I think technology is an awesome way to enhance learning in the classroom. All of my assignments in this class stretched me beyond my former capabilities--but it was so exciting and fun to learn new things and to erase some of my fears about making mistakes or not being able to perform and finish an assignment. I was able to not only complete everything that was assigned, but to really enjoy the journey and often to even go beyond what was required because it was SO MUCH FUN!
I have seen how technology can bring lessons to life through podcasts or vidcasts. I have learned some great ways to manage my classroom electronically through a website. I will be able to update and change my schedule from the comfort of my home or while sitting in my classroom. These innovations will make my job much easier.
Most of all, I now feel much more confident in my technological abilities. This class is worthwhile and necessary, especially for non-traditional students like myself who may not be as familiar or comfortable with technology. We can do anything our younger counterparts can do! :)
Sunday, April 17, 2011
April 18: Lessons Learned
Oh boy. I have learned so much! One of the most interesting and important things though was from the video Did You Know which really opened my eyes about how fast technology is growing and changing. It is going to be a challenge to keep up. I also laughed and nodded when the students were talking about how when their parents can't figure technology out, they ask their kids for help. That is SO me!
I am concerned about cell phone use in my classroom. I know that technology can really enhance teaching in the classroom, but it needs to be at the right time and place. It will be very distracting to see kids texting or surfing the internet during my lessons and there would be no way to ensure that they are searching in response to my lesson.
How can I encourage scholarship through technology use, but maintain order and attention in the classroom? How do I set boundaries and limits on cell phone use without squelching enthusiasm for learning? These are questions I want to ask current teachers.
I am concerned about cell phone use in my classroom. I know that technology can really enhance teaching in the classroom, but it needs to be at the right time and place. It will be very distracting to see kids texting or surfing the internet during my lessons and there would be no way to ensure that they are searching in response to my lesson.
How can I encourage scholarship through technology use, but maintain order and attention in the classroom? How do I set boundaries and limits on cell phone use without squelching enthusiasm for learning? These are questions I want to ask current teachers.
April 18: Strengths and Weaknesses
Some of my strengths with technology are that I am not afraid to learn and explore. If I don't know how to use new technology, or I just want to learn more, I'll ask one of my kids or another student to help me, or I'll go online, find a tutorial, and teach myself. So much of learning has to do with facing your fears and gaining more information to be able to erase the unknown. I am good at finding credible sources for research and I can show my students how to weigh and check information to make sure their facts are straight and reliable. I will make sure my students credit the sources they consult and that they are ethical in their use of technology. I will use technology to enhance my lesson plans now and in the future.
I can definitely use a crash course in computer lingo; I know the basics, but I am lost when the language gets dense. I want to be able to understand terminology in computer hardware or software manuals or help files and to teach myself new program applications, and to use correct computer terminology in written and oral directions for my students.
I found an article titled Computer Assisted Language Learning written by Fernando Rosell-Aguilar which will help me better understand computer terminology, and a couple videos on YouTube one called Computer Basics Terminology: What is a Hard Drive What is Ram, and another titled Basic Computer Training both are by Worth Godwin. He is very knowledgeable and his approach is very human and easy to follow. I am excited to learn more and become more fluent in computer lingo!
Monday, April 4, 2011
Sunday, April 3, 2011
April 4: Internet Safety
We have been learning about internet safety.
As was discussed in class, one of the most important things we can do is to be honest and willing to discuss sensitive issues with our students. The internet has much good to offer, but we need to help students navigate it safely and credibly and also teach them what is appropriate and what isn't. Instructing students to search for reliable information is crucial--I want to help my students avoid citing misinformation so they can back up their arguments in the papers they will write. Teaching them to give credit where credit is due by citing their sources is also important.
It is too bad that bullying can now enter students' homes through social networking sites, email, and texting. Teaching students what qualifies as cyber bullying and to tell their parents or other trusted adult if/when cyber bullying takes place is a good place to start. Discussing the dangers of sexting may be uncomfortable but they need to be addressed so that students are aware and can protect themselves from being charged with distribution of child pornography, or with possession of child pornography.
Creating a teaching environment where students feel safe is mandatory if I want to discuss these issues in a non-embarrassing and open way. From day one in the classroom, I want my students to know that I care about them and their safety in the real and technological worlds.
As was discussed in class, one of the most important things we can do is to be honest and willing to discuss sensitive issues with our students. The internet has much good to offer, but we need to help students navigate it safely and credibly and also teach them what is appropriate and what isn't. Instructing students to search for reliable information is crucial--I want to help my students avoid citing misinformation so they can back up their arguments in the papers they will write. Teaching them to give credit where credit is due by citing their sources is also important.
It is too bad that bullying can now enter students' homes through social networking sites, email, and texting. Teaching students what qualifies as cyber bullying and to tell their parents or other trusted adult if/when cyber bullying takes place is a good place to start. Discussing the dangers of sexting may be uncomfortable but they need to be addressed so that students are aware and can protect themselves from being charged with distribution of child pornography, or with possession of child pornography.
Creating a teaching environment where students feel safe is mandatory if I want to discuss these issues in a non-embarrassing and open way. From day one in the classroom, I want my students to know that I care about them and their safety in the real and technological worlds.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
March 20: Digital Stories 2 (copyright laws)
We have been learning about copyright laws.
The first copyright laws were instated in Switzerland (1886); they were called the "Berne Convention" and were internationally recognized. These laws protected work for 50 years after an author's death. The Copyright Act of 1909 was established by the United States. It allowed for works to be copyrighted for a period of 28 years from the date of publication, renewable once for a second 28-year term.
The first copyright laws were instated in Switzerland (1886); they were called the "Berne Convention" and were internationally recognized. These laws protected work for 50 years after an author's death. The Copyright Act of 1909 was established by the United States. It allowed for works to be copyrighted for a period of 28 years from the date of publication, renewable once for a second 28-year term.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
March 13: Vidcast Reflection
Introduction to Writing: Independent and Dependent clauses
Seventh Grade Language Arts Core
Intended Learning Outcomes
6. Use the Skills, Strategies, and processes of Writing
b. Understand that writing is a process of skills, strategies, and practices for creating, revising, and editing a variety of texts.
I chose to begin my vidcast series on the elements of writing because although students have been instructed in writing conventions from first grade on, they often do not have a strong foundation in writing. I want my students to have the opportunity to build a strong writing foundation while they are in my class. Many students stress about writing papers; I want to help them become comfortable and confident writers. Breaking essay structure down to paragraph structure, and paragraph structure to sentence structure, will help students see that writing is made up of parts which then work together as a whole.
Seventh Grade Language Arts Core
Intended Learning Outcomes
6. Use the Skills, Strategies, and processes of Writing
b. Understand that writing is a process of skills, strategies, and practices for creating, revising, and editing a variety of texts.
I chose to begin my vidcast series on the elements of writing because although students have been instructed in writing conventions from first grade on, they often do not have a strong foundation in writing. I want my students to have the opportunity to build a strong writing foundation while they are in my class. Many students stress about writing papers; I want to help them become comfortable and confident writers. Breaking essay structure down to paragraph structure, and paragraph structure to sentence structure, will help students see that writing is made up of parts which then work together as a whole.
One potential drawback I foresee is fitting everything I want students to know/understand in the video. I think as I plan and carry out instruction in the classroom, I will be able to see where my teaching or student understanding is deficient, and then I can create a vidcast addressing the need. Vidcasts also do not allow for class discussion during the watching, unless the video is shown in class.
I started my vidcast series by clarifying the definitions for independent and dependent clauses because they are truly the building blocks of writing. When students understand each clause and how they work together, they can better understand the construction of sentences and can also easily be taught proper punctuation relative to each clause. I imagine creating videos about punctuation (with clauses as well as generally), thesis statements, introductions, conclusions, the body of a paper, and revision techniques among others.
I started my vidcast series by clarifying the definitions for independent and dependent clauses because they are truly the building blocks of writing. When students understand each clause and how they work together, they can better understand the construction of sentences and can also easily be taught proper punctuation relative to each clause. I imagine creating videos about punctuation (with clauses as well as generally), thesis statements, introductions, conclusions, the body of a paper, and revision techniques among others.
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