Where Do We Go From Here? Blog #8

I think this has been the fastest eight weeks of my life. I have really enjoyed this class and learning about the different technologies each week. Each one has given me ideas about ways to use them in planning lessons or in my classroom instruction. My biggest “aha” moment had to be when we set up our blogs. I really didn’t understand their use and my first thought was, “Oh no, not a journal”, but this blog has been so much more than that. I enjoyed reading other people’s perspectives on different things and actually learned quite a bit. I can see how this would be a great tool to use as a classroom webpage to post assignments, links to worksheets and even keep parents informed as to our activities. As I work toward my librarian certificate I am thinking of ways to use this effectively for the school library.

To tie everything together, I feel I learned a little something different from each one. I loved constructing the Wikis, the Podcast, the Wordle and putting together the Electronic Portfolio. I would like to use the portfolios in the future as a tool for students to display their best work. This would be a convenient way to store the information and add to it later. I could see how each of these tools could help students grown in their learning if used properly in the classroom. I really don’t use technology enough in my classroom now, probably because of lack of useable equipment, but now I am excited to talk with our principals, show them what I learned and how they could help our department.

Do You Google #7

At the beginning of the year I review the scientific method and the steps students will use all year long to solve problems. The lab I chose to illustrate the scientific method, M&M's most popular color, is similar to a lab I have used in the past except that we did not leave the school. We just counted M&M’s from packages I brought to school. To make the project a little more interesting I would divide the kids in groups and then let them select certain stores where they would buy the M&M’s for the investigation. This would be part of the survey process. Next in order to introduce ways technology could be used to help in the investigation, I want to show students the ease at which a class wiki could be created and used. I would demonstrate how they could add or edit their group’s data and conclusion. Then I would have students the look at the tools the Google site has available which are free. The mapping tool would not only give them directions to the store, but present a picture of the location. The Google Docs tool would not only help them organize the data they collected, but also an opportunity to analyze and present the data in the form of a chart.

I would really strongly consider using this in my class lessons and I would like for students to understand not only the Google tools available but the fact through the use of the Wiki we were able to easily present each groups lab activities and results from one website. I would also like the final presentation of the Wiki to lead to further discussion of the lab and steps involved in the scientific method.

I have had the opportunity these last few weeks to use many Web 2.0 technologies that would definitely make my class more exciting and engage the students in higher order learning skills. I see the need to include these in future lessons in order to help students work together and collaborate, something they will do when they enter the working world.

Can You Hear Me Know - Blog #6

I think the implications for using the tools available online are growing more each day. I hate to say this, but before this class I had never had heard of a wiki or jing. They were not difficult to use and now I can’t wait to find more ways to work them into my lessons. I was amazed to find out how long some Web 2.0 applications had been around. They can be applied to projects such as compiling a textbook for a class to a student building his own portfolio. I think what is preventing us from making more changes is a lack of knowledge of these tools and how these tools can be used in our classroom. We need a way to add variety in our lessons is presented and keep the students motivated to learn. I know this particularly true in my own case.
If I could wave a magic wand I would put a set of laptops in each classroom, offer more training on how they could be used, and instantly take the fear out of educators who want to know more about technology but are afraid to change. I know I asked for three things, I guess I got carried away. Technology in the world and in the classroom is just the way of the future and the kids are already in tuned to this technology. Our job as educators is to keep up with the changes in technology and at the same time combine them with lessons to interest and keep our students at the center of learning instead of ourselves.

Working with Wikis #5

When I first opened the syllabus and saw we would be learning about wikis, I had no idea what they were, but I think this has been one of my favorite forms of technology so far. I have learned they are so simple to set up and each day I can think of ways in which they would be useful. My first thought was a recipe exchange but a few others in the class had the same idea. I then thought of Science Fairs, and how we try each year to coordinate all the teachers, students, parents and the science projects. I set up my wiki with just basic information for now on what a Science Fair is and where to find information on projects. Then I added a page where students could sign up, make comments or even tell about the project they might enter. There is also a page for parents to make comments on or even volunteer to judge. I feel it still needs some work but for right now it is a good start.

I also thought a wiki might be the perfect way we could all stay in touch when my daughter gets married next year. Since we all live so far from each other our families could keep up with each other making notes when certain details were finished or even finding addresses and updating them. We could also share pictures.

I can see so many advantages for using them in my class. We could use them to build vocabulary and even give reports on labs, since we may not get the same result in each class. The students could then try and explain the reason for the different outcomes. The only disadvantage I see is not reporting reliable information. You may have to set the wiki for certain users to participate.

A wiki would be great way to engage digital natives since they are already so in tuned to technology. A group project would be a fun way to use a wiki, especially when you may not all be able to meet at the same time.
I would probably like to explore animation a little further and adding audio to blogs. Truthfully though, I want to go back and work with RSS feeds and the Delicious bookmarks more.

E-Portfolios and Assessment

I choose Assessment for Learning should take into account of (and foster) the motivation for learning. I found this most relevant in my life due to the fact I teach junior high science. I love science but motivating my students to enjoy what I enjoy is not always easy. With the help of computers, I learned one way to show how the subject is relevant to their lives and then instruct them in a way they enjoy learning. This also helps me reach a wide range of learners at one time. Students that understand are able to move at their own pace and I can assist the others that may need a little more help. And even if the students are having difficulty I can still see many working toward trying to understand by ‘rewinding’ or reviewing material, as my article stated.

I think a portfolio assessment would be an excellent tool for students to use. It would be so much more organized and neater than keeping a folder. With the traditional way of keeping your best work in a folder, sometimes work is lost. At the moment, we do not have a lot of time to spend with computers, but with proper instruction on how each student could set up a portfolio this would be great for parent conferences, teacher team/student conferences, open house, etc. What a confidence builder for the student.

Developing a portfolio for my own learning will help me show my best work and remind me of what I have accomplished from the lessons I have completed. It will help me also help me build confidence in myself and show me what I am capable of doing.

Critical Analysis of Information #3

I had always been confident of the sources I have used in the past, but after completing the mapping activity I will look certainly look at websites differently. When I first opened the page “All about Explorers” everything looked in order. I picked Christopher Columbus to research and was greatly surprised to find out he was born in Sidney Australia in 1951. The rest of the article was the same, dates and facts which were not true. There was a reliable reference as to where the information came from, but the information presented was false. Then I checked the links associated with the website and about the fourth or fifth link began to state that you cannot always trust your websites. Actually this website has been set up as a lesson to teach elementary children the very thing I was checking out that not all websites are credible. I hope to soon become a librarian and I can use this website in a lesson to explain to students how to find reliable information. Now as I search on the internet I will look closely at the url to check for credibility and then go from there to see who is behind the information presented, who is linked to the website and what they have to say also about the information. I may have made unknowingly made mistakes in the past, but now I know a better and more reliable way to search for information.
As teachers it is our job to help our students develop good research techniques, inform them of what is available and how to critically evaluate the information they find to make good decisions. This is a tool they can use all their life and well as their job as the internet will always play an important role in our lives.
I had never used Delicious before so I am still in the beginning stages of getting everything sorted out. I liked the way people networked together and you could see others bookmarks. There were some websites others had there that I really liked. I need to go through my bookmarks and decide which ones I really use often and tag them. Right now I teach science and I could see grouping or “tagging” them all together so it would be easier to find the sites I need. I need to work with this system of bookmarking a little more before I introduce this to students, but overall I can see things being so much more organized and useable. Before delicious my bookmarks had no rhyme or reason.
Google reader is another new tool which I learned about this week. I am still working with this daily, but the thing I liked best is the information is current and not a year old.

What Is Educational Technology - Post #2

I am not sure my first ideas of Educational Technology aligned with what I feel right now. This past week has given me a lot to think about and realize that the technology that is out there is not being used in the classroom. Educational Philosophy is so much more than computers, overhead projectors and videos. It is cell phones, iPods and the programs you can use available on the internet that work with these devices. I am so glad that my Educational Philosophy is just a rough draft, I can see that I will want to make changes to it weekly. I stated earlier that my philosophy was grounded in the views of the Constructivism and I still feel strong about the opinions of the Existentialist, but I feel myself moving away from the ideas of the Realists and leaning more toward the Constructivist and Existentialist. Students can learn so much more from group work and using technology than drill and practice. I am not sure my first ideas of Educational Technology aligned with what I feel right now. This past week has given me a lot to think about and the technology that is out there that is not being used in the classroom.

The two videos were amazing. In fact as I sat there and watched them I looked at the definition I had written for educational technology and thought I am not quite getting the point. The technology that we have out in the world today is amazing and if was used in the proper manner in school, the results would be amazing. I agreed with principal, Sam Ray from Provo High School, “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em”. Podcasts could be an effective as a form of instruction. In fact, I looked at the two websites listed in the video to get some ideas for future lessons, lessons that would motivate my students.

I do think we are on the right track, but I don’t think we are there yet. If more educational technology workshops teaching and stressing the positive effects using technology could be made available, I feel then that those who were apprehensive about using technology in their classrooms would change their mind.

Educational Technology Philosophy

Post #1

The education of young people today is such an important part of shaping our future. Teachers play a very important role in helping young people not only learn facts, but they also help them make good choices for the future. Students today have more opportunities than ever before in education with the use of technology. Following the right set of guidelines, students have the ability to search for information on subjects and connect it with past knowledge thus build on what they already know.
My role as an educator is to give each child an opportunity to grow in knowledge and foster the love of learning. I became a teacher because I believe each child is a unique individual and should be given the opportunity to learn and be successful. I plan my lessons and activities around the fact that not all students learn at the same pace or style. A good teacher will continually provide opportunities for all students to seek out new facts and information. The student should feel comfortable in the classroom environment so the learning experiences can help each student be successful.
My technology philosophy of education is a combination of several educational theories. I found I identified with the constructivism theory in providing access to information for the student to discover rather than be the main source. They can then use this new information to practice skills in real situations such as hands on activities. I believe students then retain the new information better. I am still a believer in studying the past as the realists do for a basis between the where we have been and how it relates to our future. I also still believe tests help identify areas where the learner is not making a connection with the material presented and the concept which needs to be learned. I like to provide opportunities for students to think for themselves and make wise choices, but at the same time, be creative which are the thoughts of the existentialist. To accomplish these objectives, I find students learn best through a variety of PowerPoint presentations. These in turn often lead to class discussions. I teach science and use lab activities and computer lab opportunities for students to make connections to the material we study. I also like to use PowerPoint presentations in the form of games such as Jeopardy. Quizdom is another powerful technology tool I use to help reinforce material which has been taught.
Technology today can give students opportunities that have never been available before thus expanding their knowledge. In order for students to have these opportunities, teachers need to be aware of the learning needs of their students in order to provide the best instruction. They also need to be aware of updates in technology in order to improve learning in the classroom.

After writing down my educational philosophy and reflecting on what I have done in the past, I can see how my students could become more involved in the lessons through the use of technology. Instead of reading on a subject they could research the topic from a set of selected websites and make a presentation for the class. As I make new lesson plans, I need to search the Internet for technology related lessons to use in the unit we are studying. I know the students are always more eager to learn when we use laptops as part of the instruction.

As a part of adding new types of technology in the classroom I can see blogging holding great potential encouraging students to read more and then put their ideas down in writing. They could then not only share their ideas with classmates but others in the school. It would give other students another way to look at a problem, offer a link they may not have seen or think about something in a different way. The teacher could also comment on students work and offer help to them. No, I don't think we have met the potential here. The reasons why include lack of knowledge on blogging and by the fact that many are not willing to change their habits. Many people I feel are reluctant to post comments.

In the article, Creating a Culture for Teaching by November, the one area that stood out to me most was #6 - Collegiality Is What's Needed. I thought about my students and how they much prefer to be helped by another knowledgeable student rather than a teacher. Students can also explain steps in simpler terms or in another language to a student who may not be an English speaker.