Reflective

As soon as signed up for EME2040 I began to get very nervous. I have always been very apprehensive when it comes to technology because it just simply does not come easy to me. I was afraid that I was going to be the odd girl out who didn't know how to do the simplest things. On the first day of class to my surprise I was not the only one who felt this way and right away I began to let  myself be open minded and excited to learn things that I knew would be helpful for my future as an educator.

Throughout this semester I have learned so many things that I never thought I would learn how to do. I now know how to create different types of websites such as Wikis, WebQuests, and ePortfolios, all in which I create and use it in my future classrooms for myself, parents, and most importantly students. I can also find websites that are reliable and good sources because I have learned how to properly evaluate them. I can create successful lessons that incorporate technology in many ways. Most importantly I have learned how to use authorized pictures. Turns out I have been stealing for many years now without knowing. Uh-Oh!!

                                            

photo credit: Wikipedia

As well as learning these new things thorough my assignments, I also learned how to think outside of the box during class discussions and  instructive challenges. I learned many new facts I had never knew about with our textbook, Transforming Learning with New Technologies. I was challenged every time we had to discuss that week's reading or posting my thoughts about certain technology based topics. I was excited and surprised to see that many of my classmates have a similar way of thinking when it comes to technology and education. What I believe was the most important thing that I learned was that technology is not the enemy when it comes to learning. Technology, when used correctly is a teacher's sidekick. 

                   

photo credit: Langwitches                                         photo credit: Wikipedia

I can't wait to use all of the the things and the tools that I have learned to use. EME2040 has been a great experience and I can honestly say that I have learned so much from my professor, classmates, and all of the assignments. And thank goodness this is no longer my feelings toward computers! 

Journal Post #11

Focus Question: How can teachers and students use digital portfolios as tools for learning?

The definition of a digital portfolio according to Transforming Learning With New Technologies is a collection of educational and professional materials stored in an electronic format. Teachers and students can use digital portfolios in multiple ways. Teachers can use it as a way to store different project ideas so they can reuse it in the future. They can also use it as a way to build a resume for future teaching jobs and opportunities, and they can use it as a way to help their students record their progress and in the process increase their technology skills. Students can use it in order to display their work with their peers throughout the world and reach a wider audience.

Photo Credit: Wesley Fryer


Tech Tool Link: iLife

iLife is a software designed by and for apple that is used to store photos, but you can also edit those photos and use texts. This is a great tool to use to create a digital portfolio for students, especially photography. This is great because you can design it and make videos and make a very interactive portfolio.

As a future educator I think that digital portfolios are a great idea and would definitely incorporate it in my class. It is great to save students' work and a way to come them wanting to do more and be creative. it also helps in assessing their work and makes it easy for my teaching to be assessed by looking at my student's work. Just as Chapter 11 of Transforming Learning With New Technologies mentions.





Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2011). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Journal Post #10

Focus Question: How does technology promote learning success for young writers?

Many children and teens struggle when it comes to writing. Either they just really dislike it, or that is not their strong suit. Nevertheless, there are those students who truly enjoy writhing, but are not given the opportunity to let this particular interest grow. With all of the technology is that is available these days it is so much easier to make kids interested in writing, to help specific needs and difficulties, and to give students all of the tools so they can use their creativity.

Technology promotes learning success because it gives the students an audience. Their audience can be their classrooms, friends and family in another state, or even a complete stranger from the other side of the world. This kind of power grabs the kids' attention and motivates them to do their best and show their true potential. It is also easier for teachers to help their students with corrections or any other questions they might need. There are multiple programs and apps available such as GrammerAPP HD and Spell Check. There are also many programs that help students create a visual to go along with their writing. Some of these programs are Toontastic or Animation Creator HD. The best part in my opinion is that with all of these helpful tools it makes students proud to share their work. They also will be able to save it and be able to look back years later and see the progress they have made.


Photo Credit: Karen McMillan


Tech Tool: Interactive Whiteboards

An Interactive Whiteboard is like a touch screen whiteboard. Teachers are able to multi-task. For example, they are able to go to a website show it to the class on the overhead projector, and make notes as she teaches. This is an amazing tool that is interesting enough to keep kids engaged and helpful for the teacher to be able to do all of these things at once. I would use this in my classroom  to work on grammar, math, or any other subject. I believe it is also super cool because you can have the kids come up to the board and make notes as well and solve problems. It is also an amazing tool to help kids develop, grow, and keep them interested in writing.


Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2011). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Journal Post #9

Focus Question: How can teachers create PowerPoint presentations for maximum teaching potential and learning impact?

PowerPoint is a multimedia presentation software that is very popular and used by teachers and students of every grade level. The best way that teachers can use PowerPoint to its fullest potential and make it a great learning tool is to incorporate other tools. Some great ones that are mentioned in Transforming Learning with New Technology, are digital projectors and a document camera. These are great because it is a way to multitask and be able to show the students multiple visuals at once. 

Tech Tool Link :

YouTube for Schools is a channel for school appropriate videos which are very educational. 

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

I would definitely use YouTube for schools in my classroom because kids love videos. I remember when I was in school and no matter what grade it was when the teacher said, "Today we're watching a video." everyone would be so excited. It is super important thought to find captivating videos to keep the kids interested, but that is not a problem because there are so many videos available.

I would incorporate YouTube into my PowerPoint presentations. That is a way to use PowerPoint and these learning tools to their maximum potential. I would also have my students depending on the age and grade to use PowerPoint as projects. It can be used for individual and group work and it is amazing because PowerPoint can be used for any subject or content that is being taught.

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2011). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Journal Post #8

Focus Question: How can teachers use email or text messaging to foster information exchanges with and among students?

Email and text messaging is a great way and quick way for information exchanging with friends, family, coworkers, even  students and teachers. Using text messaging and emails to as a learning tool in my opinion can be good, but of course has its negative points. Email is a great way for students and teachers to communicate. It is a safe environment where students can feel comfortable asking questions instead of asking in front of their peers.It is an less formal way to communicate with a teacher. It is also good because teachers can keep records of the conversations. Text messaging is wonderful with students. It can help the students build relationships and always keep in touch and according to Transforming Learning with New Technologies it is a good way to teach and practice spelling.


Photo Credit: Wikipedia

In my classroom I would definitely use email to communicate with my students, but I don't think I would use text messaging at all. Text messaging could be a great tool, however it is too difficult to make sure that students are actually using it for the right things in the classroom. If there was a way to monitor the way the students are using it I would consider it. I do believe students exchanging phone numbers is great to communicate with each other in order to build relationships with classmates and for them to ask for missed materials, etc.

Tech Tool Link: Skype

Skype is a great tool for communications, but I don't believe it is the best for younger students to use alone. I think it would be a cool way to use as a classroom together to teach about other cultures and use it to communicate with students and teachers from other cities, states, or countries. That is how I would use it in my classroom.

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2011). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Journal Post #7

Focus Question: What are the standard and open-source software applications available on most computers?

Open-source software is a type of software that is open for the public not only to use, but also to copy and recreate. They have proven to be very dependable. The creators of this kind of software create it with the intention that other developers come up with new innovative ideas, which can create a ripple effect and make others want to keep bettering the software. According to Transforming Learning with New Technologies any computer user can find open-source alternatives for all of the big and commonly used commercial software apps.


Tech Tool Link: Squeak Etoys

Squeak Etoys is an open-source website where kids can practice problem solving and it is a program that supports inquiry learning. It is an easy accessible site and it is FREE! It is a wonderful website that every teacher should know about. It offers games and activities that are appropriate for ages k-12. As a future elementary school teacher I will definitely use this site because it is a wonderful way to keep the little kids interested and excited to practice.


Photo Credit to Lucelia Ribeiro

Summery: This chapter went into depth about open-source software, apps, and programs that support problem solving and inquiry based leaning. It also talked about how there are even video games these days that help children practice their problem solving.

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2011). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Journal Post #6

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

Educational websites are internet based that are designed for student's learning needs and goals. It is a wonderful tool to keep students engaged and interested. These websites are very reliable and great for teachers because they are maintained by individuals with the credentials and authority to write about it. These websites provide everything from ideas for lessons for teachers, a place for students to be able to communicate with professionals and college students and be able to get their expertise or their opinion. There are also websites that allow students to take a virtual field trip and explore, as well as provide practice activities so they can practice the material they have been learning. I believe its a great way to keep kids engaged because the students of today are all about technology. What better way to get their attention than letting them explore the web.


Photo cred: Heather

Tech Tool: Website for the Science Museum of Minnesota

This website is a wonderful website that students can access at any time. The website provides activities that students can do online that are very age appropriate and you can see that the website is specifically designed for them.

This chapter is about students using websites and apps that can keep students engaged and interacted in the lessons. It provides multiple examples. In my classroom I will definitely use websites and apps because students of the upcoming generations will be more and more reliant on technology and it is a wonderful way to keep their attention.

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2011). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Journal Post #5

Focus Question: What are search engines and how do they work?

"A search engine is a software program that uses networks of computers to access information from its database." (Transforming Learning With New Technologies) Basically, what it does is search through multiple websites, articles, journals, etc. that are available online based on key words that you type in to search. Using search engines is becoming more popular and more essential to find information. "Over 90% of online adults use search engines to locate information." (Purcell, Brenner,& Rainie, 2012) I believe it is even more commonly used among teenagers and the younger generation. I always find myself on a daily basis "googling" something when I don't have the answer.


Photo credit to Jason Krajniak


The Tech Tool Link I chose was Flickr . Flickr is a great website that is easily accessible to anyone. It is an easy way to find photos about anything you can think of. The website is easy to navigate and very eye catching. Flickr is also becoming a very popular exercise. I would love to use it as a tool in my future classroom.

Summary: Chapter 5 was about navigating through the web and teaching students how to correctly do it. It is very important to teach students how to safely navigate and learn how to properly use search engines. These days it is too easy to find all kinds including bad information. As a future educator I definitely will do my best to educate my students how to properly use the internet.

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2011). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc. ISBN:10 0-13-159611-X, ISBN:13 978-0-13-159611-5

Journal Post #4

Focus question: How are lesson planning and student assessment enhanced by technology?

Lesson planning and student assessment are greatly enhanced by technology through the programs, websites, and apps that are available now a days. In previous years the only way to create a lesson plan was to brainstorm with fellow teachers or to just use your own brain or maybe even a book, but with the technology we have today educators can look for help in places they didn't even think of before. There are websites made especially for teachers so they can find ideas, websites made by teachers where ideas can be shared. There are also online According to the textbook Transforming Learning with New Technologies, it is easy to find already assembled lesson plans for any topic. There are also numerous apps available where you can download them to your phone or iPad and have your lesson plan, take notes on the classroom, etc and have that tool at your fingertips whenever it is needed.  Student assessment is also made easier with the new technology available. There are websites such as rubistar4teachers.org, where teachers can find rubrics that are all ready to go or they can personalize them to their own needs. There are also those little devices where you can type in answers and it sends them directly to the teacher. There re so many websites, apps, and devices that are available.

The tech tool link that I decided to explore was www.learner.org  . This website is a multimedia curriculum resource center. You can find lesson plans, activities, and videos for any topic and all grades. I explored it and I thought it was amazing. The thing that stood out to me the most was options they have for learning foreign languages. I think it is so cool how children can learn a different language so quickly, so it is great to see that they have fun and different activities available to give students.

Summary: This chapter mostly discussed the different technological tools that are available to help teachers in lesson planning, teaching in the class, and student assessment. There are so many websites, apps, programs, and devices that can be used and in so many different ways. I believe this type of technology is very much needed because it makes it so much easier for teachers. I believe it helps cut down the amount of time they spend in planning and gives more time where it is most needed, which is giving attention to the students. It makes the teacher more available when help is required and makes it easier for a teacher to quickly assess students' needs.




http://abaschool.info/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Technology-600x182.jpg

 Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2012).Transforming Learning with New Technologies. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc. ISBN:10 0-13-159611-X, ISBN:13 978-0-13-159611-5    

Journel Post #3 Common Core Standards

The common core standards a foundation of standards that provides a clear understanding of what is expected of students at each grade level. The common core are based on mathematics and English language arts, which then broadens into other subjects. Teachers are supposed to focus more on these subjects because they are "core" subjects. "It is important to recognize that “fewer standards” are no substitute for focused standards. Achieving “fewer standards” would be easy to do by resorting to broad, general statements. Instead, these Standards aim for clarity and specificity."(http://www.corestandards.org/) The mathematics standards are divided very specifically into each domain. For example, in a math class the students are learning about division. The teacher will teach the concept, show examples, give students individual practice, review, and then test the students. This method of teaching is supposed to help the students clearly understand the subject matter. The English language arts branches out into literacy in history/social studies, science and technical subjects. The standards for these subjects are supposed to prepare students for the college and career world by no later than the last years of their high school education. These also are divided carefully.

I do believe that the common core standards are effective to a certain extent, but it does have its drawbacks. I think a very positive thing about the standards is that it requires there to be accommodations for English Language Learners. I think that is very important since this country welcomes immigrant students. Without the standards I feel like it would be more difficult for educators to find a way to make it easier for those students to learn the subject matter. I also think it is great that the standards give teachers a guideline and gives them clear expectations. 

Some points to the standards is that the students are not retaining the information. Since they know what they are expected to learn and they know that it will only be required for the testing, then they just memorize in order to pass, but then they forget the information. 

http://www.corestandards.org/the-standards
http://opportunityequation.org/
http://dianeravitch.net/

Journal Post #2 Benefits and Drawbacks of Technology

"The truth is that the face of K-12 education is in a constant state of change. Educators that have been in the field for several decades may notice that the speed at which changes in methodology and student population are taking place is on a high-speed course compared to the past. Many factors play into this but none as strongly as technological advancements. The Internet, wireless devices and improvements in communication all heighten the immediacy for information both within and without the classroom." (Matthew Lynch, Ed. D)

I agree one hundred percent that the face of education is constantly changing. Especially where technology is involved. I believe that it can be very beneficial, but hindering if not controlled. It is inevitable that children will be exposed and as the years progress be more technology savvy. In result of this, schools have to constantly find new ways to incorporate technology in the classroom. The internet, cell phones, eBooks,  are all great tools that can help students explore and gives them access to information that nobody ever thought possible. But just as Matthew Lynch points out, it is too soon to know if this generation of kids will be more successful and if technology really is as beneficial as many think it is.

While technology being introduced in schools can be very beneficial, it also has its drawbacks. Children have such easy access to so much information that was never available before. When utilized correctly it it great, but there is also a lot of junk out there. Based on my personal observations, I see that kids are losing their social skills. Students should be able to come to school and be social and know how to carry  on an educated discussion in the classroom, but instead all they can think about is social media. Although that can be a great tool, I feel like face to face and personal relationships with classmates need to be established. I also agree with Matthew Lynch that it does make it difficult to keep the students' attention. It is difficult enough, but when they have easy access to tablets or their phones that is what they are constantly talking about.

I feel like it is difficult to say if technology is one hundred percent beneficial or one hundred percent a drawback. At the moment it is a grey area for me. Once the younger generations start going into their careers and bringing their knowledge into the real world, then we will truly know what the results are to these constant changes. 

http://www.supportingeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/technology-naysayer.gif

Source

Lynch Ed. D, Matthew. K-12 Technology: Benefits and Drawbacks.08/27/2013

Journal Post #1 Schools That Practice Learning-Literacy

In his blog David Warlick makes so many fantastic points that really open up our minds to the reality of today's world of education. He says that in a school that practices learning-literacy, the distinction between students and teachers begin to blur. I agree because throughout my years in school I have noticed that when I stop to help somebody and reteach the material I have just learned that I become more comfortable. I believe using this approach in the classroom is very innovative. An idea that popped into my head that can be used in any classroom is having the students find a topic they are not familiar with and make a presentation using Multimedia and teach their classmates what they have learned.That way technology can be introduced into the classroom at an earlier age. He also says that there is less reliance on textbooks and authority, and more reliance on the work of learning. Unlike years ago, students are now encouraged to challenge and be open to all types of possibilities. I believe it is very important to do so because it teaches students how to find more and reliable information. Nowadays students don't just rely on textbooks, they have millions of learning materials available to them on the web. That is why I believe it is a good tactic to ask students to always support their answer with reliable information they have found on the internet as well as textbooks. My favorite point that he made was that teachers teach from new learning, as master learners. He is completely correct saying that teachers need to continue finding new things to learn because the world does not stop evolving after graduation. That 100 percent includes bringing technology into the classroom. I personally struggle with technology, but as a future educator I am going to have to push myself to continue learning in order to be the best teacher to my students.

Summery:
David Warlick's blog is about the different attributes of a school that practices learning-literacy. He talks about how technology has helped the world of education evolve and has brought an abundant amount of information to the fingertips of students and educators. Warlick mentions that it can be somewhat of a struggle to learn and step out of the comfort zone of old fashioned textbooks.

Warlick, D. (2012, October 22). [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://davidwarlick.com/2cents/?p=3733 

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