Reflective Post

    Reflective Post

    As this class comes to a close there are many great things, aspects, and resources I will take and use in my classroom as a future teacher. Through various assignments and projects, I was able to receive many different insights on teaching and ideas than I normally would think about or consider. This made me fulfill the learning outcome of Global-social cultural responsibility, because of learning and listening to other insights. My favorite collaborative project I did in this course was the collaborative lesson plan. My partner Daniela was able to meet with me at the library in order to work on the project together rather than through email, which I think made the project a lot easier. But also we were able to work together and come up with a fun and creative lesson plan to teach number placement. I thought it was a great project to work with someone on because you were able to compare strategies that would and would not work.

     I found the other projects that were done individually to be a great way for myself to learn the various programs we had to use, by exploring them in my own way and on my own time. I really enjoyed the projects where we had to explore new software and programs, such as: Blogger, Rubistar, WebQuest, Wiki, Prezi/Powerpoint, Pecha Kucha format, Weeble, and Delicious. Mostly all of these programs I had never previously used before, except for Prezi. I thoroughly enjoyed working and exploring these programs as well as creating lessons, or a better understanding of coursework through these programs. I know I will use many of these programs in order to bring fun and excitement in my classroom. I think this helps me fulfill one of the learning outcomes from the syllabus: Technology/Information Management(TIM):To demonstrate the skills and use the technology necessary to collect,　verify, document, and organize information from　a variety of sources. Another aspect of the class that I will carry on into my classroom are the lessons within the textbook. Although the ideas and lessons within the textbook are just the basic introduction, many of them get you to think and research deeper, also through our individual projects we were able to research deeper. My favorite chapter when it came to the textbook was Chapter 10, because it really made me realize how many different multimedia technologies there are that can be used within the classroom, in order to have a fun and relevant classroom. Also, it made me recognize how many great resources their are for teachers. Through all of these different forms of assessment I was able to fulfill yet another learning outcome: Critical Thinking, by viewing, analyzing, synthesizing and evaluating.
 

   I really enjoyed this online course, better than others I have taken. It was very easy to maneuver around, and Professor Coleman was always quick to respond if I had any questions or concerns. The one thing I may suggest or may see room for improvement is the amount of different projects. With some projects I felt as though I was doing the same thing just in a different program. It seemed sometimes repetitive. But I did thoroughly enjoy this class and as I continue my journey into elementary education I know that this has a prepared me for the basic use of technology within my classroom.

     Resources:
Maloy, R. W., Verock-O, R. E., Edwards, S. A., & Woolf, B. P. (2010).Transforming learning with new technologies. Allyn & Bacon.
Monza, J. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.securedgenetworks.com/secure-edge-networks-blog/bid/51752/5-Reasons-Technology-in-the-Classroom-Engages-Students
 

Chapter 11: Engaging Teachers and Students in Learning and Self-Reflection

Chapter 11: Engaging Teachers and Students in Learning and Self-Reflection

Focus Question:
How can students become actively involved in assessment and evaluation using technology?

One way to keep students actively involved is by allowing them to work with the teacher in a way that allows them to have a say in how they learn and are evaluated. You can provide the students with online surveys in order to pre-assess their knowledge, in order to see where each student stands on the topic. Also by allowing students to work with one another in groups in order to come to conclusions and make decisions. Having a student self reflect on their work or the lesson, as well as allowing the student to assess themselves along with their classmates, peer assessment.

Tech Tool: 11.2: Online Survey Building Resources

Zoomerang and Surveymonkey may not be websites we hear of or access on a day to day basis. Yet, when trying to come up with a poll or survey you may want to use in your classroom in order to provide a pre-assessment for your students these websites provide you with that opportunity. On these websites you can search for a specific poll or even create your own. These are very good resources to allow your students to incorporate technology into their assessments. Below is a sample of a survey provided through the program of Survey Monkey.






Summary & Connection:

I believe the best classroom is built off of teamwork. I think the teacher and students should work together in deciding what will work best in the class, and allow the students to achieve their full potential, while it is known that the teacher still holds control. I hope to have a classroom that my students feel I allow them and provide them a great and fun environment to succeed and I think through allowing the student to have a say in how they learn is an important aspect to teaching and learning.

Resources:
Maloy, R. W., Verock-O, R. E., Edwards, S. A., & Woolf, B. P. (2010).Transforming learning with new technologies. Allyn & Bacon.
saltysolutions / Survey Monkey. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://saltysolutions.pbworks.com/w/page/13088502/Survey%20Monkey

Chapter 9: Creating and Sharing Information with Multimedia Technologies

Chapter 9: Creating and Sharing Information with Multimedia Technologies

Focus Question: How can teachers use video resources in their teaching?

Videos in the classroom today are such a vital and important part of learning. Videos can be made to grab the attention of students and even be interactive, rather than just listing fact after fact. Many teachers now can use videos for an array of things, to introduce a new topic, to reinforce the importance of a topic, keep students interested, and even as rewards in the classroom. Videos are incorporated not only through students watching them on a television screen, but know you can watch videos of YouTube educational websites, on the SmartBoard, in so many different ways that students have no way of being bored of videos if teachers use them the right way! Videos can be used for students to write down what they think is important from the videos, as well as be involved in the video through interactive videos.

 

Tech Tool: 9.2- Film, Video, and Streaming Video Resources for Teachers

This tech tool provides examples of many resources of different forms and types of videos that teachers can use in order to peak and keep the interest of the students in the material the teacher is covering. There are also a couple of sites where teachers can share and connect with other teachers, videos they have used and enjoyed in their classroom. PBS provides a great website for tons of information including many videos for teachers to use in the classroom.

 

Summary & Connection:

I think with the expanding world of technology, the way videos have changed and advanced has really expanded the way teachers can use them with in the classroom. I just remember when I was in school most videos we watched in the classroom were very dry and to the point, not very interactive or fun, but now videos have become an exciting way for students to learn and retain information. Videos also allow the students to see the material in a different way than the teacher may be presenting it, therefore meeting the needs of multiple learning styles.

 

Resources:

Maloy, R. W., Verock-O, R. E., Edwards, S. A., & Woolf, B. P. (2010).Transforming learning with new technologies. Allyn & Bacon.

PBS Teachers | Resources For The Classroom. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/teachers

 

Chapter 10: Promoting Success for All Students through Technology

Focus Question: How can teachers use technology to create universally designed classrooms?

 

Teachers have mostly full range in their classroom. They are allowed to decide how the classroom is set up and seating arrangements, as well as the diversity in teaching lessons. All of these settings and aspects of the classroom can be changed or redesigned in order for the needs of all students are met. The main two structures of the classroom are the physical and the academic curriculum, both of these can be tailored by the teacher to what they see as best fit. This is done with 3 level of using technology: The first level is “Low Tech,” meaning making changes in the classroom that are simply and inexpensive as well as not incorporating any technology or electronic materials. The second level is “Mid Tech,” were the teacher makes a significant change in academic curriculum through the use of technology. The third level is “High Tech,” where the teacher changes the curriculum and physical structure of the classroom with the use of many different technologies.

Tech Tool: 10.1 Extra-Large and Online Calculators

I thought this tech tool was really interesting because the calculator the talk about is something that is going to grab the attention and interest of any student. It is also useful because of its size that visually impaired students are able to use it as well, making them feel a part of the group and not left out. Because of its size students are going to remember better because it is such a “big” deal. But now more and more teachers are pulling up calculators that can be placed onto a smartboard screen or on a projector for the whole class to see, the individual calculators give the students the chance to experience it individually.

 

Summary and Connection:

I thought this chapter was very helpful in understanding all of the different ways you can change and redesign your classroom in order to accommodate all students as well as keep it an interesting and fun environment. I plan as a teacher letting student’s use to full advantage the smartboard letting them physically come up drag and drop and answer. I really have the hope that my students will be aware and acknowledgeable about the different technologies that I will use in my lessons.

Resources:

Maloy, R. W., Verock-O, R. E., Edwards, S. A., & Woolf, B. P. (2010).Transforming learning with new technologies. Allyn & Bacon.

Tech Tools » Online Calculator. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://cindymctechtools.edublogs.org/2008/06/08/online-calculator/

Chapter 8: Communicating and Networking with Websites, Blogs, Wikis, and More

Chapter 8: Communicating and Networking with Websites, Blogs, Wikis, and More

 

Focus Question: How can teachers use wikis to promote collaborative learning?

Wikis came about in the 1990’s and have revolutionized the online learning strategies. Rather than teachers having to create fun lessons and project ideas by themselves wikis allow an opportunity to allow teachers to search other wikis and as well receive feedback and on their wikis. Wiki also provides other to change and update their ideas onto a wiki. This creates a corroborative learning environment, not only are multiple teachers involved in creating a wiki but students also get to interact with other students in order to complete the lesson provided by the wiki. It provides a collaborative effort for learning and working together in order to accomplish something. Also wikis provide a collaborative lesson for the teacher and students in order to work together.

 

Tech Tool 8.1: Teacher Website and Blog-building Resources

I think if I were to use a Commercially Available Template in my classroom it would be extremely beneficial and safe for myself and my students. I would be able to produce blogs and sites my students could access for lessons and project plans, ideas, and resources for help with projects and further understanding for lessons and projects. Task stream seems like an easily understandable website to maneuver.     

Summary and Connection:

Wikis and teacher blogs would definitely something I would use in my classroom in the future. Not only are they helpful for teachers, and allow other teachers and professionals to give input but, but it also provides a fun and collaborative way for students to work together and more importantly learn in a fun way.

Resources:

Task Stream Retrieved from: www.spcc.edu 

Maloy, R. W., Verock-O, R. E., Edwards, S. A., & Woolf, B. P. (2010).Transforming learning with new technologies. Allyn & Bacon.

Chapter 7: Problem Solving and Inquiry Learning with Software and Web Tools

Focus Question: How can teachers use computer games and simulation as learning resources?

Being a kid is all about having fun right? And when kids want to have fun they play games, whether that be a board game, a game they make up or a game using a technology source, kids love playing games. So why not bring games and simulations into the learning place. By students playing computer games and using different simulations it teaches them a few things: it teaches them to follow rules, how to recognize and achieve goals, how to handle and manage competition as well as the objective of the lesson the game would support. By using games in the classroom it provides the teacher and students with fun interactive reinforcements of a specific lesson. Although allowing games to be played in the learning place is a much debated topic, I think it were we are in the generation of students and technology. Games and computers are the main interests of kids, and if used properly in the classroom I don’t see the problem with it, it is more of an advantage than a disadvantage.

Tech Tool: 7.2- A Math Learning Game- Zoombinis Logical Journey

This tech tool provides a great example of a fun interactive educational game, Zoombinis Logical Journey. The game includes a variety of made up, interesting creatures that are designed with crazy fun colors in which the player can create. The Zoombinis are residents of a community that are taken over by bad business people and become enslaved; in order for the Zoombinis to escape they must go through a series of obstacles, which are critical thinking and mathematic questions. This game unfortunately is not free, but is an example of a great educational game for elementary education. This a link to an introduction video to the game: http://www.gametrailers.com/videos/nz6lbe/zoombinis--logical-journey-intro-

Summary and Connection:

I believe that the generation of kids and students that are in and coming into the schools become bored much easier than when I was a child or student. Therefore when I become a teacher I want my students to be intrigued and excited about coming to my classroom and computer games and simulations will help me do that. Not only is it fun for the students but it will reinforce what I have taught or what we may be covering in class. My class will be full of interactive games, technology based and team work based games. 

Resources:

Grocer, T. (2011, May 25). Video - Zoombinis: Logical Journey Intro. | GameTrailers.GameTrailers for Xbox 360, PS3, Wii U, PSP, PSN and More | Upcoming Video Games. Retrieved March 1, 2013, from http://www.gametrailers.com/videos/nz6lbe/zoombinis--logical-journey-intro-

Maloy, R. W., Verock-O, R. E., Edwards, S. A., & Woolf, B. P. (2010).Transforming learning with new technologies. Allyn & Bacon.

Chapter 6: Teaching with Educational Websites and Other Online Resources

Focus Question: How might educational websites provide interactive and engaging learning experiences for students?

In today’s generation of children, they are not simply entertained with playing outside all day, or playing card and board games without being “bored.” With the advance in technology children are more intrigued by staring at a screen and using the simple motion of the swipe of a finger, and can remain entertained for hours on end. So if children are now more interested and entertained with touch screens and fictional characters, don’t you think we should bring that into the classroom?!

Since children are so interested and entertained in technology based games and apps, people have figured out that educational websites would be a great addition to the internet. With the creation of educational websites you provide an array of opportunities not only for the students but also for the teachers. By a teacher providing the students to learn not only through classroom verbal lessons, but also provide the students with the opportunity to learn the lessons with fictional characters, and fun interactive games. (Example: Jimi-Rocks: under the sea adventure, interactive website) 

With these games and characters it allows the students to make connections to the lesson while also getting to play an educational game. Also it provides different aspects of a lesson providing different ways to interpret and understand the lesson. Educational websites are also beneficial to teachers. It provides somewhat of a breathing time in the classroom as well as provides the students with different and fun ways to learn.

Tech Tool: An Interactive Online Field Trip: The Cave of Chauvet-Pont-D’Arc

This website was amazing. It was very cool to take an “online field trip.” This website was very interactive, and you can also tell that it is maintained and well kept up. This would be the type of website I would definitely use in my class room as a future teacher; I think students would love it.

Summary and Connections:

This chapter made me realize that there are more resources now for teachers and students in order to keep students interested in learning and teachers excited about teaching and changing lives. Technology provides a whole new way to learn and teach, and since it is always changing and expanding, it makes the classroom continually change, and with that there are more and more ways to entertain and teach students. 

Resources:

Underwater Learning – Interactive Educational Site. (n.d.). Educational Technology Blog | Think Online Education. Retrieved February 22, 2013, from http://thinkonline.smarttutor.com/underwater-learning-interactive-educational-site/

Maloy, R. W., Verock-O, R. E., Edwards, S. A., & Woolf, B. P. (2010).Transforming learning with new technologies. Allyn & Bacon.