Tuesday, May 1, 2012
GLE's and NETS:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/4opsgekvlxje142/2.docx
Group Member Rubric:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/lax20hm6zj45cxs/Group%20Member%20Rubric.docx
Teacher Rubric (Overall):
https://www.dropbox.com/s/whax4h4yfkzz1f8/Teacher%20Rubric.docx
https://www.dropbox.com/s/4opsgekvlxje142/2.docx
Group Member Rubric:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/lax20hm6zj45cxs/Group%20Member%20Rubric.docx
Teacher Rubric (Overall):
https://www.dropbox.com/s/whax4h4yfkzz1f8/Teacher%20Rubric.docx
End of Year Reflection
I feel as though I have reversed the clock on my technological knowledge through this class. Basically, coming into this class I felt like a grandma. I don't have a laptop, I have two emails and have never read an educational blog before. After leaving this class I feel like I am in my 30's I have learned a lot yet still have a lot to learn and I found out I really like reading blogs. Growth is good :). I have learned so many new things that have/will become applicable to me as I continue on to becoming an educator. Here are just a couple of things I will write down to show how much I have learned:
- I have discovered that I love blogging and that is probably because I love to talk and I love to have opinions on things but because I am required to have this blog has sparked in me the want to create my own as well as definitely have a classroom blog when I enter my teaching career
- There are so many different ways to do lessons rather than lecture based, Prezi, Vocaroo, FlipSnack etc. I am amazed and excited to utilize these in the classroom
- Get your students involved! Active learning is the best type of learning.
- Technology "levels the playing field", I LOVE that saying (read reflection #8 for more)
In accordance with the NETS I seriously have become familiar with all of them. Because technology is now becoming such an integral part of the educational process I don't think teachers should have an option to not be familiar with them. Digital Citizenship must be addressed in school, students must know how to cite and research on the Internet appropriately, teachers must be the example of D.C. in their classrooms and attempt to know more about certain technologies than their students. The NETS provide a basis of understanding and a foundation for teachers to grasp and then after we (teachers) understand and put them into practice our students will recognize and begin to see how appropriate technology can fit into the classroom. I think my favorite NET is the Digital Citizenship one and I know that I have already learned so much more about how to use the Internet in an educational setting and will continue to learn more and more about how to pass that knowledge onto my students.
Thank you for everything! I have learned so much! :)
Reflection #12
Throughout my K-12 years at Public School I remember learning little to nothing about Digital Citizenship, so being able to have an open discussion about that topic is very refreshing to me. After doing that small project last week (the one where Jordyn and I made that video) I am amazed at the options technology has for social networking as well as the steps specific sites are taking to ensure that those visiting their sites are safe and secure. I think with every teacher and especially parent there is the worry that comes along with texting, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. But as teachers, if we take a step up to the plate and begin to expose the facts and safety precautions of this technology it will hopefully allows students to realize that they need to be careful and smart when subscribing or joining anything online.,
Reflection #11
In one of our Tech in Ed classes we looked up "fake" websites, and as I write this blog entry I smirk at the idea that people have the naivete's to believe everything they read on the Internet. Yet, just a couple of weeks ago I had procrastinated on an essay for my Cultural Anthropology class. The paper was about the Samoan people and their culture and as I Googled and researched for this paper I found a variety of websites that were extremely questionable in the area of reliability.
In my lifetime there has been a large shift in the trustworthiness of the the Internet. When I was younger (elementary school) the Internet was an endless place filled with untouchable knowledge to be grasped by those that surfed its endless websites. And though today the Internet is a place still filled with millions of resources from A to Z there is a stronger sense of carefulness and discernment when entering and looking at any website. So when on the Internet, one must remember to be smart and stay safe, though it has many good uses the Internet holds some danger as well.
In my lifetime there has been a large shift in the trustworthiness of the the Internet. When I was younger (elementary school) the Internet was an endless place filled with untouchable knowledge to be grasped by those that surfed its endless websites. And though today the Internet is a place still filled with millions of resources from A to Z there is a stronger sense of carefulness and discernment when entering and looking at any website. So when on the Internet, one must remember to be smart and stay safe, though it has many good uses the Internet holds some danger as well.
Reflection #10
For my final lesson in Instructional Design I created a PowerPoint. I was teaching on the United Nations and had video clips, pictures and statistics that helped spice up my "lecture" type lesson. But the PowerPoint had ideas of its own, it decided to just stop working. So I took a deep breath, knew I was prepared and went on with my lesson until the system rebooted. This was a good lesson for me to learn: that I need to understand and know my material well enough that if technology were to fail me, I would make it through. I have discussed the over dependence on technology in the History classroom on multiple occasions but I am again reminded that if you (as the teacher) are passionate about your subject, students will feel that passion. And maybe not all students will want to study history for the rest of their lives after taking your class, but they will understand that passions drive people to what they want to become and without passion or knowledge, technology can be seen as just a crutch.
Reflection #9
My uncle has Cerebral Palsy, a disability that was caused from a lack of oxygen to the brain at birth. Though the range of function for this disability is vast, my uncle cannot speak nor walk. He is 43 years old now and the doctors said he would not live past the age of 5, so he is no doubt a miracle. With today's technology he can communicate, not just through eye rolls or sounds but through iPads and other touch technology that allows him to express his feelings and wants. Though my grandparents (his caretakers) have attempted some of the technology we are looking forward to the next couple months as we await an iPad that can give Larry the voice we so desperately want to hear.
For some reason the idea of "leveling the playing field" through technology really makes me excited, and I want to revisit that idea again and again. Its the idea that humans can create something so wonderful that it gives a voice to the voiceless and allows those that never imagined walking to walk. Its about hope. Technology inspires people to go beyond themselves and create something new, something that tests boundaries and pushes people to their full potential....wait I take that back....it pushes people to realize there is no potential only room from growth. Not only do I await in anticipation that I can hear my uncle speak but I am excited because there is so much more to come and I have hope in that.
For some reason the idea of "leveling the playing field" through technology really makes me excited, and I want to revisit that idea again and again. Its the idea that humans can create something so wonderful that it gives a voice to the voiceless and allows those that never imagined walking to walk. Its about hope. Technology inspires people to go beyond themselves and create something new, something that tests boundaries and pushes people to their full potential....wait I take that back....it pushes people to realize there is no potential only room from growth. Not only do I await in anticipation that I can hear my uncle speak but I am excited because there is so much more to come and I have hope in that.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Reflection #8
I coach a U15 volleyball team for Bothell Volleyball club and though it may not be a literal classroom, the volleyball court is a place where learning is vital for improvement and success to take place. A generous donor for the club donated an iPad to each team. In all honesty you would think that an iPad would not really be helpful for a volleyball team, but there are numerous apps that allows coaches and players to videotape, stat and understand the game at a deeper level. The app that has been most helpful to my team has been Volleyball Statistics Pro, it is an app that can be used during games to help keep track of rotations, serve-receive, assists, kills and percentages of all kinds. This application has helped me in this volleyball season more than I can believe. My experience with this technology just shows that that world continues to expand into other realms of life besides education and that is exciting.
Reflection #7
I had the privilege of observing/volunteering in a special needs classroom at Skyview Junior High school with Ms. Escott, a second year teacher. Just recently some of her students have begun to use iPod touches to help them keep track of schedules, homework and voice activated applications. One specific student, Adriana, was extremely excited to show me her iPod and the things she uses it for. When reflecting on this experience I began to understand the idea that technology literally "levels the playing field" in terms that technology can help and relate to all students, especially those with disabilities. I thought that the use of the iPod touches was an awesome way to help students connect with technology and make them feel independent and help enhance their learning experience.
Blog Comments
Jordyn's: http://jordynwilsonsblog.blogspot.com/2012/04/reflection-12.html?showComment=1335555122991#c1135013513900574959
Adam:http://adamcannu.blogspot.com/2012/04/week-13-word-excel-powerpoint.html?showComment=1335664510279#c2393403799847257752
Kristine:http://kristinestipp.blogspot.com/2012/04/reflection-10.html?showComment=1335664226092#c608488561047575990
Beth:http://beththegingergeek.blogspot.com/2012/04/reflection-12.html?showComment=1335663900749#c5315347914321611028
Josh:http://joshuastechinedblog.blogspot.com/2012/04/reflection-9.html?showComment=1335664867052#c7357542999232148101
Adam:http://adamcannu.blogspot.com/2012/04/week-13-word-excel-powerpoint.html?showComment=1335664510279#c2393403799847257752
Kristine:http://kristinestipp.blogspot.com/2012/04/reflection-10.html?showComment=1335664226092#c608488561047575990
Beth:http://beththegingergeek.blogspot.com/2012/04/reflection-12.html?showComment=1335663900749#c5315347914321611028
Josh:http://joshuastechinedblog.blogspot.com/2012/04/reflection-9.html?showComment=1335664867052#c7357542999232148101
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Blog Assignment Week Fourteen
Last night while I watching TV with my mother a commercial for the Samsung Galaxy Note came on, this commercial had the product in the classroom and the students were each writing one sentence of a story on them and then passing them around. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78-s1HNgUAQ The commercial also includes an actual teacher who used the Note in the classroom and saw the excitement and fun that the use of the technology created for that lesson. After the commercial my asked "And when are we going to get those for all of our students?" She is a teacher in the Northshore School District at an middle to upper middle class junior high. Though she loves the idea of more technological integration in education she suffers with the amount of money or the time it will take to get the educational system "up to date".
It seems the future of education is limitless if money was of no concern. Teachers want to change in a way that will create better connections with their students, but the want to change may not necessarily translate into the means to enact this change or make this future goal a reality. Another interesting article I read about the future of technology in education is http://www.wiu.edu/thecenter/articles/teched.html by Patricia Huntinger who pinpoints the idea that education can create ability from disability. This quote also stood out to me "Teachers often comment, "My children don't need computers. They need the basics." In reality, computers and their accompanying applications, as well as other technologies, are the basics for children whether they are disabled or not. Schools are not just "getting children ready" for technology use at some later date. Children, even preschoolers with disabilities, can and are using technology now and they are connecting." Commonly I find myself believing that same "basic" point of view but forget to acknowledge that technology is a new basic for student learning in the classroom.
Overall, I am excited to enter the teaching workforce as the advancement and integration of technology is increasing, I just hope that I can continue to learn how to utilize the tools to the best of my ability to ensure my students the best learning experience possible.
It seems the future of education is limitless if money was of no concern. Teachers want to change in a way that will create better connections with their students, but the want to change may not necessarily translate into the means to enact this change or make this future goal a reality. Another interesting article I read about the future of technology in education is http://www.wiu.edu/thecenter/articles/teched.html by Patricia Huntinger who pinpoints the idea that education can create ability from disability. This quote also stood out to me "Teachers often comment, "My children don't need computers. They need the basics." In reality, computers and their accompanying applications, as well as other technologies, are the basics for children whether they are disabled or not. Schools are not just "getting children ready" for technology use at some later date. Children, even preschoolers with disabilities, can and are using technology now and they are connecting." Commonly I find myself believing that same "basic" point of view but forget to acknowledge that technology is a new basic for student learning in the classroom.
Overall, I am excited to enter the teaching workforce as the advancement and integration of technology is increasing, I just hope that I can continue to learn how to utilize the tools to the best of my ability to ensure my students the best learning experience possible.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Blog Assignment Week Thirteen
Word:
Write an essay
Add page numbers, headers and footers
Create a Newspaper
Excel:
Create a number table using algebraic formulas
Construct a table that shows how one would rank NBA draft players, or fantasy league
Create a timeline of the Civil War
Powerpoint:
Create a powerpoint using a different format for each slide (all pictures)
Insert a YouTube video into your PowerPoint
Save your Powerpoint as a PDF and create a FlipSnack
Write an essay
Add page numbers, headers and footers
Create a Newspaper
Excel:
Create a number table using algebraic formulas
Construct a table that shows how one would rank NBA draft players, or fantasy league
Create a timeline of the Civil War
Powerpoint:
Create a powerpoint using a different format for each slide (all pictures)
Insert a YouTube video into your PowerPoint
Save your Powerpoint as a PDF and create a FlipSnack
Blog Assignment Week Twelve
http://www.marzanoresearch.com/documents/Marzano9-09.pdf
Setting the Record Straight on "high-yield" Strategies
As I read through Dr. Robert Marzano's article about "high yield" strategies in education. He touched on the idea that though it is flattering to see one's work used throughout the nation, if the information is misinterpreted or used incorrectly, the information and research has no purpose. Marzano stresses that each educator when using tools or strategies produced by somebody else must be willing to adapt to their specific situation when implementing teaching, grading or class managing strategies.
Dr. Marzano intends for all of this strategies and books to work together in order to create a consistent atmosphere in the classroom. Each of his books has a specific number of vague categories that can be used to enhance student achievement if implemented correctly. He addressed that " these categories or strategies are only a part of a comprehensive view of teaching".
This article emphasized that teaching is not a checklist or step-by-step directions, it is comprehensive and it takes numerous strategies and pedagogy's to begin to effectively teach students what they need to know. I will take this information with me as I continue on my educational career to remember that changing or implementing one thing can be helpful for a day, but it is the collaboration of good teachers that truly teaches students to learn.
Setting the Record Straight on "high-yield" Strategies
As I read through Dr. Robert Marzano's article about "high yield" strategies in education. He touched on the idea that though it is flattering to see one's work used throughout the nation, if the information is misinterpreted or used incorrectly, the information and research has no purpose. Marzano stresses that each educator when using tools or strategies produced by somebody else must be willing to adapt to their specific situation when implementing teaching, grading or class managing strategies.
Dr. Marzano intends for all of this strategies and books to work together in order to create a consistent atmosphere in the classroom. Each of his books has a specific number of vague categories that can be used to enhance student achievement if implemented correctly. He addressed that " these categories or strategies are only a part of a comprehensive view of teaching".
This article emphasized that teaching is not a checklist or step-by-step directions, it is comprehensive and it takes numerous strategies and pedagogy's to begin to effectively teach students what they need to know. I will take this information with me as I continue on my educational career to remember that changing or implementing one thing can be helpful for a day, but it is the collaboration of good teachers that truly teaches students to learn.
Blog Assignment Week Eleven
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Blog Post 3/27
Bloom's Taxonomy Blooms Digitally
April 1, 2008
Author: Andrew Churches
http://www.techlearning.com/article/44988
The ideas presented in Bloom's levels of thinking easily relate to technology in many aspects. This article by Andrew Churches highlights the comparisons and uses of technology when applying them to the Bloom model of thinking. The levels from least complex to higher are; remembering, understanding, applying, analysing, evaluating, creating. Students can remember from various technological forms such asPower Points and YouTube videos. Students can analyze through the ActiVote technology. They can then apply their learning in through searching for information on the Internet and discerning which sources to use. In the eventual "creating" aspect of Bloom's chart a student can use a FlipSnack, Vocaroo, Blog and many other resources to show the creating aspect of this level of thinking.
Basically, any level of thinking can be related to technological education because it plays such an integral in our everyday lives. It is exciting to think that thought expression no longer needs to be limited to a paper and pen but can be evident in the various uses of technology.
April 1, 2008
Author: Andrew Churches
http://www.techlearning.com/article/44988
The ideas presented in Bloom's levels of thinking easily relate to technology in many aspects. This article by Andrew Churches highlights the comparisons and uses of technology when applying them to the Bloom model of thinking. The levels from least complex to higher are; remembering, understanding, applying, analysing, evaluating, creating. Students can remember from various technological forms such asPower Points and YouTube videos. Students can analyze through the ActiVote technology. They can then apply their learning in through searching for information on the Internet and discerning which sources to use. In the eventual "creating" aspect of Bloom's chart a student can use a FlipSnack, Vocaroo, Blog and many other resources to show the creating aspect of this level of thinking.
Basically, any level of thinking can be related to technological education because it plays such an integral in our everyday lives. It is exciting to think that thought expression no longer needs to be limited to a paper and pen but can be evident in the various uses of technology.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Blog Assignment Week Nine
I found Rob Spankle's article extremely enlightening. I think that addition of the FlipCam into the educational system would be very helpful for multiple reasons. First of all, students love being the center of attention. If each student had a handheld video camera they would be able to capture their own lives through video and also have the opportunity to share their experiences with the rest of their class. Secondly, cameras would also help teachers and other students get to know their classroom better, if each student was able to capture certain aspects of their life it would be a hands-on project in which others could gain a better understanding of their fellow classmate. Though Spankle uses the word revolution which in my opinion is very strong and somewhat loaded I know that if students/schools had access to FlipCams their educational experience would be enhanced.
Back to realism.....though Spankle highlights a number of positives about the FlipCam, the concept of money brings it back down to earth. Many schools already struggle in gaining access to up and coming technology and the addition of personal FlipCam's would be difficult to attain for certain districts or schools.
Back to realism.....though Spankle highlights a number of positives about the FlipCam, the concept of money brings it back down to earth. Many schools already struggle in gaining access to up and coming technology and the addition of personal FlipCam's would be difficult to attain for certain districts or schools.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Reflection #6
Technology in the classroom is consistently evolving, even from the time I was in high school (3 years ago) to today it seems that this generation continues to exponentially learn more about the world around them through technology. When I was visiting Bothell High School, my alma mater, I was amazed at the additions of Smart Boards in every classroom, the 5 rolling carts of MacBook laptops that were available to check out and the video production announcements that were shown three times a week. I know that I was able to attend school in a middle-class suburban area that has large funding in the area of technology, therefore I know I easily took its accessibility for granted. I remember having a MacBook for a week of "researching" in class and I would get nothing done because I would be looking up the Nordstrom Half-Yearly sale. Of course I take the fall for being completely off task during these times I find that as technology increases in the school, the more the students are taking it for granted and not utilizing the potential it has to help learning.
This personal observation serves as a reminder to me to be thankful for the education I have an am receiving. I remember the teachers that used technology as a substitute for teaching and those that saw it as a privilege and an additional tool to help the educational process. It also encourages me to use the technology available by my district (as a teacher) to help keep the students focused and familiar with this new way of learning. As our world continues to introduce new tools for the advancement of education in relation to technology, again I am reminded that the attitude of the teacher that greatly affects the students attitude toward learning no matter if they are using a pen and paper or a personal laptop.
This personal observation serves as a reminder to me to be thankful for the education I have an am receiving. I remember the teachers that used technology as a substitute for teaching and those that saw it as a privilege and an additional tool to help the educational process. It also encourages me to use the technology available by my district (as a teacher) to help keep the students focused and familiar with this new way of learning. As our world continues to introduce new tools for the advancement of education in relation to technology, again I am reminded that the attitude of the teacher that greatly affects the students attitude toward learning no matter if they are using a pen and paper or a personal laptop.
Reflection #5
For a blog post that is labeled Reflection I thought it would be clever to reflect on this last half of the semester as it has related to my increased knowledge of technology in education through this class. Honestly I have learned a lot. Though that statement is vague it is the truth. Blogging has always been something I have wanted to do and though this blog is required for the class learning how to set one up and maintain it will be extremely beneficial to me in the future. I definitely plan on having a classroom blog when I become a teacher, which was something I had never thought of before. Blogs provide a great platform to display up-to-date information in a technologically advanced world. I have also found other technology that we have utilized in class extremely helpful; learning how to use a Smart Board and discovering new websites to help our teaching to name a few. Before this class I did not realize all the resources that were available via the Internet, and I know that in the future I will use other teacher's blogs, videos and lesson ideas to enhance my own teaching. Overall, I have learned many new things about the technological aspect of teaching and look forward to this continued learning and discovering for myself and my future teaching career.
Blog Comments
http://www.beththegingergeek.blogspot.com/2012/01/blog-assignment-week-3-marc-prensky.html#comment-form
http://www.jordynwilsonsblog.blogspot.com/2012/01/prensky-article.html#comment-form
http://joshuastechinedblog.blogspot.com/2012/03/reflection-6.html?showComment=1331487267894#c8614610506108877330
http://kristinestipp.blogspot.com/2012/02/blog-assignment-week-8.html?showComment=1331488631671#c872237357831672361
http://adamcannu.blogspot.com/2012/02/reflection-1-6.html?showComment=1331489210386#c5476231317270300007
http://jordynwilsonsblog.blogspot.com/2012/02/reflection-1.html?showComment=1331488339655#c7823616416876409484
http://www.jordynwilsonsblog.blogspot.com/2012/01/prensky-article.html#comment-form
http://joshuastechinedblog.blogspot.com/2012/03/reflection-6.html?showComment=1331487267894#c8614610506108877330
http://kristinestipp.blogspot.com/2012/02/blog-assignment-week-8.html?showComment=1331488631671#c872237357831672361
http://adamcannu.blogspot.com/2012/02/reflection-1-6.html?showComment=1331489210386#c5476231317270300007
http://jordynwilsonsblog.blogspot.com/2012/02/reflection-1.html?showComment=1331488339655#c7823616416876409484
Reflection #4
For one of my observations I went to my mother's, Mrs. Ernster, ninth grade English classroom to watch how she integrated technology into her lessons. Mainly she used her Activboard to display her learning target for the day along with a question of the day. Honestly, that is the only technology that was used in her classroom for that lesson. After the class I asked her
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Reflection #3
Personally, I find technology extremely intimidating, though I know it is a necessary tool for the educational process of the 2000's I still find myself lost in the multiple button pressing, screen views and key terms. In my class Instructional Design we learned how to use a Document Camera. My professor, Lucinda Garrett used someone's lack of understanding of the technology as a teaching moment and we were all able to learn how to connect the camera's view to the Smart Board. This was a very helpful teaching moment and I learned two major things. First of all, don't ever make as student feel bad for not knowing how to use technology and in turn (2) you can use the moment to teach your students something new while being a flexible teacher.
Reflection #2
Over Spring Break I had the pleasure of visiting my best friends college, Moody Bible Institute, in Chicago, Illinois. The overall experience was wonderful, but more specifically I was able to attend a couple classes with her. During these classes I compared and observed the different technologies used in the collegiate setting in comparison with an elementary, junior or high school setting.
First of all, I think college is a different atmosphere entirely because the students are paying money to attend classes, they are not necessarily needing to be "entertained" or "engaged" at all times because a college education truly relies on independence and responsibility from the student. But what I did find interesting is that both professor from the classes I observed used an appealing PowerPoint to display their lectures. One professor added floating words or images and included a number of cartoon-like pictures to coincided with his lecture. Though this technology may not be "advanced" it was very helpful, to me at least, in learning the material and I am still actually able to remember the different pictures that related to Bible stories and characters. The other professor used his iPhone that was connected to his Mac Book Air to connect to his PowerPoint. He was able to use his iPhone as a remote to control his PowerPoint, which I thought was extremely cool and could be useful to me in the future.
Although this observation was of two college classrooms technology was still a part of the teaching process and it assisted students in better note-taking and clearer comprehension of the material.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Blog Assignment Week Eight
Student Interactives- Read Write Think
http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/student-interactives/
This website provides a variety of interactive games that encompass the subject areas of writing and reading. The Read Write Think website allows you to search through games and interactive lessons to use online. Students can use these online tools to learn a range of topics relating to writing and reading. Read Write Think ranges in activities from learning about acrostic poems to Venn diagrams. Another feature of this website is that it ranges from K-12 grades, allowing all ages of students to use the resources for classroom learning.
I would use this website if I wanted students to work individually on a specific writing or reading skill on their personal computers (aka: the ones provided by the school). Using this website would allow the students to be independent in their work but integrate technology through interactive games and tools.
http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/student-interactives/
This website provides a variety of interactive games that encompass the subject areas of writing and reading. The Read Write Think website allows you to search through games and interactive lessons to use online. Students can use these online tools to learn a range of topics relating to writing and reading. Read Write Think ranges in activities from learning about acrostic poems to Venn diagrams. Another feature of this website is that it ranges from K-12 grades, allowing all ages of students to use the resources for classroom learning.
I would use this website if I wanted students to work individually on a specific writing or reading skill on their personal computers (aka: the ones provided by the school). Using this website would allow the students to be independent in their work but integrate technology through interactive games and tools.
Blog Assignment Week Seven
Blog: It's Not all Flowers and Sausages
Mrs. Mimi
http://itsnotallflowersandsausages.blogspot.com/2010/01/technology-shmechnology.html
I found this blog on Angela Runte's class blog from last semester and I found it extremely entertaining and informative. Mrs. Mimi depicts her classroom and school environment in a comical way; mainly through sarcasm and humor. Mrs. Mimi uses her blog as a "venting" process to explain and bring to life the ridiculous and the ordinary of the teaching profession. Mrs. Mimi's most recent blog discusses her struggles to understand technology. Near the end of this entry she writes, "So while yes, high tech whiteboards are very fancy and shiny and may spur feelings of Teacher Jealousy, let's stop parading them around as Saviors of the Classroom and recognize that supporting, promoting and encouraging GOOD TEACHING (with or without technology) is our best investment". I find this quote humorous and refreshing and though I acknowledge that technology in the classroom is essential, I also realize that we (as teachers) cannot hide behind it and expect our students to simply learn from a computer, SMART Board or other technological devices, teachers need to teach.
I had some trouble finding the "Blogs for Educators" but I know that when it comes to the subject of math, ActiVotes would be extremely helpful. These personal voting systems allow students to press the answer they have come to while ensuring anonymity. The teacher is able to assign voters to each student and pull up the % of answers right/wrong so that if further assistance on a topic is needed the teacher is aware. This voting system is a fun way to use technology and increase participation in the classroom in the subject area of math.
Mrs. Mimi
http://itsnotallflowersandsausages.blogspot.com/2010/01/technology-shmechnology.html
I found this blog on Angela Runte's class blog from last semester and I found it extremely entertaining and informative. Mrs. Mimi depicts her classroom and school environment in a comical way; mainly through sarcasm and humor. Mrs. Mimi uses her blog as a "venting" process to explain and bring to life the ridiculous and the ordinary of the teaching profession. Mrs. Mimi's most recent blog discusses her struggles to understand technology. Near the end of this entry she writes, "So while yes, high tech whiteboards are very fancy and shiny and may spur feelings of Teacher Jealousy, let's stop parading them around as Saviors of the Classroom and recognize that supporting, promoting and encouraging GOOD TEACHING (with or without technology) is our best investment". I find this quote humorous and refreshing and though I acknowledge that technology in the classroom is essential, I also realize that we (as teachers) cannot hide behind it and expect our students to simply learn from a computer, SMART Board or other technological devices, teachers need to teach.
I had some trouble finding the "Blogs for Educators" but I know that when it comes to the subject of math, ActiVotes would be extremely helpful. These personal voting systems allow students to press the answer they have come to while ensuring anonymity. The teacher is able to assign voters to each student and pull up the % of answers right/wrong so that if further assistance on a topic is needed the teacher is aware. This voting system is a fun way to use technology and increase participation in the classroom in the subject area of math.
Reflection #1
I decided to observe and reflect on my AVID classroom and the use of the SMART Board during the Peer Study Group sessions. The students are able to use the SMART Board to write and present their questions and develop their answers using technology. The SMART Board is an asset to the classroom and to these discussions because it gives the students a new outlet to express their ideas and hash out different scenarios using additional resources. Though the students do not use the SMART Board to access the Internet or other programs its accessibility enhances the PSG experience. I also have noticed that the students look forward to using the Board in their groups and use this technology easily and effectively.
Blog Assignment Week Six
Generation IM
I was thoroughly intrigued by this article because I felt it gave a new perspective as how to look at the younger generation and the integration of technology within their everyday lives. Honestly, I always looked at the younger generation of today as a more "couch potato" group of students, those that are willing to play video games for 12 hours straight and consistently be entertained by movies rather than studying or reading. But this article gave another outlook on the students for me, it labeled them as participants in the technology of today, the ones who are creating blogs, websites and actually interacting with the technology not just plain laziness. Through the passion that these young people have for technology they can learn at a greater capacity through their technological knowledge.
One interesting comment that this article presented was the "leveling of the playing field" when comparing students with disabilities to those without. Special needs students who have wanted their whole life to feel "normal" can express themselves through technological scenarios and online interactions.
Technology can easily be added to a Science lesson, whether it is through a YouTube video demonstration, the students can video tape and post videos to a Social Network created by the teacher and ask questions about projects on a classroom forum. The technology that is available and utilized by the children in their home lives must be utilized in the classroom, it sparks their interest because it relates to their lives outside of school.
I was thoroughly intrigued by this article because I felt it gave a new perspective as how to look at the younger generation and the integration of technology within their everyday lives. Honestly, I always looked at the younger generation of today as a more "couch potato" group of students, those that are willing to play video games for 12 hours straight and consistently be entertained by movies rather than studying or reading. But this article gave another outlook on the students for me, it labeled them as participants in the technology of today, the ones who are creating blogs, websites and actually interacting with the technology not just plain laziness. Through the passion that these young people have for technology they can learn at a greater capacity through their technological knowledge.
One interesting comment that this article presented was the "leveling of the playing field" when comparing students with disabilities to those without. Special needs students who have wanted their whole life to feel "normal" can express themselves through technological scenarios and online interactions.
Technology can easily be added to a Science lesson, whether it is through a YouTube video demonstration, the students can video tape and post videos to a Social Network created by the teacher and ask questions about projects on a classroom forum. The technology that is available and utilized by the children in their home lives must be utilized in the classroom, it sparks their interest because it relates to their lives outside of school.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Blog Assignment Week Five
Website Used and Video Clip Watched:
http://www.prometheanworld.com/en-us/research/casestudies
This video clip and accompanying story was titled, "ActivProgress Case Study". The video highlighted how teachers at Mercer Middle School in Seattle used the ActivBoard, specifically ActivProgress, to enhance their classroom learning experience. The use of the ActiveProgress allows for students to individually select their answers and the teacher can see how each student responded therefore allowing her to give help to those who most need it without embarassing them in front of the whole class for their struggles with the lesson.I though that the connection between the ActivBoard and the tools that are associated with it such as ActivProgress can truly create a better classroom learning experience.
Question: How much does an ActivBoard cost? Has the addition of the ActivBoards in class legitimately raised test scores and student involvement? Evidence?
http://www.prometheanworld.com/en-us/research/casestudies
This video clip and accompanying story was titled, "ActivProgress Case Study". The video highlighted how teachers at Mercer Middle School in Seattle used the ActivBoard, specifically ActivProgress, to enhance their classroom learning experience. The use of the ActiveProgress allows for students to individually select their answers and the teacher can see how each student responded therefore allowing her to give help to those who most need it without embarassing them in front of the whole class for their struggles with the lesson.I though that the connection between the ActivBoard and the tools that are associated with it such as ActivProgress can truly create a better classroom learning experience.
Question: How much does an ActivBoard cost? Has the addition of the ActivBoards in class legitimately raised test scores and student involvement? Evidence?
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Interactive Whiteboard Lesson
SMART Board Features: YouTube Link, Turning the page of presentation, moving an object as an answer on the page
NETS Connection (Student): Critical Thinking- solving and defining definitions of Bill of Rights and Constitutional language
Research and Information Fluency- Listening and applying a rap music video connection to the Bill of Rights and their own personal lives through digital understanding. The comprehension of the video's information connects to processing data (from the video) and being able to identify different Bill of Rights.
NETS Connection (Teacher): Model Digital Age and Learning- as they listen to the video they will see the connection between technology and history, the combining of music, listening and comprehension through the internet, specifically a You Tube video/rap. I will be demonstrating the technology and connection to the internet, and showing the students how technology can be utilized in daily lessons. I am collaborating with students and giving an example of how technology can be accessed easily through the SMART Board.
Use of the SMART Board will enhance learning especially in the subject of History because sometimes the subject of history seems to have a "boring" connotation. When technology is integrated into the classroom it allows the students to connect in a modern way to what they are learning, it is something they are comfortable using therefore the exposure with the SMART Board gives both myself and the "students" a new and modern perspective that connects them to the Bill of Rights and creates an exciting environment to learn about their own Rights as US citizens with the help of technology.
NETS Connection (Student): Critical Thinking- solving and defining definitions of Bill of Rights and Constitutional language
Research and Information Fluency- Listening and applying a rap music video connection to the Bill of Rights and their own personal lives through digital understanding. The comprehension of the video's information connects to processing data (from the video) and being able to identify different Bill of Rights.
NETS Connection (Teacher): Model Digital Age and Learning- as they listen to the video they will see the connection between technology and history, the combining of music, listening and comprehension through the internet, specifically a You Tube video/rap. I will be demonstrating the technology and connection to the internet, and showing the students how technology can be utilized in daily lessons. I am collaborating with students and giving an example of how technology can be accessed easily through the SMART Board.
Use of the SMART Board will enhance learning especially in the subject of History because sometimes the subject of history seems to have a "boring" connotation. When technology is integrated into the classroom it allows the students to connect in a modern way to what they are learning, it is something they are comfortable using therefore the exposure with the SMART Board gives both myself and the "students" a new and modern perspective that connects them to the Bill of Rights and creates an exciting environment to learn about their own Rights as US citizens with the help of technology.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Blog Assignment Week Four
Learning about the SMART Board was a new and exciting experience for me. I think that having a SMART Board in my classroom to help with lessons ans incorporate a variety of activities to enhance lessons.The SMART Board is an addition that the students will be excited to use in their everyday lessons, it is an easy way to connect technology in the classroom. Something new I learned while playing the all the SMART Board applications about the already made lessons that will help use touch, sound and visuals to teach the students in a different way. I enjoyed looking through the variety of other functions of the SMART Board has to offer. I know that for my dreams of becoming a United States History there will be many advantages in using the SMART Board to allow the whole class to view a certain website or help show the students different resources available through technology and utilizing the SMART Board for a better classroom learning experience.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Demographics Write-Up
Student Class Enrollment
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Males: 13 Females:18
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Grade Level(s) in Your Class
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11th
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Subject(s) Taught
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United States History
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Demographics:
| |
School Socio-Economic Status
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_39.9_% of free and reduced lunch
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School Location
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_x_Urban ____Suburban ___Rural
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Describe relevant aspects of your School & Community that influence and/or impact teaching & learning. (Examples: curriculum, reform models, school focus, community partnerships, community support level)
| Classroom Demographics: In my 11th grade History class at Garfield High School there are 31 students; 13 males and 18 females. Included in this class are 8 Sped, 8 ELL and 16 below grade level on reading students. The ethnically diverse population of students attributes to the variety of parent involvement within the school community, although there is a strong PTSA presence in the high school which assists in activities and fundraisers. The technology available in my classroom includes 5 desktop computers, an Activboard, Activotes and document camera. We also have the opportunity to use the computer lab once a week for 30 minutes by appointment. School Demographics: Located in the urban area of Seattle, Garfield High School is greatly influence by the diverse culture of the people of Seattle. This diversity leads to a large range of opinions on the importance of education, with a fairly equal ratio of African-American, White and Asian/Pacific Islander students the cultural influences are a part of Garfield culture. Garfield enrolls about 1,611 students per year and has a $5,590 budget for each student per school year. With strong government emphasis on education, Garfield receives funding and support from the city as well. There is a large range of SES within the school's demographic, therefore there is a range of motivations and opinions held upon the importance of education within the community. Garfield's SES would be considered mostly middle to low income. Community Demographics: Garfield's location plays a large role in the community involvement. There are many ways for dedicated parents and community members to volunteer at Garfield High School: in the classroom, for fundraisers or after-school programs. Garfield High School is apart of Seattle Public Schools District which provides a yearly survey to all families in the district inquiring about instruction, leadership and family involvement within their students education. Each year the district provides a school report on each school that includes test scores, mission statements, anticipated budget/funding and long and short term goals. Garfield has a budget of about 9 million dollars, 85% which funds Basic and Vocational Education. In order to present a relative education to the students of Garfield High School, technological advancements to the school are presented yearly and the addition of Activboards and Activotes are increasingly appearing in more and more classrooms. The urban setting of Seattle and the high regard for education throughout the surrounding areas allows for funding and participation from outside sources. In all honesty, the success that the boys basketball team has had in the past decade has helped bring attention and money to the school in securing strong athletic programs which help in developing the character of the students that participate in athletics. There is also negative influence from the city, those that are of low income and are drawn to the life of drugs, violence and gangs which creates a dangerous atmosphere for some students who just want to receive an education. The goal of the teachers and community surround Garfield is to exhibit our mission statement as follows, "Recognizing our diverse history, Garfield educates all students as they build confidence, become active citizens and achieve academic success." 11th Grade Technology Standards: http://www.k12.wa.us/EdTech/Standards/TechStandards.aspx |
Classroom Mobility
*your classroom
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_10_% of student turnover within the school year
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Race/Ethnicity
*your classroom
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_30_% Black _7.7_% Hispanic
__37.6__% White _0.7_% American Indian
__23.2_% Asian/Pacific Islander _0.5_% Multiracial
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Spoken Languages
*your classroom
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__70__% English as a first language
__20__% Fluent in English as a second language
__10__% English-language learner
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Identified Special Student Needs
(List any types of specific learning disabilities and/or gifted/talented students and the number of identified students )
*Your classroom
|
|
Academic Profile
| |
Assessment Data:
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Standardized or teacher designed test(s) administered to your students (include year given)
-MSP (offered in 10th grade)
-
__85__% Above __55__% At Standard __35__% Below Standard
|
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Classroom Scenario
31 students, 8 ELL, 8 Sped, 16 below grade level in reading
Available Tech: 5 desktop computers in the classroom, Activboard, Activotes, document camera, computer lab available for 30 minutes once a week and by appt.
NET-S
Teacher- 3. Model Digital- Age Working and Learning
Student- 2. Communication and Collaboration
Available Tech: 5 desktop computers in the classroom, Activboard, Activotes, document camera, computer lab available for 30 minutes once a week and by appt.
NET-S
Teacher- 3. Model Digital- Age Working and Learning
Student- 2. Communication and Collaboration
Blog Assignment Week Three
As I read Marc Prensky's article titled Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants I was intrigued by the major theme of division among teachers and students in the United States in the realm of education. Prensky elaborates upon this divide using examples of the "tradition" teaching methods used today in contrast with the ever-changing technological advancements of students in today's classrooms. Prensky is pressing for change to be made within education, changes that align with the changing technology that is made available in our world. The division between the digital natives and the digital immigrants was a new idea for me to process, and in many ways I was impressed and challenged by the idea of forming education around the students world.
The proposition of creating a new way of teaching is extremely daunting, but Prensky states, "So we have to invent, but not necessarily from scratch." I found this quote refreshing, there is a foundation of teaching that has been established in our country that has been successful in many ways, but we must acknowledge the changes in our world and accommodate to them. Real word application is key for students in today's world and as more students become more attached and influenced by technology, the more the educational system needs to incorporate it into the classroom. Through this article I learned that change is not only possible, but necessary and as I continue on my journey towards teaching I am excited to learn how I can become more technologically savvy to ensure my students have an educational experience that will help them all through their lives.
The proposition of creating a new way of teaching is extremely daunting, but Prensky states, "So we have to invent, but not necessarily from scratch." I found this quote refreshing, there is a foundation of teaching that has been established in our country that has been successful in many ways, but we must acknowledge the changes in our world and accommodate to them. Real word application is key for students in today's world and as more students become more attached and influenced by technology, the more the educational system needs to incorporate it into the classroom. Through this article I learned that change is not only possible, but necessary and as I continue on my journey towards teaching I am excited to learn how I can become more technologically savvy to ensure my students have an educational experience that will help them all through their lives.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Blog Assignment Week Two
"It's not reform we need, its revolution," Sir Ken Robinson boldly conveys this message through his TED talk concerning his labeling of the "climate crisis" found in today's system of education. As I watched and listened to his opinions and suggestions for an educational revolution I was torn in two directions, dreams and reality.
Robinson first pinpoints the linearity found in education today, the idea that all students must follow similar guidelines, passing similar tests and gaining similar objectives in order to be successful. He offers that this system hinders the creative process and suppresses talents of students. In order for this to change Robinson suggests personalized education for each student, that in order to appeal and truly cultivate the next generation of passionate leaders education must be filled with building up the talents of the students. Passion is what "feeds the spirit" and Robinson feels that the educational track of today lacks that sense of "nutrition" that each student needs to flourish.Another major component of Robinson's talk was his idea of the transforming the industrial education system to a more agricultural one. This idea of change echoes the previous ideas of "feeding one's spirit" through this transformation Robinson believes that students will more easily develop passions and elaborate upon their own talents because they will be cultivated in the correct way.
In an ideal world, Robinson's ideas sound great. I believe it should be the priority of a teacher to help grow young minds to find their passions and enhance their talents, but this type of "agricultural" education is extremely ideal. Personalized education would be the most beneficial to all students, yet the money, work and effort that it would cost to our society, students and teachers is not a realistic expectation. Education cannot be conformed to every individual, with millions of students in the education system in the United States, personalized plans create an equal balance of pro's and con's. So though Robinson's ideas are pleasing to the ears of almost all individuals in favor of bettering our education system, they seem to be almost unattainable.
Yet, it is the job of teachers and students to make the education system we have available the best it can be. Teachers must help students in any way possible to reach their goals and students must reciprocate by providing solid effort in order to reach or exceed those expectations. Education is not doomed, it just takes some serious passion and hard work to attempt in creating positive experiences for all those involved with such a vital system in today's world.
Robinson first pinpoints the linearity found in education today, the idea that all students must follow similar guidelines, passing similar tests and gaining similar objectives in order to be successful. He offers that this system hinders the creative process and suppresses talents of students. In order for this to change Robinson suggests personalized education for each student, that in order to appeal and truly cultivate the next generation of passionate leaders education must be filled with building up the talents of the students. Passion is what "feeds the spirit" and Robinson feels that the educational track of today lacks that sense of "nutrition" that each student needs to flourish.Another major component of Robinson's talk was his idea of the transforming the industrial education system to a more agricultural one. This idea of change echoes the previous ideas of "feeding one's spirit" through this transformation Robinson believes that students will more easily develop passions and elaborate upon their own talents because they will be cultivated in the correct way.
In an ideal world, Robinson's ideas sound great. I believe it should be the priority of a teacher to help grow young minds to find their passions and enhance their talents, but this type of "agricultural" education is extremely ideal. Personalized education would be the most beneficial to all students, yet the money, work and effort that it would cost to our society, students and teachers is not a realistic expectation. Education cannot be conformed to every individual, with millions of students in the education system in the United States, personalized plans create an equal balance of pro's and con's. So though Robinson's ideas are pleasing to the ears of almost all individuals in favor of bettering our education system, they seem to be almost unattainable.
Yet, it is the job of teachers and students to make the education system we have available the best it can be. Teachers must help students in any way possible to reach their goals and students must reciprocate by providing solid effort in order to reach or exceed those expectations. Education is not doomed, it just takes some serious passion and hard work to attempt in creating positive experiences for all those involved with such a vital system in today's world.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Blog Assignment Week One
I come from a family of teachers, my grandfather, mother and aunt are present or past teachers. So for my entire life I have been surrounded by education in some form. Though when I was younger I dreamed of becoming an orthodontist, teaching was not necessarily an option until I had Ms. Richards for U.S. History in 11th grade. Though I had many quality teachers throughout my years at public school, Ms. Richards, in a cliche way, empowered me to learn. Through her hands-on teaching approaches and spunky personality I realized that I wanted to be just like her. She inspired me and that is when I realized that not only did I have a love for the topic of history but I had a new found love to pass on this passion to others through the art of teaching.
We live in a world full of technology, it is in our workplaces, schools, homes and pockets. Though I find technology fascinating I also find it very intimidating. I am comfortable with word documents, internet searching, e-mailing and Facebook but find more intense types of technology a little scary. At times even my "smart" phone overwhelms me. I am definitely willing to work with technology in attempts to learn more and find it exciting, but I also would admit to being a little timid.
Technology is essential in education because it is such an integral part of our society. Students are exposed to technology for many hours every day. Through this technological exposure it is important that schools are able to connect with their students by utilizing the tools found through technology. Students seem more willing to work with things that apply to them in their everyday lives and working with technology in the classroom accomplishes that task completely and is something that must be practiced.
We live in a world full of technology, it is in our workplaces, schools, homes and pockets. Though I find technology fascinating I also find it very intimidating. I am comfortable with word documents, internet searching, e-mailing and Facebook but find more intense types of technology a little scary. At times even my "smart" phone overwhelms me. I am definitely willing to work with technology in attempts to learn more and find it exciting, but I also would admit to being a little timid.
Technology is essential in education because it is such an integral part of our society. Students are exposed to technology for many hours every day. Through this technological exposure it is important that schools are able to connect with their students by utilizing the tools found through technology. Students seem more willing to work with things that apply to them in their everyday lives and working with technology in the classroom accomplishes that task completely and is something that must be practiced.
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