Reflective blog post Chapter #Final

This semester in Eme2040 was such a great learning experience for me. I've always depended on my husband to do everything technology related for me. So this class has really opened my eyes to great technology tools for teaching and that I can use at home on a regular basis. I really enjoyed this class because it was so hands on and everything that I needed on a project was laid out so there wasn’t any misunderstanding of what was needed from me.

In EME2040 we had some really good assignments that I could use in the classroom when I become a teacher. This class has really put me in the right direction of becoming a 21^st century teacher. The assignment I was most eager to learn  was the blog post. I’ve always liked writing and a blog post was something that I always wanted to do. Throughout the semester we wrote a blog about three concepts from each chapter we were reading. We would reflect on what we had learned and we could explore more on the concepts we read about that interest us. Today I can not only write an informative and reflective blog but I can hyperlink and insert some great videos and images and other great 2.0 tools into my blog. We also had discussions which allowed us to see are classmate’s opinions and give feedback on what they posted. I really liked the class because it was smaller than most classes that I have taken. If I had any questions about assignments they were answered in class or by email. We did a few group projects a collaborative lesson plan and an instructional strategies wiki. Group projects aren’t my favorite thing to do but it gave me an opportunity to work with others who I normally wouldn’t work with. One thing that I liked was the teacher got us moving, if the class seemed tired she got us up and in the middle of the classroom to get our blood flowing. Using GPS and finding clues around campus were some other great things we did in the class.

 One assignment that I found difficult was the website evaluation rubric. I found this assignment hard because you were determining what was good about website and what was bad. Then you would make your rubric and rate that website. I tried really hard on this assignment reading the teacher rubric on what she wanted and going back on what she said in class about what makes a good website. I got an A on this assignment and really liked this assignment because as a teacher you’re going to be grading students work if you don’t have a rubric on what you want or expect how would you be able to give out grades based on work. So although challenging for me it was also a great learning experience for me.

We also learned about Web Quest which I really liked and I also feel that students in any age range would like to participate in a Web Quest. So knowing the different sections in a web quest and looking at some really good web quests and some bad ones helped determined what we needed in the web quest we would be creating. Another assignment we had and that I liked was the webpage portfolio. It was a portfolio with all the past assignments we did and was a chance for us to imagine what kind of teacher we would like to be. All the assignments I felt was appropriate and really taught me things I didn’t know how to do. A few things we learned that weren’t big assignments but that were informative like legal and ethical issues with copy right laws. Giving credit to photos and forming good habits so we can teach our students to have good habits as well. Cyber bullying and the effects it has on students as they get older and become adults.

Class EME2040 with Ms. Coleman was a great informative class for me. I learned a lot of new tools, vocabulary, and some great websites like delicious that will help me to be a better student and teacher. I really liked the course and think it is laid out well. The only suggestion that I have to improve the course in order to improve my learning would be to make the lesson plan assignment an individual assignment. I got along with my team member but it was hard to find time to meet up and I felt like if I was doing it alone I could have been more creative and it would have been a lesson plan I developed on my own. I have learned so much from this class and  I really liked this class because it gave me a respect and interest for technology that I didn't really have before. 

 photo by: U.S department of Education

Duke Ellington DNG 344Flickr

Resources:

Flickr photo by U.s Department of Education , Duke Ellington (2009,March 11.) Retrieved April 30,2015

Hamilton, P. (2012, November 21). Technology in Education. Retrieved April 30, 2015.

Maloy, R., O’Loughlin, R., Edwards, S., & Woolf, B. (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.

Digital Blog Post #L Chapter 12

Technology is a great tool to interpret into schools today. Although technology can be expensive, things like laptops and tablets are being seen more and more in school. Teachers are trying to find creative ways to integrate technology in the classroom that will make the learning experience more enjoyable and more engaging for students. Three concepts that I found interesting in chapter 12 were Infusion, one to one laptop computing and digital textbooks.

                Infusion means that computers and other information technologies are ongoing features of teaching and learning in all academic subjects at all grade levels. They are a continuing part of the day to day educational experience of students. I liked the concept of infusion because it is allowing students to work with and understand a variety of technology tools. They can select certain tools and use them for a specific purpose on a regular basis.  Student’s regular use of computers will be infused with the classroom daily learning. I think infusion is really good because it gives those tech savvy students a chance to be on the computer and learn new things. Teachers can really choose what technology they want to bring into the classroom. I think in many academic subjects technology can be infused to make a fun learning experience. A teacher’s knowledge of the technology will also increase the interest of students.

     One to one laptop computing means every student in a grade school, or district has her or his own computing device too use in school. The main concept of this is to reduce digital inequalities by providing each student with their own laptops. This cost about 18 million dollars per year. When I was observing in a 8^th grade classroom they had laptops and tablets that they shared among the 8^th grade classes. The students really enjoyed having the laptops to work with for fun games like Kahoot. They also watched a science video on YouTube with Bill the science guy. One concern that was mention in the book about one to one laptop computing was that schools face the challenge of finding the right blend of digital devices because technologies have become more available. I think that laptops will become replaced with tablets and when the new best thing comes out it will replace that. Technology is always changing that’s why students are so fascinated with it.

        Digital textbooks is a dynamic way to integrate computer technology into the teaching of academic material. It is now a national educational policy priority to move away from paper materials to digital textbooks. Many schools carry only a class set of actual hard cover textbooks. Students can now access their textbook online and any course material that goes along with that textbook. Teachers can use a single computer to make digital textbook formats to work successfully.  They don’t have to have a computer for each student. I think digital textbooks can be a good idea especially for those students use to doing most things online. I personally like to have a physical book so I can highlight or take notes, but I think moving into a more digital direction can not only be good for the environment but also allows students to access homework assignments and textbooks anywhere which is great.  

         Technology is something that all teachers can use to make a more creative, interesting and fun learning experience for all students in any grade level or age. I think teachers have to educate themselves on the technology they will use to truly successfully execute their lesson plan. I think Infusion of technology is something we as teachers will see more of and will become like second nature to integrate into teaching. One to One laptops is such a great idea to have to get kids prepared for using computers because that’s what is used in college and at work. Digital textbooks is another great tool for students and teachers assignments and text is all in one place. Technology is always changing and there is so many great tools, apps, software to be used to help students learn and have fun doing it.

Ella bubblus

Resources:

Bubbl.us by Ella Kies

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

TIM: The Technology Integration Matrix | A video resource supporting the full integration of 
technology in Florida schools (Technology Integration Matrix)

http://fcit.usf.edu/matrix/infusion.php

PowerUp - The road toward one-to-one computing. (2014, October 17). Retrieved April 16, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tW6NB25ncUY

Chapter 6 Blog post K

flipquiz

Three concepts that I found interesting in chapter six was Web Quest, Videoconferencing, and virtual schools. Each of these concepts provide an interesting engaging learning experience for the student. As an aspiring teacher some of these tools can come in handy to keep students engaged in the school curriculum.

Web quest are online inquires by students that are designed and guided by teachers. In a Web Quest students follow an electronic map or take an online tour, moving from one web resource to the next to gather information and learn about a specific topic. For a web Quest all the information is digital, students visit sites that are preselected by teachers. Although for teachers designing web quest can be time consuming there are already made Web Quest that teachers can use in their classroom. Web quest are great activities for students to do in groups.

Another interesting concept was videoconferencing which is a feature of Virtual field trips. Videoconferencing can change the learning experience for students. Its offers real time access to people and places that’s students are unable to visit. Interactive videoconferencing requires two computers or large screen television monitors at each site with one or more cameras and a digital projection device. One monitor shows the near site and the other shows the far site. The digital projector lets the visual and printed text to be shown from site to site. Videoconferencing is a feature of virtual field trips because in virtual field trips students visit a place from the comfort of their classroom.

Virtual schools are highly debated because some people don’t like all the online teaching. A virtual school are educational organizations that teach students mainly through online learning. With virtual schools students never go to a real school site everything from class time to exams are all done on computers. Virtual schools mainly attracted home schooled students but now many students with medical conditions or other constraints on mobility, gifted and talented students are taking an interest in these schools.

There is a lot of technology that can be brought into the classroom to provide as an aid to the curriculum. Things like Web Quest gets the students engaged and collaboratively working together. Videoconferencing and virtual tours are great ways to travel and meet new people and see new places without leaving the classroom. Virtual schools are highly debated but are a great and new school that is out there for students that seek a different route an obtaining an education.

Resources:
Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Digital Blog Post # j Chapter 11

    Engaging students in performance assessment and reflecting learning is a great way to give students learning goals and help them to accomplish these goals throughout the year. Involving technology in performance assessment can help a student become more independent. Three concepts that i thought was interesting in this chapter was digital portfolios, Democratic schools and classrooms, and Pre-assessments.

   Digital portfolios in teacher education has become popular in the last few years. These portfolios helps teachers keep track of educational and professional materials in an electronic format. These portfolios help teachers to see their growth and development over time. It can contain copies of paper material, videos, PowerPoint,photographs and other materials. Its best to start a portfolio as soon as a teacher seeks a teaching license . Teachers can design their portfolio to represent them in many creative ways.Some elements of a portfolio are academics, teaching, talents, and accomplishments.

      Democratic schools and classroom was another interesting concept in chapter 11.  Teachers and students work together to  make substantive decisions about important aspects of educational operations from the curriculum to school climate and rules. The goal of democratic schools like this is to increase student involvement. Students don’t make all the decisions but they do have a say in things. Some people don’t agree with democratic schools or classroom thinking students will not want to learn but focus more on socializing. Democratic schools and classrooms require teacher input as well. The students and teachers have open honest discussions about how their classroom will be operated. The teachers are still in charge in the Democratic classroom and schools.

    Preassesments is one of my favorite concepts in chapter 11, I like preassesments because I feel their really needed in the classroom. Preassessments occur before introducing a new lesson in the classroom. They determine what a student knows before learning anything on the new lesson or topic a teacher will teach. Some examples of a preassessment would be a pretest, writing prompt, questions, or surveys. Preassesments are part of Prior Knowledge –based learning. Which is the idea that when teaching new material the teachers need to connect their lessons to what students already know or have taught.

     Involving technology when seeking a teachers license is something that I  will make sure to do. A digital portfolio is something that I’m going to look into because it is a great way to keep track of  my accomplishments and with a digital portfolio its allot easier to carry around. Democratic schools may not be for every school or classroom but its a neat idea to get students involved with decision making, or even discussing ideas with teachers. Preassessments are something I always like as a student and will continue to like as a teacher. I think its necessary to see what a student knows about a subject instead of assuming that they will know the material.

Digital Blog Post # I Chapter 4

       A teacher’s job is not only to teach the student the content that is required for the student to know. Teachers also designs lesson plans and develop curriculum to teach students. Many teachers integrate technology into all aspects of lesson design and development. Learning assessments, National curriculum framework and electronic grading software are three important tools or concepts that teachers use to help develop lesson plans and curriculum.

         One tool that I really liked was learning assessments they can help teachers to figure out what a student knows. They have summative assessments which summarizes what students have learned at the end of a lesson. Formative which happens during a lesson and Diagnostic which happens before a lesson to see what a student already knows. Learning assessments can help a teacher to evaluate student knowledge, understanding and performance. Some great technology tools to assist with learning assessments is electronic test and quizzes, digital portfolios, and grade keeping software. I observed in a first grade class and the teacher did a quick learning assessment after the lesson to see if the students understood what she was teaching and to figure out what areas were hard for the students and to give more time to focus on those areas.

         Another concept is the national curriculum frameworks or learning standards which guide teachers on what to teach. In Florida we have the Florida state standards, I thought this was really important because as a teacher there are certain things we have to teach. National curriculum standards is basically an outline on what to teach. It has certain topics and skills that a student most learn in that grade level but it still leaves the teacher room to teach the content how she wants. Which a lot of teachers don’t seem to like the standards because of the testing, but I think as a teacher you have to be flexible and adapt to changes. The national curriculum impacts a teacher lesson plan because there planning their lesson on what the state mandates them to teach.

  Electronic grading software is something teachers didn't really have when I was an elementary and middle school student. I still remember the grade keeping book they had and they would write your name in a column and all your grades next to your name. Now the grading is electronic which makes things easier for teachers. The grading software allows for teachers to quickly calculate and record student’s grades. They have stand-alone software which the teacher personally use and it only keeps tracks of grades or what I've seen in most schools was a record keeping system and that keeps tracks of grades, attendance, teacher correspondence, and supports lesson planning.  It haves the student names and a picture of the student. There are some pros and cons about using electronic grading software, a pro being the amount of time it takes to calculate grading and a con being teachers depending on the software to grade test and not really looking at what students are getting wrong.

   I think that integrating technology in designing lesson plans and developing curriculum is a great thing to do. It can really help with getting things done quicker and staying organize. Learning assessments that are electronic can give the teacher quick feedback on what a student knows, what questions students are getting wrong. The national curriculum framework can be found online for Florida and is a great outline on what teachers need to be teaching at each grade level, and electronic grading software is how most schools take attendance and keep track of a student’s performance. Lesson planning and curriculum development with technology can help you get things done quickly.

tackk

Resources:

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Tackk created by Ella Kies

Digital Blog Post #H Chapter 9

        Attending different schools this semester for observation hours, I noticed a lot of multimedia Technologies in the classroom. The classroom have gone from just focusing on the teacher to a mixture of lecture and technology based tools. Digital projector, digital video cameras (alphabet books) and concept books are a few tools that I saw in the classroom while observing or as a future teacher would try to incorporate in my teaching style.

       Digital Projectors are seen in most classrooms in 2015 in Collier County. It’s the new technology that took the place of the overhead projector that teachers use to use when I was in school. Multimedia use in education is rising because of the assumption that student learning will be enhanced if more than one mode of learning is used in the classroom. The digital projector is such a great tool for teachers because they can project images or video from the computer onto a large screen or other external viewing surface. How it works is a document camera captures whatever is placed under its lens. Most classes are equipped with this device so teachers don’t have to move it around to different classrooms.

    Another great tool mentioned was Digital video cameras; I’m focusing on alphabet books. I want to teach elementary school, so I thought this was a creative and fun idea for the younger grade levels like kindergarten, first and second grade. An alphabet book is illustrations put into a book to help students learn about vocabulary words, spelling, letter sounds and reading skills. You use the digital video camera to record the students holding up their illustrations of the letter of the alphabet. I really liked this activity because it gives these students a chance to do hands on things and be creative but also bringing in technology so they can have a fun time and learn how to use a video camera.

Another idea that I liked in chapter nine was concept books which ties in with the digital video camera. As a potential teacher that wants to teach in elementary; I thought this was another fun activity for students just beginning to read or English language learners, whom are very common in our schools in Florida. Concept books are made up of photographs that are taken by the student. Giving a child a camera to take a picture of a shape, number, pattern, whatever it may be the possibilities are endless can also help them learn the information and recall it because they form memories. I still recall making a book like this but at the time we didn't have digital cameras we just drew our images and the whole class added a page to the book.

  Multimedia Technologies in the classroom are very common the digital projectors are in the majority of the classrooms. This generations have all grown up with some form of technology so ideas like alphabet books and concept books are great ways to bring technology into the classroom and to bring a new approach to ideas that I’m sure have been around for years. As inspiring teachers I think finding a good balance of lecture and technology will help with engaging students.

created by Ella Kies

Resources:

Kies, E. (2015, March 12). Retrieved from https://www.gliffy.com/go/html5/7498843?app=1b5094b0-6042-11e2-bcfd-0800200c9a66

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Blog Post # G Chapter 8

     Teachers can communicate and collaborate with social media to reach students like never before. There is so many great tools that can be used to engage students that students are already using. Technology can be a great way to interest students in their homework and in class. Three concepts that I found interesting in this chapter was text speak or digitalk, educational networking, and publishing student work.

      Digitalk or text speak is abbreviated collection of letters, symbols, and numbers. This was interesting to me because I didn't know that this way of talking had a name. I never thought that was text speak or digitalk. I always thought texting was just texting and there was nothing more to it.  Well, I was wrong according to this chapter there is educational research being done. In England they found that use of textism was a positive thing.  I’m like most adults who think digitalk leads to bad writing skills and communication. I hear a lot of teens always using lol or JK as words. The other day at work a customer around 17 years old was looking for a certain item he said can you help me and before I could get to him he then spotted the item he was looking for, he said JK I found it. He used the abbreviated word. I think writing things incorrectly or abbreviated you get into a habit of doing it all the time. I also believe if you can’t spell a word correctly and you abbreviate it all the time you never really learn that correct spelling.

      Educational Networking I thought was a great tool for teachers. Educators use the social networking technology to aid them in educational and professional development. This tool allows teachers to have discussions with other teachers about instruction, curriculum, group editing on projects and writing. Educational networking can also allow teachers to connect with students outside of the classroom by sharing information with student families, electronic communications so students can reach teachers with questions. I liked the educational networking because I've noticed a lot of schools I observed in the teachers all helped each other and spoke with each other about certain students in their class that need more help. They did have some type of system that they could easily email and see what classes each student haves.

   Another great concept that ties in with educational networking was publishing student work. I think publishing students work can be exciting and rewarding for many students that try hard to succeed. I also believe that having an assignment that will be published makes students try harder. I think teacher’s electronic communication systems are great ways to display work. Even the old fashion way of hanging things on the wall makes students proud and happy to see their work on the wall. I think publishing student work is a great way to show them you appreciate them trying hard on an assignment.

    Text speak, educational networking, and publishing student work are interesting concepts that I found in chapter eight. Technology is such a great tool to have in the classroom and with children growing up with technology we will see more students Digi talking. Educational networks are great tools to keep teachers in the loop on educational matters or even having help from other teachers on curriculum or a student’s development. Publishing students work is also a great tool with educational networks giving students anticipation and excitement to know their work will be published.


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Resources:

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Wordle created by Ella Kies