As my time in educational technology comes to a close, I am reflecting upon how much I have learned in this area. I have not been exposed to much online communication tools being used in the classrooms. Therefore, I tend to think inside of the box when thinking on how I will use online communication tools in my own classroom. It's not that I don't want to use more technology in my classroom. I just wasn't aware of how many ways I could use technology in my future classroom. I had used the basics: PPT Presentations, word documents, and some educational websites. For this class, I had to create a blog and a webquest which forced me to step outside of my box. Now that I am more familiar with these resources, I am gladly going to incorporate them into my teaching! I also became more familiar with DTP, PPT presentations, educational websites, spyware, and ways to grow as a teacher in general! I have been exposed to so many more educational technology resources, and I will gladly use them in a future classroom to improve my teaching, motivate and engage my students!
This week, we discussed malicious software and spyware. My personal computer's hard drive was almost attacked by several viruses. I was unaware that the security on my computer had ran out several months earlier. We had been downloading onto our IPhones from Itunes, and allowed my computer to be exposed to several viruses. My computer suddenly began blocking me from the internet. Something started popping up about not being protected, and showed several viruses! I immediately took my laptop to a friend that knows how to deal with these things. He installed new virus and spyware protection! He told me I was extremely lucky, because my previous virus and spyware had been out for a very long time!! He believed downloading the music had let the viruses in!
While at school Thursday, I spoke with our tech person about the virus and spyware on the school's computers. I was told we had the same virus and spyware the state of Kentucky had. I believe it is Malware. Each student and faculty member has a username and password, so the school knows who has looked at what. Also, certain sites like Facebook, Myspace, YouTube, etc... are blocked. All computers are scanned periodically for viruses. So far, this has worked very well! There was an issue last spring with some software the state was using. The spyware was reading it as a virus and was blocking all computer use. Since we use the same as the state, it affected us too.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
Educational Software
On September 1st, I will start my new position through AmeriCorps at a local elementary school. I will be pulling 4th graders out to help pull up their reading scores. For this week's assignment, we were to evaluate software we have used, seen used, or will use in our classroom. I decided to search for educational software that I can use in my upcoming position. After searching several sites, I found one I thought to be age appropriate, cost friendly, and one that would fit my educational goals for my students.
This software is The ClueFinders Reading Adventure for ages 9-12. It is a 2 CD ROM set to help 3rd - 5th graders with their reading comprehension, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and critical thinking skills. In this software, students are to save a dying planet by uncovering the planet's secrets and collect useful clues to unlock the mystery. This software looks like it would be very appealing to my 4th graders. This software uses the A.D.A.P.T learning technology where they believe each child learns at a different pace and has a unique set of abilities. This software constantly monitors the student's abilities, adjusts difficulty levels, provides help and tracks progress. This software only cost $14.95. I have not seen this software used, but if it does all it says it does it will be well worth the $14.95. I viewed other educational software, but they were more expensive. I will only be working with a small group or one on one. I believe this software will be sufficient for the educational goals I will have for my students this year.
This software is The ClueFinders Reading Adventure for ages 9-12. It is a 2 CD ROM set to help 3rd - 5th graders with their reading comprehension, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and critical thinking skills. In this software, students are to save a dying planet by uncovering the planet's secrets and collect useful clues to unlock the mystery. This software looks like it would be very appealing to my 4th graders. This software uses the A.D.A.P.T learning technology where they believe each child learns at a different pace and has a unique set of abilities. This software constantly monitors the student's abilities, adjusts difficulty levels, provides help and tracks progress. This software only cost $14.95. I have not seen this software used, but if it does all it says it does it will be well worth the $14.95. I viewed other educational software, but they were more expensive. I will only be working with a small group or one on one. I believe this software will be sufficient for the educational goals I will have for my students this year.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
WebQuest
This week, I was asked to do something I had never done before! I actually had never even heard of a WebQuest! I was really dreading the unknown here! Now my WebQuest is complete, and I am very glad I was required to once again step out of my box! WebQuests could be very useful in a classroom. WebQuests require higher order thinking, and they get students out of the textbooks and using technology! I love to see students learning using resources other than just their textbooks.
I just got hired as an AmeriCorps worker through EKU at Monticello Elementary. I will be working with 4th grade students who are at low reading levels. I am not certain what else my job entails, but I wanted to create a WebQuest designed for this grade level. So, I spoke with a 4th grade teacher I will be collaborating with. One thing she suggested would be a WebQuest on Kentucky, since 4th grade is when students start learning the most about their state. I was looking through the textbook and saw the different regions of Kentucky section. Although I have lived in Kentucky all my life, I really don't know much about the other regions of Kentucky. I know your basics...what each region is known most for, etc... However, as an adult living in Kentucky for almost 30 years, I should really know more about my state. I'm sure I learned about Kentucky as a young student, but it apparently did not leave much of an impact! I believe a WebQuest encouraging students to learn about the regions in Kentucky, compile a Power Point Presentation and presenting it to the class would make more of an impact than reading about regions in our book. I hear students often complain they are so bored! There is nothing to do in Monticello! That is how I came up with my task: Students were to research the different regions, and then convince their parents to move to another region. Of course, their parents would need a job, so it had to be a region their parents would be able to move to. The students were to write a persuasive letter to their parents convincing them to move. Or, hopefully the students learned more about the region they lived in and decided to stay where they were. The title of my WebQuest is "Is the grass "bluer" on the other side?" I chose bluer instead of greener because of Kentucky being called the bluegrass state. The URL for my WebQuest is http://questgarden.com/107/99/1/100807174644/
I just got hired as an AmeriCorps worker through EKU at Monticello Elementary. I will be working with 4th grade students who are at low reading levels. I am not certain what else my job entails, but I wanted to create a WebQuest designed for this grade level. So, I spoke with a 4th grade teacher I will be collaborating with. One thing she suggested would be a WebQuest on Kentucky, since 4th grade is when students start learning the most about their state. I was looking through the textbook and saw the different regions of Kentucky section. Although I have lived in Kentucky all my life, I really don't know much about the other regions of Kentucky. I know your basics...what each region is known most for, etc... However, as an adult living in Kentucky for almost 30 years, I should really know more about my state. I'm sure I learned about Kentucky as a young student, but it apparently did not leave much of an impact! I believe a WebQuest encouraging students to learn about the regions in Kentucky, compile a Power Point Presentation and presenting it to the class would make more of an impact than reading about regions in our book. I hear students often complain they are so bored! There is nothing to do in Monticello! That is how I came up with my task: Students were to research the different regions, and then convince their parents to move to another region. Of course, their parents would need a job, so it had to be a region their parents would be able to move to. The students were to write a persuasive letter to their parents convincing them to move. Or, hopefully the students learned more about the region they lived in and decided to stay where they were. The title of my WebQuest is "Is the grass "bluer" on the other side?" I chose bluer instead of greener because of Kentucky being called the bluegrass state. The URL for my WebQuest is http://questgarden.com/107/99/1/100807174644/
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Online Communication Tools
Since I don't have my own classroom yet, I always use my student teaching experience as reference. I am ashamed to say, but I did not use any online communication tools during my student teaching! Honestly, the thought never crossed my mind! No other elementary classroom teacher, that I was aware of, used online communication tools either. I wasn't even aware that elementary students had email access. In my 3rd grade classroom, the students only used the computers for Accelerated Reader, and some research on topics I was teaching. Only a few of my students requested to do that! Once a week, the elementary students went to a computer lab where they were taught by their "specials" teacher, during our planning time. Technology is very limited at the school I student taught at. As a matter of fact, I went online to access their AUP agreement for this week, and realized their handbook was not even posted online! So, I found a hard copy from last year. In this handbook there is no mention of an AUP agreement. At the beginning of the year, parents sign release forms for their students to be photographed, videotaped, and the right to email. I could not find any AUP agreements like the ones we all had posted this week!
I am very thankful for this class! I have really learned a lot when it comes to technology. Technology was a weakness for me when I started back to school for undergraduate. Mostly, because I had not been exposed to using technology a lot in the classroom. At the end of my student teaching, I felt like I had changed that weakness into a strength. For the most part, I have. During my student teaching, I actually taught my cooperating teacher a few things about technology. Fortunately, this class has helped me to think outside of the box. There are so many more ways I could be using technology in the classroom! I am continuing to turn this weakness into a strength!
I am very thankful for this class! I have really learned a lot when it comes to technology. Technology was a weakness for me when I started back to school for undergraduate. Mostly, because I had not been exposed to using technology a lot in the classroom. At the end of my student teaching, I felt like I had changed that weakness into a strength. For the most part, I have. During my student teaching, I actually taught my cooperating teacher a few things about technology. Fortunately, this class has helped me to think outside of the box. There are so many more ways I could be using technology in the classroom! I am continuing to turn this weakness into a strength!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Week 4 PPT Presentation
I have created several power point presentations during my college career and as a student teacher. The power point presentation I am most proud of is "William's House" vocabulary presentation. This presentation consisted of only 8 very simple slides. The reason I was so proud of this presentation, was because of the success my students felt because of it. "William's House" was a story in our 3rd grade reading book about a colonists who moves his whole family from England, and has to build his home from scratch. William builds this house to accompany the weather conditions in England. Therefore, as the seasons change William is forced to make changes to his new home to accommodate the weather in the colonies.
My students were having a really hard time understanding the meaning of the vocabulary words for the week: clearing, steep, spoil, pegs, barrel, and cellar. One slide contained all vocabulary words. We said them together so that everyone knew the correct pronunciation. Then each word was put onto a slide with a descriptive picture for that word. We then discussed each definition and picture. Their assignment for the day was to draw each word correctly in a picture. After seeing the presentation, my students went right to work! They really enjoyed this lesson. It was so much better than doing a worksheet filling in the blank with the correct vocabulary word. Having that visual aid touch so many of my learners, especially my ESL students. These words were completely new for them! Without the visual aids on my PPT Presentation, the majority of my students would have been very discouraged and felt unsuccessful.
The only changes I would make if I were to do it again, would be to jazz up the presentation. I quickly put this together during class once I saw how my students were struggling. I really did not want to take the time to add a lot of animations or sounds.
My students were having a really hard time understanding the meaning of the vocabulary words for the week: clearing, steep, spoil, pegs, barrel, and cellar. One slide contained all vocabulary words. We said them together so that everyone knew the correct pronunciation. Then each word was put onto a slide with a descriptive picture for that word. We then discussed each definition and picture. Their assignment for the day was to draw each word correctly in a picture. After seeing the presentation, my students went right to work! They really enjoyed this lesson. It was so much better than doing a worksheet filling in the blank with the correct vocabulary word. Having that visual aid touch so many of my learners, especially my ESL students. These words were completely new for them! Without the visual aids on my PPT Presentation, the majority of my students would have been very discouraged and felt unsuccessful.
The only changes I would make if I were to do it again, would be to jazz up the presentation. I quickly put this together during class once I saw how my students were struggling. I really did not want to take the time to add a lot of animations or sounds.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Week 3 Word Processor and DTP
This week we read about word processors and Desk Top Publishing. I do not have my own classroom yet, but when I do I will use word processor and DTP often. I plan to use word processor to enhance my instruction. I also plan to make my own documents, so I will need my word processor to create, store and revise these documents as needed. These documents will include infraction cards, responsibility cards, contact logs, etc... I will use DTP to make flyers, newsletters, and brochures to send home to parents.
My students will help with the newsletters, brochures and flyers so they too will be using DTP. I also will have my students to use word processor to type reports, portfolio pieces as needed, etc... I will allow my students to use word processor as a way to revise their work, and to work on their spelling. I had forgotten this technique until seeing it again in my reading this week. My cooperating teacher and I also used word processor to accommodate students needing multiple choice spelling test.
Since I don't have a classroom of my own right now, I made a newsletter that I would send to my students before the start of school. To make these flyers and newsletters we send out appealing, I believe we should use graphics, different font and color text. However, you need to be careful not to over due it. Too many graphics, font and text changing could make it look unprofessional! I will try to upload my newsletter to share with you!
My students will help with the newsletters, brochures and flyers so they too will be using DTP. I also will have my students to use word processor to type reports, portfolio pieces as needed, etc... I will allow my students to use word processor as a way to revise their work, and to work on their spelling. I had forgotten this technique until seeing it again in my reading this week. My cooperating teacher and I also used word processor to accommodate students needing multiple choice spelling test.
Since I don't have a classroom of my own right now, I made a newsletter that I would send to my students before the start of school. To make these flyers and newsletters we send out appealing, I believe we should use graphics, different font and color text. However, you need to be careful not to over due it. Too many graphics, font and text changing could make it look unprofessional! I will try to upload my newsletter to share with you!
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Spreadsheets and Databases Week 2
One website I enjoyed this week was, http://www.teach-nology.com/tutorials/databases/ . On this website, we read why and how databases were being used in the classroom. There was a great example of a Social Studies class using databases to determine the horror of war. Students were to research information, and then compile it into a database. Another example I liked of students using databases, was having students keep track of their own grades. This way they could visually see how they were doing, and where they were struggling most. I believe this gives students more of an ownership to their grade. No, they didn't give themselves the grade. However, they are constantly reviewing their efforts.
Before my reading this week, I had never thought of using spreadsheets in my teaching of elementary students! I did not learn anything about spreadsheets until my college classes three years ago! Therefore, the thought of teaching elementary students to use them never crossed my mind. My reading this week, has definately changed my point of view! While looking over the teach-nology website, I found a lesson plan I would like to use in the future. It is for Grades 3-5, and it is about teaching students to do a webquest on Amazing Americans. In the lesson plan, students visit the Library of Congress to explore biographies of amazing Americans. Then they answer questions such as: How many men/women? What years were they born? This information could be compiled into a spreadsheet and graphed. This lesson plan also had daily activity suggestions, a rubric, and suggested time period for each lesson. I found this website very beneficial in my future lesson planning!
I do not have a classroom yet of my own, nor had I thought of using spreadsheets with my third graders during my student teaching. I have no experiences of using them with students. I have had students use search engines for my lessons, but that is as far as it went. I have used spreadsheets and databases during college classes to track imaginary grades and graph progress, and to keep a list of imaginary students and their personal info. These classes were spread out and all used different softwares, so each time it was like starting all over. When using these spreadsheets, I was amazed at how much easier it was to track and analyze data. I plan to use spreadsheets and databases when I have my own classroom.
Before my reading this week, I had never thought of using spreadsheets in my teaching of elementary students! I did not learn anything about spreadsheets until my college classes three years ago! Therefore, the thought of teaching elementary students to use them never crossed my mind. My reading this week, has definately changed my point of view! While looking over the teach-nology website, I found a lesson plan I would like to use in the future. It is for Grades 3-5, and it is about teaching students to do a webquest on Amazing Americans. In the lesson plan, students visit the Library of Congress to explore biographies of amazing Americans. Then they answer questions such as: How many men/women? What years were they born? This information could be compiled into a spreadsheet and graphed. This lesson plan also had daily activity suggestions, a rubric, and suggested time period for each lesson. I found this website very beneficial in my future lesson planning!
I do not have a classroom yet of my own, nor had I thought of using spreadsheets with my third graders during my student teaching. I have no experiences of using them with students. I have had students use search engines for my lessons, but that is as far as it went. I have used spreadsheets and databases during college classes to track imaginary grades and graph progress, and to keep a list of imaginary students and their personal info. These classes were spread out and all used different softwares, so each time it was like starting all over. When using these spreadsheets, I was amazed at how much easier it was to track and analyze data. I plan to use spreadsheets and databases when I have my own classroom.
Week 1 in 53302
This was my first week in a graduate level class. I have not taken any colleges classes this year after graduating last December. It has taken some adjustment on my part to get back into the swing of school work! I must say I have enjoyed my "free" time the last seven months, but I have also missed the experience of learning new things and challenging my self!
I am most proud of myself for creating this blog! I have never created a blog or webpage. The closest thing I have done would be facebook. While I enjoy posting to facebook, I don't find it appropriate to use in the classroom for educational use. I could see myself using this blog or another one I create to use in the classroom. Parents could use it to see what we are working on in class for the week. Some parents do not feel comfortable meeting via telephone or face to face weekly to discuss classroom activities. Or maybe, their schedule will conflict with mine and blogging just might be easier! I would also like to teach my students how to create their own blog, if I feel they are mature enough to handle this. We would need to discuss blogging etiquette, and their own rights and responsibilities for use.
A challenge I might face using blogging to interact with parents would be that some of my students may not have internet access at home. Some families may choose not to have computers in their home for whatever reason. To overcome this challenge, I would let all parents know that this is not a requirement. They are more than welcome to contact me via phone or face to face. Anything that I post on the blog will also be sent home in a bi-weekly newsletter. I would not want to make any parent or student feel like they were being left out of something. My students will hopefully have access to the internet while they are at school.
Another challenge could be parents posting personal comments about their child or another child in the classroom that needs to be discussed in private. I will explain how the blog works at the beginning of the school year when I first meet with parents. I will let them know what is acceptable on the blog, and what is not.
The challenge for me now is not knowing alot about blogging myself. Hopefully by the end of this 8 weeks, I will have overcame my own challenge!
I am most proud of myself for creating this blog! I have never created a blog or webpage. The closest thing I have done would be facebook. While I enjoy posting to facebook, I don't find it appropriate to use in the classroom for educational use. I could see myself using this blog or another one I create to use in the classroom. Parents could use it to see what we are working on in class for the week. Some parents do not feel comfortable meeting via telephone or face to face weekly to discuss classroom activities. Or maybe, their schedule will conflict with mine and blogging just might be easier! I would also like to teach my students how to create their own blog, if I feel they are mature enough to handle this. We would need to discuss blogging etiquette, and their own rights and responsibilities for use.
A challenge I might face using blogging to interact with parents would be that some of my students may not have internet access at home. Some families may choose not to have computers in their home for whatever reason. To overcome this challenge, I would let all parents know that this is not a requirement. They are more than welcome to contact me via phone or face to face. Anything that I post on the blog will also be sent home in a bi-weekly newsletter. I would not want to make any parent or student feel like they were being left out of something. My students will hopefully have access to the internet while they are at school.
Another challenge could be parents posting personal comments about their child or another child in the classroom that needs to be discussed in private. I will explain how the blog works at the beginning of the school year when I first meet with parents. I will let them know what is acceptable on the blog, and what is not.
The challenge for me now is not knowing alot about blogging myself. Hopefully by the end of this 8 weeks, I will have overcame my own challenge!
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