So we have come to the end of our time together. Wow, what a time together!! I have taken in SO much. I worked with an AMAZING group of people (that I have never met before!) They were there whenever I needed help and I made myself available when they needed help. We really became a team. I even struggled through the amount of course work, but pulled through and completed it all. I feel accomplished!
I have learned so much from this course. I started this class knowing a lot about technology, but incorporating it into the classroom, as much as we have, was something I did not know. I have to be honest and say that I have learned more from the assignments that we have had to complete rather than any of the readings we had. I like to be "hands on" and that is how I learn. The blogging in this class has been a whole new experience, as well as the webex and so many other programs. I plan to continue to use these programs after I leave this class.
During our last class we were supposed to complete presentations on our "WOW" projects but only a few people were able to complete them. Those people that were able to complete them, did a phenomenal job. Their PowerPoint's were professionally down and researched very well. They took their time while presenting and they answered any questions anyone had. Nice job everyone!
Thank you to my group. I hope everyone has a wonderful summer!
21st Century Based Learning
Who can believe it has come to this? colored tv... laptops...SMARTBOARDS??? It is the 21st Century!!!! We are living in technology! Yes, lessons are going to change, quite a bit actually. However, they should benefit the student and the teacher. Yes, not everything that the state benefits the student or the teacher, but the technology is something that will allow for reading, writing and arithmetic to continue in schools. For visual, audio and kinesthetic learners, technology based learning is great because it keeps their critical thinking skills goings at all times, especially when sitting in front of the computer. It will allow them to experience new things like researching on the world wide web and typing letters to friends.
A Paradigm Shift from 1.0 to 2.0
This shift individuals are talking about is a student- centered learning shift. Technology is only becoming more common these days and will only become incorportated more often. As this technology plays a larger role in the classroom, the students will as well. We, as teachers will need to make a wider based assessment for our students as well, based on this incorporation.
Nine Rules of Technology
After reading this article, I only realize, even more how the issues of technology continue to be addressed and and are needed in the classroom. The author feels that technology is useful and necessary for all classrooms. He addresses nine rules of technology:
1. Good Technology is always available
2. Good Technology is always on
3. Good Technology is always connected
4. Good Technology is standardized
5. Good Technology is simple
6. Good Technology doesn't require parts
7. Good Technology is personalized
8. Good Technology is modular
9. Good Technology does what you want it to do
1. Good Technology is always available
2. Good Technology is always on
3. Good Technology is always connected
4. Good Technology is standardized
5. Good Technology is simple
6. Good Technology doesn't require parts
7. Good Technology is personalized
8. Good Technology is modular
9. Good Technology does what you want it to do
Blog to Blog...
While in this course, I have taken time to read others blogs and websites that they have created. During the period of this course, we have all been able to learn, create and voice our opinion. I have listed some of the blogs nd blog titles that I have commented on here:
1. Sally: How to get engaged with Smartboard
2. Kayleigh: Digital Storytelling
3. Conception: Side Wiki
4. Kayleigh: Engrade
5. Kayleigh: OMG! Oh My Google
6. Deanna: Course Overview
7. Brian: Wow! I'm Impressed!
8. Deanna: WebEx Experience
9. Tara: My Wiki Page
10.Doug: Picasion
1. Sally: How to get engaged with Smartboard
2. Kayleigh: Digital Storytelling
3. Conception: Side Wiki
4. Kayleigh: Engrade
5. Kayleigh: OMG! Oh My Google
6. Deanna: Course Overview
7. Brian: Wow! I'm Impressed!
8. Deanna: WebEx Experience
9. Tara: My Wiki Page
10.Doug: Picasion
WOW!
This was a very creative idea for a project, but also a very time consuming one. My WoW project was based on Innovative Uses of Whiteboards. Whiteboards are a very common technology for the classroom these days. The "Smartboard" being the most common one today. Teachers all over are being trained to use whiteboards in their classrooms so their students can work collaboratively with one another. They can be used in conjunction with any content area, manipulate objects on screen for math or science, create stories for ELA lessons and/or save and print those stories out. For Social Studies, venn diagrams and graphic organizers can be used to take notes on specific topics.
I was supposed to present my powerpoint from sliderocket during our last class, but we did not have enough time. When I went onto screen toaster, I recorded my presentation, so that my peers could have the chance to hear my voice on my thoughts of the whiteboard and a little about my research. However, after recording , I had quite a hard time trying to export my recording onto my blog, so as of right now I did not upload the recording. I will continue to try and do so.
I hope many individual get a lot out of the work, not only what they put into their projects, but the work others have put into their own. Everyones projects were so inspiring and really detailed. Great work!
Connected Classroom
This video is a perfect explaination of how technology is evolving today. After watching this, I feel that it is all that is needed to explain to one individual how important it is, not only it is to incorcorate technology into the learning process, but to teach to each students learning style. The amount of technology available for an educator allows for many different styles to be attempted until the right one is found for each child/student.
Engrade
While completing this assignment I found many things I liked about the engrade system. Again, because technology is only becoming more common, school districts are now asking teachers to put their students grades in a computer grading system to keep of their grades. Realistically, it is very easy to do for those that are familiar with the computer systems, but is not too helpful for those individual teachers that like to write their grades down, because now they are just doing it twice.
A majority of the computerized grading is beneficial. I like how this specific program allows for you, as a teacher, to choose whether you want to manually enter student grades, use percentages, letter grades or custom grading. It also allows you to type in your own subject areas. This is great if you have your own centers in the classroom.
When opening the class, it allows you to type the students names and it will put them in alphabetical order for you. This grade book will also keep attendance for you. Also, I added a grade for each student to get a better idea of how the program worked and how it would look.
Since I am still new at using this program, I can't say that I would change anything about the program. I am quite fond of it the way that it is.
For all these reasons, I feel that this gradebook would be great for teachers and parents to use and I would suggest it!
Working SO closely with others...
Over the past two weeks, I have learned that this class has true group work involved. Unfortunately, I had a minor disruption during course work and had to miss a course meeting, but I am getting back on track real fast! With this work and fast pace, we really can not miss a day of communication of school work!!! Everyone in my group has been so understanding, helpful and cooperative.
What are Google Tools?
My experience with Google Tools as been a new one. I have used Google probably numerous times a day, everyday since the beginning of High School and never realized how many "tools" it actually has. It's great! The tools I have used many times and know well are Google Search, which allows you to search the web for just about any term, item, person, place or thing, and Google Image, which allows you to search the web for any image.
The tools that have just been introduced to me were Google Docs, which could promote group collaboration, keep track of grades, attendance, or any other data, facilitate writing as a process, teach revision, proofreading and editing skills and so much more. This, I find, will be used the most by teachers and students in the classroom.
Other tools I learned about were Igoogle, which allows you to customize your start page by adding a theme. Sketchup, which is a free piece of software that allows you to create 3D models of anything that you like. Google earth is another feature that will be fun for students of any age to use. They can be given a project that will allow them to fly anywhere on Earth to view satellite imagery, maps, terrain, 3D buildings, from galaxies in outer space to the canyons of the ocean. They can take virtual tours and explore! They can also use Maps with these projects they are completing in school or at home. Picasa and Calendar are other tools that would or could be used in the classroom. Maybe in a photo or art class. As for the calendar, it would be used daily, teacher or student based.
Blogging, as I am right now, is a wonderful thing for a student AND a teacher. It is a great proxy for a journal entry! It allows for students to write and use technology and also allows for teachers to use technology and keep notes on their days, if they so choose.
I feel that these tools will only benefit teachers and students, as they have taught me so much in only two weeks!!
The tools that have just been introduced to me were Google Docs, which could promote group collaboration, keep track of grades, attendance, or any other data, facilitate writing as a process, teach revision, proofreading and editing skills and so much more. This, I find, will be used the most by teachers and students in the classroom.
Other tools I learned about were Igoogle, which allows you to customize your start page by adding a theme. Sketchup, which is a free piece of software that allows you to create 3D models of anything that you like. Google earth is another feature that will be fun for students of any age to use. They can be given a project that will allow them to fly anywhere on Earth to view satellite imagery, maps, terrain, 3D buildings, from galaxies in outer space to the canyons of the ocean. They can take virtual tours and explore! They can also use Maps with these projects they are completing in school or at home. Picasa and Calendar are other tools that would or could be used in the classroom. Maybe in a photo or art class. As for the calendar, it would be used daily, teacher or student based.
Blogging, as I am right now, is a wonderful thing for a student AND a teacher. It is a great proxy for a journal entry! It allows for students to write and use technology and also allows for teachers to use technology and keep notes on their days, if they so choose.
I feel that these tools will only benefit teachers and students, as they have taught me so much in only two weeks!!
The difference between...
Information Literacy is knowing how to find, analyze, and use information; the ability to gather information from multiple sources, select relevant material, and organize it into a form that will allow the user to make decisions or take specific actions. Computer Literacy is knowledge and understanding of computers and what they are used for. Integration Literacy is the ability of teachers to use computers and technology in teaching to enhance student learning.
Group Work
Immediately when the class started, I was contacted by one of my classmates that was in my group. She was so kind and friendly as can be, I was lost!! She introduced me to all the members of our group and we all interacted through the internet from there on. It has been a completely different experience to speak(communicate) only through gmail, gchat and moodle with classmates. Especially, when working on projects together. But everything that we have needed to get to one another has been sent via email, so far.
I feel that my group has been working well so far and has made a very good rapport. We have all made sure to stay on top of things but everyone also seems to have a very outgoing sense of humor. Which is always a stress reliever! Let's hope to continue on this track for the next couple of weeks.
I feel that my group has been working well so far and has made a very good rapport. We have all made sure to stay on top of things but everyone also seems to have a very outgoing sense of humor. Which is always a stress reliever! Let's hope to continue on this track for the next couple of weeks.
WebEx
For the first time, in the seven years I have been studying technology and education, I used a program called "WebEx." Skype? No, WebEx! It was quite interesting. I was able to see whomever chose to send their webcam through and hear everyone. Yet, I was one of the individuals that had minor difficulties using the microphone and could not respond to a question asked. I have yet to figure out where the issue lies.
Because this is an online course, I feel that the idea of using WebEx was wonderful. Being able to see the instructor while teaching and the presentation they have for the class is great! Honestly, I don't think that it is necessary for each student to share their webcam, but allows for each of them to choose if they want to display it or not, which is also great because it is their choice.
The negative part is that because technology is still so new to some people, especially those teachers that have been in school districts for so many years, there tend to be many issues when using a new program or device (as I had).
Because this is an online course, I feel that the idea of using WebEx was wonderful. Being able to see the instructor while teaching and the presentation they have for the class is great! Honestly, I don't think that it is necessary for each student to share their webcam, but allows for each of them to choose if they want to display it or not, which is also great because it is their choice.
The negative part is that because technology is still so new to some people, especially those teachers that have been in school districts for so many years, there tend to be many issues when using a new program or device (as I had).
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