This week we completed our final. It didn't take me very long to figure out how to create a flyer and newsletter, but posting it in PDF format onto my website took forever! When I finally figured it out I could not believe how simple it was. I guess I was just thinking that it would be complicated, but in reality it wasn't. :)
I love how easy it is to share information using the tools that we have learned in this course. As teachers we will be able to easily collaborate with other teachers, while also sharing the information with students and parents. The Google tools are the most helpful with this, and I can definitely see myself using them in the future.
I watched the video this week with my 7 year old cousin. It brought a different element into the video. We watched the School House Rock - Noun video, and she absolutely loved it! :) She was singing the song the rest of the night. I didn't think that these types of videos would be effective with that age group, but I was obviously wrong. The video taught her what nouns were while also helping her to remember what she had learned. I love the creativity that School House Rock uses in their videos, and I can see myself using those videos in my classroom. They are not only fun to watch, but they help kids remember the information.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Week #14
This week we learned about power point and did some activities having to do with it as a pod. I really enjoyed the process and learned that working together as a group, especially if you are using google presentations, is actually quite easy and beneficial.
I can see this tool being extremely useful in the classroom. Students love technology and using the power point is just one way to bring that in. If your students are older you can even have them use power point to do their presentations.
This is a great tool for collaborating! Especially when you choose to use Google Presentations. Not only can everyone work on it at once, but you can also see the changes instantly! I loved working with this tool and could see it being very beneficial as a teacher. If you are using a website, it is easy to post and you can not only show what you are doing to your co workers, but the parents can also see what their students are doing.
I absolutely loved the video "Do you Believe in Me?" I could not believe my eyes when this young boy walked up on the stage and started addressing thousands of teachers. What he had to say was powerful! If we believe in our students, they will believe in themselves. I have always believed that is true. Teachers the most important job. They show others how to do things necessary for every career. Without teachers the world would be a very different place. These teachers though can make or break a student. If they believe in their students, each and every one of them can go far. "The Ron Clark Story" is a movie that shows the effect that just one teacher believing in his students can make. Each and every teacher has the opportunity to empower their students, and to help them believe in themselves. This is a huge responsibility, but we can rise to that challenge.
I can see this tool being extremely useful in the classroom. Students love technology and using the power point is just one way to bring that in. If your students are older you can even have them use power point to do their presentations.
This is a great tool for collaborating! Especially when you choose to use Google Presentations. Not only can everyone work on it at once, but you can also see the changes instantly! I loved working with this tool and could see it being very beneficial as a teacher. If you are using a website, it is easy to post and you can not only show what you are doing to your co workers, but the parents can also see what their students are doing.
I absolutely loved the video "Do you Believe in Me?" I could not believe my eyes when this young boy walked up on the stage and started addressing thousands of teachers. What he had to say was powerful! If we believe in our students, they will believe in themselves. I have always believed that is true. Teachers the most important job. They show others how to do things necessary for every career. Without teachers the world would be a very different place. These teachers though can make or break a student. If they believe in their students, each and every one of them can go far. "The Ron Clark Story" is a movie that shows the effect that just one teacher believing in his students can make. Each and every teacher has the opportunity to empower their students, and to help them believe in themselves. This is a huge responsibility, but we can rise to that challenge.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Week #13
This week was our week off so here is my video reflection :) I used the video called "3 Steps" for this week. The three steps in the video were; 1. Transform your Classroom into a creative learning space, 2. Teach students the skills of competition, cooperation and collaborating, and 3. Introduce your students to their global peers and provide them the opportunity to collaborate. I love the videos like this because it is so true. Students no longer can learn from just sitting in class and listening to a teacher pour information into them. They need to be critical thinkers. They need to be engaged in their learning because the skills they will learn will be the skills they will need in their future careers. If teachers aren't willing to step up to that challenge, then who is going to teach the future generations. They are often able to figure out technology for themselves, but how are they going to know how to use it in the real world without someone else to help? This is the challenge that we as future teachers face. We need to realize this, and start now to figure out how we are going to do it!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Week #12
The uses of the computer programs that we learned about this week are endless. As a teacher you can not only show your students how to mind map and brain storm, but you can also create fun activities for them to play. These programs also have tons of pre-designed activities that can be used to enhance a lesson and make it more hands on. This is a program that will help students learn what they need to learn in a fun way, and it can also be used for testing. As far as collaboration goes, as teachers we can purchase this program for the school and then share how we have used it with each other. We will also be able to share the activities that we design. The only con that I can see, is that kids already spend way to much time on the computer, and this would just increase that time.
The video this week presented a lot of the same information that has been in the past videos. I liked how they used pictures to add to their meaning. It is a daunting task to prepare students for the unknown. With technology advancing like it is, we as teachers must keep on top of it. We know that our students will know how to use it, and so we must also know how to use it, while also utilize it in the classroom. The music shift at the end really brought their point home. We must create this classroom and teach they way they learn best. We have to prepare them for their world and help them connect to it. If we cannot learn how to do this, we will continue loosing students.
The video this week presented a lot of the same information that has been in the past videos. I liked how they used pictures to add to their meaning. It is a daunting task to prepare students for the unknown. With technology advancing like it is, we as teachers must keep on top of it. We know that our students will know how to use it, and so we must also know how to use it, while also utilize it in the classroom. The music shift at the end really brought their point home. We must create this classroom and teach they way they learn best. We have to prepare them for their world and help them connect to it. If we cannot learn how to do this, we will continue loosing students.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Week #10
This week we took some pictures using a digital camera. This has definitely been one of the most useful inventions that has occurred during my lifetime. It is crazy that now instead of being limited to how many pictures you take, and having to get them developed in order to see what they look like; you can take hundreds of pictures, and not only see them instantly, but also delete or edit them.
Digital Camera's will also be very helpful in communicating with parents, because I can easily take pictures in class and then send home CD's of pictures, and the parents can see what we have been working on. I can also see myself putting together an end of the year slide show, to help parents see how much their child has grown during the year. Digital Camera's are a huge resource, and the only problem I can see is that me being behind a camera could distract the kids.
This week's video's I thought were amazing! It always surprises me at how creative people can get with videos on youtube. I especially liked the video of the 10 things you don't learn in college about teaching because it definitely applies to my life right now. :) I am trying to decide if teaching is the right profession for me, and talking to people who have been there, or hearing about the experiences of others always helps. I thought a lot of their comments were hilarous, and I can see how following these pieces of advice could make my life as a teacher easier. :) The mash up was also way cool, and I can definitely see how using something similar to this would be really fun for students. I think they would definitely be more engaged, and enjoy learning about the subject more.
Digital Camera's will also be very helpful in communicating with parents, because I can easily take pictures in class and then send home CD's of pictures, and the parents can see what we have been working on. I can also see myself putting together an end of the year slide show, to help parents see how much their child has grown during the year. Digital Camera's are a huge resource, and the only problem I can see is that me being behind a camera could distract the kids.
This week's video's I thought were amazing! It always surprises me at how creative people can get with videos on youtube. I especially liked the video of the 10 things you don't learn in college about teaching because it definitely applies to my life right now. :) I am trying to decide if teaching is the right profession for me, and talking to people who have been there, or hearing about the experiences of others always helps. I thought a lot of their comments were hilarous, and I can see how following these pieces of advice could make my life as a teacher easier. :) The mash up was also way cool, and I can definitely see how using something similar to this would be really fun for students. I think they would definitely be more engaged, and enjoy learning about the subject more.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Week # 8 Video Reflection
I really liked the creative aspect of the video this week. I have always liked this song, but never realized that it could be used as an educational tool. After watching the video I began thinking about other songs that could be made into videos like this. It is a really great way to help our students visualize the world events that have gone on, and help them to put it into a time line. It is also a very catchy song that students will be able to remember. :) I hope that when I become a teacher I will be able to continue finding creative ways to teach my students using the technology that is available in the world!
Internet Safety Reflection
The internet is a huge resource for just about anything, and if used correctly it can be helpful for just about every aspect of teaching. It may be scary, and there are a million dangerous things on it, but if taught how to use it, the possibilities are endless. It is especially helpful in the areas of; real time data, original sources, simulations, collaboration, and publishing. Those are just 5 though of hundreds.
When we visit sites we should use a system to evaluate them. Below are some questions you could ask, and tips for deciding if a website is credible.
Is this site credible? Tips for deciding whether or not a web site is a good source of information.
1. Take the website apart, find out the original source.
2. Make sure you understand the purpose(s) of a Web site. Although those purpose(s) may not be entirely obvious.
3. Run a search on the author of the site or article.
4. Pay attention to the URL of the site. If it contains the world "user" or a "~" it is usually a site created by a user, and not necessarily a credible source.
5. If the URL includes .gov, or .edu it is usually more credible than a .com or .net site.
6. Run a search on the information in the site to see what other sources of information come up.
8 Questions to ask when evaluating a website.
1. Who wrote the pages and are they an expert? If you think so can you find out more about the author?
2.
What does the author say is the purpose of the site?
3.
When was the site created and last updated?
4.
Where does this information come from? Can I find out more about the producer or sponsor?
5.
Why is the information useful for my purpose? Could I find a better page?
6.
Is the site requiring me to register for something I don't need to register for?
7.
How many graphic images are used? Do they help me understand the information or are they advertisements for unrelated information?
8.
Is this a personal page or is it clear what organization is sponsoring the page? Can I find out more about the organization? Is there a link to their website
It is a tough task to keep children safe while surfing, but having a good filter is one thing that can assist in that task. It is also very important to teach them what to do if they encounter a "dangerous" site, and to help them learn how to judge if a website is safe or not.
In the box above "Internet in Education," there are some links to sites that I will use to help teach my students how to use the internet safely.
Here are some of the sites that I will be using to teach my students about safety on the Internet! The links are on my webpage at http://sites.google.com/site/misslindsaysclassroom/uen. Under Internet in Education
Net Smart
I Keep Kids Safe
Disney Internet Safety
FBI Internet Safety Tips
PBS Kids Internet Safety Game
When we visit sites we should use a system to evaluate them. Below are some questions you could ask, and tips for deciding if a website is credible.
Is this site credible? Tips for deciding whether or not a web site is a good source of information.
1. Take the website apart, find out the original source.
2. Make sure you understand the purpose(s) of a Web site. Although those purpose(s) may not be entirely obvious.
3. Run a search on the author of the site or article.
4. Pay attention to the URL of the site. If it contains the world "user" or a "~" it is usually a site created by a user, and not necessarily a credible source.
5. If the URL includes .gov, or .edu it is usually more credible than a .com or .net site.
6. Run a search on the information in the site to see what other sources of information come up.
8 Questions to ask when evaluating a website.
1. Who wrote the pages and are they an expert? If you think so can you find out more about the author?
2.
What does the author say is the purpose of the site?
3.
When was the site created and last updated?
4.
Where does this information come from? Can I find out more about the producer or sponsor?
5.
Why is the information useful for my purpose? Could I find a better page?
6.
Is the site requiring me to register for something I don't need to register for?
7.
How many graphic images are used? Do they help me understand the information or are they advertisements for unrelated information?
8.
Is this a personal page or is it clear what organization is sponsoring the page? Can I find out more about the organization? Is there a link to their website
It is a tough task to keep children safe while surfing, but having a good filter is one thing that can assist in that task. It is also very important to teach them what to do if they encounter a "dangerous" site, and to help them learn how to judge if a website is safe or not.
In the box above "Internet in Education," there are some links to sites that I will use to help teach my students how to use the internet safely.
Here are some of the sites that I will be using to teach my students about safety on the Internet! The links are on my webpage at http://sites.google.com/site/misslindsaysclassroom/uen. Under Internet in Education
Net Smart
I Keep Kids Safe
Disney Internet Safety
FBI Internet Safety Tips
PBS Kids Internet Safety Game
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Week #8/#10
The question posed at the end of the video, " So what does it all mean," made me think. What does all of this information mean? Will our lives one day be like those portrayed in video's about the future. A few years ago that never seemed like it would happen in my lifetime, but at the rate that technology is evolving it seems more and more probable every day. It blows my mind how quickly technological devices are changing. I remember when the ipod came out, and how amazing that was, but just a few years later I now own a mini computer that calls itself the itouch. This is the world that our students will be born into. Those born this year probably won't even remember or know what an itouch is by the time they enter school. I am sure these facts are hard for long time teachers to accept. A lot of them won't born into a world where technology was so ever present. That is why it is our job as future teachers to stay current and learn how to use it in education. Our students won't except anything less. We need to learn how to incorporate the things they love into their schooling, or we will lose them. The average 6th grader today can do things with technology that I am barely learning about in college. I can't imagine what the world is going to be like when they get to where I am. It may be difficult for some to accept, but technology is huge and is just getting bigger. From this point on in life many people won't be able to live without it. It is a way of life, and we need to use that to help children learn. We have to prepare them for the world they live in.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Week #7
This week's video was another really interesting one. I love learning about the different technologies that are becoming available. I think that the multi-touch technology will become huge in the next few years. I can also see it being used in schools, not just for military and corporate businesses. I think that having this technology instead of the traditional blackboard or whiteboard would definitely engage students more in the classroom.
I really enjoyed the part of the video where they showed how it interacted with objects on the table. I definitely think that being able to connect and sync devices without having to plug them in is awesome! It is amazing what these companies come up with, and I can can't until this technology is more readily available.
I really enjoyed the part of the video where they showed how it interacted with objects on the table. I definitely think that being able to connect and sync devices without having to plug them in is awesome! It is amazing what these companies come up with, and I can can't until this technology is more readily available.
UEN scavenger hunt
I really enjoyed the UEN scavenger hunt activity. It took a long time to complete, but I learned about a lot of resources that I had no idea existed. One tool that I learned about that I will definitely be using as a teacher is SIRS Discover. I have been using Google for a long time, and this site amazed me. Not only does it contain tons of educational information, but it is also organized and extremely easy to use. I really liked how the site labeled each article with a reading level, and put everything into categories. 
I never realized how many resources are available for teachers online, and it amazed me that the Pioneer Library brought a lot of those resources together in to one convenient place. I still feel like I have barely scratched the surface in regards to the possibilities that these tools bring to educators.
Searchasaurus was another tool that I found really interesting. I loved that it was designed just for elementary school aged children, and that you could search for articles that fell within specific age levels. I know that I will be using this tool quite frequently when I’m looking for ideas when I begin teaching.
I was also amazed at the amount of interactive activities that these
sites led me to. Earlier this semester I struggled with finding
interactive sites and so I was amazed at how many I found while doing
this UEN scavenger hunt. I know that while teaching Kindergarten I will frequently have my students do some of these interactive activities at home and at school to enhance their learning.
Another tool that we discovered that I know I will be able to use in the future is the UEN lesson plan and core curriculum site. Since it is my first semester discovering the education program I still have a lot to learn. I really enjoyed learning about the different requirements for each grade level. I thought it was awesome that for each standard and almost every objective in those standards there were links and sample lesson plans. I have heard from many teachers that lesson plans are the most difficult part of the first year of teaching, and with this tool I know that part will be easier.
Searchasaurus was another tool that I found really interesting. I loved that it was designed just for elementary school aged children, and that you could search for articles that fell within specific age levels. I know that I will be using this tool quite frequently when I’m looking for ideas when I begin teaching.
sites led me to. Earlier this semester I struggled with finding
interactive sites and so I was amazed at how many I found while doing
this UEN scavenger hunt. I know that while teaching Kindergarten I will frequently have my students do some of these interactive activities at home and at school to enhance their learning.
Another tool that we discovered that I know I will be able to use in the future is the UEN lesson plan and core curriculum site. Since it is my first semester discovering the education program I still have a lot to learn. I really enjoyed learning about the different requirements for each grade level. I thought it was awesome that for each standard and almost every objective in those standards there were links and sample lesson plans. I have heard from many teachers that lesson plans are the most difficult part of the first year of teaching, and with this tool I know that part will be easier.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Week #6
This week's video covered a lot of the information that we had seen in previous videos, but it was more interesting because there were actual students in the video. This week I went and talked to my sixth grade teacher. She made a comment that was interesting. She said that things have changed a lot since I was in school. Students don't want learn anymore, they want to be entertained. As I look back on that conversation now I realize that she didn't even have a computer at her desk. It was obvious to me that technology wasn't used frequently in her classroom. It made me wonder if using some of the new technology, that is ever present in our society, would help engage her students. It also made me worry that when I become a teacher I will not be able to help students find the joy and discovery in learning. I think showing students how to learn using technology will help them to enjoy learning. I first remember frequently using a computer when I was in 7th grade, but now that age is a lot younger! Children as young as 2 play games on the computer all the time. The world is quickly changing, and technology is a HUGE part of that. This video just showed how important it is for teachers to adapt to their students. If we continue to use the traditional teaching techniques students will continue to be board out of their minds. It has definitely shown me the importance of beginning to search now for technology tools I will be able to use when I become a teacher.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Technology Articles
JUMPSTART KINDERGARTEN AND FIRST GRADE
Jumpstart Kindergarten and Jumpstart First Grade are two computer programs that I will be using frequently in our classroom. I talked a little about these programs in the Technology In Our Classroom section of the website, but I wanted to explain a little more. These programs are the same one I remember using when I was a child. Of course the graphics are updated now, and the programs run a little better, but they are still pretty much the same. I didn’t struggle in school when I was younger, and I believe that these programs were one of the many reason that I didn’t. I loved to do math and I learned how to think logically by using these amazing programs. I found the joy in learning, and that is something that I still possess today. These games will help me as a teacher to instill a love of learning in our students while also allowing them to have fun. The programs appear to just be games to children, but as a teacher I know they are so much more. Learning happens faster when it is fun, and these programs create a fun learning environment. They help our students develop their skills in word identification, rhyming, counting, ordering, sequencing, colors, shapes, and telling time. One of my favorite parts is that the game builds on it’s self. It starts with the most basic skills and then uses those skills in the next level. It tells kids when they make a mistake and helps them figure out how to get the right answer. It does require the students to be on the computer for an extended amount of time, but technology is rapidly evolving and allowing these kids to learn how to use computer programs will only help them in the future. In my curriculum these programs will be integrated in. I will schedule time weekly for each and every student to spend time working playing it in our computer lab. Some students may struggle at first because they aren’t familiar with computers, but these games are simple and have been designed to be user friendly. They are designed specifically with children this age in mind, and that is just one more reason why they are so beneficial in the classroom. We will begin at the first of the year with Jumpstart Kindergarten, to make sure that the basic skills are in place, and by the end of the year they will be using Jumpstart First Grade to allow them to be prepared for their First Grade year.
GOOGLE EARTH
In our class we will be using may technological tools to help the students learn. One tool that we will be using is Google Earth. I explained a little about why we are using this in the Technology in Our Classroom section of the website, but here I will explain a little more. This program came out just a few years ago, but it is amazing! It allows me to show the students the places on Earth that we talk about. We can start at our school and go anywhere! It will allow the students to be able to visualize how large Earth is, and how many amazing things are present on it. One cool feature that we will use often is the snapshots that are placed on of different areas of the world. When I talk about the ocean I will be able to show the class how much area the ocean actually takes up. I will be able to show them exactly how far it is away from our school, and show them snapshots of different areas. When we talk about deserts I can show them Africa and the deserts that are there. I can show them what jungles look like, and where they are located. The pictures aren’t 3D, and that is one major con, but the snapshots assist with this problem. The main use of this program will be to show students where everything is located, and how big they really are. It will help to broaden their perspectives. The tool has its faults. There are a lot of places that it doesn’t have very good images of yet, but updates are continually occurring, and the basic images are already there. It may be difficult for our Kindergarteners to understand at first, but I know many young children throughout the world love the visual aspect of it, and can’t believe what they are seeing. I will assist our students in this process of discovery, and help them understand what they are seeing. I know it will be a valuable tool in our classroom, and will help students build a foundation for the geography they will learn later in their school years.
Jumpstart Kindergarten and Jumpstart First Grade are two computer programs that I will be using frequently in our classroom. I talked a little about these programs in the Technology In Our Classroom section of the website, but I wanted to explain a little more. These programs are the same one I remember using when I was a child. Of course the graphics are updated now, and the programs run a little better, but they are still pretty much the same. I didn’t struggle in school when I was younger, and I believe that these programs were one of the many reason that I didn’t. I loved to do math and I learned how to think logically by using these amazing programs. I found the joy in learning, and that is something that I still possess today. These games will help me as a teacher to instill a love of learning in our students while also allowing them to have fun. The programs appear to just be games to children, but as a teacher I know they are so much more. Learning happens faster when it is fun, and these programs create a fun learning environment. They help our students develop their skills in word identification, rhyming, counting, ordering, sequencing, colors, shapes, and telling time. One of my favorite parts is that the game builds on it’s self. It starts with the most basic skills and then uses those skills in the next level. It tells kids when they make a mistake and helps them figure out how to get the right answer. It does require the students to be on the computer for an extended amount of time, but technology is rapidly evolving and allowing these kids to learn how to use computer programs will only help them in the future. In my curriculum these programs will be integrated in. I will schedule time weekly for each and every student to spend time working playing it in our computer lab. Some students may struggle at first because they aren’t familiar with computers, but these games are simple and have been designed to be user friendly. They are designed specifically with children this age in mind, and that is just one more reason why they are so beneficial in the classroom. We will begin at the first of the year with Jumpstart Kindergarten, to make sure that the basic skills are in place, and by the end of the year they will be using Jumpstart First Grade to allow them to be prepared for their First Grade year.
GOOGLE EARTH
In our class we will be using may technological tools to help the students learn. One tool that we will be using is Google Earth. I explained a little about why we are using this in the Technology in Our Classroom section of the website, but here I will explain a little more. This program came out just a few years ago, but it is amazing! It allows me to show the students the places on Earth that we talk about. We can start at our school and go anywhere! It will allow the students to be able to visualize how large Earth is, and how many amazing things are present on it. One cool feature that we will use often is the snapshots that are placed on of different areas of the world. When I talk about the ocean I will be able to show the class how much area the ocean actually takes up. I will be able to show them exactly how far it is away from our school, and show them snapshots of different areas. When we talk about deserts I can show them Africa and the deserts that are there. I can show them what jungles look like, and where they are located. The pictures aren’t 3D, and that is one major con, but the snapshots assist with this problem. The main use of this program will be to show students where everything is located, and how big they really are. It will help to broaden their perspectives. The tool has its faults. There are a lot of places that it doesn’t have very good images of yet, but updates are continually occurring, and the basic images are already there. It may be difficult for our Kindergarteners to understand at first, but I know many young children throughout the world love the visual aspect of it, and can’t believe what they are seeing. I will assist our students in this process of discovery, and help them understand what they are seeing. I know it will be a valuable tool in our classroom, and will help students build a foundation for the geography they will learn later in their school years.
Week #5
This week in class we learned about youtube, zamzar, teacher tube and explored the national geographic website. I really enjoyed a lot of the activities that were on the national geographic website. Especially the site for kids. I think that it is a great tool that can help me connect kids to technology. I know my cousins who are in the Kindergarten love to play on the internet, and allowing them to play on this site will not only help them learn, but it will allow them to have fun.
Teachertube and Youtube were sites that I was familiar with before our class. I had used them in other activities and I love the resources that they are. The only problem with youtube is that anyone can post anything and sometimes those videos aren't good for kids to watch. Teachertube solves that problem, but it also doesn't have half as many videos. Zamzar comes into play to solve this problem. It allows me to save my videos onto my computer and then show them without using the internet. I really enjoyed learning how to use Zamzar and I think it will be very useful when I am a teacher because I will not only be able to keep the videos that I find for future use, but I will also be able to show them to my students without the dangers of the internet. :) I will also be able to share the videos with colleges and parents through my classroom website and emails.
This week's video was really short, but also way cool. I especially liked the part where they talked about what they think the future of technology will be like. When I think about it I am blown away by how fast technology is evolving. The fist Ipod came out only a few years ago, and now with the Itouch and Iphone they are more like mini computers. I thought the idea of credit cards becoming obsolete was a really good idea, one I had never even considered before. It amazes me what people can come up with, and the kid that suggested fingerprinting could be the one to actually develop it. It is also crazy to think that when I am a parent my kids, and students will grow up in this constantly changing technological world. It definitely shows the importance of using it in the classroom. Traditional classroom activities are changing, and technology should be a huge part of that change.
Teachertube and Youtube were sites that I was familiar with before our class. I had used them in other activities and I love the resources that they are. The only problem with youtube is that anyone can post anything and sometimes those videos aren't good for kids to watch. Teachertube solves that problem, but it also doesn't have half as many videos. Zamzar comes into play to solve this problem. It allows me to save my videos onto my computer and then show them without using the internet. I really enjoyed learning how to use Zamzar and I think it will be very useful when I am a teacher because I will not only be able to keep the videos that I find for future use, but I will also be able to show them to my students without the dangers of the internet. :) I will also be able to share the videos with colleges and parents through my classroom website and emails.
This week's video was really short, but also way cool. I especially liked the part where they talked about what they think the future of technology will be like. When I think about it I am blown away by how fast technology is evolving. The fist Ipod came out only a few years ago, and now with the Itouch and Iphone they are more like mini computers. I thought the idea of credit cards becoming obsolete was a really good idea, one I had never even considered before. It amazes me what people can come up with, and the kid that suggested fingerprinting could be the one to actually develop it. It is also crazy to think that when I am a parent my kids, and students will grow up in this constantly changing technological world. It definitely shows the importance of using it in the classroom. Traditional classroom activities are changing, and technology should be a huge part of that change.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Week # 4
This week we used Microsoft word to create a welcome letter as a pod. This tool has obvious ways in which it will help me to communicate with my student, their parents and my colleagues. I will be able to create handouts, letters, announcements, etc and send them out. I will also be able to create things like lesson plans and send digital files to other instructors in my grade level so they can use it for ideas if they would like. Word is an extremely useful word processing software program that I have been using since for school since I can remember. This tool can be used by students to type up assignments, and I can use it to type up the instructions to their assignments. The uses of Word are unlimited as long as you know how to use the program, and since I have been using it since I was very young I know a lot of these ways and I am constantly learning more.
I have really enjoyed watching the videos that have been presented to us in this class. It is amazing to see how much time they say an average 21 year old spends using technology like the computer or television. It is hard to imagine what they world will be like even 10 years from now with the huge explosion of technology. It wasn't even years ago that the first ipod was introduced, and look how much that has changed! They are now mini computers that you can control by touching the screen! Even DVD's and movies are changing. I remember back when it was DVD and VHS, now it's DVD and Blue Ray. With all of these changes and advances it shouldn't be surprising that teachers are now being expected to teach students how to use technology. It really is hard to believe all the advances that are being made in the world, and teachers especially should be paying attention to, and learning about the advances because they will need to show students how to use many of them.
Another part of the video that I thought was interesting were the facts presented on college students in the US, India and China. It doesn't surprise me at all that the United Stats had a lower number because students here are not taught to work hard and many of them never choose to attend college. We are not required to learn another language although it should be an obvious decision with the changing world we live in. Teachers today need to do their best to instill in students a passion for learning, and an ability to work hard or students will continue to fall behind.
The second video this week was one I really liked. It showed what the life of a typical college student was like now days, and they hit the nail on the head. It is very confusing to me that a lot of instructors are not using the technology that is available to teach. Hundreds of students bring laptops to class, and instructors should strive to find ways to engage these students. I believe that most students have access to a computer and would rather learn by using it then by listening to a lecture.
I have really enjoyed watching the videos that have been presented to us in this class. It is amazing to see how much time they say an average 21 year old spends using technology like the computer or television. It is hard to imagine what they world will be like even 10 years from now with the huge explosion of technology. It wasn't even years ago that the first ipod was introduced, and look how much that has changed! They are now mini computers that you can control by touching the screen! Even DVD's and movies are changing. I remember back when it was DVD and VHS, now it's DVD and Blue Ray. With all of these changes and advances it shouldn't be surprising that teachers are now being expected to teach students how to use technology. It really is hard to believe all the advances that are being made in the world, and teachers especially should be paying attention to, and learning about the advances because they will need to show students how to use many of them.
Another part of the video that I thought was interesting were the facts presented on college students in the US, India and China. It doesn't surprise me at all that the United Stats had a lower number because students here are not taught to work hard and many of them never choose to attend college. We are not required to learn another language although it should be an obvious decision with the changing world we live in. Teachers today need to do their best to instill in students a passion for learning, and an ability to work hard or students will continue to fall behind.
The second video this week was one I really liked. It showed what the life of a typical college student was like now days, and they hit the nail on the head. It is very confusing to me that a lot of instructors are not using the technology that is available to teach. Hundreds of students bring laptops to class, and instructors should strive to find ways to engage these students. I believe that most students have access to a computer and would rather learn by using it then by listening to a lecture.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Week #3
This week we learned to put together a website. This skill is one that I think will be extremely helpful when I become a teacher. If I teach the older grades my students will be able to just check the website if they miss a day, and I will also be able to remind them of important information over the website. This tool will also be useful for communication with parents. I will be able to post announcements and also post a calendar which will help parents know what is going on during the school year.
This tool can also be useful in achieving class objectives. I can post assignments and quizzes on line, and also keep the students up to date on their grades using these online tools. The only problem I see with this tool is that students are already spending to much time online in my opinion and this a website could just add to this time. This is also a positive though because it may reduce the time they spend on other websites because their class website will be just as easy to access and use. It was very frustrating setting the website up, but I can see what an asset it will be as a teacher once the initial set up process is complete. It wasn't nearly as difficult to set up a website as I thought it would be, and I can't see why more teachers aren't using these tools Google puts out. They are very user friendly and similar to programs that are already being used so the transition shouldn't be very difficult, yet many people aren't using the tools. This website will definitely be something that I use in the future, and it is something that I may start using in the college classes I mentor.
The video this week was an interesting one. When I clicked on the link, youtube informed me that the video was no longer available, but I had watched the video early this semester and found the video on another website. I thought that this video presented some very fascinating ideas. I had never though of using cell phones or podcasts as teaching tools! I love the idea of multiple intelligences so when they brought up the Digital Learners idea I thought it was amazing that no one had thought of it before. Every student has their own way of learning, but almost all of them love technology and use it daily. I myself know the power that learning through technology can hold. I love using blackboard, and websites as a student, and I am sure that when I become a teacher my students and their parents will feel the same way.
I also thought the part that talked about how students are born into a world where they are expected to be able to remix, create and share things with each other was interesting. I'd never thought of it that way, but it is very true. It is amazing what Jr. High students can do with music and other things today, and it would be very beneficial to these students if their teachers could integrate these things they can do into learning. Students live in a very fast paced world, and if teachers can find a way to keep that pace going in the classroom I believe students would benefit greatly, and learning would increase.
I thought the research done on how often students get to ask questions was also very interesting. I believe that self discovery is the best way to learn and one of the ways to reach that is by allowing students to ask questions. A teacher should facilitate a discussion, and guide the students to discover what the teacher wants them to learn instead of the teacher feeding the information to the student.
I thought the list of how to use the www's to our advantage was also very interesting. I can see how using a tool like google earth could enhance a history lesson, or geography lesson. I know I would have loved to see the areas we were discussing in my 6th grade class! It is mind blowing how many tools we have as humans on earth at this time, and it makes one wonder what is next. Technology needs to be used to enhance learning, or students are going to quit learning in school and learn whatever they want, when they want online. As teachers we should be teaching them how to use these tools to learn, and using them to instill a love of learning. Instead we tell them they spend too much time using the tools.
This tool can also be useful in achieving class objectives. I can post assignments and quizzes on line, and also keep the students up to date on their grades using these online tools. The only problem I see with this tool is that students are already spending to much time online in my opinion and this a website could just add to this time. This is also a positive though because it may reduce the time they spend on other websites because their class website will be just as easy to access and use. It was very frustrating setting the website up, but I can see what an asset it will be as a teacher once the initial set up process is complete. It wasn't nearly as difficult to set up a website as I thought it would be, and I can't see why more teachers aren't using these tools Google puts out. They are very user friendly and similar to programs that are already being used so the transition shouldn't be very difficult, yet many people aren't using the tools. This website will definitely be something that I use in the future, and it is something that I may start using in the college classes I mentor.
The video this week was an interesting one. When I clicked on the link, youtube informed me that the video was no longer available, but I had watched the video early this semester and found the video on another website. I thought that this video presented some very fascinating ideas. I had never though of using cell phones or podcasts as teaching tools! I love the idea of multiple intelligences so when they brought up the Digital Learners idea I thought it was amazing that no one had thought of it before. Every student has their own way of learning, but almost all of them love technology and use it daily. I myself know the power that learning through technology can hold. I love using blackboard, and websites as a student, and I am sure that when I become a teacher my students and their parents will feel the same way.
I also thought the part that talked about how students are born into a world where they are expected to be able to remix, create and share things with each other was interesting. I'd never thought of it that way, but it is very true. It is amazing what Jr. High students can do with music and other things today, and it would be very beneficial to these students if their teachers could integrate these things they can do into learning. Students live in a very fast paced world, and if teachers can find a way to keep that pace going in the classroom I believe students would benefit greatly, and learning would increase.
I thought the research done on how often students get to ask questions was also very interesting. I believe that self discovery is the best way to learn and one of the ways to reach that is by allowing students to ask questions. A teacher should facilitate a discussion, and guide the students to discover what the teacher wants them to learn instead of the teacher feeding the information to the student.
I thought the list of how to use the www's to our advantage was also very interesting. I can see how using a tool like google earth could enhance a history lesson, or geography lesson. I know I would have loved to see the areas we were discussing in my 6th grade class! It is mind blowing how many tools we have as humans on earth at this time, and it makes one wonder what is next. Technology needs to be used to enhance learning, or students are going to quit learning in school and learn whatever they want, when they want online. As teachers we should be teaching them how to use these tools to learn, and using them to instill a love of learning. Instead we tell them they spend too much time using the tools.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Week #2
I've never really thought about using technology in the classroom before I started this class. Now that I've thought about it a little more I can see how useful it can be. I myself use email, facebook and blogger all the time at home, but never thought that they could be useful tools for teaching. Students spend countless hours on these websites and social networks, and using them to connect to education could make education more exciting for students. I know that I love it when a teacher uses blackboard or other websites instead of just traditional class lectures. The tools that we are learning to use will enhance learning in the classroom, and allow teachers to communicate with students on a level where students are totally comfortable. These tools, especially the class website, will help with teacher parent communication because a teacher can post up things like a weekly description of what was done that week and the parents will be able to read those if they would like. It will open up more lines of communication, and will allow teacher to communicate with most parents at once. These communication tools will also help with colleagues because they can provide ideas to other teachers using their website, and email is also a very convenient form of communication.
I think these tools are popular with students because they are available 24/7. They are also a very low risk form of communication. Responses can be thought out whereas with face to face communication a response is usually required in a few seconds. Students also like these tools because they are easy to access, and convenient for them.
I can employ these communication tools by doing Internet assignments, communicating through email, requiring blogs to be completed about assignments, using discussion boards to discuss assignments, using the website for submission of assignments and communication to students and parents, etc. The ways these tools can be used is endless, but it may be a set back because face to face communication is lowered, and social skills of students is already lacking.
The video's this week were very interesting. At first I thought that "Mr. Duey's Fractions" was the dumbest thing I had seen in a while, but after watching it I found that the song was stuck in my head. I began to see that this is a very effective teaching idea because music helps many students remember information better. It was extremely creative and a fun way to teach a difficult math concept, one that even some college students still struggle with.
The video entitled Introducing Web 2.0 was a cool video. I liked how it described the new technologies and then listed some websites that are that kind of technology. I was suprised by how many sites there were that were education sites. The thing I thought was the coolest though was how they suggested using podcasts for teaching. I'd never thought about using something like that as a teaching tool so I thought that was awesome! Overall I thought it was a great introducation to a lot of great tools on the internet.
I think these tools are popular with students because they are available 24/7. They are also a very low risk form of communication. Responses can be thought out whereas with face to face communication a response is usually required in a few seconds. Students also like these tools because they are easy to access, and convenient for them.
I can employ these communication tools by doing Internet assignments, communicating through email, requiring blogs to be completed about assignments, using discussion boards to discuss assignments, using the website for submission of assignments and communication to students and parents, etc. The ways these tools can be used is endless, but it may be a set back because face to face communication is lowered, and social skills of students is already lacking.
The video's this week were very interesting. At first I thought that "Mr. Duey's Fractions" was the dumbest thing I had seen in a while, but after watching it I found that the song was stuck in my head. I began to see that this is a very effective teaching idea because music helps many students remember information better. It was extremely creative and a fun way to teach a difficult math concept, one that even some college students still struggle with.
The video entitled Introducing Web 2.0 was a cool video. I liked how it described the new technologies and then listed some websites that are that kind of technology. I was suprised by how many sites there were that were education sites. The thing I thought was the coolest though was how they suggested using podcasts for teaching. I'd never thought about using something like that as a teaching tool so I thought that was awesome! Overall I thought it was a great introducation to a lot of great tools on the internet.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Week #1 Video Review
I thought that the video this week was very interesting. I think the first idea that was presented could be beneficial in some ways to the students in America. Limiting their use, along with the use of their parents by charging more for the bandwidth used could promote families spending more time together. Currently the internet is almost an unlimited resource so many parents and kids are spending endless hours online. Hours which are mostly spent doing activities that are unnecessary. Limiting time spent on the internet might also improve the health of children by getting them to spend more time off of the computer and outside. It could also have no benefit because parents are the people that really control how much time their kids spend online.
I think Microsoft's new touch screen is a really cool idea, but one that many people might not like. Hopefully it will work well and they will be successful with the idea, but many of their ideas, like Vista, haven't been very successful with consumers so it will be interesting to see how this one plays out.
Apple's idea to make a cheaper Iphone was a fantastic idea, and their back to school deal was an awesome one. A deal that i know millions took advantage of, including myself. Their technology is really ahead of the game as far as I'm concerned, and they are doing very well at promoting it.
The idea to use an internet game to teach students more about the judicial system is also a very good idea, one that I think will do very well in schools if they use it correctly. Technology is a huge thing in the lives of students today and using it as a teaching tool is a smart idea.
I think Microsoft's new touch screen is a really cool idea, but one that many people might not like. Hopefully it will work well and they will be successful with the idea, but many of their ideas, like Vista, haven't been very successful with consumers so it will be interesting to see how this one plays out.
Apple's idea to make a cheaper Iphone was a fantastic idea, and their back to school deal was an awesome one. A deal that i know millions took advantage of, including myself. Their technology is really ahead of the game as far as I'm concerned, and they are doing very well at promoting it.
The idea to use an internet game to teach students more about the judicial system is also a very good idea, one that I think will do very well in schools if they use it correctly. Technology is a huge thing in the lives of students today and using it as a teaching tool is a smart idea.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Ideal Classroom
My ideal classroom is in a suburb elementary school. Much like the one that I attended as a child in Orem, Utah. I am working full time as a kindergarten teacher. I teach both a morning and afternoon class with a short break during the school's lunch time. Each class has 15 students in it. The student's are most form the local neighborhood much like the ones here in Orem, Utah. Because of the location most of the kids are Caucasian, but there are four children in each of my classes from a Latino background, one of the students has parents who are Tongan, and two of the children are African American.
When I first walk into the classroom there are cubbies on the left hand wall, 15 in all, one for each child in the class. The cubbies have the names of the students on them along with a picture of each student so they know which one belongs to them. There is a hook in each so they can hang their backpacks up, along with a colorful tub where they can put any other items that they bring. My desk/ office is situated in the corner of the room directly opposite the door. On the far right end of the room there are various toys, and a corner with a mini couch and a couple mini chairs. Next to the furniture there is a bookshelf filled with books on the topic we are discussing for the week. In the opposite corner from the books is a small bathroom, and small kitchen area where I can prepare the food the students bring to share.
In between my desk and the play area are 3 long tables filled with chairs for the students. Each table seats 5 students, and these tables are where the students will sit to complete art projects, and assignments that require a table. On the wall by the table are cabinets filled with art supplies and other items that I frequently use during my lessons. On the floor opposite the tables is a huge carpet covered in colorful shapes. At the front of the carpet is a chair and another bookshelf with the items I use during the beginning of class. Behind the chair on the wall is a huge bulletin board decorated to match the them that is filled with the student's artwork. This carpet is where the kids will sit when I read stories, teach songs, and where class will begin and end each day.
There is also a door near my desk that leads outside to the playground area that we use for outside activities and recess. Outside there is a shed filled with toys for the kids to use like balls, little trucks and other toys. There is a small sandbox for the students to play in as well as a play structure with a slide and stairs and another structure shaped to look like a little train.
The walls of the classroom are covered in colorful pictures and artwork, and there is also an alphabet and rubber wall where there are numbers and letters with pictures that go along with them. There are also shelves strategically placed throughout the classroom, each of these is filled with labeled colorful tubs with items relating to science, math, animals and other subjects that we discuss throughout the year. This classroom is my ideal kindergarten classroom.
When I first walk into the classroom there are cubbies on the left hand wall, 15 in all, one for each child in the class. The cubbies have the names of the students on them along with a picture of each student so they know which one belongs to them. There is a hook in each so they can hang their backpacks up, along with a colorful tub where they can put any other items that they bring. My desk/ office is situated in the corner of the room directly opposite the door. On the far right end of the room there are various toys, and a corner with a mini couch and a couple mini chairs. Next to the furniture there is a bookshelf filled with books on the topic we are discussing for the week. In the opposite corner from the books is a small bathroom, and small kitchen area where I can prepare the food the students bring to share.
In between my desk and the play area are 3 long tables filled with chairs for the students. Each table seats 5 students, and these tables are where the students will sit to complete art projects, and assignments that require a table. On the wall by the table are cabinets filled with art supplies and other items that I frequently use during my lessons. On the floor opposite the tables is a huge carpet covered in colorful shapes. At the front of the carpet is a chair and another bookshelf with the items I use during the beginning of class. Behind the chair on the wall is a huge bulletin board decorated to match the them that is filled with the student's artwork. This carpet is where the kids will sit when I read stories, teach songs, and where class will begin and end each day.
There is also a door near my desk that leads outside to the playground area that we use for outside activities and recess. Outside there is a shed filled with toys for the kids to use like balls, little trucks and other toys. There is a small sandbox for the students to play in as well as a play structure with a slide and stairs and another structure shaped to look like a little train.
The walls of the classroom are covered in colorful pictures and artwork, and there is also an alphabet and rubber wall where there are numbers and letters with pictures that go along with them. There are also shelves strategically placed throughout the classroom, each of these is filled with labeled colorful tubs with items relating to science, math, animals and other subjects that we discuss throughout the year. This classroom is my ideal kindergarten classroom.
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