Week 2

I feel like I am understanding the material so far, but getting back into school after a long break has been the biggest challenge so far. I like that we are diving into our computers and the internet. It is interesting finding out how these work when normally I just took them for granted.
It is taking me a horribley long time to do my homework That is the most fustrating thing I spend hours everyday to get very little done. I have been spending most of my time are things that will help me in general, like focusing for longer periods of time and staying on task. the speed just isn't there yet.

Comfortable?

Before I started this semester, I felt pretty comfortable with computers and technology in general. HOWEVER... the more I study and get into the material of my current courses, the more I realize I don't know. I guess I still feel pretty comfortable with computers and Office, but I didn't realize just how much I don't know.

Misinformation Online

There is a wealth of information online. Unfortunately it is not all true and sometimes the information can be hateful. Make sure you and your kids are able to recognize and avoid online hate. Make sure they know it is not okay to write hateful things or pass them on from one person to another. Investing in filtering software can also help to eliminate some of the hateful things online, but is not a catch all.

Cyberbullying

A few simple rules can help protect you and your kids from cyberbullying. First and foremost, talk with your kids about it. Make sure they understand what it is and that it is not okay for them to do or for anyone to do to them. Keep your computer in a central location in the home, that way you can keep a better eye on what's going on when your kids are online. Also make sure that your kids don't share passwords or computers with others. Keep them private.

Blogging Guidelines

Blogging can be a lot of fun, but make sure you do it safely. Never give out personal information. Be careful of the images and information that you put on your blog. You may go back and delete it later, but you don't know what someone else may or may not have already copied, printed, repeated, etc. from what you post. Keep your blog positive and don't worry about what others are putting on their blog. Just have fun and make it about you.