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