, a new commercial comes on for something even better. Any avid technology user can see where I'm coming from.

In the next breath, I can say that a perfect computer is one that meets the needs of the user. This too is something else I've recently been contemplating. As I stated in previous posts, I've always been a PC girl. It's what I've always used and was taught to teach on. Then, when I started teaching, I was given a MacBook. The world of Mac was something that I had explored before, but didn't take too much time looking into it because I aaas so comfotable with my PC. Now, as I type this blog on an iPad given to me by my school, I can't help but wonder if I will purchase a Mac as my next computer.

I've explored my options and noticed that both machines Meet my needs. There is a lot of software that differs between the two, but still serve the same purpose. I'm starting to feel that the Mac is more user friendly and easier to navigate. Though there are certain aspects about PC's that I still love; right-clicking being one of them.

As I continue to grow through technology not only in my career, but also with the help of this program, I still can't help but wonder what is the perfect computer. What are my needs? What purpose will this machine serve me? Is it worth getting a new computer or just updating software/applications?

How Does This Course Continue to Apply to My World

Now that we're halfway though the course, I see more and more how what we're learning and will continue to learn can impact what I do in the classroom.  Being a Business Education teacher means I spend a lot of time with computers. 

One thing that I come across that seems to continue to be an issue is viruses.  Last year, we had a virus attack our entire lab and was unable to use it for 3 days.  Working in a lab sometimes has it's downfall because there are some things that I am not allowed to fix because I don't know how or because I don't have the permission to.  These situations leave me between a rock and a hard spot.  It makes it impossible to get things done with my students and also get my own work done. 

There are a few other teachers in the building that have PC labs who face the same situation as I do when it comes to viruses.  Nothing worse than having to find something for 125 students to do and explain to them why they can't use the computers.  I have told my students that if they turn on the infected computers that it will spread to all in the building and we'll be without them for days!  Obviously not likely, but it works! 



I'm hoping with the help of this course, not only can I learn how to fix some simple virus problems, but also gain the confidence to be able to assist others in fixing their situations.  Also, I'm curious to find out more about where viruses originate and how they can manage to do so much harm in so little time.  I get that some people are evil and find it "fun" to create such disease for computers, but it is still baffling that in such a small amount of time some viruses can wipe out all information. 

Oh the world of viruses!!