Interactivity 1

Part 1:
Cellphone, laptop, and Zune.

Part 2:
As a teacher I feel it is important to know not only how heavily children like Olivia may rely on technology, but also what type of websites they may frequent.  This is do mostly in part to the fact that students who have access to technology may use it as more of a distraction than as an aid.  Those who are extremely technologically advanced have the ability to run multiple programs at once.  Even I am guilty of having many programs on my computer at once when I'm online.  For example, as a current student, at any given time I have the following programs open: Firefox, Skype, Zune Launcher, and Steam.  While I may not be using these programs at the time, the fact that they're still running is a constant distraction.  I can only imagine how distracting it would be for younger students to have access to so many temptations.  As such, I feel I would need to know the limitations I should put upon her technological freedoms in the classroom.
Now, I am not saying that I think technology couldn’t be a useful tool for learning.  In fact, I think it would be safe to say that tools like laptops could be a great aid in education.  The internet is a quick way to look up any topics that you do not understand during lectures.  Furthermore, some students, like myself, have very sloppy handwriting.  Using a laptop to type notes makes it much easier to go back a reread what was covered.  Often times I find myself more willing to read my notes on the computer because they are so neat and legible.  When I used to handwrite all of my notes I would never look back on them because I couldn’t decipher half the words!  As such, I believe it is important for students to have access to technology for learning, but I feel that the time which is permitted should be limited.  For example, during time in which school work is to be completed, access to technology like phones and laptops should be kept to a strictly dire need basis only.  This prevents the chance of total distractions from social sites such as Facebook.  However, on the opposite side of the argument, during extra time students should be allowed to supplement their learning via the internet.
Part 3:
Much like the students in the videos, I use my phone as my main form of communication.  If I am not actually talking to someone in person, odds are I am texting them.  I constantly have my phone on me and I feel naked without it.  I am also akin to these students in the fact that I consistently have my laptop on me at all times.  Whether I am at my apartment, in class, or waiting for class to begin, odds are I have my laptop up and running.  I would have to say that my laptop is the one piece of technology which has sculpted my life the most.  I use my laptop for nearly everything I do during the day.  I am afraid to say that without my laptop I do not know if I could function effectively in society.  During classes I use my laptop for taking notes and looking up topics I do not understand.  Outside of lecture I either check my email, Facebook, or look up articles on websites such as The New York Times or Futurity.  Unlike the students, when I am not in my classes I use my laptop to research scientific topics that interest me.  Finally, while some students may use the internet as a distraction, I use it as a way to keep my attention focused and active by looking up topics from the lesson.

Well hello there!

     First and foremost I would like to welcome you to my blog!  As you already know, my name is Alex Aschenbach and I am a Biology student at Montclair State University.  Also, as a member of the teaching program I am taking the time to share my knowledge with others during my studies.  While I enjoy the idea of animal biological studies, I have expanded my studies to incorporate many areas of biology.

     As I'm sure I will be updating this blog fairly frequently, I will only post a few of my interests here.  I am currently a martial arts instructor in Brick, New Jersey, and I spend my time keeping up on the latest news in the science community.  Finally, while some people may be alarmed by my profile picture, I feel it is fitting as it shows how I have grown during my time as a biology student.  Through my time here at Montclair State University I have become much more professional, knowing that while I may still love reading science fiction and watching horror movies, I can also allow my more serious, and professional side to others.  While we all have an inner child, it is more important to portray yourself as an adult, as that is truly what we are.