Final Reflection

I cannot believe that this quick-paced class is over. I feel as though I have gained so many skills in the past month that I will probably need another year to try them all out. I am very excited about all the things that I learned this month and cannot wait to implement them into my classroom on a daily basis.
I love that I now know how to generate an interactive powerpoint, or broadcast a podcast; these are great tools that I will use in my classroom. I know that I will be using digital stories for students to create comprehension guidelines or social stories. The possibilities are endless and this class has taught me so much of that.
It is still hard for me to believe that I have an actual website or am typing on this blog. To think that I did not know how to do this a month ago and can easily do it now is an amazing idea that I still cannot grasp. I have learned so much, know that I will continue to learn, and am excited to bring these opportunities to my class!

Computer Delusion

The article about the computer delusion was very interesting and though provoking. I found it thought provoking because I am still stunned by the fact that some very basic programs that should be in place in many schools are taken out because of technology. Although technology, I believe, is necessary in the world in which we live, it should not be taking over the schools in which we teach.
The use of technology in our classrooms has because necessary. Teachers use it to communicate with parents, colleagues, students and even professional organizations. We are able to create blogs, wikis, and websites to guide students along in their growth. We can alter photos, create concept maps, create photo stories and podcasts all through the use of the computer in our classrooms and homes. Students are able to explore other methods of summarizing, writing and reading through the use of the computer.
The most important thing that this article taught me was that computers are necessary for growth and learning development but also that we cannot forget the basic principles and philosophies of education while we are teaching. Discussions, group work and manipulatives (not generated from the computer) are still important for students to use and grow with in their educational quests.

Reflection

At the halfway point of this class I feel a little overwhelmed by all the information that I am receiving. Although it is very exciting and valuable information I feel as though I am almost a step behind because I do not have some of the basic computer knowledge that I wish I did have for this class. I have found this class, thus far, to be very interesting and am pleased with the amount of information that I am learning on a daily basis. I am very proud of myself for coming so far with my use of computers and my knowledge about the programs that are available to me and my students.

Copyright Issues and Implications

Copyrighting has become a very large issue in the education world today. There are many laws and references to copyrighting in the world today, but especially in the technological world that we live in. I know that the scariest thing for me was that I have probably broken a few copyright laws and I think it is sad to think that I have stolen someones work. Teachers need to be aware of the copyright laws and not infringe upon them in their classroom. Through the use of valuable websites, that teach use about copyright laws, there should be enough information so that we do not break them consistently. The implications of copyright are dangerous to imagine. We could end up in a world that believes they are doing their own work, when in reality they may have simply stolen someones. It is important for educators to become informed about copyright so that they can teach the students in the most beneficial manner available.

UDL Reflection

UDL is a great way for teachers to realize that they need to teach every child at their level and with their own modifications. Teachers need to take responsibility of their students education and provide them with the best opportunities possible. Teachers need to realize that not everything is going to go their way and that the room is not always going to be quiet. Sometimes students are going to need to move around or use a laptop for the best opportunity for them to learn. It is important for teachers to remember that UDL is about educating each and every student so that they become successful.

Concept Mapping - UDL

Inspirations concept mapping is a great tool for teachers and students. It allows teachers to provide student with an easy and creative visual outline for learning. Students are able to create outlines for their teachers, study guides or even begin assignments. I thought that Inspiration was creative, very accessible, and a useful tool for teachers. I thought that the graphics were fun and could easily catch the eyes of students. I know that this is program tool that I will use over and over again in my classroom.

Standard (Blog #6)

I have chosen the curriculum standard associated with exploring and responding to text for second graders. I picked this because I think that many of the programs we have learned about would be fun to use with this grade. I also think that kids at this level would love to have access to digital stories and create inspiration concept maps.
I would also be able to use a lot of the digital story mapping with this standard for children. We could have multiple discussions and the children would have multiple opportunities to try this out themselves. I would be able to use group and individual learning. I think that many of the curriculum standards would be available for children to use with many of the programs available through technology.

Digital Picture

I have added a sword to this picture so that the picture was changed. I found it difficult to use photoshop and it took me many tries to attempt to get any of it right. I think that the program is very useful but I will be doing a lot of guessing and checking to make it work right.

Dexter Concept Map

This is the concept map about the E-Tips article.

Teddy Bears Go Blogging 3b

“Teddy Bears Go Blogging” was a very interesting article to read and it had many features that can be applied in the classroom. I thought it was really interesting because I remember having pen pals in elementary school and waiting for the letter to appear in the mail. Although it was exciting to get the letter, it was boring to always be waiting for a reply. It would be so much easier, and more exciting, for kids to blog or even email to students. I think that one of the best features of the blog would be that parents and staff from the school could easily get involved and recognize the excitement that the kids are feeling.

I thought this article also related back to Dexter’s article about bringing technology into the school and making it a school wide project. The entire community would be able to support teachers and students. It would become a great learning experience.

Post 3 - Pictures

The first picture are the steps to my favorite beach and the second is a picture of flowers at a wedding.

Post # 2

I will be completely honest here and say that I do not have much practice or knowledge about computers and the programs that are used. I can use word, powerpoint and the internet, but keep everything very basic and simple. I am a little scared of the advances and programs that are out there. The school in which I work is very advanced and I have learned a lot through them, but at times have not used the programs because I am not sure about how they exactly work. I guess for me I need to get a little "braver" and do some guess and check work to just figure out how things work.
A lot of the students that I work with, I believe, have better knowledge about computers and try a lot of different things to get them to work. They are not afraid to make mistakes with the computers and just believe that they will be fixed. It has been interesting for me in this school because there have been times where I have needed to say, "I need help and I don't get this". Many of the teachers are taught to use the programs before the students and I have made sure that I am available during most of these times so that I can learn as well.
I am very excited to be in this class because I hope that I gain some insight into how the computers are working and what programs are out their for students to use to their benefit.

Dexter's Article (post #1)

This article reminded me about the school, in which I work. I am lucky enough to work in a school that uses smart-boards and has a student computer lab. In each classroom there are four computers and each teacher has one as well. This article reminded me about the school because they are doing a lot of school wide technology initiatives. They are making sure that the teachers, as well as the students, understand all the advances that computers and technology has made and the benefits that are associated with both areas.
It has been very interesting because with each project that the students do in the library media center they also complete a computer based application as well. Some of them have include glogs, webquests, and even interactive powerpoints. Before the students complete the project the teachers go to a common planning meeting so that they can understand the application that will be in use with their students.
I think that Dexter writes about this so that teachers and students can learn together and understand what is happening in the computer and technology fields. It is important that "the school environment must support teachers in this role by providing adequate technology support" ( Dexter article). I believe that I am lucky to be placed in a school where this is available and beneficial to the teachers.

My First Post

This is my first blog post.