Upgraded to Windows 7

I've seen the ads, I've read the reviews, and I couldn't wait to get a copy of Windows 7 to see how it worked for myself.  Admitedly, I was nervous about upgrading my computer (from Vista), worried that something would go wrong and I'd no longer be able to connect to my home wireless network, printer, or use the programs that I love.  My computer is about four years old and I wondered if it could handle the upgrade.

I did have a few problems during the upgrade process.  I was prompted to upgrade a few drivers, but upgrading the drivers caused my CD/DVD drive to no longer be recognized by the computer.  Luckily I'm pretty good with troubleshooting, and with the help of Microsoft's support website, I fixed that problem.  I was frustrated, and the entire process of upgrading took at least six hours. 

However, once the upgrade process completed, it's been smooth sailing.  I like the look and the feel.   After using it for three days, I've already discovered four  features that I REALLY LIKE:

• Speed and sound:  My computer is quieter and boots up much quicker! 


• Voice Recognition:  I cannot believe that it works so well.  I completed the 20 minute tutorial to learn to use it and to begin to "train" my computer to recognize my words, and that was it.   I've seen demos of Dragon and I think it works just as good. 


• Libraries:  I take a lot of pictures and they are scattered all over the place.  Windows7 keeps track of all the folders and files with pictures in them.  It does the same thing with videos, documents, and music.


• Power Settings:  The default settings make sense.  Putting the computer to sleep when not in use for a bit actually works.

I know I need to spend more time checking out all the features (like using Windows Live MovieMaker), but my first impression is that Windows 7 is a huge  improvement over XP and Vista.  Tutorials are available on the Microsoft website (scroll down to see them all).  If you are are thinking of upgrading, my advice is to do it!

Overheard at the Alan November Building Learning Communities Conference

Michael Wesch: 

• “Harness the relevant tools and engage students in real world problems that the teacher does not know the answer to.”


• “We need to move our students from knowledgeable to knowledge-able.”

Michael Lambert:

• “Treat a visual like an onion.  Peel back the layers, make the students slow down, and dive in.”


• “Emotion drives attention and attention drives learning.”


• “It’s the story behind the image that counts.”

David Jakes:

• “What happens if students do not want to publish online?”


• “Schools can help students create serious and purposeful content that deepens and extends their digital footprint or reputation.”

Alan November:

• “Curriculum Directors should be the director of global relationships.”


• “We need to focus our planning towards globalization and information gathering.”


• “Grandparents need to be connected via Skype.”


• “The new mission of schools is to connect with the whole community.”

Sue Miller:

• “Teachers need to surrender control of the class so that learning can be student directed.”

Sara Kajder:

• “Most people think that remixing media = plagiarism.  It’s not.  Remixing is a transformation of text.”


• “Copyright Clarity, by Renee Hobbs is a must-have book for teachers.  It helps answer questions of fair use.”


• “When students have so many choices, they tend to have much higher quality of reflections.”

See other resources on the conference web site.