Well, blog. We've come to the end of a long long road. And I can't really say I'm sad. I would like all of you in my class to know that I have been truely moved by your work in your very own blogs (I think mine is the best, but then again I'm a little bias). I have learned that gaining other perspectives, although they may not be as correct and knowledgeable as your own (kidding) can be of great help. And I plan on continuing to do so in my other classes. Even if it isn't through reading people's blogs every week. Do you think you guys could humor me and keep writing? Maybe? I didn't think so. To the nine others in this class, it's been fun reading your blogs every week and getting to know you a little better through your sense (or lack) of humor.
A technology-related skill I would most like to learn would be how to better use Photoshop. I am not good at it to be honest, I am really bad. But I love when people edit photos, and I do have a mac, so I think that it would be wonderful if I could learn more about it because Macs are so good at editing Photos (visual things). I'm not really sure how that would help me with my teaching but oh well. That is what I would like to learn most. Other than that, I pretty much know all I need to know about technology, and I'm not sure if I learned anything vital in the past 3 months or so.
I will acheive my goals about using technology by being persistant. I will also strive to be the best technology-using teacher there is. To do this, I plan on thinking up of fun programs the kids can do. Also I don't want to limit my students from using computers like some of my teachers did by not allowing us to use any internet resources on papers. I don't agree with that. And this is the last sentence that will EVER be publsihed in this blog.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Blog #9
Well, well. Back to another week of blogs. I do have to say that it gives me great joy to know after I write this I will only have one, yes one, blog entry left in my Education Technology career. I might continue to write in this afterwards, we shall see. Writing is supposedly theraputic.
So. Here goes- some information for you future educators on web-based tools.
Web based tools are useful for just about anyone. If teachers use these tools to improve their instruction, they will see practically guaranteed results. Websites and programs with reinforcement on the materials students learn in class are extremely effective. While browsing the internet for interesting sites, I first thought to go to National Geographic to their edcuational department. They have programs for almost any type of history, science, or other miscellaneous subject that are interactive with students. If your class has the resources at home, these programs are great for them to look at with their parents, or to assign homework from these websites.
I chose a particular program on Pearl Harbor. The National Geographic approach to teaching students about the attack is through photos and first hand accounts, as well as footage taken the day of the attack. Students can find a timeline of the day on the website, as well as a program which allows them to pretend they were there and places them in the middle of the conflict. They also have a memory book on the website which gives family members and those present a chance to tell their own story on the website. I thought this would be a wonderful activity to let a class participate in at a day in the computer lab after going over the attack and watching a short video on it. This way they see several perspectives on December 7, 1941.
Link: http://plasma.nationalgeographic.com/pearlharbor/index.html
There are so many possibilities when it comes to web-based tools and instruction. There are literally, no boundaries. I honestly cannot think of much that I have not seen, only because my high school was technologically advanced, in my opinion. I think it would be fun to have students make videos and post them on the web, on YouTube or a similar website, and have your different classes view the other students' videos and give them feedback. You could relate the videos to a certain lesson, therefore the students get a chance to speak about how they feel about the situation/what they are learning about.
So. Here goes- some information for you future educators on web-based tools.
Web based tools are useful for just about anyone. If teachers use these tools to improve their instruction, they will see practically guaranteed results. Websites and programs with reinforcement on the materials students learn in class are extremely effective. While browsing the internet for interesting sites, I first thought to go to National Geographic to their edcuational department. They have programs for almost any type of history, science, or other miscellaneous subject that are interactive with students. If your class has the resources at home, these programs are great for them to look at with their parents, or to assign homework from these websites.
I chose a particular program on Pearl Harbor. The National Geographic approach to teaching students about the attack is through photos and first hand accounts, as well as footage taken the day of the attack. Students can find a timeline of the day on the website, as well as a program which allows them to pretend they were there and places them in the middle of the conflict. They also have a memory book on the website which gives family members and those present a chance to tell their own story on the website. I thought this would be a wonderful activity to let a class participate in at a day in the computer lab after going over the attack and watching a short video on it. This way they see several perspectives on December 7, 1941.
Link: http://plasma.nationalgeographic.com/pearlharbor/index.html
There are so many possibilities when it comes to web-based tools and instruction. There are literally, no boundaries. I honestly cannot think of much that I have not seen, only because my high school was technologically advanced, in my opinion. I think it would be fun to have students make videos and post them on the web, on YouTube or a similar website, and have your different classes view the other students' videos and give them feedback. You could relate the videos to a certain lesson, therefore the students get a chance to speak about how they feel about the situation/what they are learning about.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Blog #8
Chapter 8 teaches us about security issues and ethics that we need to be aware of when using technology in the classroom. It also discusses new and emerging technologies in the educational field. Technology is now used every day in a variety of ways by educators. Teachers record student grades, attendance, and contact parents over e-mail on a daily basis. All of this information is critical, and private. School districts must go to great lengths to ensure that this information is kept confidential. Every computer security risk must be taken into account. Computer Security Risk can be defined as any event or action that has the potential to lose computer equipment, data or software, or processing ability. One of the main computer security risks are to viruses. They can come in many forms, such as a macro, sector, boot, or file virus making them extremely hard to track at times. For this reason, schools must have great virus protection and removal skills incase their system gets one. Unauthorized access, or the use of a computer network without permission, is another liability for schools. Because the buildings are so busy and full of people, it is important to make sure computers stay in the right hands. A system failure, or computer malfunction is a common cause of information or data loss. Most schools are required to have a back up to their network, which will enable the school to retrieve information if ever lost.
Standards that determine whether an action is good or bad are called ethics. Computer ethics are the moral guidelines that determine what should and should not be done on a computer. Five areas of ethics are commonly discussed:
1. Unauthorized Use of Computers
2. Hardware, software, and information theft
3. Information privacy
4. Copyright
5. The existance of objectionable materials on the Internet
All of these are important topics to teach students, and are also especially important for educators and administrators to be aware of. There are several ways of collecting unauthorized information. Phsishing is a scam that attempts to attain personal and financial information from a reciepient through an official-looking e-mail. Schools often use employee and student monitoring to monitor what the people on their network are viewing. This is an especially useful tool for teachers, so they can see what their students are doing with their time (Like when some people play games during Education Tech, or look on Facebook... shame on you all.) Teachers must also make sure they are not using objectionable material in their lessons.
Since our last class, I have been exposed to the world of Powerpoint. Not really, I have used Powerpoint since I was in middle school. I would like to say that I have learned something profound or something new, but in reality, I already knew most of the stuff covered in training. I also did not learn anything new while making my Powerpoint (on the Great Barrier Reef by the way.... CASH MONEY $$$, yeah I said it.) I did find it interesting to learn a few new facts, snippets of information if you will, about the species that are living on the Great Barrier Reef because I would like to go visit one day. I love Education Technology. And this blog. SOLIDDDDDD.
Standards that determine whether an action is good or bad are called ethics. Computer ethics are the moral guidelines that determine what should and should not be done on a computer. Five areas of ethics are commonly discussed:
1. Unauthorized Use of Computers
2. Hardware, software, and information theft
3. Information privacy
4. Copyright
5. The existance of objectionable materials on the Internet
All of these are important topics to teach students, and are also especially important for educators and administrators to be aware of. There are several ways of collecting unauthorized information. Phsishing is a scam that attempts to attain personal and financial information from a reciepient through an official-looking e-mail. Schools often use employee and student monitoring to monitor what the people on their network are viewing. This is an especially useful tool for teachers, so they can see what their students are doing with their time (Like when some people play games during Education Tech, or look on Facebook... shame on you all.) Teachers must also make sure they are not using objectionable material in their lessons.
Since our last class, I have been exposed to the world of Powerpoint. Not really, I have used Powerpoint since I was in middle school. I would like to say that I have learned something profound or something new, but in reality, I already knew most of the stuff covered in training. I also did not learn anything new while making my Powerpoint (on the Great Barrier Reef by the way.... CASH MONEY $$$, yeah I said it.) I did find it interesting to learn a few new facts, snippets of information if you will, about the species that are living on the Great Barrier Reef because I would like to go visit one day. I love Education Technology. And this blog. SOLIDDDDDD.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Blog #7
Chapter 7 dicusess evaluating educational technology and gives integration strategies that might help teachers better utilize these materials in their classroom. To evaluate an item means to determine its value or worth. In order for educational technology to meet the standards of its evaluation it must be considered suitable for an educational purpose or subject, be motivational, and promote learning at a level that will produce academic acheivement. It is highly important for teachers to evaluate educational technology before it is used in instruction. This is the same for sites on the World Wide Web that might be used to add to the lesson as well. The evaluation does not stop there, however. Teachers need to continue to evaluate the technology while it is being used and after the instruction is complete.
Integrating technology into a lesson correctly and effectively requires planning, dedication, and resources. It is important to know if the tools you are using are working. This is why school districts, schools, and teachers take time to evaluate their sources. The best way to tell if it is being used efficiently is to determine if there is student progress. Student progress and development most likely means it is being used appropriately. There are several evaluation techniques used to measure and assess student performance. Authentic assessment, project-based assessment, portfolio assessment, checklists/rubrics, teacher observation and evaluation technology-based student projects are all effective ways to measure, depending on the situation. You must evaluate more than student performance though. Evaluating content, planning, and creativity are also important.
I cannot lie, these blogs are starting to feel very repetitive. I know the information we are learning must be useful, or we wouldn't be learning it. Trying to find the bright side of the situation, I see that it is very important to evaluate sources before you use them. If you are giving your class a faulty program or source then are you teaching them material that is uncorrect. Not only that, but you are not prepared, which is one of the most important aspects of being a teacher. I will definitely try my best to make sure all the sources I use are thouroughly assessed and I use them as effectively as possible.
Integrating technology into a lesson correctly and effectively requires planning, dedication, and resources. It is important to know if the tools you are using are working. This is why school districts, schools, and teachers take time to evaluate their sources. The best way to tell if it is being used efficiently is to determine if there is student progress. Student progress and development most likely means it is being used appropriately. There are several evaluation techniques used to measure and assess student performance. Authentic assessment, project-based assessment, portfolio assessment, checklists/rubrics, teacher observation and evaluation technology-based student projects are all effective ways to measure, depending on the situation. You must evaluate more than student performance though. Evaluating content, planning, and creativity are also important.
I cannot lie, these blogs are starting to feel very repetitive. I know the information we are learning must be useful, or we wouldn't be learning it. Trying to find the bright side of the situation, I see that it is very important to evaluate sources before you use them. If you are giving your class a faulty program or source then are you teaching them material that is uncorrect. Not only that, but you are not prepared, which is one of the most important aspects of being a teacher. I will definitely try my best to make sure all the sources I use are thouroughly assessed and I use them as effectively as possible.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Blog #6
Chapter 6 discusses the way we as teachers can integrate technology and other forms of digital media into our curriculum. Curriculum can be defined as the knowledge, skills, and performance standards students are expected to acquire in particular grade levels, or through sequences or clusters that are based on subject matter. It is often designed by a state or district-wide team of curriculum specialists along with other teachers, instructional leaders, and various experts. Many states implement Grade Level Expectations (GLEs) into their curriculum, giving teachers a set of guidelines to follow in order to ensure their students are on track. Technology integration is the combination of all technology parts, such as hardware or software, together with a subject-related area of curriculum to enhance learning.
The ASSURE Model is a procedural guide for planning and delivering instruction that integrates technologies and medias into the teaching process. It is well-known as a good guide for developing instructional lessons. The model suggests to first analyze the learner. Know the skill level and differences of your students. State the objectives for the student. When you have clear objectives, you better convey your expectations and its easier to acheive them. Select methods media and materials and Utilize those methods, media, and materials. Do you need extra equipment? Are you getting all you can get out of your equipment and lesson? Are your students benefiting in every way possible? To make this model work you must Require Learner Participation. And finally, evaluate and revise your lesson so that you can make necessary improvements.
I learned a lot from reading about the ASSURE model. Sometimes I think it may be difficult for teachers to realize ways they can use technology in their lessons, and if they are using it, it may be difficult to use it effectively and efficiently. Every week writing in these blogs really opens my mind to new and different things I can use in my classroom some day. Writing after I read renforces some of the highlights of the chapter, and more importnatly things I am going to need to remember.
The ASSURE Model is a procedural guide for planning and delivering instruction that integrates technologies and medias into the teaching process. It is well-known as a good guide for developing instructional lessons. The model suggests to first analyze the learner. Know the skill level and differences of your students. State the objectives for the student. When you have clear objectives, you better convey your expectations and its easier to acheive them. Select methods media and materials and Utilize those methods, media, and materials. Do you need extra equipment? Are you getting all you can get out of your equipment and lesson? Are your students benefiting in every way possible? To make this model work you must Require Learner Participation. And finally, evaluate and revise your lesson so that you can make necessary improvements.
I learned a lot from reading about the ASSURE model. Sometimes I think it may be difficult for teachers to realize ways they can use technology in their lessons, and if they are using it, it may be difficult to use it effectively and efficiently. Every week writing in these blogs really opens my mind to new and different things I can use in my classroom some day. Writing after I read renforces some of the highlights of the chapter, and more importnatly things I am going to need to remember.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Blog #5
Chapter 5 is about digital media and the different ways to integrate educational software applications into the classroom. Digital media is the different technologies that allow users to create new forms of interaction, expression, communication, and entertainment in a digital format. This term is evolving however, which causes many of these applications to be called multimedia applications. These programs give students the opportunity to watch a space shuttle blast off into space, or travel to Egypt and get a tour of the pyramids all from their classroom. These programs give students an inteactive and immaginative source to get creative with. The programs can do this in several ways with graphics, audio, video, or animation.
An educational software application is a computer software product that is used to support teaching or learning in a subject-related content. The amount of these programs available for K-12 grade has increased greatly, even in the last few years. More and more of these software programs are becoming available that include games tutorials, simulations, learning systems, and curriculum specific learning tools. Computer-Assisted Instruction has been used in education for decades. It is specifically designed to help students learn facts and retain information. With the growth of technology, education systems are becoming mroe complex, because they allow the students to become involved within the program themselves. These programs can be used to enhance nearly every subject such as foreign language, language arts, math, science, and social studies.
Since we last met in class, I have learned a great deal about technology, once again. The web search last class was fun and useful at the same time. I learned the different key words to use while conducting a search, and also learned of several academic websites, such as Google Scholar, which will help me when I become a teacher. I also learned from this chapter about the growing amount of programs that will be at my disposal as a teacher, and the ways that those programs help students to learn. Once again, a very successful week in the technology department, as always.
An educational software application is a computer software product that is used to support teaching or learning in a subject-related content. The amount of these programs available for K-12 grade has increased greatly, even in the last few years. More and more of these software programs are becoming available that include games tutorials, simulations, learning systems, and curriculum specific learning tools. Computer-Assisted Instruction has been used in education for decades. It is specifically designed to help students learn facts and retain information. With the growth of technology, education systems are becoming mroe complex, because they allow the students to become involved within the program themselves. These programs can be used to enhance nearly every subject such as foreign language, language arts, math, science, and social studies.
Since we last met in class, I have learned a great deal about technology, once again. The web search last class was fun and useful at the same time. I learned the different key words to use while conducting a search, and also learned of several academic websites, such as Google Scholar, which will help me when I become a teacher. I also learned from this chapter about the growing amount of programs that will be at my disposal as a teacher, and the ways that those programs help students to learn. Once again, a very successful week in the technology department, as always.
Monday, February 5, 2007
Blog #4
Chapter 4 discusses input and output devices. Input devices allow you to enter data, programs, commands, and user responses into a computer. There are a wide range of input devices. One of the most common input devices is the keyboard. A keyboard is a group of switches in key form that allow a user to enter input. Keyboards input letters of the alphabet, numbers, and simple commands with the touch of a finger. A mouse is also an input device, which allows a pointer to makes selections on a screen with a simple click. Other devices are touchpads, joysticks, digital cameras, and audio video input. Output devices are any computer component that is capable of conveying information to a user. An example of an output device is a monitor, or other display device. A printer is another output device that produces text and graphical information in hard copy, as opposed to a monitor which is considered a soft copy, because the product is editable. Ohter examples are fax machines, data projectors, and audio output.
I have found my classmates' blogs to be quite interesting. The most beneficial part of reading their blogs is picking up information they wrote down from the chapter, some of which I may have missed. By reading their blogs, I also receive reinforcement of the information that I read. I also get to read their opinions on the class, things they like and dislike which help me to view the class in different ways. I also enjoy seeing the set-up of other students' blogs. At times, I feel that commenting on five blogs can become repetitive, but it is still nice to get other perspectives.
I have learned a great deal since I last wrote in my blog. For starters, we used a program called "Inspiration" in class last week, and because I have a Mac I had never heard of it before. It was interesting to make our own concept map (I did mine on.. Concept Mapping- I know, real original). I also learned about input and output devices, which I knew about, but was not aware of which category a mouse or my monitor would fit in. Another interesting thing I picked up from the chapter was the different storage devices that are at my disposal. Being a current college student, this information was highly useful, as I'm sure it will be when I begin my teaching career as well.
I have found my classmates' blogs to be quite interesting. The most beneficial part of reading their blogs is picking up information they wrote down from the chapter, some of which I may have missed. By reading their blogs, I also receive reinforcement of the information that I read. I also get to read their opinions on the class, things they like and dislike which help me to view the class in different ways. I also enjoy seeing the set-up of other students' blogs. At times, I feel that commenting on five blogs can become repetitive, but it is still nice to get other perspectives.
I have learned a great deal since I last wrote in my blog. For starters, we used a program called "Inspiration" in class last week, and because I have a Mac I had never heard of it before. It was interesting to make our own concept map (I did mine on.. Concept Mapping- I know, real original). I also learned about input and output devices, which I knew about, but was not aware of which category a mouse or my monitor would fit in. Another interesting thing I picked up from the chapter was the different storage devices that are at my disposal. Being a current college student, this information was highly useful, as I'm sure it will be when I begin my teaching career as well.
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