I feel that integrating the technologies that are available to us as teachers is the obvious and right way to go. Using technology can help our students grasp the learning and get them excited. Using tools that they use and see in the world outside of school can help them to see connections with their lives beyond school and feel like what they are learning has value beyond their grades. I think its important that I do everything I can to help my students succeed.
Evaluating myself on the NET standards and UNI surveys has given me insight into what and where I can improve. There are lots of areas and I am glad that there are also lots of resources out there that can help me bridge the gap from my current skills to where I would like to be. I am now able to set goals for my learning, and I think this is important because if I don't know what is available I won't have a chance to know where I am deficient.
The videos and articles I read will benefit not only me but I believe my students. I think that they will connect with the situations presented and be glad that people are understanding where they are coming from. When students realize that their teachers are actively trying to create the best curriculum and environment for their learning, they hopefully will also realize the value that their learning has. We, as teachers, need to present information that the students can relate to and utilizing technology in the classroom can facilitate this task.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
April 19 - PDP "Lessons Learned"
The material for this exercise was very informative. I have to say that the statistics are somewhat overwhelming. It makes me wonder whether education can cut through the bureaucracy enough to really integrate the technologies that are available. The article "The New WWW" gave me a lot of insight into the gap between where schools are in general and what the students are surrounded by and interact with every day. Using the technologies they use could help students to better respond to instruction.
The video "Did You Know?" was amazing. It really brought home to me how small the world haws become and that it is in large part due to the technologies that are available to so many. In order to help our students compete we as teachers need to help them utilize the technology that will help them keep up and succeed. If we don't then we are doing a huge disservice to the world of tomorrow.
I have been wishing that there could have been a content area class that addressed the uses of technology in the classroom. I really think that this more specific instruction could help teachers to more quickly integrate by sharing ideas and things that have worked. I also realize that just like the information pointed out, these technologies haven't been around long enough and are continually changing so that my professors would not have used them in their classrooms. This helped me to commit to keeping abreast of current technologies and not to be complacent with what I know.
The video "Did You Know?" was amazing. It really brought home to me how small the world haws become and that it is in large part due to the technologies that are available to so many. In order to help our students compete we as teachers need to help them utilize the technology that will help them keep up and succeed. If we don't then we are doing a huge disservice to the world of tomorrow.
I have been wishing that there could have been a content area class that addressed the uses of technology in the classroom. I really think that this more specific instruction could help teachers to more quickly integrate by sharing ideas and things that have worked. I also realize that just like the information pointed out, these technologies haven't been around long enough and are continually changing so that my professors would not have used them in their classrooms. This helped me to commit to keeping abreast of current technologies and not to be complacent with what I know.
April 19 - PDP "Strengths & Weaknesses"
As I went through the NET standards, I saw many areas that I will need to make improvement in. Improvement in most of these areas will depend on gaining experience. As I plan lessons, teach curriculum, and assess my students I will, through incorporating technology, measure up to the standards. The UNI surveys gave me more specific areas to consider. Through the first survey I considered myself at an apprentice level, as I took the second half of the survey I slipped into more of a novice category because of my lack of experience in spreadsheets, databases, and graphic organizers.
As a beginning teacher, I want to address my lack of experience in creating lesson, teaching curriculum, and assessing using technology by making it a goal to incorporate technology into my daily lesson plans. This can be done by using multimedia presentations to illustrate the works of literature we are studying, using the Internet to search for resources and information, and using web pages or blogs as an option for completing assignments. In regards to my weaknesses regarding the use of spreadsheets, databases, and graphic organizers, I will make it a goal to make keeping track of grades easier by using spreadsheets. The use of databases and graphic organizers can be worked into my lesson plans as tools for learning.
There are two resources I have identified that will help me to accomplish my goals. These are the eTech newsletter and the High Tech Learning course spoken about in this assignment. The eTech newsletter will keep me apprised of how technology is being used in classrooms and give me an opportunity to find ways to incorporate this information into my teaching. The High Tech class will expand my knowledge base and experience by acquainting me with many of the varied technological tools that exist to help me better teach my students. This is an in depth course that will help me progress faster than I could on my own.
As a beginning teacher, I want to address my lack of experience in creating lesson, teaching curriculum, and assessing using technology by making it a goal to incorporate technology into my daily lesson plans. This can be done by using multimedia presentations to illustrate the works of literature we are studying, using the Internet to search for resources and information, and using web pages or blogs as an option for completing assignments. In regards to my weaknesses regarding the use of spreadsheets, databases, and graphic organizers, I will make it a goal to make keeping track of grades easier by using spreadsheets. The use of databases and graphic organizers can be worked into my lesson plans as tools for learning.
There are two resources I have identified that will help me to accomplish my goals. These are the eTech newsletter and the High Tech Learning course spoken about in this assignment. The eTech newsletter will keep me apprised of how technology is being used in classrooms and give me an opportunity to find ways to incorporate this information into my teaching. The High Tech class will expand my knowledge base and experience by acquainting me with many of the varied technological tools that exist to help me better teach my students. This is an in depth course that will help me progress faster than I could on my own.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
29 March - Internet Safety
What?
The topic of teaching students about cyber ethics, being safe on the internet, how to prevent/stop cyber bullying, etc.
So What?
As I see the influence that technology has, I become more and more concerned with how impersonal it can seem. Typing on a computer or texting on a phone is not the same thing as talking to someone in person. There are definite advantages to being able to communicate via these devices, but I feel that today's students are sometimes not fully appreciating the dangers also associated with their favorite social networking site or how damaging one not thought out text or picture can be. It is well known that teens think they are invincible. This has generally been applied to the physical risks teenagers are more apt to take, or that they seem unaware of. I think this imagined invincibility can also be applied to their actions or inactions in regards to internet safety. They can take the attitude that bad things happen to other people, not to them. This of course is not the case and learning this lesson can be a very painful process.
Now What?
As a teacher I want to help students become aware of the consequences associated with their actions. The campaign I am designing for this class is a great start. I hope to take these materials as a starting point and expand on them. Creating a safe environment for our students is a top priority for us as teachers and this includes helping them be safe on the internet.
The topic of teaching students about cyber ethics, being safe on the internet, how to prevent/stop cyber bullying, etc.
So What?
As I see the influence that technology has, I become more and more concerned with how impersonal it can seem. Typing on a computer or texting on a phone is not the same thing as talking to someone in person. There are definite advantages to being able to communicate via these devices, but I feel that today's students are sometimes not fully appreciating the dangers also associated with their favorite social networking site or how damaging one not thought out text or picture can be. It is well known that teens think they are invincible. This has generally been applied to the physical risks teenagers are more apt to take, or that they seem unaware of. I think this imagined invincibility can also be applied to their actions or inactions in regards to internet safety. They can take the attitude that bad things happen to other people, not to them. This of course is not the case and learning this lesson can be a very painful process.
Now What?
As a teacher I want to help students become aware of the consequences associated with their actions. The campaign I am designing for this class is a great start. I hope to take these materials as a starting point and expand on them. Creating a safe environment for our students is a top priority for us as teachers and this includes helping them be safe on the internet.
Monday, March 14, 2011
15 March - Digital Story 2 (Copyright)
What?
The progression of copyright laws. How the laws of copyright apply to the use of audio and video material in the classroom.
So What?
I made sure to take notes on the "Fair Use" laws and "Creative Commons". The other rules and regulations were interesting to learn about but I didn't feel like they applied to my situation and there was really no way I would remember all the dates, rules, fines and potential prison times anyway. I was very relieved to learn that sources would be available to me as a teacher through the Fair Use act. A lot can be shared and learning enhanced through the Creative Commons and I would like to partake and give back.
Now What?
The digital story is an interesting way to utilize some of the great material that is available. I hope to be able to get my message across and would like to use it in the future. I wonder how many teachers are currently using this technology in their classrooms. It would be awesome to create a digital story library so everyone could access each other's stories.
The progression of copyright laws. How the laws of copyright apply to the use of audio and video material in the classroom.
So What?
I made sure to take notes on the "Fair Use" laws and "Creative Commons". The other rules and regulations were interesting to learn about but I didn't feel like they applied to my situation and there was really no way I would remember all the dates, rules, fines and potential prison times anyway. I was very relieved to learn that sources would be available to me as a teacher through the Fair Use act. A lot can be shared and learning enhanced through the Creative Commons and I would like to partake and give back.
Now What?
The digital story is an interesting way to utilize some of the great material that is available. I hope to be able to get my message across and would like to use it in the future. I wonder how many teachers are currently using this technology in their classrooms. It would be awesome to create a digital story library so everyone could access each other's stories.
Monday, March 7, 2011
8 March - Digital Stories 1
What?
The creation of a Digital Story and its relevance to classroom instruction. The article "Technology a Key Tool in Writing Instruction.
So What?
I enjoyed class last week. The digital stories presented an emotional tie in to the curriculum. It was very vivid and dramatic. I recognized that using videos brought the presentation to a whole new level of engagement, one that will definitely interest students. The article on technology and writing helped me see the creation of digital stories as a new way for students to connect to their writing and find their voice. The digital story my group is working on is about recognizing different perspectives that are often left out. We hope to do so in an upbeat manner since so much of what we talk about in regards to literature is on the heavier side of things. I have had some trouble picturing how our digital story will come together though. I am very interested to know what the copyright laws are that pertain to creating digital stories.
Now What?
I hope to take this this experience into my future classroom. I would like to actively be engaged in utilizing technology in the classroom. I can see how digital stories can be used to not only interest students who might otherwise be ambivalent but to also give new insights into those students who are passionate about their topics. I would really like to master this tool so that I may use it effectively.
The creation of a Digital Story and its relevance to classroom instruction. The article "Technology a Key Tool in Writing Instruction.
So What?
I enjoyed class last week. The digital stories presented an emotional tie in to the curriculum. It was very vivid and dramatic. I recognized that using videos brought the presentation to a whole new level of engagement, one that will definitely interest students. The article on technology and writing helped me see the creation of digital stories as a new way for students to connect to their writing and find their voice. The digital story my group is working on is about recognizing different perspectives that are often left out. We hope to do so in an upbeat manner since so much of what we talk about in regards to literature is on the heavier side of things. I have had some trouble picturing how our digital story will come together though. I am very interested to know what the copyright laws are that pertain to creating digital stories.
Now What?
I hope to take this this experience into my future classroom. I would like to actively be engaged in utilizing technology in the classroom. I can see how digital stories can be used to not only interest students who might otherwise be ambivalent but to also give new insights into those students who are passionate about their topics. I would really like to master this tool so that I may use it effectively.
Monday, February 28, 2011
1 March - Vidcast Reflection
This is an Introduction to Shakespeare Vidcast.
The curriculum this vidcast addresses is located in the standards of Reading and Writing of the Language Arts Core. Specifically contributing to the “comprehension of literary text by evaluating setting as it contributes to characterization, plot or theme” and analyzing “assumptions and perceptions by examining connections between texts, between texts and self, and between texts and different world connections.”
The topic for this vidcast was chosen because students are often intimidated by Shakespeare and his works. Creating a Photo Story to introduce the unit of instruction can help make the content more accessible. Shakespeare’s works are awe inspiring but they are also applicable to teenage life today. Examining not only the written word but modern adaptations helps students relate to the text. Utilizing technology also connects with the students because that is a language they speak.
A potential drawback to using this series in my future classroom is that I could change my mind on the play/s that I want to address or the angle at which I choose to come at them. This drawback could be surmounted by keeping an editable version of the vidcast and revising it as needed. I would very much like to utilize an introduction such as this in my classroom. I don’t know that I would want to introduce every unit with a Photo Story but for sure some of them would be greatly enhanced by utilizing technology. I am not well acquainted with the technologies we are learning in class. My previous experience was mostly of the word processing variety. I will need to practice more to feel comfortable with my abilities. I plan to do this because I feel that I and my future students will benefit greatly by including technology in classroom instruction and in their assignments.
Monday, February 21, 2011
22 February - Vidcast (Preproduction)
What?
Preparing to "shoot" our vidcast utilizing the tools we learned in class.
So What?
After a brainstorming session, Stephanie and I decided that the best way to go would be for us to utilize Photo Story to create an introduction to content about a unit of literature. We decided on a Shakespeare unit. We feel that Photo Story is our best option because we can include pictures, music, narration, and videos to create something that will engage our students and spark their interest in the upcoming unit of instruction. There is a wealth of information on the web about Shakespeare and some great pictures, maps, and videos that we can utilize.
Now What?
I really enjoyed learning about the tools we discussed in class. I can see many applications for Jing, not so much in my content area English but in other disciplines. I plan on introducing it to my brother who is usually the one I turn to for technological explanations. It could make his life a little easier. I like the idea of Flip but I feel like the same thing can be done with a phone so its somewhat redundant but maybe I just don't grasp the big picture yet. I think what I will really be able to use in the future will be the Photo Story. I think it is a way to capture students' interest and relay information without having to stand in front of the class and deliver yet another lecture.
Preparing to "shoot" our vidcast utilizing the tools we learned in class.
So What?
After a brainstorming session, Stephanie and I decided that the best way to go would be for us to utilize Photo Story to create an introduction to content about a unit of literature. We decided on a Shakespeare unit. We feel that Photo Story is our best option because we can include pictures, music, narration, and videos to create something that will engage our students and spark their interest in the upcoming unit of instruction. There is a wealth of information on the web about Shakespeare and some great pictures, maps, and videos that we can utilize.
Now What?
I really enjoyed learning about the tools we discussed in class. I can see many applications for Jing, not so much in my content area English but in other disciplines. I plan on introducing it to my brother who is usually the one I turn to for technological explanations. It could make his life a little easier. I like the idea of Flip but I feel like the same thing can be done with a phone so its somewhat redundant but maybe I just don't grasp the big picture yet. I think what I will really be able to use in the future will be the Photo Story. I think it is a way to capture students' interest and relay information without having to stand in front of the class and deliver yet another lecture.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
15 February - Podcast
What?
We created an awesome public service announcement, turned that into a podcast and shared it with the world. It was fun and relatively easy.
So What?
I say relatively because we had trouble with the email coming through. I realize now that I need to go and buy an I-pod or I-phone or smart phone or some such thing because I am way behind the times. In regards to the podcasts: I have had teachers create podcasts of classes for people who missed that day or for those who wanted to review. At the time this was announced I thought what a great idea and that it would be useful to study from. Truth be told though I never went back and listened to them. Why would I sit through 2 hours of class again? Instead I read my notes and the text for the class. The podcast assignment for this class however was a good use of time. The podcasts are relevant, short and concise.
Now What?
In the future, I think that I could use podcasts for important events in the classroom that students would actually want to refer back to. That being said, they will be short events. I think that once a podcast is over 15 minutes, it either needs to be broken up into segments or edited down. I also wonder if my students will really access an audio only podcast.
We created an awesome public service announcement, turned that into a podcast and shared it with the world. It was fun and relatively easy.
So What?
I say relatively because we had trouble with the email coming through. I realize now that I need to go and buy an I-pod or I-phone or smart phone or some such thing because I am way behind the times. In regards to the podcasts: I have had teachers create podcasts of classes for people who missed that day or for those who wanted to review. At the time this was announced I thought what a great idea and that it would be useful to study from. Truth be told though I never went back and listened to them. Why would I sit through 2 hours of class again? Instead I read my notes and the text for the class. The podcast assignment for this class however was a good use of time. The podcasts are relevant, short and concise.
Now What?
In the future, I think that I could use podcasts for important events in the classroom that students would actually want to refer back to. That being said, they will be short events. I think that once a podcast is over 15 minutes, it either needs to be broken up into segments or edited down. I also wonder if my students will really access an audio only podcast.
Monday, February 7, 2011
8 February - UEN Reflection
How/Why will I use UEN in my future classroom?
First off, I love the idea of linking UEN resources all over my class website. I can link students/parents to the core curriculum and have them know exactly what my students will be learning. This could potentially avoid some of the "why are we doing this?" questions.
My content area is Language Arts. The Pioneer Library, specifically the SIRS, will help my students with the research they will need to do for those pesky research papers that yes, I will be assigning. There are also the masterpiece theater videos in the eMedia that I just might give extra credit for watching and writing reports comparing the video to the book. I do love my Masterpiece Theater!
I enjoyed the interactives, in fact I spent too much time checking out the games. I expect that my students could potentially enjoy them at least half as much as I did. They will be gaining some useful practice and be able to do it on their own time and at their own speed. Check out the BuzzWord game, it's a blast!
I will be keeping track of lesson plans that I create/use on the UEN website. It is so organized. I will be able to create lessons tied directly to the core and track what parts of the core have been covered. I will also be able to share them with other teachers. I hope others will be like minded and we can all give our students the best opportunity to succeed.
First off, I love the idea of linking UEN resources all over my class website. I can link students/parents to the core curriculum and have them know exactly what my students will be learning. This could potentially avoid some of the "why are we doing this?" questions.
My content area is Language Arts. The Pioneer Library, specifically the SIRS, will help my students with the research they will need to do for those pesky research papers that yes, I will be assigning. There are also the masterpiece theater videos in the eMedia that I just might give extra credit for watching and writing reports comparing the video to the book. I do love my Masterpiece Theater!
I enjoyed the interactives, in fact I spent too much time checking out the games. I expect that my students could potentially enjoy them at least half as much as I did. They will be gaining some useful practice and be able to do it on their own time and at their own speed. Check out the BuzzWord game, it's a blast!
I will be keeping track of lesson plans that I create/use on the UEN website. It is so organized. I will be able to create lessons tied directly to the core and track what parts of the core have been covered. I will also be able to share them with other teachers. I hope others will be like minded and we can all give our students the best opportunity to succeed.
Monday, January 31, 2011
31 January - Google Part 2
What?
I am creating my own site! The process is not confusing or overwhelming and it is totally free.
So What?
Creating my own website is something I thought was completely beyond me. My father was a computer programmer. I remember going to visit his place of work as a child and seeing the huge VAX computers he worked on. I remember him showing me the code he wrote. Talk about confusing. The idea that I need to be technologically hooked up in order to be an effective teacher, is honestly one that worried me. So far this semester we have not done anything that is difficult to grasp or that I couldn't see fitting into my teaching.
Now What?
The video "Pay Attention" gave me a lot to ponder. It is very sobering for me to realize that if I do not take the opportunity to incorporate technology into my teaching, my students could see me (and by extension my subject matter) as outdated and irrelevant to their lives. I think that the creation of a classroom site is a great idea. The majority of my students will have access to the Internet at home. I love that I can post information there about assignments and avoid students saying that they didn't know what was happening. A website is also a wonderful way of keeping parents informed. Having the parents know what is happening/what is expected will be a great asset.
I am creating my own site! The process is not confusing or overwhelming and it is totally free.
So What?
Creating my own website is something I thought was completely beyond me. My father was a computer programmer. I remember going to visit his place of work as a child and seeing the huge VAX computers he worked on. I remember him showing me the code he wrote. Talk about confusing. The idea that I need to be technologically hooked up in order to be an effective teacher, is honestly one that worried me. So far this semester we have not done anything that is difficult to grasp or that I couldn't see fitting into my teaching.
Now What?
The video "Pay Attention" gave me a lot to ponder. It is very sobering for me to realize that if I do not take the opportunity to incorporate technology into my teaching, my students could see me (and by extension my subject matter) as outdated and irrelevant to their lives. I think that the creation of a classroom site is a great idea. The majority of my students will have access to the Internet at home. I love that I can post information there about assignments and avoid students saying that they didn't know what was happening. A website is also a wonderful way of keeping parents informed. Having the parents know what is happening/what is expected will be a great asset.
Monday, January 24, 2011
25 January - Google Part 1
What?
The many and varied ways to use the services offered by google on the internet. We are also finding some of the awesome free resources out here on the web.
So What?
This means that I can now be driven insane no matter where I am or what time of day/night it is. I say insane because up until recently I was not riding the technology train. I used google.docs last semester in two of my classes and I had issues with it. I was used to using word and so there was an adjustment period. That wasn't so bad but working with someone who was viewing what I was writing as I was writing it was something I did not like. It's like the computer had eyes, it was/is intimidating. Also, the other editors of documents I was working on could change or erase my work without my consent or knowledge. It also took away from the people factor. If I am working with someone in person I can read their body language but if it is over the internet Idon't have that ability. Honestly, I miss that. My views are not all negative however. I really like the forms option and the translator option in google.docs and I like being able to access my documents/projects from anywere!
Now What?
I plan on implementing google.docs, or whatever the current version of it is, when I start teaching. I believe that introducing my students to google.docs and its functions will do wonders, especially for group assignments. Most kids are on the computer every day at some point. The tools we leaned about today will streamline their homework process, and I am all for that! If I can take some of the obstacles out of the way for my students then that will make it easier for them to succeed. The sites that I found for the Collaborative Educational Websites assignment were really great, in my opinion, and I am sure that everyone else found similar materials. I love that there is so much out there to help me and that a lot of it is free.
The many and varied ways to use the services offered by google on the internet. We are also finding some of the awesome free resources out here on the web.
So What?
This means that I can now be driven insane no matter where I am or what time of day/night it is. I say insane because up until recently I was not riding the technology train. I used google.docs last semester in two of my classes and I had issues with it. I was used to using word and so there was an adjustment period. That wasn't so bad but working with someone who was viewing what I was writing as I was writing it was something I did not like. It's like the computer had eyes, it was/is intimidating. Also, the other editors of documents I was working on could change or erase my work without my consent or knowledge. It also took away from the people factor. If I am working with someone in person I can read their body language but if it is over the internet Idon't have that ability. Honestly, I miss that. My views are not all negative however. I really like the forms option and the translator option in google.docs and I like being able to access my documents/projects from anywere!
Now What?
I plan on implementing google.docs, or whatever the current version of it is, when I start teaching. I believe that introducing my students to google.docs and its functions will do wonders, especially for group assignments. Most kids are on the computer every day at some point. The tools we leaned about today will streamline their homework process, and I am all for that! If I can take some of the obstacles out of the way for my students then that will make it easier for them to succeed. The sites that I found for the Collaborative Educational Websites assignment were really great, in my opinion, and I am sure that everyone else found similar materials. I love that there is so much out there to help me and that a lot of it is free.
Monday, January 17, 2011
18 January - Introduction
My thoughts on beginning this class...
What?
I think the question above basically covers it for me. I generally use a computer for wordprocessing and paying the bills. My sister coerced me into creating a facebook account a couple of years ago that I check maybe once a month.
So What?
I decided to become a teacher last year. Since I started taking classes, I realized that in order to connect to my students I would need to become a lot more computer literate. I started out last semester in Ed Psych. Using google.docs and creating my first blog. I can't say that I am completely comfortable with blogs. Publishing something to the entire world, even though only a select few may ever actually see it, is intimidating to me. I think that something so public should be carefully created and reviewed before it is sent out. I have been told by many that the purpose of a blog is not to create perfection. A blog can be a work in progress. I will continue to remind myself of that.
Now What?
I am excited to access the technology we will be learning about this semester. I just spoke to my little sister, she will turn 20 next month, about her technology use. She told me about her facebook account and how often she uses it and the many varied functions it has. To me it seemed like facebook is a living part of her life. In order to better understand where my future students are coming from, I need to be able to use the technology that is so much a part of their lives. I hope that this class will give me the window I am looking for and also that I can learn helpful ways to make the teaching process more accessible to my future students.
What?
I think the question above basically covers it for me. I generally use a computer for wordprocessing and paying the bills. My sister coerced me into creating a facebook account a couple of years ago that I check maybe once a month.
So What?
I decided to become a teacher last year. Since I started taking classes, I realized that in order to connect to my students I would need to become a lot more computer literate. I started out last semester in Ed Psych. Using google.docs and creating my first blog. I can't say that I am completely comfortable with blogs. Publishing something to the entire world, even though only a select few may ever actually see it, is intimidating to me. I think that something so public should be carefully created and reviewed before it is sent out. I have been told by many that the purpose of a blog is not to create perfection. A blog can be a work in progress. I will continue to remind myself of that.
Now What?
I am excited to access the technology we will be learning about this semester. I just spoke to my little sister, she will turn 20 next month, about her technology use. She told me about her facebook account and how often she uses it and the many varied functions it has. To me it seemed like facebook is a living part of her life. In order to better understand where my future students are coming from, I need to be able to use the technology that is so much a part of their lives. I hope that this class will give me the window I am looking for and also that I can learn helpful ways to make the teaching process more accessible to my future students.
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