Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Assignment 10
I read the article "Hulu-Making TV Better for the classroom?" The article talked about how Hulu can be a great site to use in the classroom. After reading the helpful article, I realized I was the only one that posted anything. I hope that people that read the author's blog will contribute to it, by posting feedback also.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Part one of Assignment #4
To make a pocast with my ideas for a lesson, I used Vocaroo. Vocaroo is a very easy site to operate and self explaintory. For my lesson plan, I thought it would be fun to do a geography lesson with a third or fourth grade class. I felt that using Google Earth would be a fun site to show students how different places around the world look.
My podcast is about a minute long.
My podcast is about a minute long.
post 10
Today for my technology in education class we are having vistors. The NU educators panel will be talking to our class about technology in the classroom as well as education insight and information.
Three questions that I want to ask them include:
1) Do you like using technology in your classroom?
2) Do you find it more helpful or is it more of a hinderance?
3) What is your favorite part about being a teacher?
Three questions that I want to ask them include:
1) Do you like using technology in your classroom?
2) Do you find it more helpful or is it more of a hinderance?
3) What is your favorite part about being a teacher?
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Assignment #3 Resources for Teachers
Introduction
I decided to use the tool, Diigo. My toolbox: sarah womack. I compiled my toolbox by getting sites mainly related to third grade lesson plans. I also got sites that would be useful in the classroom. One site is designed specifically for classroom bulletin boards. I also tagged two sites that deal with media including teachertube, and youtube. The program that I used was extremely helpful because one joins, they can simply upload a toolbar that the top of their Internet page and any site they so desire can be bookmarked. The site provides a place for one to also give a description of each site. I found that to be very helpful. It also has other tools including the ability to put "sticky notes" or highlight sections of the website that are useful.
Sharing
I felt there are many ways I could share these sites with others. By having my own teacher blog, I could invite fellow employees to look at the sites I have bookmarked. I could also put my URL on any newsletter I would give to parents. It would be a great tool for parents to check out the sites recommended. I will definitely use my toolbox. Its nice to have useful sites tagged. It will help me find lessons, and media quickly instead of having to research online. The toolbar is organized from the most recently added sites. I don't have them in alphabetical order because I gave a small description of each site, therefore it's not necessary.
There were three sites that I am especially excited to share with you.
The first site is Teacher Tube. Teacher Tube is a great site for a variety of reasons. It is similar to You Tube from the stance that homemade videos can be viewed on the site. The major difference is that the videos are filtered, making in child proof. It not only offers tutorials, it also offers several educational songs and videos. It also has tabs dealing with blogs and other audio tools. It would be a great tool to use in the classroom because it has videos pertaining to every subject taught in the classroom. It would be neat to incorporate a video from the site in a lesson plan, to give students more of a visual experience.
The second site I really enjoyed was Classroom Architect. This site is great for teachers. For my instructional design class, we are required to diagram our "classroom." This site provides the opportunity to make several templates pertaining to one's classroom. It is a great tools when deciding how make a lesson plan work in the classroom layout. It also helps a teacher have greater classroom management if they are able to easily map out their classroom.
The third site that I really enjoyed was the History Channel. The history channel is great because it provides videos, games, and is organized by topics. I felt this site would be very useful to use in the classroom when talking about history. I looked at several different videos and was extremely impressed with the quality of images and information discussed. I watched the origins of Easter which was very fascinating. I felt that it could be used in the classroom when discussing multicultural elements of history.
I decided to use the tool, Diigo. My toolbox: sarah womack. I compiled my toolbox by getting sites mainly related to third grade lesson plans. I also got sites that would be useful in the classroom. One site is designed specifically for classroom bulletin boards. I also tagged two sites that deal with media including teachertube, and youtube. The program that I used was extremely helpful because one joins, they can simply upload a toolbar that the top of their Internet page and any site they so desire can be bookmarked. The site provides a place for one to also give a description of each site. I found that to be very helpful. It also has other tools including the ability to put "sticky notes" or highlight sections of the website that are useful.
Sharing
I felt there are many ways I could share these sites with others. By having my own teacher blog, I could invite fellow employees to look at the sites I have bookmarked. I could also put my URL on any newsletter I would give to parents. It would be a great tool for parents to check out the sites recommended. I will definitely use my toolbox. Its nice to have useful sites tagged. It will help me find lessons, and media quickly instead of having to research online. The toolbar is organized from the most recently added sites. I don't have them in alphabetical order because I gave a small description of each site, therefore it's not necessary.
There were three sites that I am especially excited to share with you.
The first site is Teacher Tube. Teacher Tube is a great site for a variety of reasons. It is similar to You Tube from the stance that homemade videos can be viewed on the site. The major difference is that the videos are filtered, making in child proof. It not only offers tutorials, it also offers several educational songs and videos. It also has tabs dealing with blogs and other audio tools. It would be a great tool to use in the classroom because it has videos pertaining to every subject taught in the classroom. It would be neat to incorporate a video from the site in a lesson plan, to give students more of a visual experience.
The second site I really enjoyed was Classroom Architect. This site is great for teachers. For my instructional design class, we are required to diagram our "classroom." This site provides the opportunity to make several templates pertaining to one's classroom. It is a great tools when deciding how make a lesson plan work in the classroom layout. It also helps a teacher have greater classroom management if they are able to easily map out their classroom.
The third site that I really enjoyed was the History Channel. The history channel is great because it provides videos, games, and is organized by topics. I felt this site would be very useful to use in the classroom when talking about history. I looked at several different videos and was extremely impressed with the quality of images and information discussed. I watched the origins of Easter which was very fascinating. I felt that it could be used in the classroom when discussing multicultural elements of history.
Assignment 9
I read the blog, "Caught on Video." I was very intrigued by the author's ideas in using a video camera in the classroom. I felt he did a great job of exploring several fun and practical ways of using a camera in the classroom. Using the video camera to record the main topics covered in each class lesson would be great for students. It would be nice for the teacher to use a blog or something to post the videos. For students and parents to have access to video of the classroom activities and assignments at the same time would make things more convenient for parents that have busy work schedules. I thought it was a great idea to have students be recorded at the beginning and at the end of the school year to see their progression throughout the year. I also liked the idea of having parent/teacher conferences video taped. That way, parents can re watch it, if they have any additional questions, it can be addressed at a later time. The only difficulty with utilizing the camera as much as he suggests is that it would be a lot of editing. In order to re watch the footage, the teacher would have to label each individual clip. Would each clip be organized under each student file? Overall, I feel that it should be utilized. Students that are sick or need additional help would profit the most from this form of technology.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Assignment 8
Throughout the coarse of this class (technology in education), we have used the smart board. The smart board is a great tool and provides students with an interactive way of learning with the use of technology. The smart board is not the only classroom device that has benefits. The Activ Board is another tool some schools use.
I read an article entitled, "Promethean ActiveBoard Review," that discuss the postive and negative aspects of the interactive whiteboard. The author talked about how there are several postive aspects to the whiteboard. The Activ Pen is easy to set up and calibrate. Its also solid and durable so students are able to touch the screen without fear of damage. It also is a great tool because there are 1,000 of premade lesson plans that come with the kit.
There are only two negative aspects to owning the whiteboard. It can be expensive to for the buyer. Not only in the intial purchase, but also mainting the product. It also isn't touch sensitive like the Smart Board. Students are required to use the Activ pen to be able to write on the board.
Based on the article I read, I still feel that the Smart board is a better purchase for schools. The only major difference I have noticed in the size modification that can happen with the activ board. The Smart Board is touch sensitive which is a very useful element that I have appreciated since I have started learning how to use it.
I read an article entitled, "Promethean ActiveBoard Review," that discuss the postive and negative aspects of the interactive whiteboard. The author talked about how there are several postive aspects to the whiteboard. The Activ Pen is easy to set up and calibrate. Its also solid and durable so students are able to touch the screen without fear of damage. It also is a great tool because there are 1,000 of premade lesson plans that come with the kit.
There are only two negative aspects to owning the whiteboard. It can be expensive to for the buyer. Not only in the intial purchase, but also mainting the product. It also isn't touch sensitive like the Smart Board. Students are required to use the Activ pen to be able to write on the board.
Based on the article I read, I still feel that the Smart board is a better purchase for schools. The only major difference I have noticed in the size modification that can happen with the activ board. The Smart Board is touch sensitive which is a very useful element that I have appreciated since I have started learning how to use it.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Reflection 6
What?
I read an article entitled, "Technology: A catalyst for teaching and learning in the classroom." The article seemed to take a negative approach to technology in education. The authors were willing to acknowledge the fact that computers are used on a daily basis, but fail to help students in the classroom. At one point in the article, the author stated "We are living in the age of information overload with the expectation that students will learn high-level skills such as assess, evaluate, analyze, and synthesize vast quantities of information. At the same time teachers are evaluated by their ability to have students pass test that often times that often don't give value to these abilities." I found that quote to be quite powerful, has technology created a disadvantage for students? Or, does the classroom need to reform?
So What?
Why is there such a controversy with the use of technology? Is it because seasoned teachers don't feel comfortable? Or, is it to the disadvantage of the students to be submerged in this culture of over indulgence?
Now What?
I think that there are several improvements that need to be made. I think elementary and secondary classroom should have some type of technology implemented in their program . I don't think that technology (in moderation) is bad for a student. No, quite the contrary actually. At almost any job one is to obtain in the U.S. will use technology in some form or another. Students need to be exposed to it early, therefore it become second nature to operate.
I read an article entitled, "Technology: A catalyst for teaching and learning in the classroom." The article seemed to take a negative approach to technology in education. The authors were willing to acknowledge the fact that computers are used on a daily basis, but fail to help students in the classroom. At one point in the article, the author stated "We are living in the age of information overload with the expectation that students will learn high-level skills such as assess, evaluate, analyze, and synthesize vast quantities of information. At the same time teachers are evaluated by their ability to have students pass test that often times that often don't give value to these abilities." I found that quote to be quite powerful, has technology created a disadvantage for students? Or, does the classroom need to reform?
So What?
Why is there such a controversy with the use of technology? Is it because seasoned teachers don't feel comfortable? Or, is it to the disadvantage of the students to be submerged in this culture of over indulgence?
Now What?
I think that there are several improvements that need to be made. I think elementary and secondary classroom should have some type of technology implemented in their program . I don't think that technology (in moderation) is bad for a student. No, quite the contrary actually. At almost any job one is to obtain in the U.S. will use technology in some form or another. Students need to be exposed to it early, therefore it become second nature to operate.
Reflection 5
What?
A couple of years ago I went to a friend's birthday party. While there, many of the people seemed uncomfortable. Some decided to fixate their eyes on the TV screen, while others pulled out their cells phones. After about ten minutes of silence, people started pulling out their computers. Through the use of their computers, some of the people starting skyping! I was shocked and appalled by the lack of consideration paid to those that actually wanted face-to-face interaction.
So what?
Why am I bringing this story up? Well, as a society, I feel that we have replaced the most crucial form of communication to a less sophisticated manner of communication. Some would disagree. I feel we have relied so heavily on computers and technology that we have neglected social responsibility. Often times, family and friends suffer the most. Wait, that doesn't make sense! Those are the people I am in constant communication with, how can it be crippling those relationships? I can almost guarantee for every Facebook, Myspace, text, or twitter one has responded to, there is a person that is being neglected that is in the same room or in close proximity. I can recall several occasions where I am at my house, texting, while my one of my family members is close by.
Now what?
I think as a society, we need to clue into the people around us. Instead of texting a friend that we will be seeing in five minutes, get to know the people in the same room as you. People are lonely and need to be reached out to. Why else would we be addicted to Facebook?
A couple of years ago I went to a friend's birthday party. While there, many of the people seemed uncomfortable. Some decided to fixate their eyes on the TV screen, while others pulled out their cells phones. After about ten minutes of silence, people started pulling out their computers. Through the use of their computers, some of the people starting skyping! I was shocked and appalled by the lack of consideration paid to those that actually wanted face-to-face interaction.
So what?
Why am I bringing this story up? Well, as a society, I feel that we have replaced the most crucial form of communication to a less sophisticated manner of communication. Some would disagree. I feel we have relied so heavily on computers and technology that we have neglected social responsibility. Often times, family and friends suffer the most. Wait, that doesn't make sense! Those are the people I am in constant communication with, how can it be crippling those relationships? I can almost guarantee for every Facebook, Myspace, text, or twitter one has responded to, there is a person that is being neglected that is in the same room or in close proximity. I can recall several occasions where I am at my house, texting, while my one of my family members is close by.
Now what?
I think as a society, we need to clue into the people around us. Instead of texting a friend that we will be seeing in five minutes, get to know the people in the same room as you. People are lonely and need to be reached out to. Why else would we be addicted to Facebook?
Reflection 4
What?
I went home three weeks ago my brother showed me a new animation he had created with his HD program on his desktop. I was shocked at the clarity and the skill it took to create the 10 minute short. After I watched it two times, I decided to have him show me how he created it. I was blown away by the amount of patience and knowledge it took. I would have struggled creating a minute presentation of that caliber.
So What?
Even though I starting learning about computers when I was in fourth grade, I still feel like a digital immigrant. Looking at my household ranging from ages 50-14 there is a significant generational gap that has occurred. My dad and mom struggle with learning new programs and operating the computer, while my kid brother is a computer whiz. I tend to fall in between the two, I am not a native but I am (by no means) a digital immigrant.
Now What?
Seeing the major gap between those that were raised in a technologically savvy world and those that haven't has cause me to ponder what the next generation will be like? Will students be learning their ABC's on the computer? Will all standardized testing be via computer? I wonder if students will have to turn in "hard copies" of their homework in upcoming years. Who knows what the classroom will look like in ten years time, or five years for that matter?!
I went home three weeks ago my brother showed me a new animation he had created with his HD program on his desktop. I was shocked at the clarity and the skill it took to create the 10 minute short. After I watched it two times, I decided to have him show me how he created it. I was blown away by the amount of patience and knowledge it took. I would have struggled creating a minute presentation of that caliber.
So What?
Even though I starting learning about computers when I was in fourth grade, I still feel like a digital immigrant. Looking at my household ranging from ages 50-14 there is a significant generational gap that has occurred. My dad and mom struggle with learning new programs and operating the computer, while my kid brother is a computer whiz. I tend to fall in between the two, I am not a native but I am (by no means) a digital immigrant.
Now What?
Seeing the major gap between those that were raised in a technologically savvy world and those that haven't has cause me to ponder what the next generation will be like? Will students be learning their ABC's on the computer? Will all standardized testing be via computer? I wonder if students will have to turn in "hard copies" of their homework in upcoming years. Who knows what the classroom will look like in ten years time, or five years for that matter?!
Reflection 3
What?
When I was in third grade my parents decided to take our family on a "field trip." We went to the Smithsonian exhibition that was held in Portland. While waiting in the two hour line, we were pleasantly surprised. They had on contest that the one millionth person in line won a free computer! The next thing we know there is a channel nine news in our faces. They usher us to a room and give us a brief synopsis of all our winnings. Free carousel ride, 100's of Microsoft programs, and a desktop computer with word 99! Wow!
So what?
Why am I mentioning this? Well, in the late 90's computers still were quite a commodity for most households. I remember going back to my classroom and my teacher wrote on the board, "congratulations on your new computer! That's so exciting." Now, computers have become a necessity. One would not read receive that type of message, or receive envious stares for getting a desktop computer. Now, its a fact of life.
Now What?
The average household has four computers. Such a drastic change to late nineties! Technology has become second nature in our daily living. Whether it be to write a paper, listen to a new song on Itunes, or even post a blog computers and technology have completely changed our culture.
When I was in third grade my parents decided to take our family on a "field trip." We went to the Smithsonian exhibition that was held in Portland. While waiting in the two hour line, we were pleasantly surprised. They had on contest that the one millionth person in line won a free computer! The next thing we know there is a channel nine news in our faces. They usher us to a room and give us a brief synopsis of all our winnings. Free carousel ride, 100's of Microsoft programs, and a desktop computer with word 99! Wow!
So what?
Why am I mentioning this? Well, in the late 90's computers still were quite a commodity for most households. I remember going back to my classroom and my teacher wrote on the board, "congratulations on your new computer! That's so exciting." Now, computers have become a necessity. One would not read receive that type of message, or receive envious stares for getting a desktop computer. Now, its a fact of life.
Now What?
The average household has four computers. Such a drastic change to late nineties! Technology has become second nature in our daily living. Whether it be to write a paper, listen to a new song on Itunes, or even post a blog computers and technology have completely changed our culture.
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