I have noticed through the course of this class that the tools that were offered to me as a student in elementary through high school and the utensils that are available for students now are very far on the spectrum. We have so much more currently to offer to our students to help them expand their education. I plan to incorporate the majority of the technological concepts that i have learned within the classroom. Especially the use of blogging and the Inspiration software. I feel that these two are very important and helpful features to the classroom. Blogging allows the student to step out of the structured medium and show us as teachers who they really are and what is going on in their heads. Inspiration, I believe, is an excellent program that can be incorporated inside of the classroom and also can be beneficial to the student outside of the classroom.
Something that particularly stuck out to me was a statement that Seth made in one of his blogs. He said something about possibly taking outside classes that were funded by the school. I think that this would be an amazing an enlightening experience for the students. Not only does it take them away from the stuffiness of the four walls of the classroom, but it also gives them a different perspective on concepts. My creative writing teacher back in high school used to allow us to go outside all of the time or to where ever we felt most able to think freely and write, as long as it was within the school grounds. Some of my best pieces of poetry came from when I was writing from the roof of the Communications building at my old school.
In the last blog, I spoke about web cameras being integrated into the classroom to make the pen-pal concept more appealing to students. Another technology-related skill that I think would be beneficial for high school students would be a school email similar to what we use in secondary education institutes, like our FSU email accounts. This tool can be used for the teachers who have students taking Advanced Placement and other college level courses while in high school, to inform them of the different examination dates and such, because they usually don't comply with the rest of the school. Also, it will help the teachers answer last minute questions about assignments and give the student a chance to ask the question that they forgot to in class. It works out for everyone.
The previous tool to be learned and incorporated would take a lot of time and money to accomplish. I would definitely need the backing of the school board and an efficient system of creating these email addresses for all high school students would be imperative. There would most definitely be a need for a trainer to come in and not only train the teachers on the usages of the email, but also the students. This would also take time out of the curriculum and money to pay for the trainers, thus a large budget would be necessary. This project would definitely take time and couldn't be implemented anytime soon, however, I feel that it is a definite possibility.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Post #9
A tool that I found would be very useful to me as a teacher was a website that connected teachers with different lesson plans and activity ideas for not only the core subjects but also other extracurriculars. Along the right side of the website are links for lesson plans, seasonal items, printable worksheets, and job availability. Not only that, but the web page also links to other credible websites. This website is called www.theteacherscorner.net
Upon looking through the other sites that were listed by my classmates, I found one in particular that I could connect very well with its usage. This site was www.freetranslation.com. to be used for translating words, sentences, paragraphs from one language to another continuously. This site has been a great help to me through my 8+ years of Spanish.
A technology-related skill that I would like to learn next is how to integrate the use of the web camera in the classroom. I have also felt that the idea of having a pen-pal in another country or even another state was in more ways than one beneficial to the students. However, its difficult to get them to remain in touch and motivated to send letters back and forth. Therefore, I feel that the web-camera would be nice so that the students can continue with their new-found friendships.
Since the above is one of my future goals, I will have to do a lot of research in order to set this up, because I would need to ensure that the other classroom of students has access to web-cameras. Even before this, I would need to do a proposal and possibly apply for grants to get these devices in supply at my own home school.
Upon looking through the other sites that were listed by my classmates, I found one in particular that I could connect very well with its usage. This site was www.freetranslation.com. to be used for translating words, sentences, paragraphs from one language to another continuously. This site has been a great help to me through my 8+ years of Spanish.
A technology-related skill that I would like to learn next is how to integrate the use of the web camera in the classroom. I have also felt that the idea of having a pen-pal in another country or even another state was in more ways than one beneficial to the students. However, its difficult to get them to remain in touch and motivated to send letters back and forth. Therefore, I feel that the web-camera would be nice so that the students can continue with their new-found friendships.
Since the above is one of my future goals, I will have to do a lot of research in order to set this up, because I would need to ensure that the other classroom of students has access to web-cameras. Even before this, I would need to do a proposal and possibly apply for grants to get these devices in supply at my own home school.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Post #8
Chapter 8 discusses security issues, ethics, and emerging technologies in education. it goes over different computer viruses and how they can affect the hard drive of the pc. What I found most interesting and helpful was the characteristics displayed so that you know if your computer has a virus or not. For example, the available memory is less than what it should be, a file becomes corrupted, an unknown program or file mysteriously appears, an unusual sound or music plays randomly, etc. The chapter also discusses protection methods and touches on student and teacher web pages.
Since the previous class I have learned even more new things about powerpoint, especially with the quiz assignment. I have also learned about different ways to protect my computer and what to do if it does become infected with a virus. A lot of the information provided in Chapter 8 has been very helpful at home.
On a more personal note, Easter Sunday was wonderful. I went to church service at Christian Heritage and then helped out with an Easter Egg Hunt at Myers Park. The only thing that was missing was my grandmother's delicious Sunday dinner. That was upsetting, but overall I had a wonderful day and really enjoyed myself.
Since the previous class I have learned even more new things about powerpoint, especially with the quiz assignment. I have also learned about different ways to protect my computer and what to do if it does become infected with a virus. A lot of the information provided in Chapter 8 has been very helpful at home.
On a more personal note, Easter Sunday was wonderful. I went to church service at Christian Heritage and then helped out with an Easter Egg Hunt at Myers Park. The only thing that was missing was my grandmother's delicious Sunday dinner. That was upsetting, but overall I had a wonderful day and really enjoyed myself.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Post #7
Chapter 6 goes into detail about curriculum and curriculum standards and learning benchmarks. The chapter explained technology integration, also called curriculum integration. It is the combination of all technology parts, such as hardware and software,together with each subject-related area of curriculum to enhance learning. The chapter also went into a little detail about bilingual education and also the levels of integration.
From the past few classes up until now, i have learned a lot more technological things on the computer that takes me a few steps closer to becoming computer saavy. I have learned more things about using Microsoft Word and also Microsoft Powerpoint and all the different aspects and features of the two.
I had an okay spring break, because I had the flu for the first half of it and felt like a walking pile of germs for almost a whole week and a half. Then I was able to drive home and see my family and our new puppy. I miss them all a lot but I have to do what I have to do in good old Tallahassee.
From the past few classes up until now, i have learned a lot more technological things on the computer that takes me a few steps closer to becoming computer saavy. I have learned more things about using Microsoft Word and also Microsoft Powerpoint and all the different aspects and features of the two.
I had an okay spring break, because I had the flu for the first half of it and felt like a walking pile of germs for almost a whole week and a half. Then I was able to drive home and see my family and our new puppy. I miss them all a lot but I have to do what I have to do in good old Tallahassee.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Post #6
Chapter 5 discusses why multimedia applications are important to the classroom and learning abilities of the children. Digital media is becoming a very important aspect in the education of students and the way they learn. We also discussed the differences between digital media and multimedia. Digital media is the use of technology to allow users to create different forms of interaction, communication, expression, and entertainment in a digital format. Multimedia is using multiple forms of media and incorporating a variety of elements, like text, audio, graphics, video, animation, and virtual reality.
The main new tidbit of information that I gained that I had never previously been exposed to was the Wiki application. The only thing I knew about Wiki prior to that class period was anything that was related to Wikipedia. I didn't have the slightest idea on how to begin creating one myself. This new skill that I have acquired is great, however, it also makes me more leery about the websites that I use and reinforces the importance of web evaluation.
While doing the Wiki project in class on the 25th, my mind was elsewhere...focusing mainly on the oral midterm examination that I had in Spanish the next day and the two midterms that I had back-to-back the day after that. Yes, I was stressing.
The main new tidbit of information that I gained that I had never previously been exposed to was the Wiki application. The only thing I knew about Wiki prior to that class period was anything that was related to Wikipedia. I didn't have the slightest idea on how to begin creating one myself. This new skill that I have acquired is great, however, it also makes me more leery about the websites that I use and reinforces the importance of web evaluation.
While doing the Wiki project in class on the 25th, my mind was elsewhere...focusing mainly on the oral midterm examination that I had in Spanish the next day and the two midterms that I had back-to-back the day after that. Yes, I was stressing.
Post #5
In Chapter 7 we were able to discuss and take a closer look at the educational technology provided for us as teachers and students to use. We were able to examine and learn guidelines that can be used in determining whether or not a web page contains reliable information. Chapter 7 also discussed integration strategies for introducing internet usage and educational technology in the classroom. In doing this we would also need to teach our students key things to look for and point out so that they know that the information that they're gathering form the internet is from a liable source.
I acquired some very relevant and helpful tools since the last class meeting that will help me, not only in this class, but in any of my endeavors in which research and citation of sources is involved. I learned to pay close attention to the last update information and also grammatical errors that may be found on the website. Also, I know now to look and make sure that there is contact information listed on the website and there are references to other sources to show that the information is not just made up but is fact.
This week I am a little bogged down with studying for upcoming midterms. It seems like most of the professors would prefer to be very vague on the requirements and test structure. I am wondering if they are plotting to set me up for failure.
I acquired some very relevant and helpful tools since the last class meeting that will help me, not only in this class, but in any of my endeavors in which research and citation of sources is involved. I learned to pay close attention to the last update information and also grammatical errors that may be found on the website. Also, I know now to look and make sure that there is contact information listed on the website and there are references to other sources to show that the information is not just made up but is fact.
This week I am a little bogged down with studying for upcoming midterms. It seems like most of the professors would prefer to be very vague on the requirements and test structure. I am wondering if they are plotting to set me up for failure.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Post #4
Chapter 2 discusses the ins and outs of the internet and the world wide web. We are able to see, through the six step process how data may travel the Internet using a cable modem connection at home. We also learned the features and history of search engines and the world wide web operate. Web pages can be static, dynamic, or participatory to name a few. Static pages make it so that all the visitors see the same thing, while a dynamic allows customized views.
A new little tidbit of information that I gathered from this listen was the use of Kiko. Kiko is a virtual calendar that allows you to schedule, organize, and prioritize the many tasks that come up in your life. You can access this great virtual assistance tool at http://www.kiko.com. It allows you to get a detailed weekly and monthly view and separate the tasks between work, home, and whatever else you want. It would be a very useful tool to my life especially. Also, you can add contacts and get reminders and alerts via email or IM.
Let's see...something interesting regarding my personal life...I halfway told my best friend that I was in love with him so after class I have to call and pray that I haven't freaked him out. I can't help the way I feel though, plus he feels the same way he's just scared to let himself fall too hard. It'll all work out in the end.
A new little tidbit of information that I gathered from this listen was the use of Kiko. Kiko is a virtual calendar that allows you to schedule, organize, and prioritize the many tasks that come up in your life. You can access this great virtual assistance tool at http://www.kiko.com. It allows you to get a detailed weekly and monthly view and separate the tasks between work, home, and whatever else you want. It would be a very useful tool to my life especially. Also, you can add contacts and get reminders and alerts via email or IM.
Let's see...something interesting regarding my personal life...I halfway told my best friend that I was in love with him so after class I have to call and pray that I haven't freaked him out. I can't help the way I feel though, plus he feels the same way he's just scared to let himself fall too hard. It'll all work out in the end.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
