ENC 1102 Core 1 Part 2 Assignment

Bradford McKeon

ENC 1102 Core 1 Part 2 Assignment

It is safe to say that with new technological breakthroughs every day, the future will continue to be rich in technological innovation. As an engineering major, the computer will be a big part of my everyday job. I will be using different design programs such as AutoCad. I will also need the internet to do research on different projects. I need to learn more about presentation software, to help make presentations on the job. In order to learn all of this, I believe there are two main things I have to do. One of them is to take the appropriate engineering courses here at school. The classes not only teach the fundaments of engineering, but also how to use the software. The other thing that will be essential to my learning of this technology will be going into the work place and using it. After listening to a speaker from Wharton-Smith Construction Company, it was clear that the best engineers straight out of college, are the ones with experience This could also include an internship. The best way to learn how to use things on the computer is to get out there and do it.

After doing some research I discovered several more programs Engineers use on a regular basis. Another design program, besides AutoCad, is SolidWorks. This program is used to make solid models of objects. Other softwares include Excel, MathCad, and MatLab. These are mostly number programs that help do calculations.

As online banking becomes more popular, I would like to learn how to use a money program that keeps track of all my bills and taxes on the computer. There are many “How-To” tutorials on this type of software. This will be helpful in any business as well as my personal life. I would like to eventually purchase a Mac computer from Apple. However, their operating system is completely different from a PC. I have to learn how everything works, as well as all of the other programs made especially for Apple.

Core 1 Part 1: Prepare

Bradford McKeon

ENC 1102 Core 1 Part 1: Prepare

In today’s society it is almost impossible to go through the day and not encounter some type of technology. We are constantly bombarded by new technologies at home, at school, and at work. Each different occasion requires a different type of technological skill. In terms of technology that is school-oriented I am skilled in Microsoft Word and Power Point. These are useful programs for preparing documents and presentations. I am also skilled with using the internet and different research based websites to help find information. As far as play-oriented technology I am skilled with different things that go beyond the computer. I have had a lot of experience with the Apple iPod. I am also very comfortable using a keypad cell phone. In the past couple of years I have become a big Facebook.com user.

Multimedia technology is where my biggest room for improvement is. The extent of my multimedia skills is slideshow makers, and CD burners. I would like to learn more about Dreamweaver to make websites. I would also like to learn how to use movie-making software such as Apple’s iMovie. As an engineering major I would like to learn more about software such as AutoCad. My biggest room for improvement is probably to learn more about the Mac operating software. I have always been a Windows user, and would like to learn more about something besides a PC.

Other technology skills besides being familiar with different computer software will be necessary in the future as well. As the auto industry keeps making more high-tech cars, some models are even able to park themselves. I think it will be very interesting to drive a car that does part of the driving for you. To learn more about that I would read everything in the driver’s manual. I also enjoy working on cars. However, things are not as simple anymore as nuts and bolts on a new car. Cars today have computer systems, and even changing the oil can involve a electronic system. Hybrid engines are completely different than a standard gasoline powered engine as well.

http://www.questia.com/googleScholar.qst?docId=5001950599

Bradford McKeon

ENC 1102

Section 112

Assignment for Tuesday 1/26

“Teaching and Learning Literacy”

Philip Molebash , Douglas Fisher

This article focuses on the teaching of literacy, mainly reading and writing, to young students. The authors Molebash and Fisher clearly define what their argument is in the opening paragraph. Their main point is that the biggest problem with today’s “Digital Divide” is not who does or does not have access to technology; but rather the real problem is literacy. Their main supporting point is that instead of bringing literacy together with technology, people only focus on one, thereby excluding the other. They give an example of the No Child Left Behind Act versus the Technology Literacy Challenge Fund. One focuses on literacy, while the other focuses on technology, but neither try to bridge these two concepts together.

While the authors try to argue their point that we must bridge literacy with technology, they make sure to play on the audiences emotions. When talking about the Digital Divide Molebash and Fisher say, “It is difficult not to fear this growing abyss.” They prove their credibility with specific examples and supporting evidence to their claim. For example, they mention Moore’s Law which states that every 18 months a microprocessors power will double in size. They were proving how quickly technology today is growing, and eventually they believe that everyone will be a part of the digital world. Their logical appeal is blatantly obvious with their list of facts showing the most advancing technologies in today’s market that bring a positive change to literacy. While this argument is mainly being presented for teachers and law makers, it brings a good take-home message for everyone. Molebash and Fisher provide supporting evidence that the world is trending towards newer and newer technology every day. We have to make sure we incorporate this with literacy for people of all ages to successfully adapt to the new changes around us. If that does not happen, the “growing abyss” that is the Digital Divide will grow larger with every new generation.