The Internet is an almost priceless resource for the modern day student. In this generation, with all of the technology available, books and publications are now being subscribed to via the Internet. There are thousands of instant resources available for students to access at any moment. Although it takes away an element of cherished hard work when students no longer must go into the library and check out a publication to do their research, I think the Internet is a wonderful, if somewhat lazy resource that is invaluable.
Web-based learning is also important for teachers. They can use it to show different clips that apply to their lesson plans. They can use it to educate themselves and keep up to date with different improvements in their subjects or just in education as a whole. Teachers can also use web-based resources as a home page to post homework assignments and reminders about important test dates.
One thing that does concern me though, wanting to be a high school teacher, is the accessibility of the Internet. Students now can Facebook or Twitter from their phones. They can Google and look up or be surfing the web during class and that is a very difficult aspect of technology to monitor. I also know how easy it is to fool a teacher when in a computer lab to think that you are doing your work when you are truly not. It would be devastating to have some type of hate crime or a nasty website to be pulled up by one of my students under my supervision. Thank goodness schools have controls set on sites that can and cannot be accessed on school property.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Post #10
(1) 1 paragraph on topics you found most interesting from reviewing your classmates’ blogs.(2) 1 paragraph on what technology-related skill you would most like to learn next, and why.(3) 1 paragraph on ways in which you might achieve your future educational technology-related goals.
I always thought it was quite interesting to see how different people would use the same types of resources in different ways in their classrooms. I also really liked seeing people's different writing styles. It was always interesting to see how much they cared about getting the assignment done or doing the assignment to their best ability.
I would really be interested in learning how to use podcasts and in using new programs like Inspiration and Prezi. Students really seem to feel entitled to everything they are given, so new programs like these which allow for homeowkr to be finished in new and more fun ways, ways that they can put their own creative spin on and claim as their own. I love to see people figure things out. The lightbuilb momoent is a brilliant moment. So new programs like this give kids options on how they want their work to be presented as.
I really hope to keep up to date on new technology as it comes out. As newer generations get more technology savvy, it is important for teachers to keep up to date as well so that they are on the same level or at least know what is going on and what their students are capable of. it is also importnat for teachers to be knowledgeable so that they can earn more respect from the students.
I always thought it was quite interesting to see how different people would use the same types of resources in different ways in their classrooms. I also really liked seeing people's different writing styles. It was always interesting to see how much they cared about getting the assignment done or doing the assignment to their best ability.
I would really be interested in learning how to use podcasts and in using new programs like Inspiration and Prezi. Students really seem to feel entitled to everything they are given, so new programs like these which allow for homeowkr to be finished in new and more fun ways, ways that they can put their own creative spin on and claim as their own. I love to see people figure things out. The lightbuilb momoent is a brilliant moment. So new programs like this give kids options on how they want their work to be presented as.
I really hope to keep up to date on new technology as it comes out. As newer generations get more technology savvy, it is important for teachers to keep up to date as well so that they are on the same level or at least know what is going on and what their students are capable of. it is also importnat for teachers to be knowledgeable so that they can earn more respect from the students.
Post #9
One good web-based tool that I think could be used really well is a podcast. It is a great way to combine information with technology. Kids these day really have short attention spans, so combining a lecture or great amounts of information with technology like podcasts would be a great way to capture studetns' attention ahilwe educating.
apple.com is a great source of information on how to create different podcasts, especially when using their products. Podcasts are also useful because they can be taken even further than outside of the classroom. The information would still be available to students for homework and other studying purposes. It would also be a unique opportunity for parents to be able to monitor what their kids are learning and see how the teacher is doing.
For programs like Excel and other programs like Microsoft Word or Powerpoint, I can use them in many different areas of my high school English classes. Excel can be used for grading and assessing student's growth and to keep an awards system if I wanted to create a little classroom rivalry as an incentive for doing well. Microsoft Word can be use for handouts and for homework projects. Powerpoint can be used during lectures or even for sending home lesson outlines or to be posted for instructions.
apple.com is a great source of information on how to create different podcasts, especially when using their products. Podcasts are also useful because they can be taken even further than outside of the classroom. The information would still be available to students for homework and other studying purposes. It would also be a unique opportunity for parents to be able to monitor what their kids are learning and see how the teacher is doing.
For programs like Excel and other programs like Microsoft Word or Powerpoint, I can use them in many different areas of my high school English classes. Excel can be used for grading and assessing student's growth and to keep an awards system if I wanted to create a little classroom rivalry as an incentive for doing well. Microsoft Word can be use for handouts and for homework projects. Powerpoint can be used during lectures or even for sending home lesson outlines or to be posted for instructions.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Post #8
In the PowerPoint 2 project, I decided to create a Jeopardy game about sports trivia. It was really fun to link all of the slides and navagate between the answers and the questions and the buttons. I really enjoyed doing this project.
I would really enjoy using Smartboards within the classroom. I think this tool is sufficient in keeping the students' attention as well as allowing them to interact and use the Smartboard under teacher supervision. Projects like PowerPoint Jeopardy would be a great asset to a tool like smartboard that is computer-based and non-computer-based working together.
Last week I learned about Excel and learned how to apply automatic average, mode, and median. This will be highly valuable if I should ever have to create my own gradebook. I also learned how to format cells and text, which really helps in many prjects that I have worked on.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Post #7
One of the greatest things about using presentations during class is that it is a new and possibly more interactive way to present information. The danger of using these programs comes from the teachers inability to use things like PowerPoint to its best capabilities. If the teacher just puts crazy amounts of information on the slides, it is just a colorful version of a boring lecture.
PowerPoint can be very useful in the classroom in two different ways. It is a great tool for the teacher to use to help foster creativity. It is also a great tool for teachers to allow the students to present group projects or information in a nice, neat presentation that is eye-catching and interesting at all levels. Something that should be remembered is that PowerPoints don't have to be long, tedious presentations. They can be used for short amounts of information that provide a different perspective and change of pace.
Something that really does interest me that has to do with technology is how well kids know how to use computers today. With the invention of smartphones, kids now have 24/7 access to the internet which can take away from the attention given to teachers.
PowerPoint can be very useful in the classroom in two different ways. It is a great tool for the teacher to use to help foster creativity. It is also a great tool for teachers to allow the students to present group projects or information in a nice, neat presentation that is eye-catching and interesting at all levels. Something that should be remembered is that PowerPoints don't have to be long, tedious presentations. They can be used for short amounts of information that provide a different perspective and change of pace.
Something that really does interest me that has to do with technology is how well kids know how to use computers today. With the invention of smartphones, kids now have 24/7 access to the internet which can take away from the attention given to teachers.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Post #6
I believe Web 2.0 technologies would be very helpful as a teacher. It would allow me to share the information that I have learned with other colleagues or teachers outside of my local area and it would allow me to educate myself from what other teachers have learned. Networking within subject areas seems like a vital component to keep education fresh and alive and to help the student benefit to his/her utmost capability.
I think Wikipedia is a fun tool. I would never use it as a foundation source, but I do use it from time to time to compare other websites' information to see which seems more accurate. I also use it in passing to get a general idea of a subject or topic just for my own personal use. As an educational resource I am a bit more wary. I would rather have more accurate, solid information with which to share with my students to the point that there is no question of validity regarding my lessons.
I think learning how to do things like Wiki and the PowerPoint slide linking will really help in mixing things up in the classroom. Because school years are not equal to an actual calendar year, there is a lot of information to be presented in a short time. Learning new activities and presentations and how to share your resources and ideas will be vital information for me as a teacher.
That's all for now :)
I think Wikipedia is a fun tool. I would never use it as a foundation source, but I do use it from time to time to compare other websites' information to see which seems more accurate. I also use it in passing to get a general idea of a subject or topic just for my own personal use. As an educational resource I am a bit more wary. I would rather have more accurate, solid information with which to share with my students to the point that there is no question of validity regarding my lessons.
I think learning how to do things like Wiki and the PowerPoint slide linking will really help in mixing things up in the classroom. Because school years are not equal to an actual calendar year, there is a lot of information to be presented in a short time. Learning new activities and presentations and how to share your resources and ideas will be vital information for me as a teacher.
That's all for now :)
Monday, March 15, 2010
Post #4
I believe that technology is completely essential within the classroom. Through podcasts, powerpoints, handouts, movies, clips, sound bites, and so much more, the classroom can actually be an inviting place for students to be. Especially in this day and age, kids communicate through technology so bringing it into the classroom can only help.
I would definitely encourage my students to use storyboard and/or outline ideas. It is a really great visual way to connect your ideas in your head and to visually see the path that your paper or project is meant to go in. It connects visual and manual learning together.
I have really enjoyed working with Inspiration. It is very easy to gather your thoughts and organize them in a very neat order in ways that will interest my students. It also is fun for me, which just makes creating lesson plans even better!
That's all for now!
I would definitely encourage my students to use storyboard and/or outline ideas. It is a really great visual way to connect your ideas in your head and to visually see the path that your paper or project is meant to go in. It connects visual and manual learning together.
I have really enjoyed working with Inspiration. It is very easy to gather your thoughts and organize them in a very neat order in ways that will interest my students. It also is fun for me, which just makes creating lesson plans even better!
That's all for now!
Post #3
In my lesson plans, I intend on using many clip art graphics so as to liven up lectures or handouts I give to my students. When a page is completely filled with text only, it can seen intimidating and unimportant, or possibly too important. I also plan to use PowerPoint as well. I would also hope to be able to let my high school kids get into a computer lab and use the Internet for resources and research, as well as Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, and such.
http://www.sharpened.com/web/about/rules.html
Copyright is a very large issue among the technology world. Especially with new technonolgy coming out daily that allows every day users to burn cds and burn dvds, there are many simple infringements that occur with copyright. In the educational realm especially, I believe it is very important to give credit to whomever the credit is due. If there are not your brain cells attached to the idea, necessary and proper credit needs to be adhered to. As for my work, I would hope that I instill a sense of respect within my students for other peoples' works. Stealing is never ok, even if it doesn't seem like stealing.
http://www.sharpened.com/web/about/rules.html
Copyright is a very large issue among the technology world. Especially with new technonolgy coming out daily that allows every day users to burn cds and burn dvds, there are many simple infringements that occur with copyright. In the educational realm especially, I believe it is very important to give credit to whomever the credit is due. If there are not your brain cells attached to the idea, necessary and proper credit needs to be adhered to. As for my work, I would hope that I instill a sense of respect within my students for other peoples' works. Stealing is never ok, even if it doesn't seem like stealing.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Post #2
As a student, I have seen Microsoft Word used many times. I myself have been required to use it to turn in formal essays and/or research that is required of me. Teachers use Microsoft Word to create syllabi, newletters, and for permission slips. Teachers also use Microsoft Word to post homework assignments online in a document form that is easily accessible outside of class.
Some educational applications of word processing would be group projects. Especially in classes like English or History, students can be given a historical person, place, or topic and use Microsoft Word to compile and organize research information in a neat manner. Word processing can also be used to save progress on a project, to jot down notes or ideas, and to safely store all of the information.
I think one of the most helpful skills I have acquired thus far is that of Mail Merge. It can be extremely useful to create a data base of student's information so that letters can easily be composed and addressed without wasting much needed time and energy. I think especially for those teaching a younger age group, the use of Mail Merge will be a life saver and a time saver.
That's all for now :)
Some educational applications of word processing would be group projects. Especially in classes like English or History, students can be given a historical person, place, or topic and use Microsoft Word to compile and organize research information in a neat manner. Word processing can also be used to save progress on a project, to jot down notes or ideas, and to safely store all of the information.
I think one of the most helpful skills I have acquired thus far is that of Mail Merge. It can be extremely useful to create a data base of student's information so that letters can easily be composed and addressed without wasting much needed time and energy. I think especially for those teaching a younger age group, the use of Mail Merge will be a life saver and a time saver.
That's all for now :)
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Post #1
Oh the world of technology. There are still many Americans who do not know or understand how to use the Internet, much less a computer. This is not true for our up and coming "Xbox Generation." Kids these days have endless opportunities in the world of technology, it is almost too much. This is why I believe it is imperative that teachers be informed and updated on how to use and handle technology. Not only will computers open up millions of available resources for one's use, but it also allows classroom preparation and organization with greater ease and conciseness. Understanding and having a firm knowledge base of technology allows gives teachers an even playing field to where teachers can know what to look out for if kids are trying to bend the rules or use their phones during tests. There are some drawbacks with technology in a classroom setting. Because of the raised interest level in playing on computers, having computers creates an opportunity for skilled users to take over the computer, leaving other students at a disadvantage. There is also the threat of hacking or computer crashes with leave important information at a very vulnerable level. Computers do help better prepare students for the work-base world and environment seeing as many jobs today require a basic level of knowledge for application.
In my classroom, I would hope to use computers for research or for additional help on homework. I do hope to become an English teacher, but computers can give me a boosting advantage. I can download articles and project them, or news/movie clips. Computers within a classroom give immediate connection to breaking news and also help in writing papers (citation, etc). I also think that learning how to type helps increase mental facilities. It can strengthen memory and will always make one a stronger applicant for jobs and/or college. PowerPoint is also a very helpful tool when teaching. It is organized and simple enough for students to use in group projects. I certainly hope to obtain a firmer grasp on many of these concepts and more in this class.
One cool tihng I read about today was Apple's new iPad. It is a new computer-type gizmo I think. You can get a data plan through AT&T which allows you to surf the web, but it has many standard applications found on iPod, iTouch, and Mac computers. It looks like one of the next biggest things hitting the techno world and seems pretty snazzy to me. :)
That's all for today, signing out :D
In my classroom, I would hope to use computers for research or for additional help on homework. I do hope to become an English teacher, but computers can give me a boosting advantage. I can download articles and project them, or news/movie clips. Computers within a classroom give immediate connection to breaking news and also help in writing papers (citation, etc). I also think that learning how to type helps increase mental facilities. It can strengthen memory and will always make one a stronger applicant for jobs and/or college. PowerPoint is also a very helpful tool when teaching. It is organized and simple enough for students to use in group projects. I certainly hope to obtain a firmer grasp on many of these concepts and more in this class.
One cool tihng I read about today was Apple's new iPad. It is a new computer-type gizmo I think. You can get a data plan through AT&T which allows you to surf the web, but it has many standard applications found on iPod, iTouch, and Mac computers. It looks like one of the next biggest things hitting the techno world and seems pretty snazzy to me. :)
That's all for today, signing out :D
Monday, January 11, 2010
Post #0
Why, hello :) My name is Lyndie and I am an English Education major. I have a large family that I love, there are seven of us kids in all. I actually grew up in Texas for four fifths of my life, so I still have trouble calling Florida my home. I do like it here, it is just hard to let go of such a great state!
When it comes to my prior experiences with technology, I took four classes on the high school level and two via college prior to this semester. I know how to use PowerPoint and Word pretty fluently, but I am not as apt in Excel. I did take a Web deisgn class in high school, but was never taught HTML or anything real tech-y like.
In this class, I hope to learn a few more tricks of the Microsoft world. I like knowing how to do things quickly and efficiently. It makes my presentations feel cleaner and run smoother. One of my very first interactions with a computer was with my aunt who was a real tech-genius. She actually worked for a college fixing computers for a living. She told me that she loved to use "hot keys" and I have always been curious specifically what the "hot keys" of a computer are. That owuld be interesting to learn this semester.
Overall, I'm excited to be here, in Florida and in this class. I have just recently began to "tap" into my passion for teaching, though I have always loved to help others, so I pray that this will just be another foot in the door for helping people, kids specifically, in the future.
When it comes to my prior experiences with technology, I took four classes on the high school level and two via college prior to this semester. I know how to use PowerPoint and Word pretty fluently, but I am not as apt in Excel. I did take a Web deisgn class in high school, but was never taught HTML or anything real tech-y like.
In this class, I hope to learn a few more tricks of the Microsoft world. I like knowing how to do things quickly and efficiently. It makes my presentations feel cleaner and run smoother. One of my very first interactions with a computer was with my aunt who was a real tech-genius. She actually worked for a college fixing computers for a living. She told me that she loved to use "hot keys" and I have always been curious specifically what the "hot keys" of a computer are. That owuld be interesting to learn this semester.
Overall, I'm excited to be here, in Florida and in this class. I have just recently began to "tap" into my passion for teaching, though I have always loved to help others, so I pray that this will just be another foot in the door for helping people, kids specifically, in the future.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
