Learning Journal Blog Entry #2

Learning Journal Blog Entry #2

I have learned quite a few things in this learning module. I learned how to change the settings on Google Chrome and make a screencast of the process (that was fun). I already knew the different types of connections to the internet. I did learn that I don't have many close wifi connections.

I learned more about Google Chrome. I knew and have used the other browsers. I do like Internet Explorer and Firefox and Google Chrome the best I think. They all work about the same, I like the tab feature.

I really liked the videos on the Did You Know Facebook discussion. They were really eye-opening. Especially the one on how the US is falling behind in the amount of smart kids. I really think that NCCC is tayloring its curriculum to the way kids learn now. Technology changes so fast, but I think that NCCC is keepin up. Especially the teachers I have had so far.

I really liked the part on security. I have always been really paranoid about suspicious emails and popups, and music and other media downloading sites, so I really didn't learn much that was new. I did learn of a few sites on where to report breeches in security to, such as smam@uce.gov, and ftc.gov. I also didn't realize that some anti-spyware programs actually contain spyware. You really have to be careful what you buy and investigate it fully, like end use agreements, and privacy policy. The icons for security are easy to spot on a website, but even they can be forged. I liked the info on the OnGuardOnline.gov website. Very informative.

I learned more about how the internet works, how information travels through the internet. I liked the little 2 part movie about it.

I already knew about domain names and that they cost money, but I really didn't know the trusted sites on where to get one. That was informative. They are: Register.com, Network Solutions.com. NameSystem.com, Safenames.com. I am going to keep them in mind when I eventually get my website up.

I have actually taken part in web conferencing, and virtual meetings at work.

Some terms I learned:

1. Data Switch – An intelligent device that filters and forwards packets to other network segments.
2. Hub – a device that connects multiple nodes on the same network.
3. Router – a specialized computer that connects LAN (local area network) segments, two or more LANs on a WAN (wide area network). They all transmit at different speeds and use different protocols.
4. Hop – Is when a packet is forwarded to the next Internet Router.

I feel I did not put as much time as I wanted to into this module. Unfortunately, there was an illness in the family and I couldn't get into as much depth as I wanted to. I am grateful to you, professor, for your help.

Learning Journal 1

I have actually learned a great deal in this first week. I learned alot about the "cloud" and what we can do on it. It is very interesting, and amazing to me that we can create documents online and that we don't need to have the software on our computer. As I said in my discussion, I am still a little hesitant because you always hear about hackers, and people who steal your identity, I would still be afraid of putting my personal info up and pictures in there.

I learned a lot about the way the Internet started. I can remember when I was young how a computer would take up a whole room, and it had to be climate controlled. I remember the punch cards when I was in high school. It is amazing how far technology has gotten since I was young.

I learned about Voicethread. That was pretty painless to sign up for and do the exercise. I found it rather fun. I am really looking forward to learning more!

Terms I learned this Module:
1. ARPA - Advanced Research Projects Agency was created by the Department of Defense, the US Government wanted more scientific advances.

2. Packet Switching - separating data from a sending computer into small units (packets) sending these packets over cables independently, then putting them back together on the receiving computer.

3. Microblogging - sending short messages throughout the day.

4. Cloud Computing - users can access computer services like data storage, word processing software, spreadsheet and presentation software, all without owning or running these programs. They can share with coworkers, friends, family, etc.

I really liked the YouTube movies you had for the web. I had a problem getting them to work at first. I had to open them in YouTube in order for them to play properly. The first one when I tried to open it only gave me audio, no video, and the second wouldn't open at all.

I learned about Dragon naturally speaking program on the discussion on Facebook. That sounds really interesting, and it would help so many people.

I also learned about Trafiradar that would keep a light at yellow to let you go through. That sound very promising.

I learned more about the cloud through the discussions, and also about HTML5. HTML5 sound really promising! I am really interested in that because I want to be a web developer.