Sunday, January 31, 2010
My Life with Technology: Stephanie Powell
Technobiography Jennifer Barton
When I was in Elementary school, I only used the computer for a few assignments. My parents bought cordlass house phones. I also got my first portable CD player with headphones. When I was going into middle school, my parents bought me a cell phone to use for emergencies. We also got a different computer that had internet service.
It was not until high school, when I got my first laptop computer. I needed to complete many of my school assignments on the computer. I aslo got an upgraded cell phone that had texting. We bought a DVD player and a fax machine. Later in high school, I got my first ipod.
When I started college, we bought all flat screen televisions and I had an ipod adaptor installed in my car. Today, I have a flat screen desktop computer and a laptop computer with wireless internet service. I have a touch screen cell phone with unlimited texting and internet services. I have a flat screen television with a blue ray disc player and a DVR. I also have a new ipod and a GPS. I have used smart boards and Elmos in the classroom as well. Technology is and always will be improving with time.
Technobiography by: Travis Knox
Technobiography - Jamie Whalen
Technobiography Meghan Grammer
As like many others my age, technology began at a young age and has continued to be influential in my life ever since. As a young child I was exposed to a television with remote and watching VHS movies with my family. Video camera’s were used to document my first steps, my first birthday and some of my first words.
It wasn’t until early in Elementary school that I was first introduced to a computer. My class at school would go to the computer lab once a week and that was our chance to practice typing and learn the basics of the computer. In the fourth grade, my parents bought a family computer, mostly used by my mom for work purposes in the beginning. As I became more familiar with the computer, I played educational games often. In the sixth grade, I got my first cell phone. Wow was that a day I won’t ever forget. I sat around the house for hours putting my friends numbers into the phone. There was texting then but it wasn’t popular - in fact the phone I had gotten didn’t even offer it.
By the time I got to high school, I was a master at using a PC and would do projects and homework on it almost every night. I used my cell phone to text friends and the radio around the house. In the eleventh grade my boyfriend at the time bought me an Ipod for our anniversary and a connection to use it in my car. This was really when technology began to play a larger role in my life. In 12th grade, I received my own laptop for graduation. We had a family computer and by this time my mother and father both had their own laptops, but this one was mine to take to college. My second year in college I bought myself a Mac and I absolutely love it.
I cannot imagine myself without technology today. I use my cell phone and laptop every single day. I am always interested to see new things come out. Although it wasn’t prevalent early in my life, it became something I rely on and used to make life easier and more enjoyable. I believe advancements will never stop and there will always be a way to improve something and make it better or more efficient.
Gina Albano's Technobiography
During elementary school, I remember typing up book reports with a type writer. I absolutely hated using that thing! I would get completely frustrated when I accidently pushed a wrong key and I couldn't backspace. I would have to start my paper all over again. I was obsessed with my disc man in late elementary into middle school. I thought it was the coolest thing having a portable CD player I could take with me everywhere.
When I reached middle school, my family purchased a desktop computer. I started taking computer classes in school and became more comfortable with the programs and typing skills. It wasn't until 9th grade that I was granted the privledge of a cell phone. I had a strict plan with limited minutes and no texting. I was only allowed to use the cellphone for emergencies and when I needed a ride home from practice.
From high school until now; I have upgraded my cellphone, stopped using disposable cameras, traded my disc man in for an IPOD, and converted all of our family VHS tapes into DVD's. Once I finally figure out the latest technology, something new usually hits the market. I must say though, I would have an incredibly hard time living without my cellphone and laptop.
Technobiography - Megan Bowie
In the year 2000, however, my family built and moved into a new house across the county. We were able to add a lot of new technological luxuries to the new home. From phone jacks a cable outlets in all the bedrooms to a home theatre system, we immersed ourselves in the new technology at hand. We even added a theatre room all on its own in the basement when we had it finished.
I entered high school and encountered an all new use for technology: independence. I participated in a lot of after school clubs, which I often had to rearrange my ride home for. At first my mom would lend me her cellphone, but that only lasted a few weeks. After that she insisted that I was added onto her cellphone plan and received my own phone. Before I knew it, I was adding texting to my plan, to keep in touch with my friends too. Within a year or so, my family was also adding a car to my list of available technology. Of course, since it was a base model, my older brother seemed to enjoy spoiling me with upgrades. Over the span of several birthdays and Christmases, I watched my car be gutted, rewired, and put back together numerous times. I received a few stereos, automatic windows, automatic locks, automatic mirrors, keyless entry, and much more. Not too long after my license, though, I was given a laptop as a reward for good grades.
Today I use a lot of technology on a daily basis. I own an ipod, a laptop, a car, televisions, dvd players, a Blackberry Storm, an XM radio account, and much more that use every day. If I don't know how to do something with technology, then I try to learn. It's the way my brother works, and the way he has inadvertently taught me. I upgrade my technology when I can, but I also take the time to know exactly what I have access to and how to use it.
Technobiography - Adam Schlenoff
I can probably track my addiction to technology back to early elementary school in the mid 80's when the Oregon Trail burst onto the technology-gaming scene. I was in fourth grade when "The Wizard" with Fred Savage came out in theaters. Needless to say, I was hooked on video games from the time I walked out of the movie.
Growing up I used to listen to all of my parents vinyl records on the player which somehow made it into my room. The first CD I ever owned was the Beatles Anthology who I had become crazy about after listening to all of my Mom's Beatles records. Over the years I have been a lucky owner of Walkman's, Discman's, and 3 different generations of IPODS.
I consider myself an Apple user but due to lack of funds when my last Macbook broke, I was forced to buy a PC. I have a IPhone which I use almost every minute.
Overall, I have been very lucky to own and use so much technology as I have grown up. I can't wait for the next big thing (not the IPad, its just not that cool).
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Colby Gehrig- Technobiography
Amanda Frazier's Technobiography
We had computer time every week in school and I took a course on Microsoft Word and PowerPoint in 7th grade, the year I received my first cell phone. I took a class on how to use Photoshop in 11th grade and got my own laptop as my 12th grade graduation present. While I've had about five different cell phones, the most technologically advanced phone has only been able to text and take pictures. I've had a video iPod since 12th grade but have never owned any other Apple product, although I used Macs for class in high school. My dad has always been a Windows fan for some reason, so that's a we've ever had in our house. He's also a huge video game fan, though, so we have a Play Station 2, X Box 360, and Wii.
It's been pretty interesting to see all the progress that has been made with technology, but I wouldn't say I'm 100 percent dependent on it. I love my iPod, phone, and laptop, but I don't use them all every day. Even with the experience I've had, I wouldn't say I'm anything close to being an expert.
Andrea Hash's Technobiography
When I turned 16, I got my first cell phone. It was pretty basic in that it was a flip phone and I could call people. I did not text or take pictures with the phone. Now, I am 21 and I am on my 4th different phone. It is a touch screen and I use it to text, get on the web, and take pictures. In a pretty short time I have went from not knowing much about phones to being pretty confident with my skills. As I have gotten older, technology has made big changes. My family and I have done our best to stay current with technology.
Technobiobraphy Alicia Grau
When I was in eighth grade, my Dad bought me a cell phone, so I could call him if i needed to stay after school or I was out with my friends. It was only a pre-paid cell phone so I had to watch how long I talked on it and how many text messages I sent. I found myself having no minutes left on my phone more often than I did have minutes. My Dad would only buy me more minutes once a month, so I had to budget how many I used.
When I got to high school I got a new cell phone with unlimited texting and enough minutes to last me through the month. Also, when I was a senior in high school I got my first laptop. Because I was able to have my own computer in my room, I found myself doing things on the computer more often. I would type more assignments for school, search for things online, as well as chat with my friends. Another piece of technology that came out while I was in high school was the ipod. I got one for Christmas when they were still pretty new and I loved it. It was so much more convenient than carrying around a ton of Cd's. Even today, ipods are still changing and coming out with more designs and sizes to fit with everyone.
Today, I use technology everyday. I am constantly checking my email and facebook to communicate with my friends and family. Also, I always have my phone on me and find myself texting all through out the day. I don't talk on the phone nearly as much as I did when I was in middle and high school because texting is just so much faster. I constantly listen to my ipod with headphones as well as in my car. Technology has come very far in the past twenty years and still continues to develop everyday. Because technology has been in my life ever since I was born, I can't imagine my life without it today.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Danielle Ritchie's Technobiography
Technobiography-Chelsea Leister
My first favorite technology investment came when my parents bought my brother and I a Super Nintendo. I remember spending countless hours playing Mario Brothers. Even today, I will still go home and hook up the old Super Nintendo so my brother and I can play Mario Brothers for fun. I have many great memories playing Super Nintendo and I believe it brought my family closer because we had many nights where we would all sit and play. Since computers have always been in my house, I remember playing computer games such as Freddie the Fish. My parents were fascinated with my generations love for technology and I always remembered getting the newest technology for my birthday present each year. After Super Nintendo some of my favorite technologies have been digital cameras, touch screen cell phones, HD televisions, Blu-Ray or the PS3, Google, Wii, iPods, and wireless internet.
Technology has always been present in the schools I have attended as well. In elementary school, I remember the “overhead” being used daily. We even had a huge computer lab that my teachers would take our in class in as much as possible. From middle school on, I remember Elmos and Macs which we would use daily. Now interning at many schools my favorite technology I have seen being used is the Smart Board. It gets the children interacting with lessons while having fun as well. I believe integrating technology into today’s classrooms allows teachers to use multiple teaching strategies while catching their students’ interests.
I believe technology is a necessity that I need to get through each day. Daily, I use my cell phone, computer, the Internet, email, digital camera, and even spend countless hours watching television. Technology is a fast, convenient and efficient way of life in today’s world. It will always be a top priority of mine to keep up with the evolving technology so I eventually do not become a “Digital Immigrant.”
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Lauren Weeks-Technobiography
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Caitlin Miller : Technobiography
Since I was a baby, I was always around technology. There were always available computers, cameras, televisions, cell phones, house phones, CD players and more in my house. We started out with one computer in our house, until my sisters and I got old enough to know how to work one. Growing up with one computer was hard when you have two other sisters to fight with to use it. So as we each got older, we received one for the holidays / birthdays. Not only did I love going on the computer, but I loved taking pictures even more.
When my parents thought I was old enough to be responsible for a camera, I was given one as a gift. I received my first digital camera in 9th grade. Every since 9th grade, I have been through four different cameras. Now I have Nikon Coolpix touch screen that I could not possibly live without. My grandfather always carried around his huge film camera and was always there to take family pictures. I think that is where my love for taking pictures came from. I do not go anywhere without my camera. Since I have had a digital camera I have probably taken somewhere between 10 and 20,000 pictures. I live for pictures. My friends think I am crazy, but one day they will look back and appreciate all the memories that I have captured over the years.
Other then using a camera, I have always been a creative person. In the past I always used Photoshop and other programs to create slideshows, calendars, movies, and power points. I went to University of Hartford my freshman year of college where I was a graphic design major. Although I really enjoyed working with designs that involved the computer, I did not think the major would get me anywhere in life so I switched to Elementary Education. I consider myself a technology person, and I am pretty good with different devices. I know how to do a lot of things on the computers and use a lot of different programs including most of the Microsoft Office programs. My family tends to come to me for computer help. I know how to work a cell phone, an ipod, a computer, a television, and a radio, so I consider myself set for life. Without those things, I do not think I would be able to accomplish much.Alex Cardenas' Technobiography
As I grew up, I continued to receive new gaming consoles, usually 2 years after they came out, as gifts at Christmas and birthday time. The progression of video game consoles I have owned are as follows: Atari 2600, Nintendo, Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, N64, Nintendo Wii, and XBox360, the latter two, which I currently own.
In terms of other types of technology, I got my first ever television while in middle school. This TV was a Daewoo 13 inch CRT screen TV. I was excited because it was my first ever TV that I could call my own. I remember playing with the Closed Caption feature every minute I could because I thought it was the coolest thing ever!
Other technology I was lucky enough to have growing up include walkmans, CD players, boomboxes, and many other gadgets. I remember when I was about 10 or so, my dad brought home our family's very first computer. It was one that ran strictly on DOS (this was before we could afford one with Windows). The main purpose for which I used the computer was to play simple 2-D analog style games which came installed on it. I was because of this computer that I learned how DOS works and also how many aspects of a typical computer works.
Growing older, working and being able to make and save my own money, I have expanded my technology collection. In the present time, I currently own (on top of the Wii and Xbox 360 mentioned above), 2 desktop computers, one laptop (even though it is rather slow at times), 2 iPods (the original Nano and a new 160GB classic), a Blu-Ray Player, 2 LCD TVs (a 32 and 42 inch), a home entertainment surround sound system, 2 digital cameras (both Sonys), 2 cell phones (a Samsung BlackJack I and a Pantech Duo), as well as many other random peripherals and gadgets that I use on a daily basis.
Looking back at the things I used to have (and not have) as a young boy and at the things I own now as a young adult, I can proudly say that technology has become a major part of my life. As I have grown up, I have used the things I received, either as gifts or bought myself, to learn more about technology. I did this by taking them apart, exploring all the parts they are made out of, and looking up what different things did.
Like any other techno-junkie, I have always wanted the next best thing in technology, and believe I always will. This is probably because I am constantly wanting to know what new kind of technology has come out and how I can use it to my own advantage or own personal pleasure. I believe that I have come a long way from being a 7 year old boy playing Pong on my Atari to now being able to almost tell you how that game was created. I believe this is a result of the influx of technology that has come into my life ever since arriving to this country as a naive 6 year old.
I, do however, continue to have my reservations about the Mac and any other Apple product (aside from the iPod)...but that's another story for another blog...
