1 paragraph on topics you found most interesting from reviewing your classmates’ blogs.1 paragraph on what technology-related skill you would most like to learn next, and why.1 paragraph on ways in which you might achieve your future educational technology-related goals.
When reviewing my classmates' blogs, I found a lot of their posts and ideas of future utilization of the technology and programs we learned about in class interesting. Many of my classmates had many creative ideas which would allow them to incorporate programs such as excel and Microsoft word into their classrooms designed to fit their subject. Furthermore, my favorite post thus far was reading about everyone’s' final project ideas and will be looking forward to seeing their presentations Monday.
One technology skill I would like to learn about next would have to be one that deals more with digital media. I think that knowing how to create music/video/ audio files on the computer will be essential in the future. I believe that technology is the way of the future, and people rely more and more on these resources for daily use. In my classroom, being able to make short clips, edit audio files and etc would be a great way to stimulate learning and appeal to the students who are more visual/audio learners.
One way I can better achieve my future educational technology goals would be to either try to learn new programs on my free time, or to take additional technology classes which would give me a better understanding of technological resources available for use in the classroom. Additionally, researching the web for online resources and programs would be vastly effective and offers a wide variety of ideas and options for teachers.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
PROMPT 10
PROMPT 9
A 2-paragraph review of an functions interesting web-based tool or resource that you might use when teaching. Be sure to include a link to the tool or resource, and check out the ones that your classmates have shared as well. A paragraph about how you think you will use Excel and similar programs as a teacher (see Chapter 13). Be specific about your subject matter area and the grade level. A paragraph about your final course project -- plans, challenges, etc.
While looking for an interesting web-based tool or resource that I might use when teaching, I stumbled upon the online history site http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/. This site caught my attention as a prospective future site to use while teaching because of its graphics, layout, and content. It offers a wide range of options from multimedia sites to teaching resources.
What I like most about the site and what I believe will be useful is that it offers an online textbook, which offers different information than the more conventional textbooks. It offers a link for timelines as well as some additional specialized topics such as science and technology as well as addressing ethnicity issues in the US, which I believe will reach out to a diverse classroom. It also offers lesson plans, handouts, and resource guides.
As a 7th or 8th grade teacher, I believe it might be challenging trying to incorporate excel into a history class. I do, however, think I could use it for a timeline type activity, in which students would have to find the max/min/average of various years etc. This will still allow them to learn about history, and at the same time, learn how to use excel. It could also be used to make a chart of various important events/battles during the time frame they are learning about.
My partner and I for our final project came up with the idea to create an elective photography class which would integrate technology into the classroom via cameras and abode photo shop. One of the challenges we faced while designing the project was the budget. We couldn't afford the camera that was our first choice, because of the 20,000 dollar budget, but we were able to buy a classroom set of a cheaper version of the camera. Our project will create an outlet in which students can express their creativity. It also allows students who do not have the monetary means to afford technology in the homes, to utilize such technology and learn the basic functions.
While looking for an interesting web-based tool or resource that I might use when teaching, I stumbled upon the online history site http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/. This site caught my attention as a prospective future site to use while teaching because of its graphics, layout, and content. It offers a wide range of options from multimedia sites to teaching resources.
What I like most about the site and what I believe will be useful is that it offers an online textbook, which offers different information than the more conventional textbooks. It offers a link for timelines as well as some additional specialized topics such as science and technology as well as addressing ethnicity issues in the US, which I believe will reach out to a diverse classroom. It also offers lesson plans, handouts, and resource guides.
As a 7th or 8th grade teacher, I believe it might be challenging trying to incorporate excel into a history class. I do, however, think I could use it for a timeline type activity, in which students would have to find the max/min/average of various years etc. This will still allow them to learn about history, and at the same time, learn how to use excel. It could also be used to make a chart of various important events/battles during the time frame they are learning about.
My partner and I for our final project came up with the idea to create an elective photography class which would integrate technology into the classroom via cameras and abode photo shop. One of the challenges we faced while designing the project was the budget. We couldn't afford the camera that was our first choice, because of the 20,000 dollar budget, but we were able to buy a classroom set of a cheaper version of the camera. Our project will create an outlet in which students can express their creativity. It also allows students who do not have the monetary means to afford technology in the homes, to utilize such technology and learn the basic functions.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
PROMPT 8
A paragraph discussing and critiquing your own PowerPoint 2 assignment using the concepts addressed in Chapter 8. Work in some screen shots as examples. A paragraph about how you might integrate peripherals and non-computer audio-visual technologies in your classroom. How might you use them with computer-based technologies? A paragraph on new skills you acquired in the last week that you think will be especially useful to you in your educational career and why you think so
When creating my game show for the power point II assignment there were a number of elements i could have done differently to improve it. First, I could have added color or design to the slides to make it more appealing to the eye, or instead of using basic fonts, I could have used more word art. Also, I could have added more sound effects to appeal to the students who learn better via sound. Finally, I could have used transitions between slides to add to the effects.
One way I can integrate peripherals into classroom learning is utilizing the furniture within the room to help perpetuate learning. For example, I can move the desks so that the students are paired in groups, or make a circle with chairs for group discussions. I can use the grouped seating arrangement to allow students to work collectively on lap tops.
The skills we learned last week will come in handy when I am teaching in the classroom because it gives me the ability to reach students of different learning abilities. Also, I will be able to use to for the harder chapters or material I will be teaching to make it more fun for students. I think that the new skills I have learned for power point will be useful in the future because I will have the skills to be able to create fun and educational ways to reach students.
When creating my game show for the power point II assignment there were a number of elements i could have done differently to improve it. First, I could have added color or design to the slides to make it more appealing to the eye, or instead of using basic fonts, I could have used more word art. Also, I could have added more sound effects to appeal to the students who learn better via sound. Finally, I could have used transitions between slides to add to the effects.
One way I can integrate peripherals into classroom learning is utilizing the furniture within the room to help perpetuate learning. For example, I can move the desks so that the students are paired in groups, or make a circle with chairs for group discussions. I can use the grouped seating arrangement to allow students to work collectively on lap tops.
The skills we learned last week will come in handy when I am teaching in the classroom because it gives me the ability to reach students of different learning abilities. Also, I will be able to use to for the harder chapters or material I will be teaching to make it more fun for students. I think that the new skills I have learned for power point will be useful in the future because I will have the skills to be able to create fun and educational ways to reach students.
Friday, April 3, 2009
PROMPT 7
A paragraph on what you feel are the biggest advantages and disadvantages of using presentation software in the K-12 classroom.A paragraph on how you might use PowerPoint to support student learning at each knowledge dimension in a particular lesson. Be explicit in your example! Use Chapter 5 and online resources.A paragraph on an issue related to educational technology that now interests you. You may provide information, ask questions, include links, etc.
There are a large amount of advantages of using presentation software in the classroom. First, it gives teachers the ability to reach students who learn visually. Furthermore, it makes the learning experience more enjoyable for the students because the material is presented in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Moreover, power points are effective because teachers can use the slides to outline their main points they are trying to make within the lecture. On the contrary, there are disadvantages of power point. For example, teachers might begin to allow the students to rely strictly on their power point slides, and not require students to read the textbook which may present the information in a different manner that might appeal to some students. Sometimes, students can learn better without all the visual distractions and colors and etc typically used in power point as well.
Through the utilization of power point, I will be able to reach students at different levels of learning abilities. Power points appeal to both audio and visual learners. To exemplify, the students can listen to the lecture, hear the sounds presented in the slides, and I can even insert hyperlinks to play movies, songs, or any other audio material. Additionally, I will use the power point to help reach the visual learners. By creating slides for the lessons that use different shapes, colors, fonts, pictures, and animations, the students who are more visual learners will be able to obtain the knowledge via the aesthetics of the presentation.
One issue related to technology in the classroom that interests me is the use of Wikipedia and other questionable resources within the classroom. Yes, there are a lot of websites that should not be used in the classroom, and one prime example is Wikipedia, but i feel as though teachers should let their students use the internet more extensively than they do for papers and research projects. Just because some websites are not appropriate, does not mean that some have some really good and educational material on them. I feel as though the school board, or the states, should evaluate some informational sites, which will aid students, and allow them to use the information presented by the technology of the 21st century for papers and projects.
There are a large amount of advantages of using presentation software in the classroom. First, it gives teachers the ability to reach students who learn visually. Furthermore, it makes the learning experience more enjoyable for the students because the material is presented in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Moreover, power points are effective because teachers can use the slides to outline their main points they are trying to make within the lecture. On the contrary, there are disadvantages of power point. For example, teachers might begin to allow the students to rely strictly on their power point slides, and not require students to read the textbook which may present the information in a different manner that might appeal to some students. Sometimes, students can learn better without all the visual distractions and colors and etc typically used in power point as well.
Through the utilization of power point, I will be able to reach students at different levels of learning abilities. Power points appeal to both audio and visual learners. To exemplify, the students can listen to the lecture, hear the sounds presented in the slides, and I can even insert hyperlinks to play movies, songs, or any other audio material. Additionally, I will use the power point to help reach the visual learners. By creating slides for the lessons that use different shapes, colors, fonts, pictures, and animations, the students who are more visual learners will be able to obtain the knowledge via the aesthetics of the presentation.
One issue related to technology in the classroom that interests me is the use of Wikipedia and other questionable resources within the classroom. Yes, there are a lot of websites that should not be used in the classroom, and one prime example is Wikipedia, but i feel as though teachers should let their students use the internet more extensively than they do for papers and research projects. Just because some websites are not appropriate, does not mean that some have some really good and educational material on them. I feel as though the school board, or the states, should evaluate some informational sites, which will aid students, and allow them to use the information presented by the technology of the 21st century for papers and projects.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
PROMPT 6
A paragraph discussing your thoughts about the use of Web 2.0 technologies in K-12 education. Would you use them? Why or why not? How? Use online resources.A paragraph discussing your thoughts on Wikipedia as a learning resource.A paragraph on new skills you acquired in the last week that you think will be especially useful to you in your educational career and why you think so.
I think the utilization of Web 2.0 technologies in education is both helpful and useful in k-12. It allows the students to learn a large variety of material via hands on approach. A hand on experience is beneficial in the classroom because it allows students to approach learning in a different way.
I believe that Wikipedia as an educational resource is very unreliable. I would not recommend or allow that my students utilize the site because a lot of the information on it tends to be misconstrued or falsified. Additionally, anyone can publish their input on a subject on Wikipedia, which also adds to its unreliability.
I believe the skills we learned last week are extremely important. In the classroom, PowerPoint is utilized in a multitude of ways. As a teacher, knowing how to implement the various side effects will be helpful in presenting the curriculum. Additionally, I plan on using the program the present information and important facts they need to know. Making a power point presentation to use via an overhead is an excellent way to teach, and the aesthetics and effects will keep the students interested in the lesson.
I think the utilization of Web 2.0 technologies in education is both helpful and useful in k-12. It allows the students to learn a large variety of material via hands on approach. A hand on experience is beneficial in the classroom because it allows students to approach learning in a different way.
I believe that Wikipedia as an educational resource is very unreliable. I would not recommend or allow that my students utilize the site because a lot of the information on it tends to be misconstrued or falsified. Additionally, anyone can publish their input on a subject on Wikipedia, which also adds to its unreliability.
I believe the skills we learned last week are extremely important. In the classroom, PowerPoint is utilized in a multitude of ways. As a teacher, knowing how to implement the various side effects will be helpful in presenting the curriculum. Additionally, I plan on using the program the present information and important facts they need to know. Making a power point presentation to use via an overhead is an excellent way to teach, and the aesthetics and effects will keep the students interested in the lesson.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
PROMPT 5
A paragraph on your views about using the Internet to support student research. When is it useful? Not useful? Look to Chapter 3 for ideas and inspiration.A paragraph on other ways you might use web-based resources to support student learning. Share a few resources that are of interest to you. Use your book and online resources.A paragraph on your concerns about being a teacher who supervises students in a technology environment. Be sure to mention the age/grade level of your students.
There are various other ways students and teachers could use web-based resources to support learning. Students can use virtual libraries to research topics, and use online dictionaries and school board approved sites to research topics. Additionally, grade book online would be a fundamental web resource because it would allow students and parents to check announcements and grades online. At my high school it was called "pinnacle" and students could access it to check test grades and quiz scores.
I think using the internet to support student research is an excellent way to give kids a general idea of the topic or assignment they are learning about. Helpful sites are those such as search engines [Google] , encyclopedias, and online newspaper. There is information, however, online that is not correct or appropriate and is not useful for students and should be avoided.
At the grade level I want to teach, 7th grade where the age levels range from 12- 13, I think I will have to be pretty careful about supervising students in an technological environment. At this age the students will probably be inclined to look at more inappropriate things on the internet and will have more advanced assignments than children in the younger grade levels, so they might be more inclined to rely on web information as resources. The key thing to monitor when supervising the students is that they know what is and is not appropriate for the classroom.
There are various other ways students and teachers could use web-based resources to support learning. Students can use virtual libraries to research topics, and use online dictionaries and school board approved sites to research topics. Additionally, grade book online would be a fundamental web resource because it would allow students and parents to check announcements and grades online. At my high school it was called "pinnacle" and students could access it to check test grades and quiz scores.
I think using the internet to support student research is an excellent way to give kids a general idea of the topic or assignment they are learning about. Helpful sites are those such as search engines [Google] , encyclopedias, and online newspaper. There is information, however, online that is not correct or appropriate and is not useful for students and should be avoided.
At the grade level I want to teach, 7th grade where the age levels range from 12- 13, I think I will have to be pretty careful about supervising students in an technological environment. At this age the students will probably be inclined to look at more inappropriate things on the internet and will have more advanced assignments than children in the younger grade levels, so they might be more inclined to rely on web information as resources. The key thing to monitor when supervising the students is that they know what is and is not appropriate for the classroom.
PROMPT 4
A paragraph on how you, as a teacher, might make use of the concepts presented in Chapter 7, and what technologies you would like to use to achieve these goals.A paragraph addressing why or why not you would encourage or require your students to develop outline, idea map, and storyboarding skills.A paragraph on new skills you acquired in the last week that you think will be especially useful to you in your educational career and why you think so.
As a middle school teacher I would definitely implement the concepts and technologies mentioned in chapter 7. Outlines and idea maps would allow the students to organize their thoughts and ideas and would improve their essays. As a history teacher, idea webs would be ideal to create for the students to show when various ideas and events took place in time and to explain what occurred and the impact of the event. Programs such as inspiration are beneficial in it. I would, however, try to find a free online program the students can utilize and access at home that have the same basic capabilities as inspiration so that they can make their own maps at home.
I believe that learning how to operate inspiration and create flow charts will be very beneficial to me. The program gives me a lot of different ideas of how to teach the curriculum and be able to appeal to different kinds of learners. Furthermore, it can help the students prepare for their tests.
As a middle school teacher I would definitely implement the concepts and technologies mentioned in chapter 7. Outlines and idea maps would allow the students to organize their thoughts and ideas and would improve their essays. As a history teacher, idea webs would be ideal to create for the students to show when various ideas and events took place in time and to explain what occurred and the impact of the event. Programs such as inspiration are beneficial in it. I would, however, try to find a free online program the students can utilize and access at home that have the same basic capabilities as inspiration so that they can make their own maps at home.
I believe that learning how to operate inspiration and create flow charts will be very beneficial to me. The program gives me a lot of different ideas of how to teach the curriculum and be able to appeal to different kinds of learners. Furthermore, it can help the students prepare for their tests.
Monday, February 23, 2009
PROMPT 3
A paragraph describing a lesson plan you might create that uses technology in some way. Be sure to mention how you will use technology, what technology you would use, and what subject matter and grade level the lesson is for. (See Chapter 2 for ideas)A paragraph in which you provide a visual critique of a web site using the rules presented in Chapter 6. Be sure to link to the site. If you’re up to an extra challenge, include images (screen shots or other sources) in your blog post.A paragraph about your experience with copyright and fair use of materials in an educational environment. How would you deal with these concepts as a teacher, developing your own instructional materials and having students who may use other sources to create their own works?
When I am a teacher, I plan on using a variety of technology to create lesson plans. For example, I will use programs such as inspiration to get the main points across to my students and help them know the key points they need to know for a test or quiz. I would use it to help 3rd grade, which is an important year because of the FCAT. Furthermore, I will also use MS Word to make outlines, draw up the actual lesson plans. Additionally, for younger students I would use programs such as Middle School Advantage 2009 software which covers a variety of subjects. It however, has an excellent portion which allows students to learn more about the Civil War and the reconstruction. I would have specific days in which i try to utilize technology within the classroom, and rotate between different learning styles from week to week.
A visual critique of a lesson plan online would be from http://www.teach-nology.com/teachers/lesson_plans/. When you first go to the site everything is organized and separated into different subjects and lessons. The colors are all calm and soothing and create almost a calming atmosphere for the website. The links are useful because you can select what you are looking easily whether it be printable worksheets or lesson plans or you can search the site via subject and grade.
All throughout my educational career, my teachers had stressed the importance about doing your own work and citing resources and material used on projects and essays. As a teacher myself I will uphold the standards set for plagiarism. Since I will be teaching upper grade levels, I will try to use turnitin.com when I have them write essays. I feel like this not only motivates them to use their own material, but holds them accountable for their actions. In the beginning of the year, I will provide my students with a guideline for what is and is not plagiarism, and teach them how to properly cite their material. If a student was caught using other works for their own papers and etc, I will follow the proper procedures dictated by the school for the child's punishment. I would also, however, try to explain to the student where they went wrong and how they could have avoided plagiarizing with proper citations in the future.
When I am a teacher, I plan on using a variety of technology to create lesson plans. For example, I will use programs such as inspiration to get the main points across to my students and help them know the key points they need to know for a test or quiz. I would use it to help 3rd grade, which is an important year because of the FCAT. Furthermore, I will also use MS Word to make outlines, draw up the actual lesson plans. Additionally, for younger students I would use programs such as Middle School Advantage 2009 software which covers a variety of subjects. It however, has an excellent portion which allows students to learn more about the Civil War and the reconstruction. I would have specific days in which i try to utilize technology within the classroom, and rotate between different learning styles from week to week.
A visual critique of a lesson plan online would be from http://www.teach-nology.com/teachers/lesson_plans/. When you first go to the site everything is organized and separated into different subjects and lessons. The colors are all calm and soothing and create almost a calming atmosphere for the website. The links are useful because you can select what you are looking easily whether it be printable worksheets or lesson plans or you can search the site via subject and grade.
All throughout my educational career, my teachers had stressed the importance about doing your own work and citing resources and material used on projects and essays. As a teacher myself I will uphold the standards set for plagiarism. Since I will be teaching upper grade levels, I will try to use turnitin.com when I have them write essays. I feel like this not only motivates them to use their own material, but holds them accountable for their actions. In the beginning of the year, I will provide my students with a guideline for what is and is not plagiarism, and teach them how to properly cite their material. If a student was caught using other works for their own papers and etc, I will follow the proper procedures dictated by the school for the child's punishment. I would also, however, try to explain to the student where they went wrong and how they could have avoided plagiarizing with proper citations in the future.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
PROMPT 2
Post #2 Prompt
A paragraph on how you’ve used MS Word as a student and how you’ve seen your teachers use MS Word.A paragraph on how you might choose to use them as a teacher.A paragraph on new skills you acquired in the class so far that you think will be especially useful to you in your educational career and why you think so.
1)As a college student, I use MS Word very often. I use it primarily to compose essays because it allows me to easily check the spelling and word count. It also allows me to format my papers properly according to the professor’s requirements. I’ve also used MS Word to construct charts, power points, and graphs for certain classes. In addition, I have also seen MS Word used in schools by teachers in various ways. It enables them to better communicate their thoughts to the class, by allowing them to compose newsletters. It also allows them to create tests and quizzes and file information such as grades and personal student contact information.
2)As a teacher, I will utilize MS Word in primarily the same ways as my teachers had done in the past. I will also use it to organize grades and personal information and to compose tests and quizzes. I will also use the program to construct visual power point presentations to teach the curriculum to the students. Newsletters can be sent as well to the parents, to inform them about the upcoming curriculum and what is expected of their child.
3)One new skill I have acquired in this class that I feel is essential is how to create and format a test/ quiz. This is important because as a teacher I will need to be able to make multiple tests quickly and efficiently. Knowing how to correctly space and format tests will make the document look professional and will allow the students to see clearly where to indicate their answers. Another new skill I feel that is valuable that I have learned is how to make a newsletter. My ultimate goal is to become a principal, and knowing how to create efficient and clear newsletters will allow me to communicate upcoming events, community issues, and school fund raising with the staff and students.
A paragraph on how you’ve used MS Word as a student and how you’ve seen your teachers use MS Word.A paragraph on how you might choose to use them as a teacher.A paragraph on new skills you acquired in the class so far that you think will be especially useful to you in your educational career and why you think so.
1)As a college student, I use MS Word very often. I use it primarily to compose essays because it allows me to easily check the spelling and word count. It also allows me to format my papers properly according to the professor’s requirements. I’ve also used MS Word to construct charts, power points, and graphs for certain classes. In addition, I have also seen MS Word used in schools by teachers in various ways. It enables them to better communicate their thoughts to the class, by allowing them to compose newsletters. It also allows them to create tests and quizzes and file information such as grades and personal student contact information.
2)As a teacher, I will utilize MS Word in primarily the same ways as my teachers had done in the past. I will also use it to organize grades and personal information and to compose tests and quizzes. I will also use the program to construct visual power point presentations to teach the curriculum to the students. Newsletters can be sent as well to the parents, to inform them about the upcoming curriculum and what is expected of their child.
3)One new skill I have acquired in this class that I feel is essential is how to create and format a test/ quiz. This is important because as a teacher I will need to be able to make multiple tests quickly and efficiently. Knowing how to correctly space and format tests will make the document look professional and will allow the students to see clearly where to indicate their answers. Another new skill I feel that is valuable that I have learned is how to make a newsletter. My ultimate goal is to become a principal, and knowing how to create efficient and clear newsletters will allow me to communicate upcoming events, community issues, and school fund raising with the staff and students.
Monday, January 26, 2009
PROMT 1
Post #1 Prompt A paragraph about why you think computers are an important part of the educational experience and critical concerns related to how teachers and students use computers. Use Chapter 1 to find appropriate terminology and get you thinking. Do you agree or disagree with issues raised in Chapter 1? Why or why not?A paragraph on how you think you will use computers in your classroom. Use the textbook (Ch 1) to get ideas. What do you hope to learn in this class to help you achieve these goals?A paragraph on anything you would like to share/discuss with your classmates, especially if it applies to this course, technology in general, or your future career. Just have fun!
1)I agree with some of the issues raised in chapter one. I believe that a students ability to utilize technology in the classroom, such as computers, is greatly influenced by the technologies owned by their family. Students will enter the classroom with various experiences dealing with modern day equipment, and some who do not have to monetary means to access such technology will not have the skills their peers might have. Additionally, technologies such as computers allow students to violate school conduct rules such as visiting websites that are not allowed within the school. I believe, as much as technology facilitates learning in the classroom, it also within itself creates new additional problems in the classroom.
2)I would use computers in the classroom to introduce material that is challenging. For example, I could bring in a computer program that is appropriate for the environment and level of the students. I would not bring in something over their head, yet something too easy would not be correct as well, because they would finish early and become bored. This would result in classroom problems. Children learn at all different levels and speeds and a computer program could be set at various levels to fit the students’ needs. In this class, I hope to learn the skills needed to be able to facilitate learning and motivate the students to do well.
3)I hope this class will allow me to learn so possible new ways to motivate students while they learn . My major is social science education, Im not sure if I want to teach government or history. Typically, in these types of classes the course material is not presented via computer or internet, but I think it would be interesting to try and see how I can incorporate it into the classroom.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Introduction Prompt
My name is Brittany and I recently moved from South Florida to North Carolina. My major is social science education and I am a sophomore. I have changed my major twice already, and am thinking about changing it again to history with a minor in economics. I have one brother and a dog. My favorite technological device is my cell phone and one of my favorite hobbies is going to the gym. I worked at Chili's as a hostess all summer, and plan on working there again this summer.
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