Why I am a reader

From my earliest memories, I remember watching my dad read books and magazines and newspapers.  When he was at home he read something, and when he was traveling I remember books being packed in his suitcase.  I do not remember my mom reading quite as much for pleasure as my dad.  Every day she would read the newspaper, and I have vivid memories of her reading with me.
Books have always been a staple in my life.  At five years old, I remember having the Disney book and a 45 record (telling my age with that), and holding it up for my dolls and stuffed animals to see.  At that age I knew that stories and reading were important, and whether I was reading or listening I was developing the desire to be a life long story enthusiast.
Once I became a parent books were just as important.  For holidays, celebrations, and day to day books were presented to my sons.  We would read together, and their interpertations of stories would tickle my insides before they could read the words printed.  Fortunately, they continue to enjoy reading for pleasure at the ripe old ages of fifteen and twelve.  Of course, the books often reflect their current interests which is something I do not always understand, but at least they are reading and expanding their mind.
As a child, I was very much a girly girl who loved stories of princesses and happily ever after.  Cinderella, Snow White, and Lady and the Tramp were probably the most worn and tattered books I had.  Since having boys in my life and working with young children, I would say that by far my favorite children's book is "Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak.  The idea that Max can have an adventure that takes him on a journey before returning home demonstrates the power of the imagination and creativity of young children.
Books and stories will always be a part of my life.  I read as a child and an adult.  I read as a parent.  I read as a teacher and student.  I will read as a grandparent - many years from now, of course.  I am a reader!

Assignment 10

ITE 325 has been both challenging and rewarding. I took this course to learn how to develop a website that would be useful in my job for parents and peers.  ITE 325 started out very basic and then gradually introduced many techniques in web design.



Since I had no experience with web design, I decided to create a website that would be easy and functional. Although the websites I created appears a little bland, with some more time and experience I believe that I will be able to create professional looking websites in the future.



The most valuable thing I have learned in ITE 325 is that working with HTML is not as difficult as I had originally thought. Once I learned the basics and started viewing the HTML code for other websites, I realized that the HTML code was pretty much standard on most website that it was actually the design and content that varied from one website to another.



Now when I visit websites I evaluate them for ease of use, functionality, design, and content.

Although I am by no means a professional web designer I hope that by objectively examining a website’s design, I will be able to easily identify flaws as well as acquire new knowledge to become a better website designer.The ease of this course and its structure, has also contributed to my success in passing the course.



ITE 325 has been well organized and the assignment schedule has been very manageable with my very busy schedule. I love the flexibility and independent learning that online classes provide and this course has been very beneficial because of that. I have recommended this course to many of my co-workers and friends who prefers the flexibility of online courses and wish to experiment with web design.