Kelso High School
I visited the Kelso High School website. I was very impressed with it. Last year, I went on the site to see if I could go observe a classroom. When I had visited the site, it was difficult to manoeuvre around. I couldn't find the contact information necessary to get a hold of a couple of teachers. After being frustrated, I decided to call the school, where I got their email addresses. Now, revisiting the site a year later I barely recognize it. There are tabs that are easy to use, the page was helpful, and the layout was also ascetically pleasing. I didn't really find anything confusing on the site, a few things could have been omitted such as the amount of visitations on the site and the weather forecast. The only area that I found could have been elaborated upon was the use of the Eboard. I found that some teachers utilized it, while others only used it to say where they would be best reached. As a teacher, I would think it would be important that each teacher utilizes that tool to provide a way for parents and students to access their homework and grades.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Reflection 2
What?
Last month I observed a fourth grade math class. It was an interesting experience. The math session started with all the students on separate computers. They used a math program that drilled them with several levels of math, depending on the level of the student. When I walked into the room, the students where completely submerged in the technological world of math. Some students whizzed through the equations, while others' attention wandered. After they finished with the twenty minutes of drilling, the teacher ushered the students into the classroom. Once there, she used several different teaching methods to meet her lesson objective. At one point in the class, one of the students was having trouble making a 4 x4 square on graph paper. He turned to me and said, " I could figure this out if I had a computer." It surprised me that he was most comfortable with technology when I would say I am more the opposite. You want me to do what on the computer?
So What?
Last month I observed a fourth grade math class. It was an interesting experience. The math session started with all the students on separate computers. They used a math program that drilled them with several levels of math, depending on the level of the student. When I walked into the room, the students where completely submerged in the technological world of math. Some students whizzed through the equations, while others' attention wandered. After they finished with the twenty minutes of drilling, the teacher ushered the students into the classroom. Once there, she used several different teaching methods to meet her lesson objective. At one point in the class, one of the students was having trouble making a 4 x4 square on graph paper. He turned to me and said, " I could figure this out if I had a computer." It surprised me that he was most comfortable with technology when I would say I am more the opposite. You want me to do what on the computer?
So What?
Why is this important? Well, as future teachers we need to be aware of what our students know. What they excel at. We need to find ways of implementing technology in our classrooms so students that are digital natives can be accommodated to. On the other end, I don't think a classroom should be completely submerged in technology. Teachers still need to teach, and not rely on pre made lesson plans on the Smart or Activ Board.
Now What?
How can this ideal notion be applied in the classroom? Well, teachers could designate say an hour to Smart Board daily. Whether it be to teach about math, geography or any subject for that matter. They can weave elements of technology when students are required to do projects. Having students use the computer to make a website, write a blog, or write a report will help familiarize with other aspects of technology.
Reflection 1
What?
Last semester I was in a nine o'clock science class. It was a struggle waking up for a class that early. It was even tougher having to stay awake while my professor fumbled with the computer. He was constantly facing obstacles with technology. He tried to embrace technology by implementing it in the classroom, but it proved to be a hindrance during several class sessions. Sometimes it would take him ten minutes (out of fifty) to get the lecture going. After trial and error, he being better at working the system, but by that time he had lost the respect of several of my peers.
So What?
Why am I talking about this? The purpose of this post isn't to complain about a professor. No, I learned a very valuable lesson through that course of time. If you aren't proficient in technology, it's good to use it in small intervals until you are better. Technology should act an enhancement, not a distraction!
Now What?!
After taking that class, I realized the importance of being proficient at technology, smart board, computer, etc. I realized that by not being equipped with the right skills to use them, they actually take away from a positive learning environment. My hope is that I use it correctly in my classroom, to help engage the students, making it a more interactive classroom environment.
Last semester I was in a nine o'clock science class. It was a struggle waking up for a class that early. It was even tougher having to stay awake while my professor fumbled with the computer. He was constantly facing obstacles with technology. He tried to embrace technology by implementing it in the classroom, but it proved to be a hindrance during several class sessions. Sometimes it would take him ten minutes (out of fifty) to get the lecture going. After trial and error, he being better at working the system, but by that time he had lost the respect of several of my peers.
So What?
Why am I talking about this? The purpose of this post isn't to complain about a professor. No, I learned a very valuable lesson through that course of time. If you aren't proficient in technology, it's good to use it in small intervals until you are better. Technology should act an enhancement, not a distraction!
Now What?!
After taking that class, I realized the importance of being proficient at technology, smart board, computer, etc. I realized that by not being equipped with the right skills to use them, they actually take away from a positive learning environment. My hope is that I use it correctly in my classroom, to help engage the students, making it a more interactive classroom environment.
What did I learn today?
Today in class we presented individual smart board lessons. Some students presents several slides worth of material while others kept it to one or two slides. It was obvious that some students were more familur with the Smart Board, manquering easily through the screens. While others, (such as myself) fumbled along presenting material that we had discovered.
I discovered several different tricks on the smart board including several options for lessons plans on subjects such as geography, language arts, nutrition, and mathematics. I learned about how to spot light words, how to hide words, and how to make my own podcast and place it on smart board slide. Overall, this class session proved to be valuable, it also taught me that I have much to improve on, including making sure my presentation works before presenting it!
I discovered several different tricks on the smart board including several options for lessons plans on subjects such as geography, language arts, nutrition, and mathematics. I learned about how to spot light words, how to hide words, and how to make my own podcast and place it on smart board slide. Overall, this class session proved to be valuable, it also taught me that I have much to improve on, including making sure my presentation works before presenting it!
Assignment 2
http://www.box.net/shared/txmyrrtjxn
The activity is called "Writing Concrete Poetry by using Different Themes." The smart board features I am using include:
* The shade, to limit the visibility of the screen
* Response, add a question
* Page capture to show how a page can be utilized later in the lesson
Nets I covered for teachers:
1) Facilitate and inspired students to learn creativity
Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter, teaching, and learning to facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments. Teachers;
promote, support, and model creative innovative thinking and inventiveness. Before having the students work on the project, the teacher should already have made a sample poem to model. By modeling, students can start to get excited by the poem they will be creating. This model not only promotes learning it also provides an interesting way of displaying poetry in a unique form. The students have the ability to choose from several different layouts to display the concrete poem. Students are inspired to create metaphoric poems using the smart board, the program, and with teachers guidance. The students gain face-to-face interaction if every student is involved. Teachers can have students design a class poem, then have students create their own poem using a word bank they have created. This program is also a great tool to teach unfamiliar words to students. Another way to utilize the poem is to have students write a short story based on the thematic material used.
Nets for Students:
Creativity and Innovation
Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology.
A) Apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes
* By creating a poem, they are using previous knowledge of the words to create a theme that ties the background and words together.
B) Create original works as a way of personal or group expression.
* By using the words to create a poem, essentially the students are creating original works of art
that can be done individually or in a group setting. There is also a setting on the program where students can actually create their own word bank to come up with a completely original poem.
The smart board is a great tool to utilize in the classroom. This program is a great backdrop that can support several different subject matters including poetry, vocabulary, language arts, and communication. The smart board is a great way to get students involved with interactive programs. Students will enjoy using the board to create inventive and thematic poems.
The activity is called "Writing Concrete Poetry by using Different Themes." The smart board features I am using include:
* The shade, to limit the visibility of the screen
* Response, add a question
* Page capture to show how a page can be utilized later in the lesson
Nets I covered for teachers:
1) Facilitate and inspired students to learn creativity
Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter, teaching, and learning to facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments. Teachers;
promote, support, and model creative innovative thinking and inventiveness. Before having the students work on the project, the teacher should already have made a sample poem to model. By modeling, students can start to get excited by the poem they will be creating. This model not only promotes learning it also provides an interesting way of displaying poetry in a unique form. The students have the ability to choose from several different layouts to display the concrete poem. Students are inspired to create metaphoric poems using the smart board, the program, and with teachers guidance. The students gain face-to-face interaction if every student is involved. Teachers can have students design a class poem, then have students create their own poem using a word bank they have created. This program is also a great tool to teach unfamiliar words to students. Another way to utilize the poem is to have students write a short story based on the thematic material used.
Nets for Students:
Creativity and Innovation
Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology.
A) Apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes
* By creating a poem, they are using previous knowledge of the words to create a theme that ties the background and words together.
B) Create original works as a way of personal or group expression.
* By using the words to create a poem, essentially the students are creating original works of art
that can be done individually or in a group setting. There is also a setting on the program where students can actually create their own word bank to come up with a completely original poem.
The smart board is a great tool to utilize in the classroom. This program is a great backdrop that can support several different subject matters including poetry, vocabulary, language arts, and communication. The smart board is a great way to get students involved with interactive programs. Students will enjoy using the board to create inventive and thematic poems.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Cool Cat Teacher Blog
I read the blog "Reviving the Dream," by blogger Vicki Davis. I was fasinated with her inspiring blog. She talked about how, as a person, one must not give up goals and dreams for fear of failure. She talked about how we must strive to reach those dreams, not let them fall by the wastside. She used several quotes throughout her blog to show different perpective on the same topic. Her introductory was strong with a quote from the her study in the Bible (particulary Revelations), "Sardis was a city of peace, not the peace won through battle, but the peace of a man whose dreams are dead and whose mind is asleep, the peace of lethargy and evasion," by William Barclay in his Letters to the Seven Churches.
So what? This blog is perfect for any student, parent, teacher, friend who struggles coming to gripes with their current reality. It's a great resource for motivation. She talked about how she wanted to become a successful buisness owner, and went into teaching. As a teacher she feels content, but is constantly striving to improve the technoliogical element of school she works at. Now What? After reading this article, I realized that I can't give up my passions for music. I realized that I can pursue both singing and teaching. I found it helpful that Mrs. Davis wasn't shy about integrating her faith in her blogs and I found that inspiring also.
So what? This blog is perfect for any student, parent, teacher, friend who struggles coming to gripes with their current reality. It's a great resource for motivation. She talked about how she wanted to become a successful buisness owner, and went into teaching. As a teacher she feels content, but is constantly striving to improve the technoliogical element of school she works at. Now What? After reading this article, I realized that I can't give up my passions for music. I realized that I can pursue both singing and teaching. I found it helpful that Mrs. Davis wasn't shy about integrating her faith in her blogs and I found that inspiring also.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Assignment 1
I read the article entitled, "Learning with Loggerheads." The article deals with a science project that was done in a classroom. It was on a unit that dealt with the migration patterns of sea turtles. The teacher uses several websites to follow/ track the movement of the turtles. The science project not only integrates technology but it also uses the skills of writing, reading, analyzing information, math to create an enjoyable project that students felt comfortable participating in. They used tracking maps to plot the movement of the turtles. The maps taught the students the importance of plotting the dots sequentially. I felt the article was relevant, however because it was written in 2007 some alterations could be made to provide an even more interactive study of underwater turtles. The teacher could find clips of the turtles, could also plot the movement on a Smart Board. Regardless of some irrelevant information, I felt the Unit taught would be a great addition for a third grade classroom. It introduces students to several important skills that will carry over in the upper grades.
Nets for Students:
The National Educational Technology Standard I will be focusing on is "Research and Information Fluency." Under this category, students learn how to plan strategies to guide inquiry. They also acquire, evaluate, organize, and ethically use information from a variety of sources. Another key aspect is processing data and reporting results. These are all very valuable skills for students of all ages. If this is taught in primary grades, students will be better equipped when asked to do reports and other projects. There are several projects a teacher could use to help students gain the much-needed skills. One project could be a research project. The teacher could have students write a short paragraph on the different types of media available. The teacher could set up several stations allowing students to look at newspaper articles, periodicals, websites, and text books. The second project that would build these skills would be to have the students create a video (depending on the availability of the equipment), and have them present their book report. By having them create a video, technology is incorporated. Having them present the book report on tape allows students the opportunity to show the knowledge they received from the book.
Nets for Teachers:
The Nets that I chose to focus on this semester is "Facilitate and Inspire Students Learning and Creativity." This standard includes, promoting, supporting, and modeling creative thinking. It also engages students to explore real-world issues using digital tools and resources. Currently, I am not in a classroom therefore I do not have "students." However, I hope to help inspire my peers to think outside of the box. There are several ways I hope to accomplish this standard. The first way is to be more familiar with the Smart Board. I recently downloaded it on my computer, and I am going to try to utilize it as much as possible. Secondly, I am going to try to be more involved with world politics by accessing news articles online and watching video clips. Lastly, I hope to promote learning with my siblings by teaching them how to use the Smart Board on my computer.
Nets for Students:
The National Educational Technology Standard I will be focusing on is "Research and Information Fluency." Under this category, students learn how to plan strategies to guide inquiry. They also acquire, evaluate, organize, and ethically use information from a variety of sources. Another key aspect is processing data and reporting results. These are all very valuable skills for students of all ages. If this is taught in primary grades, students will be better equipped when asked to do reports and other projects. There are several projects a teacher could use to help students gain the much-needed skills. One project could be a research project. The teacher could have students write a short paragraph on the different types of media available. The teacher could set up several stations allowing students to look at newspaper articles, periodicals, websites, and text books. The second project that would build these skills would be to have the students create a video (depending on the availability of the equipment), and have them present their book report. By having them create a video, technology is incorporated. Having them present the book report on tape allows students the opportunity to show the knowledge they received from the book.
Nets for Teachers:
The Nets that I chose to focus on this semester is "Facilitate and Inspire Students Learning and Creativity." This standard includes, promoting, supporting, and modeling creative thinking. It also engages students to explore real-world issues using digital tools and resources. Currently, I am not in a classroom therefore I do not have "students." However, I hope to help inspire my peers to think outside of the box. There are several ways I hope to accomplish this standard. The first way is to be more familiar with the Smart Board. I recently downloaded it on my computer, and I am going to try to utilize it as much as possible. Secondly, I am going to try to be more involved with world politics by accessing news articles online and watching video clips. Lastly, I hope to promote learning with my siblings by teaching them how to use the Smart Board on my computer.
Generation IM
The article provided several ways for students to communicate via the web in a classroom setting. Before reading this article, I was unaware of the wonderful tools that are available for students. The article mentions how facebook and myspace can sometimes be used in the classroom, but I really don't see the purpose. I could see teacher utilizing YouTube to show an educational clip. I have had several classes that have done that. Out of the three applications, I found that Imbee seems to be the most popular one for students. I was impressed that students used the application to start a book club. I feel that it is important that teachers use devices in the classroom that students can relate to and want to use outside of class.
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