As this is my first time using, reading, and creating a blog, I am not sure how I feel about it. So far, it seems to be a creative outlet for easy writing and expression. It was easy to set up and easy to post to however I am not sure I have anything important or productive to say...and if I did, who would want to read it? I am excited to venture into this uncharted use of technology and see where it will go.

Blogs would be useful for education as a relevant way for students and teachers to communicate with one another. Students can also discuss topics with other students, post questions, and debate each other's comments. Blogs can be a voice for groups in education trying to pass a bill through the school board, generate excitement for a sporting evernt at the school, or compile ideas for a charity event or dance at the school.

I think anything that provides students access and experience with current technology can be beneficial to the students. People who are against this idea seem to be stuck in the stone ages and unwilling to progress with the generation who will lead them next. Blogs can be important also for accelerating the student's knowledge of computers and their own capabilities as future college students and job seekers.

From the text, I liked the idea of a Knowledge Forum (Jonassen, 101). This type of blog can give the students a forum to discuss and exchange ideas about the current topic of study. The students can respond and comment for a grade and are expected to contribute to the discussion. It can be a useful way to motivate the students as they may be more apt to be on the computer already as compared to pulling out pencil and paper. An ongoing discussion also prompts more ideas as tangents to the original idea instead of the student drawing a blank when made to start a topic on their own. I also liked the idea of globally communicating using computer technologies available through blogging (Jonassen, 100). Students could profit greatly with a multi-cultural network of other students, all commenting from different countries and new perspectives. This could be a positive influence in tolerance and understanding between cultures. Finally, the obvious use of educational websites such as www.Discovery.com, or www.webster.com are a very valuable resource for research, clarification, definition, or images (Jonassen, 112).

Aloha. My name is Dani Leugers. I am a wife, a mother, and a student, among other things. I was born in Carlsbad, New Mexico in 1979, which means I turned the dirty thirty this year. Actually, I didn't mind at all. Aside from the hint of a wrinkle I see forming, I am happy with my life and the achievements I have made thus far. I look forward to completing college and embarking on a new season of life which does not require homework or chemistry exams. I have lived in New Mexico, Oklahoma, Peru, Hawaii, New York, Ohio, and obviously now Texas. If it weren't so far away, and maybe even still, I would live in Hawaii for the rest of my life.

I am starting my third year of college as a transfer student from Eastfield College in Mesquite. Sooo, yes, I drive from Rockwall every day to Commerce. I like this campus so far and am excited to be in the second two years of my education as compared to the first two. I am majoring in Life Science 8-12 with hopes of teaching high school Biology. I love anything to do with science, plants, animals, anatomy, terminology, medicine, and creativity. My weaknesses are chemistry and math. I think my mind is to abstract to fit into the confines of functions and formulas.

I have a beautiful family of four. My husband is also in college at UT Arlington pursuing an engineering degree. He is closer to finishing than I am. We tag team with each other every day watching the kids and going to class. Our schedule is nearly impossible and our gas bill outrageous as he drives and our to UTA and I drive and hour to TAMU- twice on Mondays and Wednesdays! We met in South Korea in 2002 while we were both in the Army, and have been madly in love ever since. After our contracts were up we decided to decline reassignment and change into new career directions. We have two joyful and crazy toddlers who keep us on our toes and don't allow us to study until they are peacefully sleeping in their beds. Our daughter Bella is 4. She loves princesses, crafts, Leapster2, going to the movies, and Barbie. Our son Van is 2. He is into cars, helicopters, any sport you can come up with and throwing everything he can get his chubby hands on. Both of them keep us busy around the clock and fill our days with comedy and memories.