I have learned so much this semester with technology and using it in the classroom. Just this last week I made a SmartBoard completely by myself and I was shocked at how easy it was for me to use. I had used pre-made ones sometimes in the past if I wanted it to me more complex, but for this I did it on my own and I loved it. It was very simple and I shocked myself with how much I learned about this piece of technology. I have also learned about so many other webpages that are so useful when it comes to technology. I can make my own short videos, webpages, blogs and so much more. Not only have I learned how to use different types of technology and programs, but I have also learned how important technology is in the classroom today. It is so important that I stay up with technology and know how to use it. I also think it is important that my students use technology and get very familiar with it. They will be using technology so much in the future that I need to make sure I use it enough and encourage them to use it enough to stay on top of the always changing world of technology.
NETS FOR TEACHERS
At the beginning of the year the Net for teachers that I chose was: Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity. I think this is so important. Students need to have fun and enjoy class. I think they will learn more if they are enjoying and not dreading an assignment or class. Over the semester I think I have learned many ways that I can make teaching interesting in my classroom. Not only when I am teaching technology methods, but also as I am teaching any other subject in my classroom. Another thing I have learned this semester that will help me when it comes to being creative and to inspire students is all those apps we looked at. I think these will be great, as well as the many websites and programs we looked at for students. I think being creative and changing things up so it is not always the same and become redundant and boring for the students. This may require more out of me as a teacher, but that is my job and I am prepared to do that.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Reflection #12
I have read a few articles lately on technology in the classroom. The one that got me the most interested was one about the possibility of students no longer needing text books in the classroom. Basically, schools would buy text books online, and each student would have some kind of technology (for instance the ipad) located at their desk. This item would NEVER leave the classroom, however, this would reduce the need for text books in the classroom. I do wonder how the students would be required to do classwork outside of school, without these electronic textbooks. I would assume that they would have some kind of password that would allow them to access the textbooks on line when they are at home. But this still poses the questions, "What if they do not have a computer at home?" Then what? Or are we in a time and age now that even the poorest of people have computers in their homes? I think that with technology advancing as it is and with prices going down as I stated in a previous blog, that maybe computers in homes will become a natural thing, like a table or a bed. However, schools would still be required to provide for the student who may not have the luxury of a computer. Then what are they going to do if we are using electronic textbooks? Will they be forced to by regular textbooks? Then will they charge those students to use the textbooks who do not have a computer at home? I think this could get a little messy, however, the idea of online textbooks, would be nice for students. Teachers will never have to worry about the student who didn't bring their book to class.
Assignment #4
4th Grade Classroom Webpage
This is the webpage I have created for a "future" class. I have a list of classes that I will be teaching, discussions for the class to begin participating in, a few announcements to get the year started, a few important dates, and a welcome page. I tried to make the webpage kid friendly, but also professional. I plan to use a theme for the year, which is "Sports," so the homepage portrays this theme. I think this webpage will be very helpful for me as a teacher, as well as for students and parents. This is just a start, as the year went on more things would and will be added.
For the second part of my project I created a video. My thought was to connect this to my webpage, but I could not get it to work, I don't know if photostory is not compatible with the program or what caused the problem. Video
Technologies that I used
Created a new Webpage using a new website
Used the links and gadgets on this site to make my page look kid friendly, but professional
Created a Video using Photostory
Imported Pictures
Used already imported music
One issue I discovered was I was not able to download my video to my webpage. This was frustrating because I was going to use it for the students and possibly a discussion topic. Instead I made a link you can go to to then download the video in order to see it. I could still do the whole discussion thing, but it will be more of a hassle now to download it for the students and if some do not have to right program it will not play. So, instead I think I would just show it in class to the students. Also, it was mainly so I knew how to do the video so it will be a nice reminder.
Another issue I encountered was finding an place to make a webpage without having to know all the codes. I made a webpage in 8th grade using the codes and I loved it, but it was very time consuming so I wanted to find a place that made it easier. I found k12lessonplans.com this page is great! It made it so easy to make a webpage and I can totally see myself using this as a teacher.
I think this webpage will really be great for me as a teacher. At first I wasn't sure if I would use it, but after I played with it and realized how great it is, I think it would be wonderful. I can have students use it to take quizzes and check on their classes. I can send notifications to parents so they are kept in the loop. I think this webpage will be wonderful. As for the video part of this project, I think it will just be more of a fun thing for me to use with my students. I can make videos for them and I can also teach them how to use the program so they can make their own and present them to the class. I think they would love this and it would also be teaching them very useful technology skills.
Nets for Teachers
I would be using #1 and #2 doing this project. For #1 I would be encouraging students to use this new webpage and form of technology that they may not be familiar with. I would be encouraging them to use it as they post on the discussion page and take quizzes. For #2 I am simply creating my own webpage using this technology and that basically sums up Net 2. I am providing it for my students to see and to use which is spreading the knowledge to them as well.
Nets for Students
I would be using and applying nets #1 and #6. The students would be encouraged to be using the webpage and beginning to make their own. Also, when it comes to the video they will be using creativity and innovation to create their webpage or video which is Net #1. As for Net #6 the students would have to understand technology operations and concepts in order to make either of these items. I would be using this be having the students make either a video or the webpage. For this to be successful the students will have to learn the technology.
This is the webpage I have created for a "future" class. I have a list of classes that I will be teaching, discussions for the class to begin participating in, a few announcements to get the year started, a few important dates, and a welcome page. I tried to make the webpage kid friendly, but also professional. I plan to use a theme for the year, which is "Sports," so the homepage portrays this theme. I think this webpage will be very helpful for me as a teacher, as well as for students and parents. This is just a start, as the year went on more things would and will be added.
For the second part of my project I created a video. My thought was to connect this to my webpage, but I could not get it to work, I don't know if photostory is not compatible with the program or what caused the problem. Video
Technologies that I used
Created a new Webpage using a new website
Used the links and gadgets on this site to make my page look kid friendly, but professional
Created a Video using Photostory
Imported Pictures
Used already imported music
One issue I discovered was I was not able to download my video to my webpage. This was frustrating because I was going to use it for the students and possibly a discussion topic. Instead I made a link you can go to to then download the video in order to see it. I could still do the whole discussion thing, but it will be more of a hassle now to download it for the students and if some do not have to right program it will not play. So, instead I think I would just show it in class to the students. Also, it was mainly so I knew how to do the video so it will be a nice reminder.
Another issue I encountered was finding an place to make a webpage without having to know all the codes. I made a webpage in 8th grade using the codes and I loved it, but it was very time consuming so I wanted to find a place that made it easier. I found k12lessonplans.com this page is great! It made it so easy to make a webpage and I can totally see myself using this as a teacher.
I think this webpage will really be great for me as a teacher. At first I wasn't sure if I would use it, but after I played with it and realized how great it is, I think it would be wonderful. I can have students use it to take quizzes and check on their classes. I can send notifications to parents so they are kept in the loop. I think this webpage will be wonderful. As for the video part of this project, I think it will just be more of a fun thing for me to use with my students. I can make videos for them and I can also teach them how to use the program so they can make their own and present them to the class. I think they would love this and it would also be teaching them very useful technology skills.
Nets for Teachers
I would be using #1 and #2 doing this project. For #1 I would be encouraging students to use this new webpage and form of technology that they may not be familiar with. I would be encouraging them to use it as they post on the discussion page and take quizzes. For #2 I am simply creating my own webpage using this technology and that basically sums up Net 2. I am providing it for my students to see and to use which is spreading the knowledge to them as well.
Nets for Students
I would be using and applying nets #1 and #6. The students would be encouraged to be using the webpage and beginning to make their own. Also, when it comes to the video they will be using creativity and innovation to create their webpage or video which is Net #1. As for Net #6 the students would have to understand technology operations and concepts in order to make either of these items. I would be using this be having the students make either a video or the webpage. For this to be successful the students will have to learn the technology.
Reflection #11
I have recently seen the movie Avitar. This movie is crazy when it comes to technology. I do not even want to get into the fact that they create alien looking people. My main focus is the actual computer technology they use in the movie. The computer screens are flat and clear basically. You can grab one thing off of a computer and pull it to the computer screen in your hand without having the computers even connected. Everything is done by touch, there is not a mouse or a key board to do typing or navigation. (Many things are now coming out as a touch screen and this is a new advancment. The i-pad for instance). It makes me wonder if technology can actually come up with these types of things. I would not want to say it is impossible, but in my head it just seems like it would be. However, I would not be too surprised if in the future computers just needed to be near enough to each other to send and recieve information instead of hooked up or emailed from one to the other. I can only imagine what this kind of technology would do in schools and the world in general. They joke about robots doing the "undesired" jobs or easy jobs, but it makes you wonder if the time of "The Jetsons" is in our grasp.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Reflection # 10
Netflix. I am sure everyone knows about Netflix. It is the movie service that is delivered to your door, for cheap. Well as if that was not enough, there is now Netflix you can order on your TV. I never knew about this. I do not know if it is new or years old and I am just discovering it, but either way it is incredible. The family I nanny for has this luxury. Basically they call, or order it online to be sent to their TV. They then have a remote that has an option for Netflix that they click. All the movies they have ordered or wish to view are right there on the TV. They have to do nothing! The only down fall to this is that it take about 3 to 5 minutes to recieve each time you watch the movie. But serioulsy? Who can't wait 3 to 5 minutes for a movie that they should have had to get at a store!? It is just crazy to me that we can now send a movie via TV to someones house. Yes, you have to have an account and the right technology inorder for this to work, but I am assuming that future TV's will have it programmed in without even needing to ask for it.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Reflection #9
I was shocked after learning so much about the different tools in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. I have used these programs for as long as I can remember. There were so many new things that I had no idea existed. I know that some features are new with the 2007 word, but it was not all new. Some of these tools have been a part of the programs for years. It was surprising to me how many new tools I learned about. I think that sometimes I just get comfortable with what I already know and it seems easier to me, so instead of branching out and trying a new 'tool' or whatever, I stick with what I know, and apparently I miss out. There were so many tools that would make my life easier when using these programs. Maybe this will teach me to explore a little more.
Technology and the Future
Technology and Education: What Will the Future Bring?
This article was very interesting. It talked about how technology production is going to continue to increase (estimated that the processing speed and power will double every 18 months), and the prices will continue to decrease at rate of 35% a year. So, not only is technology going to keep getting better and better, but it is also going to be more affordable. Expense will no longer be an excuse as to why a school has not Incorporated some of the newest technology. This article also talked about teachers/principles/parents who believe that technology is just a fad right now and it will pass. They believe that children really only need the basics. This is not true, and this article talks about how untrue this thought is. So much of our world is based around technology that if students don't start learning it at a young age they are going to be lost when they get older. For example, I have never used a SmartBoard before this class, I have seen and heard about them, but that is it. If I had grown up using one I would be great with it. I would know all the techniques and short cuts, all the methods and tools. I would know everything about it and I would have just discovered this through use. However, now I have to learn it and it is confusing. I am not used to it and it is a whole new 'concept' to me. Technology is not a fad, it is not going to run its coarse and go away and schools need to accept this and integrate technology to better their students' education. After all, it is about the students, not the educators.
This article was very interesting. It talked about how technology production is going to continue to increase (estimated that the processing speed and power will double every 18 months), and the prices will continue to decrease at rate of 35% a year. So, not only is technology going to keep getting better and better, but it is also going to be more affordable. Expense will no longer be an excuse as to why a school has not Incorporated some of the newest technology. This article also talked about teachers/principles/parents who believe that technology is just a fad right now and it will pass. They believe that children really only need the basics. This is not true, and this article talks about how untrue this thought is. So much of our world is based around technology that if students don't start learning it at a young age they are going to be lost when they get older. For example, I have never used a SmartBoard before this class, I have seen and heard about them, but that is it. If I had grown up using one I would be great with it. I would know all the techniques and short cuts, all the methods and tools. I would know everything about it and I would have just discovered this through use. However, now I have to learn it and it is confusing. I am not used to it and it is a whole new 'concept' to me. Technology is not a fad, it is not going to run its coarse and go away and schools need to accept this and integrate technology to better their students' education. After all, it is about the students, not the educators.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Reflection #8
For last weeks blog I watched a video on apps. Now, I know we have learned about a ton of different apps this semester, and I have been surprised to see how many apps I never even knew existed. However, after watching this session, I was amazed to learn about how many apps I have never heard of or seen before. I have no idea where they come from, or who makes them. Although I have not used all or many of these apps, I feel like they are all so very helpful. I have wondered, with how good our technology is, why these apps are so unknown. Maybe it is just because I don't play around too often or look. I just go straight to what I already know and I don't branch out very often. I think I just get comfortable with what I already know and don't want to waste the time to learn something knew. But, after seeing this session and how easy and helpful these apps are I think I will be much more willing to give these apps a shot. I mean, they are simple and seem like they would make life so much easier.
Week 13
Word
Spell Check
Tables
Clip Art
Borders
Dictionary
Thesaurus
Copy and Paste
Paragraph settings
Font settings
Excel
Grids
Tables
Business-if you know the codes it will add/mult/find % for you
PowerPoint
Clip Art
Back Grounds
Font settings
Slide Choices
Insert items
Copy and Paste
3 Projects for Students
1. PowerPoint Presentation
2. Make a grid on Excel, inputting data (this way they learn to use the codes)
3. Write a story in Word and use pictures
Spell Check
Tables
Clip Art
Borders
Dictionary
Thesaurus
Copy and Paste
Paragraph settings
Font settings
Excel
Grids
Tables
Business-if you know the codes it will add/mult/find % for you
PowerPoint
Clip Art
Back Grounds
Font settings
Slide Choices
Insert items
Copy and Paste
3 Projects for Students
1. PowerPoint Presentation
2. Make a grid on Excel, inputting data (this way they learn to use the codes)
3. Write a story in Word and use pictures
Online Learning Experience
The Wizard of Apps
I visited the Wizard of Apps session. Basically this session talked about tons and tons of different apps you can use on the computer for various different things. It talked about different apps for research, for checking reliability of research, enhancing drawings/visual presentations, and ways to practice presenting a presentation, with an "audience" even when you do not really have people watching you. They made the video a little more interesting because they used the Wizard of Oz theme and it just livened the presentation up a little bit. I had looked at a few for a few seconds before watching this, but some where rather boring. I think this session is very helpful and I can see myself going back and using it/watching it again to get new app ideas. There were so many that were named, that I had never heard of before. I have learned of many just in this class that I have never heard of before, but this session gave even more. With all these different apps, it seems like any presentation I have to do would be so much easier if I used some of the apps to complete my presentation. I think this session is worth watching and I found it very helpful and insightful.
I visited the Wizard of Apps session. Basically this session talked about tons and tons of different apps you can use on the computer for various different things. It talked about different apps for research, for checking reliability of research, enhancing drawings/visual presentations, and ways to practice presenting a presentation, with an "audience" even when you do not really have people watching you. They made the video a little more interesting because they used the Wizard of Oz theme and it just livened the presentation up a little bit. I had looked at a few for a few seconds before watching this, but some where rather boring. I think this session is very helpful and I can see myself going back and using it/watching it again to get new app ideas. There were so many that were named, that I had never heard of before. I have learned of many just in this class that I have never heard of before, but this session gave even more. With all these different apps, it seems like any presentation I have to do would be so much easier if I used some of the apps to complete my presentation. I think this session is worth watching and I found it very helpful and insightful.
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