Blog #10

Within my classmates blogs, I found their complaints about homework most interesting. The details about cramming for papers, missing assignments, and homework loads was funny because I completely agree. I have had so much work this semester, and it seems to be loading up. I also enjoyed reading blogs about why people are interested in teaching. Most people shared their thoughts, goals, and concerns with their future career. I most enjoyed reading these insightful experiences because it allows me to reflect on my future teaching career.

The next technology-related skill I hope to acquire would probably be understanding how to interact with other teachers online. Suppossedly, there are many web-based resources that allow for teachers to communicate. However, having an in school web-based communication system would be reliable, interactive, and helpful. I would like to learn how to create one or join one.

Another technology-related goal I hold is being able to use powerpoint presentation in my classroom. Most teachers prefer the blackboard or overhead projector, however, the writing is small, sloppy, and too hard to decifer for students. It would be great to always incorporate slide show presentations as my lecture to encourage organization, pictures, and technology.

Blog # 9

In my search for a web-based teaching resource, I came across a website compilted by Sue LeBeau. The website includes a diversity of tools that can be useful for teachers when creating an inspirational learning environment. It has things from quiz generators to worksheets and flashcards to games and puzzles. The site contains too many options to elaborate on each, however, I want to focus on the quiz generator and the flashcards. Not only does it simplify work for both the student and teacher, but it also allows the student to perform better on exams and quizzes because of the flashcard option.

This teacher-student resource is very unique and helpful for everyone in the classroom. It is detailed, fun, and simple to use. It has a variety of options for the classroom and can be used by everyone to promote higher learning. I would recommend this to other teachers and will definately take advantage of the free resource in my future teaching career. Check out the website!: http://www.suelebeau.com/freetools.htm

A technology skill I would enjoy learning next would be how to create a website that my students can use. I would want to include assignments, important announcements, print outs, and lecture notes that my students can refer to. Also, I would encourage parents to utilize the website to contact me for questions or concerns about their children. Furthermore, a website would enable me to keep myself organized and in touch with my students.

My future goals for a classroom rich with technology would include knowing the technology and incorporating it into my lesson plans. To acheive my future educational technology-related goals, I think I will have to strive to learn and understand current technology and future technology. I will also have to incorporate it and utilize it within the classroom with my students. By using using it during lectures, I can show my students how to use the programs while enhancing their understanding of the material. Therefore, it is most necessary to use technology within the classroom.

Blog # 8

Found in Chapter 8 is the idea of emerging technologies. Schools are among the first to adopt new technologies. The internet and email were using on college campuses before it was used anywhere else. New technologies, such as blogging, are used in classrooms for instruction. There are also many technology solutions within school to keep buildings as secure as possible. For exampole, radio frequency identifiers help administrators to keep schools safe. However, schools and educational systems must make sure they are ethical in their use of technology.

I am slowly understanding the microsoft program - excel.

After using it in class to take a survey of lemonade business, I can create a table, graph, and grid. This could be helpful in my classroom to present data that is confusing, make games, or create charts of information. Furthermore, it could keep the students organized in their science lab reports, history surveys, or other school assignments. Furthermore, it will help keep me organized as a teacher to keep a grade book or attendance records.

I cannot imagine the world without the internet. Instead of going on facebook or blackboard to communicate with others, you would have to read a newspaper, record assignments in class, or use a phone. We can do everything online now, even order a pizza from the local pizzeria!

Blog # 7 (Optional Extra Credit)

Within Chapter 7, the idea of evaluating educational technology seems to be a huge task, but it is managed by most schools. The idea is that the education system analyzes it's technology using assessment procedures that determine the effectiveness of the available technology. Also, integrating strategies of technology is important in a school. Teachers are now encouraged to integrate technology within their classroom through their lesson plans and teaching techniques. By using the internet, powerpoint, and other technology programs, students are better prepared for higher learning.

Since our last class, I have become more proficient in my blogging techniques. I am now able to comment on other classmates' posts while becoming more familiar with my personal profile account. I am convinced that the blogging system is a great way to keep in touch with my students outside of the classroom. It is also a great way to post upcoming events, announcements, and assignments for parents who want to be more active in their children's academic life. Furthermore, if a student has an emergency, is sick, or has questions about an assignment, blogging is a great way to stay in touch with the classroom.

This class has helped me with other class assignments because as I better understand technology, computer typed homework becomes easier. By learning the tricks and short-cuts of a microsoft program, it enables me to save time while creating better projects. I think the "SAM" program is also a good program that could be used in high schools, or at other educational places. I am excited to see what I can do with technology when I become a teacher!

Blog # 6 (Optional Extra Credit)

Chapter 6 is mainly concerned with ASSURE models. This model is helpful with integrating curriculum using learning theories and educational research. An ASSSURE model is an instructional systems design process that is modified to be used by teachers in a regular classroom. This process can be used for writing lesson plans, improving teaching and learning, and developing appropriate learning environments for students. It is also helfpul with integrating certain lesson plans and curriculum. ASSURE is short for - Analayze learners; State objectives; Select instructional methods, media, materials; Utilize media and materials; Require learner participation; Evaluate and revise.

During the Web Sources assignment, I have learned the importance of making sure students are using reliable sources from the internet when doing research. By creating a web source checklist handout, it keeps the students from plagiarizing, using inaccurate information, and repeating sources that contain the same information. This is beneficial for my future career in education because it allows me to become aware of the unreliable internet that students trust. I can make them aware of this and also use a similar checklist when assigning my students research assignments.

As I journey through my education classes, I become more and more excited about my future career in teaching. I hope to make a difference in our next generation of students that are to control our society and culture. I hope to do this through being an inspiring teacher that keeps the attention of students while creating a positive learning environment. Furthermore, I hope to always be available to my students, unlike most of my high school teachers.

Blog # 5

A topic that was brought up within Chapter 6 has also been brought up repeatedly in my Introduction to Eduation Class. Therefore, I am noting the defintion and keeping it in mind for my future career as a teacher. Facilitator Learning is a better learning process over dictating learning because it motivates students to want to learn, guides the student learning process, and promotes a learning atmosphere and an aprpeciation for the subject. Many teachers are beginning to incorporate facilitated learning rather than incorporating dictated methods because of the response of students.

The completion of the second powerpoint can help me immensely in my future education. I have learned how to create a game using the powerpoint technology. This can be beneficial within my classroom as a way to promote study habits through a review game, or to create a good time within the classroom. By using this technology, my students can become more engaged in the activity while having fun. This can allow the students to parallel education and fun times.

It is getting so cold in Tallahassee! I was raised at the beach my whole life, and the cold weather is getting so brutal. Jackets, socks, sweaters and don't forget the hot coffee and boots! I thought the hot weather was ridiculous but now I miss it!

Blog # 4

Within Chapter 5, it is well detailed that internet services are more and more available to individuals. Therefore, it is necessary to also incorporate such technology within the classroom. Such assistive technology promotes greater independence for people with disabilities. This is the new wave in technolgoy, and it must be quickly learned and adapted in schools as a form of technology equality. World Wide Web, or as most recognize www, is a system of interlinked documents via the internet. It contains texts, media, movies, pictures, and other things that are beneficial in a mass media world. There is also a mode for advanced search technqiues to browse the huge space of the web.

Although powerpoint is a common program, I have recently adapted new skills that can be beneficial to my future teaching career. I have learned how to navigate the details of powerpoint so that it can be easier for me to create a lecture slide show presentation. I have also advanced by creating transitions, animations, and clipart files. These skills will be beneficial in my educational career because of the benefit of technology in the classroom. Note taking and lectures can become monotonous. However, by incorporating a lecture and a powerpoint, students are more willing to learn and engage in the presentation because of the interesting pictures, points, and topics that can be presented. Furthermore, if there are complicated topics being presented, organized slides can better keep the students on track.

My last week has been chaotic. The tests, homework, and classes seem to be getting more difficult while the work keeps piling up. I hope after this week that school slows down and I can breathe a sigh of relief. Over Thanksgiving break, I plan on driving to Virginia with my friend to visit my family. I love feasting during this time, it seems like so long since I've had a home cooked meal!