I have learned so much about technology in education since the first of this semester. I had no idea what incorporating technology into a classroom looked like other than an occasional overhead or PowerPoint. Now I feel like a have so many fun ideas of how to incorporate technology into my classroom. I also used to be a little skeptical of using a lot of technology in the classroom because I thought that technology would start doing the teaching. I now realize that technology can be an extremely useful tool to help students learn content and have fun doing it too. I still feel like I have tons to learn about using technology in the classroom, but this class has defiantly jumpstarted my curiosity and willingness to learn. I now see the importance of being aware and up on technology since we are living in such a technology based age. There is no hiding from it.
My NETS for teachers was:
5. Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership.
I have progressed in this area by making a point to understand that technology is an area I struggle in and work towards becoming more comfortable with it. I think my attitude towards technology has changed drastically throughout the semester. I have been practicing using technology more in my every day life and how to incorporate it into my own learning. While taking a geography class this semester, I found a lot of map games and quizzes on line that helped me study for tests. I don’t think I would have thought of looking to technology for extra practice had it not been for this class.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Reflection #12
I have really enjoyed researching how teacher incorporate technology into their classrooms. One of my favorite ways I have learned about is taking your class on a digital field trip. Sure it might not be as exciting as the real thing, but because it is inexpensive and easy to do, your class can go on digital fieldtrips on a more frequent basis. This could be especially fun for younger grades as a closing to a unit. For example, after completing a unit on the ocean, your class can pretend that the classroom is a submarine (you can have decorated the class as one throughout the lesson) and then project video clips of the ocean on the whiteboard or a big screen. Students can keep a journal of the animals they see while they are under the ocean. This can also be done with the jungle, other counties, the zoo, space, or any other place your students are interested in. Make sure the class is interacting with the field trip and not just sitting there watching. Students can also write a reflection about their experience and where they would like to go next time.
Reflection # 11
I was recently researching for a project in geography about the political crisis going on in Thailand and started to appreciate so much more how the internet can keep you connected and informed. Not only could I research current articles from that very day, but I was able to watch video clips and news broadcasts about what was going on in Thailand as well as what had been happening in recent years that lead up to it. The internet is so helpful for getting information in a variety of ways because when I got confused by reading articles or was just tired of reading, I found it very helpful to listen and watch news clips to get a better understanding of what was going on.
I think it is important for students to stay informed on what is going on in the world and I would defiantly want to incorporate current events into my classroom. It would be great for my students to get to research a current event in the news in groups and they have the opportunity to present it to the class as well as write about it. This would incorporate reading, writing, geography and communication all in one lesson!
I think it is important for students to stay informed on what is going on in the world and I would defiantly want to incorporate current events into my classroom. It would be great for my students to get to research a current event in the news in groups and they have the opportunity to present it to the class as well as write about it. This would incorporate reading, writing, geography and communication all in one lesson!
Reflection # 10
Teachers turning tech devices into learning tools
I loved this article! It is so interesting to see how teachers use technology to aid learning rather than let it become a distraction in the classroom. This article shows how teachers use iPods, hand held computers, and blogs to help students learn.
One language arts teacher allows students to bring iPods to class and listen to clean music in order to learn about poetic devices such as rhyme and alliteration. Another teacher uses hand held computers rather than more expensive desk tops to do math and research in the class. The teacher had students look up video clips of tornadoes as part of their lesson when they were studying natural disasters. Students can also use online games to learn their spelling words in fun ways rather than just looking over the words and trying to memorize them.
Teachers are also using blogs to communicate with their students by posting questions and having them respond. I think this is great because it gives students a chance to express to their teacher what they are learning even if they might be a little shy in class. It also clears up more time in class because students can ask question and respond outside of class when they are al their computer (which they will probably be on anyways). They also have more time to think about their response and will have a more thoughtful one that just answering when called on in class.
I will defiantly be doing more research into ways other teachers are incorporating technology devices into their classroom and use it in mine too.
I loved this article! It is so interesting to see how teachers use technology to aid learning rather than let it become a distraction in the classroom. This article shows how teachers use iPods, hand held computers, and blogs to help students learn.
One language arts teacher allows students to bring iPods to class and listen to clean music in order to learn about poetic devices such as rhyme and alliteration. Another teacher uses hand held computers rather than more expensive desk tops to do math and research in the class. The teacher had students look up video clips of tornadoes as part of their lesson when they were studying natural disasters. Students can also use online games to learn their spelling words in fun ways rather than just looking over the words and trying to memorize them.
Teachers are also using blogs to communicate with their students by posting questions and having them respond. I think this is great because it gives students a chance to express to their teacher what they are learning even if they might be a little shy in class. It also clears up more time in class because students can ask question and respond outside of class when they are al their computer (which they will probably be on anyways). They also have more time to think about their response and will have a more thoughtful one that just answering when called on in class.
I will defiantly be doing more research into ways other teachers are incorporating technology devices into their classroom and use it in mine too.
Reflection # 9
A few weeks ago a 5th grader came to my Special Needs class who had had a cochlear implant. This is a device that is placed deep into the inner ear that stimulates auditory nerves in profoundly deaf people. It was so interesting to hear him and his parents talk about the effect that this new technology ha had on his life. He goes to a normal school and never learned sign language. The device is so small that the battery can be hidden behind his ear and is not very noticeable. The 5th grader only had the implant done on one of his ears because doctors wanted to save the other ear for when better technology came out. It was fun listening to the boy talk about what it was like being able to hear and I am so amazed at how helpful technology is not only in the classroom but also in the medical field.
His teacher also told us about other ways that technology gets used in his classroom such as a hands free microphone that the teacher can wear to save her voice or an extra head set for the student to wear to increase the volume.
However, technology is not always completely reliable. They boys dad told a story of a time that he forgot to recharge the battery when he took his son and a friend on a day trip and how they had to resort to writing notes.
I am very interested in how technology gets used in the medical field and look forward to seeing what advances in medical technology will bring.
His teacher also told us about other ways that technology gets used in his classroom such as a hands free microphone that the teacher can wear to save her voice or an extra head set for the student to wear to increase the volume.
However, technology is not always completely reliable. They boys dad told a story of a time that he forgot to recharge the battery when he took his son and a friend on a day trip and how they had to resort to writing notes.
I am very interested in how technology gets used in the medical field and look forward to seeing what advances in medical technology will bring.
Reflection # 8
Last week I got to spend the afternoon in a self-contained classroom at a local high school. It was very interesting to see how technology was incorporated in a classroom where all but one of the students could not speak and several had limited motion. The students had little remotes that they could push to play music and change songs on a computer while lying down. They also had a smart board where students could turn pages and have a story read to them.
The technology was very helpful because the students did not need to be able to speak in order to communicate what they wanted. It would be too difficult for a student to say what song they wanted or go and change a cd, but with the computer system, students only needed to press a button. In the same way, the students did not have the fine motor skills to turn a page, but they could still participate in reading a story by pressing the smart board.
I think it will be very interesting to see in what other ways technology can be incorporated into self contained classrooms.
The technology was very helpful because the students did not need to be able to speak in order to communicate what they wanted. It would be too difficult for a student to say what song they wanted or go and change a cd, but with the computer system, students only needed to press a button. In the same way, the students did not have the fine motor skills to turn a page, but they could still participate in reading a story by pressing the smart board.
I think it will be very interesting to see in what other ways technology can be incorporated into self contained classrooms.
Reflection # 7
GPS
I recently found out how important it is not to rely on technology not only in the classroom but also in every day life. I was going to a new nanny job and had put in the right address into my GPS and it took me to a completely different neighborhood. Since I have only ever driven with a GPS and never had to use verbal direction I was completely confused on how to get there. I ended up being late and irritated at my GPS. When I finally figured out that it had confused one street name with another It took me to the general area and then just left me not knowing where the house was.
I now realize that I can not just rely on technology to get me around but should start keeping a map with me for when the GPS goes crazy. Technology can be so helpful at times but is not always completely reliable.
I recently found out how important it is not to rely on technology not only in the classroom but also in every day life. I was going to a new nanny job and had put in the right address into my GPS and it took me to a completely different neighborhood. Since I have only ever driven with a GPS and never had to use verbal direction I was completely confused on how to get there. I ended up being late and irritated at my GPS. When I finally figured out that it had confused one street name with another It took me to the general area and then just left me not knowing where the house was.
I now realize that I can not just rely on technology to get me around but should start keeping a map with me for when the GPS goes crazy. Technology can be so helpful at times but is not always completely reliable.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Assignment #4
My Koala Project
Weebly
Google street view
Power Point
Various research websites
For my project I added a page onto my weebly account where my students can get information about a project they need to do for my class. Students can excess my weebly site and get information about Koalas by websites, videos, and google maps street view. Students can later use PowerPoint to give a presentation on what they have learned about Koalas.
I think my class will have fun with this project because they have a lot of freedom to explore not only about Koalas, but also where they come from. I wanted my students to get a feel for other areas of the world so I will have them look up Zoos in Australia and look at them through google street view.
Students can also upload their voice recording of some things they have learned using Vocaroo as part of their project to let me know what they are up to.
Students also have a place on the site to leave comments or upload their projects to me once they are finished.
Some problems I ran into on this project were on limitations Weebly. I would have liked to post the videos directly onto my Weebly but I don't think that is possible. I also noticed that some function of Weebly that I wanted to use needed to be paid for an advanced addition, such as a place to upload projects.
I also ran into a problem when I posted the wrong link to this page because students can only click on the website links if it is published and I had set it to how I saw my site and not how my student see it. So happy I figured that out:)
NETS for students:
1 Creativity and Innovation: Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and developer innovative products and processes using technology.
a. Students apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, and procedures.
b. Students create original works as a means of personal and group expression.
In this project my students will be able to express what they have learned through technology. They can present by themselves or in groups to express what they have learned.
NETS for teachers: 2. Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessment
2.a Design or adapt relevant learning experiences the incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity.
In my project I created a learning experience using websites, video clips, maps and voice recording for my students to use in learning about koalas and be creative with their presentations.
Weebly
Google street view
Power Point
Various research websites
For my project I added a page onto my weebly account where my students can get information about a project they need to do for my class. Students can excess my weebly site and get information about Koalas by websites, videos, and google maps street view. Students can later use PowerPoint to give a presentation on what they have learned about Koalas.
I think my class will have fun with this project because they have a lot of freedom to explore not only about Koalas, but also where they come from. I wanted my students to get a feel for other areas of the world so I will have them look up Zoos in Australia and look at them through google street view.
Students can also upload their voice recording of some things they have learned using Vocaroo as part of their project to let me know what they are up to.
Students also have a place on the site to leave comments or upload their projects to me once they are finished.
Some problems I ran into on this project were on limitations Weebly. I would have liked to post the videos directly onto my Weebly but I don't think that is possible. I also noticed that some function of Weebly that I wanted to use needed to be paid for an advanced addition, such as a place to upload projects.
I also ran into a problem when I posted the wrong link to this page because students can only click on the website links if it is published and I had set it to how I saw my site and not how my student see it. So happy I figured that out:)
NETS for students:
1 Creativity and Innovation: Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and developer innovative products and processes using technology.
a. Students apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, and procedures.
b. Students create original works as a means of personal and group expression.
In this project my students will be able to express what they have learned through technology. They can present by themselves or in groups to express what they have learned.
NETS for teachers: 2. Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessment
2.a Design or adapt relevant learning experiences the incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity.
In my project I created a learning experience using websites, video clips, maps and voice recording for my students to use in learning about koalas and be creative with their presentations.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Enrty # 14
The Future Of Technology In The Classroom
It is amazing to see how far technology has come in being Incorporated into the classroom in recent years. When I was in school I rarely used the computer except to type out final drafts of papers sometimes. I am still trying to catch up on technology today. Now technology is used for such a variety of learning experiences from virtual field trips to other countries to fast research and video clips. Now it is essayer than ever for teachers to stay in contact with their students parents via e-mail. Technology in the classrooms is making it a more interesting place for students to learn and is also preparing them for a future that is very much run by knowledge in technology. Incorporating technology into education prepares students for real life situations and enhances the amount of information available to them.
I am excited to see what new ways of incorporating technology into education pop up in the next 10 years.
It is amazing to see how far technology has come in being Incorporated into the classroom in recent years. When I was in school I rarely used the computer except to type out final drafts of papers sometimes. I am still trying to catch up on technology today. Now technology is used for such a variety of learning experiences from virtual field trips to other countries to fast research and video clips. Now it is essayer than ever for teachers to stay in contact with their students parents via e-mail. Technology in the classrooms is making it a more interesting place for students to learn and is also preparing them for a future that is very much run by knowledge in technology. Incorporating technology into education prepares students for real life situations and enhances the amount of information available to them.
I am excited to see what new ways of incorporating technology into education pop up in the next 10 years.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Entry #12
Online Conference Experience
Using web 2.0 tools to teach "The Outsiders"
I loved how he uses technology to help students struggling with English. It was cool how he used google maps and street view to help the students get a better understanding of the setting of the story "The Outsiders." The photo presentation was a very interesting idea to get the students to understand the culture of the book. Oftentimes when I am reading a book, I have a tough time getting an image of what is going on in the book. I had never thought of researching the culture and setting of the book before and during reading it.
Ways Of Working
I liked how this showed that there is so much more to research than typing something in google and looking at the first site that comes up. It is cool that you can learn so much more by reading blogs, watching videos and pictures on flicker, google maps, and signing up for information on google news. I like the idea of using the fact that children are constantly taking pictures and using technology on their phones. You can have your students upload their pictures, where they were at and what they learned. Comiclife.com looks like a fun thing for students to use to tell stories.
Around The World With Skype
I never thought of the possibilities of having your class skype with professionals and authors that you might never get to have come to your class. You can also have classes skype with classes on the other side of the world! Teachers that are traveling could also contact their class through skype and give them some cool experiences from other locations. I would love to get my class to be more culturally aware by having skype tours around the world. This was my favorite!
Using web 2.0 tools to teach "The Outsiders"
I loved how he uses technology to help students struggling with English. It was cool how he used google maps and street view to help the students get a better understanding of the setting of the story "The Outsiders." The photo presentation was a very interesting idea to get the students to understand the culture of the book. Oftentimes when I am reading a book, I have a tough time getting an image of what is going on in the book. I had never thought of researching the culture and setting of the book before and during reading it.
Ways Of Working
I liked how this showed that there is so much more to research than typing something in google and looking at the first site that comes up. It is cool that you can learn so much more by reading blogs, watching videos and pictures on flicker, google maps, and signing up for information on google news. I like the idea of using the fact that children are constantly taking pictures and using technology on their phones. You can have your students upload their pictures, where they were at and what they learned. Comiclife.com looks like a fun thing for students to use to tell stories.
Around The World With Skype
I never thought of the possibilities of having your class skype with professionals and authors that you might never get to have come to your class. You can also have classes skype with classes on the other side of the world! Teachers that are traveling could also contact their class through skype and give them some cool experiences from other locations. I would love to get my class to be more culturally aware by having skype tours around the world. This was my favorite!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Entry #13
Features I Frequently Use on Word, Excel, and Power Point
Word:
Cut
Copy
Paste
Spell check
Bold
Italics
Insert: page number, picture, text box, boarder
Format: columns
Assignment for Word: Have students find a poem on line and copy and paste it on to word. Have them write a paragraph on why they like the poem and spell check it. Have them inset a clipart picture that goes with the poem and put a boarder around it. Format the poem into 2 columns and bold the heading.
Excel:
Boarders
Insert: columns
Assignment for Excel: Have students use excel to make a weekly class schedule.
Power Point:
Insert
New Slide
Transition
Clip Art
Animation
Background
Apply All
Slide Show
Assignment for Power Point: Have students use Power Point to create a slide show about something they are interested in. They must have a background, animation, clip art, and at least 5 slides with transitions.
Word:
Cut
Copy
Paste
Spell check
Bold
Italics
Insert: page number, picture, text box, boarder
Format: columns
Assignment for Word: Have students find a poem on line and copy and paste it on to word. Have them write a paragraph on why they like the poem and spell check it. Have them inset a clipart picture that goes with the poem and put a boarder around it. Format the poem into 2 columns and bold the heading.
Excel:
Boarders
Insert: columns
Assignment for Excel: Have students use excel to make a weekly class schedule.
Power Point:
Insert
New Slide
Transition
Clip Art
Animation
Background
Apply All
Slide Show
Assignment for Power Point: Have students use Power Point to create a slide show about something they are interested in. They must have a background, animation, clip art, and at least 5 slides with transitions.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Entry 11
My comment
I think this blog is very helpful because it has interesting websites and information categorized into several subjects. The blog is interesting, useful, and easy to navigate. Apart from learning how helpful a blog can be, I learned that people can use Lang-8 to get help learning languages by interacting online with a native speaker.
I think this blog is very helpful because it has interesting websites and information categorized into several subjects. The blog is interesting, useful, and easy to navigate. Apart from learning how helpful a blog can be, I learned that people can use Lang-8 to get help learning languages by interacting online with a native speaker.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Entry # 10
Three questions for the NU Education Panel.
1) Would it be possible to have education program classes avalable in the summer?
2) What do you like the best about the education program at Northwest?
3) In your opintion, what is the most valuable thing we are going to learn in the education program at Northwest?
1) Would it be possible to have education program classes avalable in the summer?
2) What do you like the best about the education program at Northwest?
3) In your opintion, what is the most valuable thing we are going to learn in the education program at Northwest?
Assignment #4 Pt 1
I have created a podcast to tell you about my technology project.
I will be using videoclips, the smartboard and my weebly account to give a presentation on koalas. This could be used for an elementary science lesson. I will have videoclips of koalas and an interactive presentation ofabout koalas. I will also post a page of sites with aditional information about koalas. I chose this project because I like science and think koalas are super cute!
I will be using videoclips, the smartboard and my weebly account to give a presentation on koalas. This could be used for an elementary science lesson. I will have videoclips of koalas and an interactive presentation ofabout koalas. I will also post a page of sites with aditional information about koalas. I chose this project because I like science and think koalas are super cute!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Assignment #3
A "toolbox" is an online place for storing websites that will be useful resources when teaching a class. My "toolbox" was created on my weebly account at http://missdooleysclass.weebly.com/
I have organized my toolbox in categories on math, science, reading/writing, and health. I found websites that I thought wound be helpful, fun and interesting to my students. I hope these websites will help my students have fun while learning as well as get extra help in areas that they may need more practice in.
I can use my "toolbox" when my students need extra help in a subject area or if students finish their work early and want to use the computer. I can also send the links home to the parents and let them know what websites would be useful for extra practice for their child. The science websites will be useful with finding material to write reports. The health websites are very fun and I think students will enjoy using them to learn about healthy food and living. The reading/writing websites have some fun worksheets, writing prompts, and reading comprehension tests that students could do at home and bring in the next day.
http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/
This website has great information about animals. You can choose an animal, view pictures, videos and information about where its habitat is. This site would really help students with writing reports or giving presentations.
http://www.education.com/worksheets/third-grade/reading/
This website has fun, printable worksheets that help students learn similes, synonyms, analogies, homographs, homophones, past, present and future tenses. They can also help with punctuation and short stories.
http://www.nutritionexplorations.org/kids/activities-main.asp
This website has lots of fun games that teach children about healthy eating as well as interesting nutrition facts. I would let students earn computer time where they can play feed the monster and other fun games.
I have organized my toolbox in categories on math, science, reading/writing, and health. I found websites that I thought wound be helpful, fun and interesting to my students. I hope these websites will help my students have fun while learning as well as get extra help in areas that they may need more practice in.
I can use my "toolbox" when my students need extra help in a subject area or if students finish their work early and want to use the computer. I can also send the links home to the parents and let them know what websites would be useful for extra practice for their child. The science websites will be useful with finding material to write reports. The health websites are very fun and I think students will enjoy using them to learn about healthy food and living. The reading/writing websites have some fun worksheets, writing prompts, and reading comprehension tests that students could do at home and bring in the next day.
http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/
This website has great information about animals. You can choose an animal, view pictures, videos and information about where its habitat is. This site would really help students with writing reports or giving presentations.
http://www.education.com/worksheets/third-grade/reading/
This website has fun, printable worksheets that help students learn similes, synonyms, analogies, homographs, homophones, past, present and future tenses. They can also help with punctuation and short stories.
http://www.nutritionexplorations.org/kids/activities-main.asp
This website has lots of fun games that teach children about healthy eating as well as interesting nutrition facts. I would let students earn computer time where they can play feed the monster and other fun games.
Entry 9
"Caught on Video"
I loved this article! I had honestly never sat down and thought about how beneficial a digital video camera would be in a classroom. All the different ways a teacher could use a video camera in class were so interesting. When I was in high school, a few of my teachers used video cameras to record short skits and a few time a teacher showed video clips of previous years classes, but they were using an old camera and often times the teacher could not find what they were looking for. I sometimes got nervous when the teacher brought out the camera, but it was fun getting to watch back all the performances. I think if the camera was used often in the classroom that students would get used to it and it would not be such a bit deal. Students might also work harder at a presentation knowing that they would be watching it over again. I think teachers could also asses presentations better because they could watch them back and not just have to frantically write down notes.
I loved this article! I had honestly never sat down and thought about how beneficial a digital video camera would be in a classroom. All the different ways a teacher could use a video camera in class were so interesting. When I was in high school, a few of my teachers used video cameras to record short skits and a few time a teacher showed video clips of previous years classes, but they were using an old camera and often times the teacher could not find what they were looking for. I sometimes got nervous when the teacher brought out the camera, but it was fun getting to watch back all the performances. I think if the camera was used often in the classroom that students would get used to it and it would not be such a bit deal. Students might also work harder at a presentation knowing that they would be watching it over again. I think teachers could also asses presentations better because they could watch them back and not just have to frantically write down notes.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Entry 8
In this Youtube clip about Smart boards in the classroom, it is very interesting to hear from real teachers how they enjoy having the smart board in their classroom. They are all very positive and say that it is the best investment towards education. All of the children in this clip look engaged in their work and the teachers seem very happy with it.
I did not understand just how beneficial havng a smart board in a classroom is until we visited an actual elementary school classroom today. Hearing an elementary teacher talk and and show us all the diferent ways that she uses the smartboard in her class actualy got me very excited to use a smart board. I espectialy thought it was very cool how she used it to help with class managment by setting a timer on the board or having red, yellow, or green depending on the noise level. It was interesting to hear the teacher say that it is good to use the smart board often because kids will get very bored of listening to your voice all day long. Students can be very creative when given the opportunity to make presentations on the smart board. I am interested in finding out new and creative ways to use this in my classroom some day!
I did not understand just how beneficial havng a smart board in a classroom is until we visited an actual elementary school classroom today. Hearing an elementary teacher talk and and show us all the diferent ways that she uses the smartboard in her class actualy got me very excited to use a smart board. I espectialy thought it was very cool how she used it to help with class managment by setting a timer on the board or having red, yellow, or green depending on the noise level. It was interesting to hear the teacher say that it is good to use the smart board often because kids will get very bored of listening to your voice all day long. Students can be very creative when given the opportunity to make presentations on the smart board. I am interested in finding out new and creative ways to use this in my classroom some day!
Entry 6
I learned that the SMART Board can be used for a variety of subjects including health, English, math, science and geography. It is a great way to get students to feel more comfortable in front of the classroom because they can be up there but be focused on doing a task and not necessarily on having to present in front of the class. I learned that sometimes it can be hard to use the Smart board with groups of students because only one pen can be used on the board and a time. For this reason it is smart to have the Smart board use done on a rotation system or else the students not getting to participate might bet bored. I also learned that I need to have a backup plan in case my presentation randomly decides to close!
I know there is still so much for me to learn about using the Smart board. I would like to learn how to upload videos onto SMART board presentations.
I know there is still so much for me to learn about using the Smart board. I would like to learn how to upload videos onto SMART board presentations.
Reflection #6
I have been learning so much about technology through this class and how it can be used in such a beneficial way to save time and help students learn. I know I still have a lot to learn and defiantly need to get more comfortable in using technology and incorporating it into my every day life as well as into my classroom. However, I still think it is important for teachers to not rely too much on technology to teach a class. Technology can defiantly enhance learning, but the teacher still needs to teach and not just rely on the technology to do the presentation for the students. I think a class would get pretty boring for students if the teacher only ever uses the smart board and video clips to teach a class. Teachers should be able to keep their students engaged and on task without only using technology. It is also important to have a backup plan just incase the technology use are using starts to not work properly or the electricity goes out.
I am not sure if I will be working in a school in the U.S. with a lot of technology provided, or if I will be working in a third world country where I will not have those options. Because of this, in all my education classes I try and think of how I would be able to use technology or maybe only teach with a chalk board but still make it fun and interesting to my students.
Technology is wonderful and I appreciate it so much. But I know I must not learn to rely too much on it for my teaching.
I am not sure if I will be working in a school in the U.S. with a lot of technology provided, or if I will be working in a third world country where I will not have those options. Because of this, in all my education classes I try and think of how I would be able to use technology or maybe only teach with a chalk board but still make it fun and interesting to my students.
Technology is wonderful and I appreciate it so much. But I know I must not learn to rely too much on it for my teaching.
Reflection #5
Last week in class we started to learn a little about creating a teacher website. Creating a teacher website lets your students and their parents get to know you before arriving at school. I know that even as a college student I still wonder before I start a class what my teacher is going to be like. I was homeschooled for all of elementary school and most of middle school and can still remember being so nervous the first time I was going to school and only knowing the name of my teacher. I think it would have helped me a lot to have had some sort of picture or note about my teacher before I got to school. I think for younger children, even just knowing what their face looks like will help put a child at ease on the first day of school. A brief note about the teacher is even better because then the student can already be preparing themselves for what their teacher will be like, what they like to do, and what they will be doing in class. I am very excited to start making my teacher page. I want my teacher website to be friendly, welcoming and informative. I hope that it represents me well to my students and their parents.
Reflection #4
In learning about incorporating VAK's into a lesson plan, I have noticed that finding video clips on YouTube can be very helpful. For an auditory learner, you can find music or poems that go along with the lesson plan. For a visual learner, video clips used as anticipatory sets are great! Children love to watch things and this is an easy and fast way to get their minds on the subject you are about to teach. It is also great because it does not require any set up or clean up, just a little bit of searching and you are ready to go. It is great for teacher to be able to use simple online resources to help children learn. I think it would be great for younger grades to be shown video clips of animals rather than just read stories or look at pictures. It is not the same as going to the zoo, but pretty close! I hope that in my future class and lesson plans, I will be able to find fun clips that will incorporate into my lessons and help engage my students with the content.
Reflection #3
I have noticed in some classrooms that if a teacher is not very rehearsed in using the technology in their classroom sometimes trying to figure out how to get the technology started takes up as much or more time than the use of technology saves. It can also throw a teacher off if the technology malfunctions or freezes and can make it difficult to get back on track and not lose the attention of your students. To help with this problem, I think it would be good for teachers to do a quick run-through before class to make sure all of the technology, power points, smart board activities and video clips are up and ready to go before the class arrives. I know I have given presentations that stopped working before and it is super uncomfortable to have to deal with. Teachers should also come with a backup plan just in case something stops working.
Reflection #2
In a math class I am taking right now, I have found it very helpful to put my notes on a power point before giving my weekly presentation. I think it is helpful for other students because they can see the notes rather than just try and write down what I am saying. It also helps me because I don’t have to look down at my notes. I can point to where I am at in my power point and still be looking up and at the class. It is also helpful because the notes on the power point are bigger and easier to read. It is also helpful to type out equations and do pie charts on the power point before hand, rather than have to turn around and write it on the white board where it will take up time and not be as legible. Using technology in class saves a lot of time and keeps the class running smoothly.
Reflection #1
In the geography class I am currently taking, other than the use of an overhead, technology is not used very much. I think the class would benefit a lot from the use of technology and online resources. I think this would help with the concepts we are learning to have interaction with the map and not just stare at an overhead. I have would several interesting map games on line that have helped me study maps better because they are interactive and game like.
I have learned through being in the geography class that if a teacher is able to use technology to make a class more fun and interesting, Then they should do it! Students could also use technology to give presentations on countries rather than point to a map. It would also be interesting to show video clips and pictures from the different regions to create a better picture in our minds of the areas we are learning about.
I have learned through being in the geography class that if a teacher is able to use technology to make a class more fun and interesting, Then they should do it! Students could also use technology to give presentations on countries rather than point to a map. It would also be interesting to show video clips and pictures from the different regions to create a better picture in our minds of the areas we are learning about.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Entry 7
http://www.ssis.edu.vn/
Saigon South International School is the school that I graduated from. I enjoyed looking at and exploring this website. It is very informational but interesting to look at at the same time.
I really like all the photography and slide shows that are used on the website. I think it is a visually appealing website and gives an accurate and positive view of the school. The website is also very easy to navigate and fun to look at.
I love that there is a video of the school in addition to all of the photography. Looking at this website makes me excited about the school and proud that it is my school:) I think students and parents that are looking into going to SSIS would be impressed by the website.
Saigon South International School is the school that I graduated from. I enjoyed looking at and exploring this website. It is very informational but interesting to look at at the same time.
I really like all the photography and slide shows that are used on the website. I think it is a visually appealing website and gives an accurate and positive view of the school. The website is also very easy to navigate and fun to look at.
I love that there is a video of the school in addition to all of the photography. Looking at this website makes me excited about the school and proud that it is my school:) I think students and parents that are looking into going to SSIS would be impressed by the website.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Assignment 2
Smart board Activity
Smart Board features: Highlighter, pen, eraser
NETS for teachers: 2. Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessment
2.a Design or adapt relevant learning experiences the incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity.
I used the Smart Board presentation on prepositions found on the Smart Board website to help students understand what prepositions are. Students were able to identify prepositions, write sentences using prepositions and take a quiz on prepositions.
NETS for students: 6. Technology Operations Concepts.
6.a Understand and use technology systems.
Students will be asked to come up to the Smart Board and use the pen, highlighter, and eraser to identify and write prepositions.
6.b Select and use applications effectively.
Students will select the highlighter or pen depending on the situation.
Interactive white board in the classroom:
An interactive whiteboard can be a very useful tool in a classroom. It will save the teacher time in not having to write a bunch of stuff on the board and have there back to the students just to have to erase it a few minutes later to have more room to write. Teachers can also flip back to previous pages to review with students if it seems they have not grasped a concept yet. Teachers can also easily transition to video clips or interactive games and pictures without having to transfer material onto an overhead or bring in a TV. This will eliminate a lot of clutter and lost time. This time saved can be put towards helping the students better understand what is being taught to them. Students will also have the ability to get out of there seats and interact with the white board, which could help them be more engaged and alert in the classroom.
Smart Board features: Highlighter, pen, eraser
NETS for teachers: 2. Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessment
2.a Design or adapt relevant learning experiences the incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity.
I used the Smart Board presentation on prepositions found on the Smart Board website to help students understand what prepositions are. Students were able to identify prepositions, write sentences using prepositions and take a quiz on prepositions.
NETS for students: 6. Technology Operations Concepts.
6.a Understand and use technology systems.
Students will be asked to come up to the Smart Board and use the pen, highlighter, and eraser to identify and write prepositions.
6.b Select and use applications effectively.
Students will select the highlighter or pen depending on the situation.
Interactive white board in the classroom:
An interactive whiteboard can be a very useful tool in a classroom. It will save the teacher time in not having to write a bunch of stuff on the board and have there back to the students just to have to erase it a few minutes later to have more room to write. Teachers can also flip back to previous pages to review with students if it seems they have not grasped a concept yet. Teachers can also easily transition to video clips or interactive games and pictures without having to transfer material onto an overhead or bring in a TV. This will eliminate a lot of clutter and lost time. This time saved can be put towards helping the students better understand what is being taught to them. Students will also have the ability to get out of there seats and interact with the white board, which could help them be more engaged and alert in the classroom.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Entry 5
http://www.emergingedtech.com/
What? This article tells about many fun ways that teachers can use twitter in a classroom and with each other. Teachers can have their students twitter questions and discussions on the class during class. Teachers can also interact with other teachers and ask/give advice about teaching and classrooms. Twitter can also be used by teachers and students to make announcements, rather than using e-mail. Teachers can also twitter a page or chapter to read and have the students twitter back a bullet pointed summary. Another idea is to have students twitter in a foreign language and have other students respond and translate. Twitter can also be used to give students “twitter palls” from another culture so that they can find out about each other.
So What? Twitter can be an effective way to encourage student participation and discussion in class. It is also a great way to get out information on changes in schedule, meeting times, reminders, and announcements. Technology can be used in very interesting ways. Students will be more interested in learning that involves twittering.
What Now? As a teacher, I am sure that I can find some way to use twitter in my class. I honestly don’t know how much I want my students to be on their phone in class, but I think it is a good way to remind them after school of important information, rather than sending an e-mail. I have not used twitter that much, but will defiantly try and figure out how it works so that I can use it later.
What? This article tells about many fun ways that teachers can use twitter in a classroom and with each other. Teachers can have their students twitter questions and discussions on the class during class. Teachers can also interact with other teachers and ask/give advice about teaching and classrooms. Twitter can also be used by teachers and students to make announcements, rather than using e-mail. Teachers can also twitter a page or chapter to read and have the students twitter back a bullet pointed summary. Another idea is to have students twitter in a foreign language and have other students respond and translate. Twitter can also be used to give students “twitter palls” from another culture so that they can find out about each other.
So What? Twitter can be an effective way to encourage student participation and discussion in class. It is also a great way to get out information on changes in schedule, meeting times, reminders, and announcements. Technology can be used in very interesting ways. Students will be more interested in learning that involves twittering.
What Now? As a teacher, I am sure that I can find some way to use twitter in my class. I honestly don’t know how much I want my students to be on their phone in class, but I think it is a good way to remind them after school of important information, rather than sending an e-mail. I have not used twitter that much, but will defiantly try and figure out how it works so that I can use it later.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Assignment #1
Techno Tips: ideas for integrating technology education into every day learning
This article gave many interesting ways of integrating learning about nanotechnology into many subjects in the classroom including language arts, social studies, math and science. By taking a concept, like nanotechnology, and integrating it into other areas of study, students will be able to learn with different methods and be interested in learning. For language arts, the article suggests that students learn about how science makes it possible for humans to walk on walls. Students can then learn about it and write a creative story about a super hero. Students can also discuss the difference between scientific fact and fantasy. In math, students can learn how small a nanometer is and calculate how many nanometers are in different objects. In science, students can study about all the different things nanotechnology is used for. In social studies, students can discuss the benefits as well as harmful side effects of nanotechnology. By integrating one concept into many areas of study, the students will have a much greater grasp on the concept of nanotechnology.
I though this article was very interesting to read. It made me interested in nanotechnology because all of the activities seemed so interesting. I feel like students would be engaged because of the consistency of the lesson that they would enjoy it and not even think about how there were learning. I like that the article gave websites to video clips and other online sources to help with the assignments.
Although I might not do a lesson on nanotechnology, I did learn a lot about integrating technology into other subjects, whether it be in learning about technology or using it in your class.
NETS for teachers
5. Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership
Why? I think this standard is important to me as a teacher, because in order for me to expect my students to grow in knowledge and be excited about learning, I must first be willing to do the same. As they are working hard to increase their knowledge and become better students, I mist respect them enough to want to continually become the best teacher I can be.
This semester I can work on this by:
- Working diligently to be better at understanding technology and how to integrate it effectively into the classroom.
-Finding ways to incorporate technology into my own learning.
-Practice using more technology in my day-to-day life.
Nets for Students
1. Creativity and Innovation
why? Students should be able to think creatively. This is will make education more interesting, if students can use their own creativity to help them learn. Not only will their creativity and innovation help themselves learn, but their classmates might be able to grasp a concept better with the help of another students creativity.
#1 Have students create a PowerPoint or short video that expresses who they are. They can have music, slide shows, interviews and anything else that describes who they are. Presentations should be 2-3 min in length.
#2 Have students work in groups to make a technology presentation that explains volcanic eruptions. Students can record narrations, use videos, pictures, or graphics to demonstrate volcanic eruptions.
This article gave many interesting ways of integrating learning about nanotechnology into many subjects in the classroom including language arts, social studies, math and science. By taking a concept, like nanotechnology, and integrating it into other areas of study, students will be able to learn with different methods and be interested in learning. For language arts, the article suggests that students learn about how science makes it possible for humans to walk on walls. Students can then learn about it and write a creative story about a super hero. Students can also discuss the difference between scientific fact and fantasy. In math, students can learn how small a nanometer is and calculate how many nanometers are in different objects. In science, students can study about all the different things nanotechnology is used for. In social studies, students can discuss the benefits as well as harmful side effects of nanotechnology. By integrating one concept into many areas of study, the students will have a much greater grasp on the concept of nanotechnology.
I though this article was very interesting to read. It made me interested in nanotechnology because all of the activities seemed so interesting. I feel like students would be engaged because of the consistency of the lesson that they would enjoy it and not even think about how there were learning. I like that the article gave websites to video clips and other online sources to help with the assignments.
Although I might not do a lesson on nanotechnology, I did learn a lot about integrating technology into other subjects, whether it be in learning about technology or using it in your class.
NETS for teachers
5. Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership
Why? I think this standard is important to me as a teacher, because in order for me to expect my students to grow in knowledge and be excited about learning, I must first be willing to do the same. As they are working hard to increase their knowledge and become better students, I mist respect them enough to want to continually become the best teacher I can be.
This semester I can work on this by:
- Working diligently to be better at understanding technology and how to integrate it effectively into the classroom.
-Finding ways to incorporate technology into my own learning.
-Practice using more technology in my day-to-day life.
Nets for Students
1. Creativity and Innovation
why? Students should be able to think creatively. This is will make education more interesting, if students can use their own creativity to help them learn. Not only will their creativity and innovation help themselves learn, but their classmates might be able to grasp a concept better with the help of another students creativity.
#1 Have students create a PowerPoint or short video that expresses who they are. They can have music, slide shows, interviews and anything else that describes who they are. Presentations should be 2-3 min in length.
#2 Have students work in groups to make a technology presentation that explains volcanic eruptions. Students can record narrations, use videos, pictures, or graphics to demonstrate volcanic eruptions.
Entry 4
"Generation IM"
In reading this artical, I was so amazing at the amount of technology young children use these days and at such young ages! It honestly makes my head spin. When I was little I read books, danced ballet, and played outside. Once in a while my family had "movie night", but I did not start using the computor or telephone regularly until I was in high school and forced to. I know it is going to be a challenge for me to adjust my thinking in how to integrate technology into my class room, because I can see that it is very important for their learning. I really apreciate that at the end of the artical they gave so many great ideas on how to intergrate technology into your class room.
I want my students to see what they are learning and how they are learning as aplicable and interesting. I know that if I can use interesting technology strategies in my class room, this will help their interest in learning. This will be a stretch for me, but I am so glad that articles like this can help me se where I need to improve.
In reading this artical, I was so amazing at the amount of technology young children use these days and at such young ages! It honestly makes my head spin. When I was little I read books, danced ballet, and played outside. Once in a while my family had "movie night", but I did not start using the computor or telephone regularly until I was in high school and forced to. I know it is going to be a challenge for me to adjust my thinking in how to integrate technology into my class room, because I can see that it is very important for their learning. I really apreciate that at the end of the artical they gave so many great ideas on how to intergrate technology into your class room.
I want my students to see what they are learning and how they are learning as aplicable and interesting. I know that if I can use interesting technology strategies in my class room, this will help their interest in learning. This will be a stretch for me, but I am so glad that articles like this can help me se where I need to improve.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Entry 3
Interactive White Boards
http://firma.northwestu.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ehh&AN=32699193&site=ehost-live
I learned from reading this article that Interactive White Boards (IWBs) can be very effective tools for teaching science to very young children. Young children are very interested in science and figuring out how things work, but because they are not old enough to read or write, it can be difficult for teachers to teach or asses their learning. The use of an interactive while board engages young children’s minds in a variety of ways including visual-spatial, auditory, and kinesthetic. Children can have fun using the board to do experiments and teachers have an easy way to project images and play video clips for all the children to see. Students are very interested in technology and enjoy interacting with it in school. Teachers can use IWB’s for interactive learning activities, reinforcing key ideas, and assessment.
This article not only told about the benefits of using the IWB’s with younger children, it also describes the IWB, how it is installed, different uses, cost and limitations.
http://firma.northwestu.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ehh&AN=32699193&site=ehost-live
I learned from reading this article that Interactive White Boards (IWBs) can be very effective tools for teaching science to very young children. Young children are very interested in science and figuring out how things work, but because they are not old enough to read or write, it can be difficult for teachers to teach or asses their learning. The use of an interactive while board engages young children’s minds in a variety of ways including visual-spatial, auditory, and kinesthetic. Children can have fun using the board to do experiments and teachers have an easy way to project images and play video clips for all the children to see. Students are very interested in technology and enjoy interacting with it in school. Teachers can use IWB’s for interactive learning activities, reinforcing key ideas, and assessment.
This article not only told about the benefits of using the IWB’s with younger children, it also describes the IWB, how it is installed, different uses, cost and limitations.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Beginning of Semester Reflection
Technology K-12 and Teaching
These days it is becoming increasingly more important for people to be comfortable with technology. I think that it is important that while children are in school, they learn not only how to use technology, but how to use it to aid their education.
In younger grades, children need to develop basic skills such as how to move a mouse so that they can build on those later on. Children can learn to type as they learn to write and spell. As they get into higher grades, they should learn to use computers for research and presentations.
Many computer skills will probably be learned at home, if the student has access to a computer. If this is the case, students should be learning how to use the skills they already have for educational purposes.
As a teacher, it is important to stay up-to-date with new technology or get up-to-date with technology, so that you will be better prepared to equip students with useful ways to use technology. Technology can be very useful with organization, presentations, and keeping in contact with students and parents.
These days it is becoming increasingly more important for people to be comfortable with technology. I think that it is important that while children are in school, they learn not only how to use technology, but how to use it to aid their education.
In younger grades, children need to develop basic skills such as how to move a mouse so that they can build on those later on. Children can learn to type as they learn to write and spell. As they get into higher grades, they should learn to use computers for research and presentations.
Many computer skills will probably be learned at home, if the student has access to a computer. If this is the case, students should be learning how to use the skills they already have for educational purposes.
As a teacher, it is important to stay up-to-date with new technology or get up-to-date with technology, so that you will be better prepared to equip students with useful ways to use technology. Technology can be very useful with organization, presentations, and keeping in contact with students and parents.
Entry 2
"Turning on the Lights"
I thought this article was very interesting. I had never thought about how differently children thought of education a long time ago in comparison to today. It used to be exciting to learn and discover new things while at school. Today, whatever kids are supposed to be learning could just be looked up on the internet if they ever needed to know it. This is why it is important for teachers to change how they teach in order to bring excitement back into the classroom.
I agree that it is important to get your students input on how they want to learn, but I think it is still important that teachers do their job in teaching them and not just expect them to teach themselves.
I think it is important for students to be able to see how what they are learning now will benefit them in the future. If they can see that what they are learning in class will benefit them, they will be much more interested in studying and learning.
I thought this article was very interesting. I had never thought about how differently children thought of education a long time ago in comparison to today. It used to be exciting to learn and discover new things while at school. Today, whatever kids are supposed to be learning could just be looked up on the internet if they ever needed to know it. This is why it is important for teachers to change how they teach in order to bring excitement back into the classroom.
I agree that it is important to get your students input on how they want to learn, but I think it is still important that teachers do their job in teaching them and not just expect them to teach themselves.
I think it is important for students to be able to see how what they are learning now will benefit them in the future. If they can see that what they are learning in class will benefit them, they will be much more interested in studying and learning.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Entry 1
I have always enjoyed learning and helping other people learn. I was home schooled through 8th grade and was able to help my three younger siblings with their school work once I had finnished my own. It was fun getting to help them learn to read and knowing that it was something they would use for the rest of their lives.
When I started going to high school, I had the oportunity to be a teachers assistant during my study hall. I also got a job as a tutor for a girl in 1st grade. I tutored her every day after school for 3 year. It was so exciting getting to see her grow in her knowlage and excitment about school. I saw her go from being a shy and uncertain student who did not like to read or write, to a confident 3rd grader who loved writng me stories and frequently got awards at school. The first day she ever told me she wanted to write me a story (with out me asking her to wright "just one more sentance")I was so surprised and proud of her. I thought "Wow! Now i know why people become teachers."
I would love to teach 3rd grade some day. I am getting an edorsment in science and think that it would also be fun to teach middle school science.
This semester, I want to learn to be more confident using technoloy so that I will be able to use it effectivly in teaching.
When I started going to high school, I had the oportunity to be a teachers assistant during my study hall. I also got a job as a tutor for a girl in 1st grade. I tutored her every day after school for 3 year. It was so exciting getting to see her grow in her knowlage and excitment about school. I saw her go from being a shy and uncertain student who did not like to read or write, to a confident 3rd grader who loved writng me stories and frequently got awards at school. The first day she ever told me she wanted to write me a story (with out me asking her to wright "just one more sentance")I was so surprised and proud of her. I thought "Wow! Now i know why people become teachers."
I would love to teach 3rd grade some day. I am getting an edorsment in science and think that it would also be fun to teach middle school science.
This semester, I want to learn to be more confident using technoloy so that I will be able to use it effectivly in teaching.
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