Week Three Rantings

               Week three Rantings

This entry into the blog world I will explain where I fit into the technology world as it relates to teaching and the use of said technology.  Using the Technology Integration Matrix from Florida Schools (TIM) (The Technology Integration Matrix) I will explain and give examples that show how comfortable I feel in the technology field.

               First I must tell you that I am not a teacher and do not teach professionally, but I do enjoy helping others that need a little help to get started or to get over a speed bump while looking for an ancestor.  Technology can be a wonderful tool for an adventure into your family tree.  I have been using a computer and the internet for about 20 years to search form my relatives.

               On the matrix from Florida Schools, I would fit into the transformation category.  I use websites, software, and apps to search my ancestors and I also highly encourage others to do so.  Without the help of websites such as Ancerty.com (Ancestry.com, 2014), Ellis Island.com (Ellis Island), the genealogy library at Brigham Young University (BYU Family History Library, 2014), and the database of the Latter Day Saints (Family Search, 2014) most people would not get very far in their search.

There is a wealth of information and thousands of surnames in these libraries and with help of computers and software, they are all just a key stroke away.  I use Family Tree Maker (Family Tree Maker® Deluxe, 2014).  This software allows you can work off line as well as online.  A sample page and empty pages come with this software for you to fill out and keep as a pen and paper back up, if you prefer.  There is also an app for mobile devises from this company.  The mobile app comes in handy when searching at a cemetery, where a desktop may not be available.

Websites, software and apps can come in handy to help with some of the legwork on the journey into the lives of our ancestors.  Do not be afraid to use them, they are here to help.

Until next time,

Michelle

References

(n.d.). Retrieved June 22, 2014, from Ellis Island: http://www.ellisisland.org/

(2014). Retrieved June 22, 2014, from Ancestry.com: http://www.ancestry.com/

(2014, March 18). Retrieved June 22, 2014, from Family Search: https://familysearch.org/

BYU Family History Library. (2014). Retrieved June 22, 2014, from Brigham Young University: http://sites.lib.byu.edu/familyhistory/

Family Tree Maker® Deluxe. (2014). Retrieved June 22, 2014, from Nova Development: http://www.novadevelopment.com/software/ftm_deluxe-501078?rs4=NO_US_PPC_0514&cc=GOOG&gclid=CjkKEQjww6SdBRDls9vxsf7EoM0BEiQART_xPmqobDyLAFIfnIozUuK1GVZi3X6KjBUR61ErZNAOWOPw_wcB

The Technology Integration Matrix. (n.d.). Retrieved June 22, 2014, from Florida Center for Instructional Technology: http://fcit.usf.edu/matrix/matrix.php