PC Maintenance and Security Lab

Atomic Learning's PC Maintenance and Security Workshop provides a nice assortment of tutorials.  It was difficult to choose just three topics to blog about!

Tutorial #1:  Defining Malware

Prior to this tutorial, I was only vaguely familiar with the term "malware".  Malware is actually malicious software of any type that is meant to harm computers.  It includes viruses, trojan horses, and spyware.

Tutorial #2:  Optimizing Your Folders for Better Viewing of Files

Did you know that you can arrange your file icons by name, size, type, or even by the date it was last modified?  If you would like to apply your arrangement to every file you view, just look under tools -> folder -> options -> view and simply choose your preferred view.   (I will definitely be sharing this information with my mother, who could benefit from a more organized file view.)

Tutorial #3:  Comparing and Contrasting Hardware and Software Firewalls

This was another tutorial that I chose due to my inadequate knowledge on the subject.  I was surprised to learn that there are two kinds of firewalls: hardware and software.  It is recommended that anyone using broadband internet service and/or wireless internet have both hardware and software firewalls to protect their computer.  Hardware firewalls are generally built-in as part of your router, hide your computer from the internet (from general malicious scans), and block inbound traffic that you didn't initiate.  Software firewalls must be installed (many security suites include such software), and some block outbound traffic.

Getting Things Done Reflection

Today I mastered my workflow. That sounds super-organized, right? Actually, today I adjusted some of the organizational tools I have been currently utilizing in order to make conscious decisions about my time management. I currently have five major “buckets”: mail basket, smartphone software package, refrigerator notepad, MSU course basket, and my mobile in-box (otherwise known as a purse). Since my “buckets” are located in different physical locations, I am utilizing the Cozi mobile app on my iPhone to keep my lists organized and instantly accessible.

This process was easy for me to complete. Because I already had a system in place, I was able to make small adjustments to allow for more efficiency without spending a lot of time sorting my “buckets”. Some time was spent entering due-dates for my course assignments into the Cozi app, but I spent a majority of my time re-organizing my purse.

The Getting Things Done process helped me re-think my Organize process. Breaking this category into four key actions is a great idea, and will definitely help me streamline my to-do lists. I was able to create three “Key Action Category” to-do lists within Cozi (I can add calendar items directly to my Cozi calendar), and can easily move items within each list based on priority.

I plan to continue to use this process in the future. My major stumbling-point will be keeping my to-do lists updated, so I plan on processing my “buckets” at regular intervals throughout the week. Getting Things Done was an easy way for me to master my workflow.

How Social Networks Fit Into My Workflow

I enjoy social networking sites, especially Facebook. Such sites allow me to keep current with the varied lives of my friends, family members, and acquaintances while allowing them to take a peek into my own life as well. Although I have been utilizing social networking sites since MySpace was popular, this is the first time I have consciously analyzed how social networking can fit into my workflow, as it applies to my personal life, professional life, and the lives of my students.

Social networking sites are well suited for personal interactions. Participating in an online network extends my sense of community, both with people who live in my neighborhood and also friends and relatives, regardless of distance. The effortless ability to connect with people makes my world feel smaller. I also enjoy being able to coordinate social events at my convenience, knowing that others are able to respond at a time that is convenient for them as well.

Professionally, social networking has many possibilities for me. I currently use Facebook to keep up-to-date on the projects that many of my peers are undertaking. I have also been able to keep connected with news stories, special events, and new ideas. My main issue with social networking is the difficulty to make a distinction between professional and private realms. My sister in Arizona, who carries her smartphone with her at all times, posted a joke on my Facebook wall last week – but is this appropriate for my work colleagues to view?

As reliance on social networking increases, I also need to look carefully at ways students create similar public and private distinctions in their online choices. Just as with any learning tool, children need to clearly understand responsible etiquette and be able to conduct themselves appropriately. Of course, attentive supervision and safety features must be in place in order for everyone to be successful.

Over the past few years, I have become more comfortable participating in social networking sites. Although my posting style will never be of the “Here's a picture of what I'm eating for supper” type, I am able to post a few items a week with confidence. I will continue to be mindful of the need to separate my professional and private realms, but I am excited to explore the possibilities of this amazing networking tool.

Web Pages vs. Blogs

When I began my hobby as a web-surfer, back at the turn of the century, I was intimated by website design. I understood that website designers had to be well versed in HTML and java in order to create and publish a website (something I was not willing to invest my time in learning). Fortunately for me, and countless others, blogging has provided an opportunity for individuals to publish web-based content in a user-friendly environment. A coder has to put together lovely templates (using Dreamweaver, for instance) to allow bloggers to publish information quickly and easily. For the most part, websites are designed to be static sources of information while blogs are a more dynamic and constantly updated platform.

Setting Research Goals Using Zoho

Question Cube Tutorial Using Google Docs

Unit Plan Using Open Office

Open-Ended Advanced/Accelerated Research Project

Research Project

Unit Plan

(Grade 2)

An eight-session unit that assists students in creating a short book on the research topic of their choice.

Date	Agenda
01/25/12	Choose Topic, KWL Sheet, Begin Researching, Goal Setting & Timeline
02/01/12	Question Cubes Activity, Continue Researching
02/08/12	Finish Researching, Complete KWL Sheet, Revisit Goals
02/15/12	Begin Rough Drafts (Strong Leads!)
02/22/12	Continue Rough Drafts, Begin Editing/Revision Process
02/29/12	Finish Editing/Revisions, Begin Final Copy of Book
03/07/12	Finish Final Copy of Book
03/14/12	Share Books with Group

Revised 1/17/12