I can not count the number of times that I have searched for information and not considered the source. This was the case especially in my early years of college. As time went by and I learned more about the internet I began to look for certain things in the URL like .edu. I thought that this made my site credible, but that is not always the case. For example, in November’s article “Teaching Zak to Think” the website URL has .edu in it. As a result from doing the MAPit activity I have learned how to dissect the URL piece by piece. Looking for the tilde symbol and people’s names in the URL are a sure sign that the website is a personal website and not an educational website. I also learned how to check altavista.com and see who is linked to the URL and the history of the URL. I am posting these easy hints in my library for students to use in the future when they use the Internet for research.

TCEA: Texas Computer Education Association:
TCEA is the largest state organization devoted to the education of technology and integration in the classroom. I chose TCEA as one of my organizations because of the opportunities for wealth of information, workshops, scholarships, support groups, conventions and training that is offered in the state of Texas. Also, TCEA encourages member to stay connected and to help each other in the changing world of technology and learning.
http://www.tcea.org/

Education Technology Definition:
Dedicated to the improvement of teaching and learning through technology.

Mission:
The Texas Computer Education Association is dedicated to the improvement of teaching and learning through the use of computer technology.

Purpose:
TCEAs’ primary focus is on integrating technology into the K-12 environment and providing our members with state-of-the-art information through conferences, workshops, newsletters, the Internet, and collaborations with higher education and business.

ITEA: International Technology Education Association:
ITEA is the largest professional organization that is associated with enhancing teaching and learning of technology by experiences in the classroom. I chose ITEA because it supports teachers and their quest to make children more successful in learning. It provides teachers with lessons for all disciplines and of all age groups. It also provides resources for many different objectives and ideas.
http://www.iteaconnect.org/

Technology Education Definition:
Problem based learning utilizing math, science, and technology principles.

Mission:
ITEAs’ mission is to promote technological literacy for all by supporting the teaching of technology and promoting the professionalism of those engaged in this pursuit.

Purpose:
ITEAs’ purpose is to support teachers that teach education technology and to provide resources for them to utilize in learning.