A number of technologies have been presented this semester to help you reach outside of your immediate surroundings for personal growth and instructional purposes. How could you use these technologies to help yourself create better learning opportunities for your students?
I could expose my students to these technologies on a daily basis. I could integrate one of
these tools into each of my lessons. I would love to allow my students to create a podcast. I would give them a chance to do blogs as well.
How could you use them to help yourself continue to develop as a teacher throughout your career?
I could use blogs to communicate with other teachers. We could share ideas and learn about strategies that are used in other classrooms. We could also share ideas that are being used in different districts and states. I could use the Student Response Systems to allow the students to see a comparison of their responses to other students. All of these ideas would enhance creativity in the classrooms.
What are the benefits of using the communications tools?
There are several benefits of communication tools. Communication tools allows a decrease in the use of paper. It prepares students for the future. For example, most jobs require applications to be done online now.
What are the dangers?
One danger is that students may be in contact with dangerous people. Some school districts may not have have funding.
How can technology help you better reach out to all of your students regardless of their race, gender or economic status?
Technology will allow each student to have an equal opportunity in the world. These can be done through technology without having face to face meetings.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Opinion Paper 3
Many educators have the desire to learn more about technology, but most school systems lack the funding for professional development. For many, professional development consists of short workshops about the latest information. According to Ferriter (2009), teachers rarely get to self-select learning opportunities, pursue professional passions, or engage in meaningful, ongoing conversations about instruction. This causes teachers and other educators to groan when they are forced to participate in these activities.
Collaborative learning among members of close-knit teams in schools and the use of digital tools are two significant changes that have been made. I strongly support both changes that are mentioned in the article. I feel that collaboration amongst teams in schools and the use of digital tools are two ideas that can definitely help schools to become more successful.
I feel that collaboration is a must. When members of the school work together, the school’s culture will be stronger and success will be visible. According to Ferriter (2009), school leaders are starting to believe in the human capacity of their faculties. They are providing more opportunities for faculty members to collaborate and to share instructional ideas. Many schools are doing this by providing free time for teachers to have more meetings. For example, many schools are having focus team meetings, as well as grade level or data meetings.
Digital tools are being used more in the school setting. Teachers are able to use tools such as blogs and wikis. Teachers are using these tools to share ideas about teaching and learning. Many educators are blogging on a daily basis. I feel that using blogs and wikis is an easy way to learn more about teaching and learning. This method is free and very simple. These tools require very little technology skills.
To conclude, I feel that all school districts should require teachers to blog on a regular basis. This would be an easy way to share ideas throughout any school district or anywhere in the nation.
References
Ferriter, Bill. (2009). Learning with blogs and wikis. Educational Leadership.
Collaborative learning among members of close-knit teams in schools and the use of digital tools are two significant changes that have been made. I strongly support both changes that are mentioned in the article. I feel that collaboration amongst teams in schools and the use of digital tools are two ideas that can definitely help schools to become more successful.
I feel that collaboration is a must. When members of the school work together, the school’s culture will be stronger and success will be visible. According to Ferriter (2009), school leaders are starting to believe in the human capacity of their faculties. They are providing more opportunities for faculty members to collaborate and to share instructional ideas. Many schools are doing this by providing free time for teachers to have more meetings. For example, many schools are having focus team meetings, as well as grade level or data meetings.
Digital tools are being used more in the school setting. Teachers are able to use tools such as blogs and wikis. Teachers are using these tools to share ideas about teaching and learning. Many educators are blogging on a daily basis. I feel that using blogs and wikis is an easy way to learn more about teaching and learning. This method is free and very simple. These tools require very little technology skills.
To conclude, I feel that all school districts should require teachers to blog on a regular basis. This would be an easy way to share ideas throughout any school district or anywhere in the nation.
References
Ferriter, Bill. (2009). Learning with blogs and wikis. Educational Leadership.
Opinion Paper 2
Technology is being used by millions of students and teachers on a daily basis. Ideas are blazing in schools and homes from simple techniques to huge projects. In this article kids share their ideas about technology. The article covers topics ranging from language arts to science and math. The article provides links to several resources that supports the use of technology by kids. These resources are creative ideas that can be used by anyone.
There are many ways to integrate technology into language arts. The article suggests the making of videos, snapshots, and more. It also shares ideas for chat tools, Skype, photo editing software, and online slide shows. Teachers and students have been using these ideas to make learning more creative. Students and teachers have become more accustom to blogs and chat room. The more interesting lessons are the more students will learn.
In addition, social studies has become more interesting in many classrooms and in homes. One reason is the integration of technology. Students and teachers have been blogging, using wikis, and much more to make this happen. This article has resources that provide information on social networking, filmmaking, and online games. This is one way to make history come to life.
According to Bernard (2009) teachers can make science and math learning feel real to students by letting them employ video and computer games, video cameras and disposable cameras, and interactive whiteboards. These are just a few of the ways that teachers and students have been using technology to bring math and science alive.
I feel that this is an excellent article. All students should be exposed to technology. Teachers are integrating technology into the classrooms just as students are learning more about technology on their own. Technology is one way of making learning exciting for our students.
References
Bernard, S. (2009). Kids talk tech. Edutopia: What Works in in Public Education.
There are many ways to integrate technology into language arts. The article suggests the making of videos, snapshots, and more. It also shares ideas for chat tools, Skype, photo editing software, and online slide shows. Teachers and students have been using these ideas to make learning more creative. Students and teachers have become more accustom to blogs and chat room. The more interesting lessons are the more students will learn.
In addition, social studies has become more interesting in many classrooms and in homes. One reason is the integration of technology. Students and teachers have been blogging, using wikis, and much more to make this happen. This article has resources that provide information on social networking, filmmaking, and online games. This is one way to make history come to life.
According to Bernard (2009) teachers can make science and math learning feel real to students by letting them employ video and computer games, video cameras and disposable cameras, and interactive whiteboards. These are just a few of the ways that teachers and students have been using technology to bring math and science alive.
I feel that this is an excellent article. All students should be exposed to technology. Teachers are integrating technology into the classrooms just as students are learning more about technology on their own. Technology is one way of making learning exciting for our students.
References
Bernard, S. (2009). Kids talk tech. Edutopia: What Works in in Public Education.
Opinion Paper 1
Many teachers aspire to have classrooms that are technological rich, but lack the skills or resources. Some teachers only have one computer and struggle to meet the needs of each student. Others have the needed resources, but can’t find ways to integrate technology into their daily lessons. There are tons of technology resources that can be used. In this article Chaika (2003) highlights management strategies, the effectiveness of planning and organizing, and classroom activities that can be used to effectively integrate technology into a one computer classroom. (Position Statement)
Several management strategies are mentioned in the article. Some teachers that have only one computer aren’t using that one computer effectively. Some are placed in the back of the room or next to the teacher’s desk. The article suggest placing the computer in an easily accessible location and making sure that it’s away from things such as sunlight. Stations can be created as well. If the computer is used as a station, a strategy for moving students through that station is necessary (Chaika, 2003).
Teachers should plan carefully and remain very organized in this type of an environment (Chaika, 2003). Teachers should check to see that each student has a clear understanding of what’s expected of him or her. Some teachers seek additional assistance from outside sources. Teachers must be very explicit in a one computer classroom. This will ensure a smooth transition to and from the computer. Several activities and resources were mentioned in the article to support the facts.
To sum it up, teachers can use one computer to effectively integrate technology into the classroom. There are resources and strategies available to assist teachers with this task.
References
Chaika, G. (2003). How to thrive—not just survive—in a one computer classroom? Education World.
Several management strategies are mentioned in the article. Some teachers that have only one computer aren’t using that one computer effectively. Some are placed in the back of the room or next to the teacher’s desk. The article suggest placing the computer in an easily accessible location and making sure that it’s away from things such as sunlight. Stations can be created as well. If the computer is used as a station, a strategy for moving students through that station is necessary (Chaika, 2003).
Teachers should plan carefully and remain very organized in this type of an environment (Chaika, 2003). Teachers should check to see that each student has a clear understanding of what’s expected of him or her. Some teachers seek additional assistance from outside sources. Teachers must be very explicit in a one computer classroom. This will ensure a smooth transition to and from the computer. Several activities and resources were mentioned in the article to support the facts.
To sum it up, teachers can use one computer to effectively integrate technology into the classroom. There are resources and strategies available to assist teachers with this task.
References
Chaika, G. (2003). How to thrive—not just survive—in a one computer classroom? Education World.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Online Exercise 16
Online Exercise 16: Post one tip or trick dealing with technology that you have used in your classroom, read about, or seen in use. Be sure to include your name with the post!
One trick that I have learned with technology is to save and save often. This will prevent losing any information.
Sharon Jennings
One trick that I have learned with technology is to save and save often. This will prevent losing any information.
Sharon Jennings
Online Exercise 14
How can development tools help you to develop students’ higher order skills and creativity?
(Development tools: Imaging/Editing Software, drawing tools, web page development tools, multimedia tools, etc.)
These tools can help students to enhance reports, projects, and assigned activities. They can use these tools to be creative when completing these assignments. Drawing tools can be used to create student made pictures and other items. Web pages will allow students to share their work and their creativity. The use of any multimedia tools can make learning fun and interesting.
How can these tools help students to be more productive? What makes these tools suitable for your classroom?
Any of these tools can help students to be creative when producing student work. They will make the creation of the work fun as well. All of these tools can assist me with creating fun lessons. I would use the web page to share information with parents as well as students.
(Development tools: Imaging/Editing Software, drawing tools, web page development tools, multimedia tools, etc.)
These tools can help students to enhance reports, projects, and assigned activities. They can use these tools to be creative when completing these assignments. Drawing tools can be used to create student made pictures and other items. Web pages will allow students to share their work and their creativity. The use of any multimedia tools can make learning fun and interesting.
How can these tools help students to be more productive? What makes these tools suitable for your classroom?
Any of these tools can help students to be creative when producing student work. They will make the creation of the work fun as well. All of these tools can assist me with creating fun lessons. I would use the web page to share information with parents as well as students.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Online Exercise 12
Online Exercise 12- Productivity Tools
Think of the productivity tools discussed in class and ways you have used them. (Word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation software, concept mapping tools, free productivity tools)
How have productivity tools helped you be more creative?
I have shared my knowledge of some of these tools with my teachers. I have used concept mapping tools to demonstrate lessons for my reading teachers. I have used presentation software (power point) to present new information to the faculty/staff.
More organized?
I have used databases to store information. I have been able to store discipline referrals, teacher absentees, student absentees, and other information. Spreadsheets have been used to store and organize information as well.
More productive?
Word processing has been used to develop many documents for multiple purposes. These documents have been used to inform parents, faculty/staff, students, and community members of events and important information relevant to the school.
How can you incorporate the learner-centered principles into your approaches for using these tools?
I can incorporate the learner-centered principles into my approaches by focusing on each individual child. I can allow the teacher to be the facilitator while the child participates in hands on activities.
Think of the productivity tools discussed in class and ways you have used them. (Word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation software, concept mapping tools, free productivity tools)
How have productivity tools helped you be more creative?
I have shared my knowledge of some of these tools with my teachers. I have used concept mapping tools to demonstrate lessons for my reading teachers. I have used presentation software (power point) to present new information to the faculty/staff.
More organized?
I have used databases to store information. I have been able to store discipline referrals, teacher absentees, student absentees, and other information. Spreadsheets have been used to store and organize information as well.
More productive?
Word processing has been used to develop many documents for multiple purposes. These documents have been used to inform parents, faculty/staff, students, and community members of events and important information relevant to the school.
How can you incorporate the learner-centered principles into your approaches for using these tools?
I can incorporate the learner-centered principles into my approaches by focusing on each individual child. I can allow the teacher to be the facilitator while the child participates in hands on activities.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Online Exercise 10
Online Exercise 10- Planning an Initiating/Introduction Activity
A teacher you work with has asked for your help in designing technology-related activities capitalizing on the wide variety of technology resources available in the room (assume the kind of technology you choose will be in the room).
How would you design the initiating activity(s)?
I would design the activity as a group assignment.
Students would be assigned a partner. I would use the Alabama Course of Study to pick standards and objectives. The students would work with their partner to create a powerpoint on the assigned lesson. They will be required to take pictures with a digital camera to insert into their powerpoint.
How many would there be? 2
How would you choose to integrate technology into your teaching, students’ learning, and the assessments?
I would demostrate to the students how to create a powerpoint. I would show them how to integrate their powerpoint into the lesson. I would show them how to use the digital camera as well. They would be given practice using both forms of technology prior to completing their own assignment.
What technology would you choose?
Powerpoint and Digital Cameras
How would you assist the teacher in u
nderstanding how the technology you use in the initiating activities could be used again in the guided learning and culminating performance – for instruction, learning, and assessment?
I would explain to her that explicit instruction is taking place when she demonstrates the powerpoint to the students. It is also taking place when she shows them how to use the digital camera.
The final product of the students powerpoint will be used for assessment purposes.
What resources would you direct him/her towards?
I would direct her to several websites. I would also show her sample powerpoints that have been created by previous students.
A teacher you work with has asked for your help in designing technology-related activities capitalizing on the wide variety of technology resources available in the room (assume the kind of technology you choose will be in the room).
How would you design the initiating activity(s)?
I would design the activity as a group assignment.
Students would be assigned a partner. I would use the Alabama Course of Study to pick standards and objectives. The students would work with their partner to create a powerpoint on the assigned lesson. They will be required to take pictures with a digital camera to insert into their powerpoint.
How many would there be? 2
How would you choose to integrate technology into your teaching, students’ learning, and the assessments?
I would demostrate to the students how to create a powerpoint. I would show them how to integrate their powerpoint into the lesson. I would show them how to use the digital camera as well. They would be given practice using both forms of technology prior to completing their own assignment.
What technology would you choose?
Powerpoint and Digital Cameras
How would you assist the teacher in u
nderstanding how the technology you use in the initiating activities could be used again in the guided learning and culminating performance – for instruction, learning, and assessment?
I would explain to her that explicit instruction is taking place when she demonstrates the powerpoint to the students. It is also taking place when she shows them how to use the digital camera.
The final product of the students powerpoint will be used for assessment purposes.
What resources would you direct him/her towards?
I would direct her to several websites. I would also show her sample powerpoints that have been created by previous students.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Online Exercise 7: Standards
Locate a state standard(s) for the grade you are teaching. Identify a standard that can be addressed through a short unit (one to five days).
1.) Demonstrate reading vocabulary knowledge, including recognition of multiple-meaning words
Now visit the ISTE NETS standards to see whether one or more of those is appropriate for helping you meet the content standard(s) you have selected. Yes
If so, identify the tools, such as software or websites that you will be using or have used in a past lesson. Now that you have the standards in mind and have selected your technology, think about how you might assess or did assess whether your students have met the standard(s).
I would use theElmo, Microsoft Powerpoint, and a digital camera.
Will you use quizzes? Tests?
No! The students will be evaluated by their presentation of their final project.
A performance-based task?
I will use a rubric for the presentation and the final project.
Next, think about the learning activities. How will each activity address the standard(s) you have selected?
The activities that the students will be involved with in class will help them to prepare for their final project. The students will be given several examples and models of what they will be expected to do.
How will the activities help your students succeed on the assessment?
The activities will prepare them for the final project because they will be practice of what is expected from them.
Locate a state standard(s) for the grade you are teaching. Identify a standard that can be addressed through a short unit (one to five days).
1.) Demonstrate reading vocabulary knowledge, including recognition of multiple-meaning words
Now visit the ISTE NETS standards to see whether one or more of those is appropriate for helping you meet the content standard(s) you have selected. Yes
If so, identify the tools, such as software or websites that you will be using or have used in a past lesson. Now that you have the standards in mind and have selected your technology, think about how you might assess or did assess whether your students have met the standard(s).
I would use theElmo, Microsoft Powerpoint, and a digital camera.
Will you use quizzes? Tests?
No! The students will be evaluated by their presentation of their final project.
A performance-based task?
I will use a rubric for the presentation and the final project.
Next, think about the learning activities. How will each activity address the standard(s) you have selected?
The activities that the students will be involved with in class will help them to prepare for their final project. The students will be given several examples and models of what they will be expected to do.
How will the activities help your students succeed on the assessment?
The activities will prepare them for the final project because they will be practice of what is expected from them.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Online Exercise 5
Online Exercise 5: Technology in the Classroom
Think about your classroom. In your mind, where do you see the technology in that room? (Think of all the possible technologies—computers, LCD projectors, handhelds, laptop carts, and more.) How will you set up the classroom to support students in working both with technology and with each other? Ask yourself the following questions:
Will the kinds of technologies you have envisioned support all of your students regardless of their learning strengths and weaknesses?
Yes! I feel that we have a sufficient amount of technology in the classrooms to meet the needs of the entire student population. We have technology that can be used by students regardless of their weakness. In addition, we have technology to change our advanced students. This equipment ranges from educational games to Elmos.
Will these technologies support your students in working together?
Yes! These technologies support group work as well as individual work. Most of our teachers use technology when conducting small group instruction. Educational games are used for small group instruction to decrease disciplinary problems.
Will students have enough access to technologies to meet their learning needs?
Yes ! Some form of technology is available in each classroom. Students are exposed to technology in all classrooms.
Now think about teaching in that classroom:
How will you know students are learning what you intend them to learn?
I will use a variety of methods to monitor the effectiveness of technology.
Some of these methods will include walkthrough tools, progress monitoring forms, and monthly teacher reports.
How will you identify their preferred learning style and differentiate instruction in the classroom for them?
Teachers will administer a learning style assessment tool to identify students' preferred learning styles.
If they are not learning what you intend, how will you address that?
I will suggest redoing our technology plan.
My students
Think about your classroom. In your mind, where do you see the technology in that room? (Think of all the possible technologies—computers, LCD projectors, handhelds, laptop carts, and more.) How will you set up the classroom to support students in working both with technology and with each other? Ask yourself the following questions:
Will the kinds of technologies you have envisioned support all of your students regardless of their learning strengths and weaknesses?
Yes! I feel that we have a sufficient amount of technology in the classrooms to meet the needs of the entire student population. We have technology that can be used by students regardless of their weakness. In addition, we have technology to change our advanced students. This equipment ranges from educational games to Elmos.
Will these technologies support your students in working together?
Yes! These technologies support group work as well as individual work. Most of our teachers use technology when conducting small group instruction. Educational games are used for small group instruction to decrease disciplinary problems.
Will students have enough access to technologies to meet their learning needs?
Yes ! Some form of technology is available in each classroom. Students are exposed to technology in all classrooms.
Now think about teaching in that classroom:
How will you know students are learning what you intend them to learn?
I will use a variety of methods to monitor the effectiveness of technology.
Some of these methods will include walkthrough tools, progress monitoring forms, and monthly teacher reports.
How will you identify their preferred learning style and differentiate instruction in the classroom for them?
Teachers will administer a learning style assessment tool to identify students' preferred learning styles.
If they are not learning what you intend, how will you address that?
I will suggest redoing our technology plan.
My students
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