Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Final Lesson Plan
My choice of the subject matter for this final lesson plan was the result of my joy for Algebra. I have always taken an interest in equalities, inequalities and variables so I tried to focus it around those areas of Math.
Now that my work is complete, some challenges I see arising while teaching could be the technology failing, perhaps a video I want to show won't load for some reason, or the school computers won't allow it. Another example could be that the files I sent to their G-mail accounts could have failed, or were presented in a different format. Assuming my students are all tech-savvy, those who are not however could also present a challenge. Having to show them how to work their way around Google, the Google Documents, and Google Drawings could lead to some drawbacks or delay of the lesson.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
XtraNormal video
My XtraNormal Video!
This is my XtraNormal Video I made on http://www.xtranormal.com/. It stars Charlie Sheen so I hope you get a chuckle out of it! Try making your own it is very fun!
This is my XtraNormal Video I made on http://www.xtranormal.com/. It stars Charlie Sheen so I hope you get a chuckle out of it! Try making your own it is very fun!
Monday, May 14, 2012
Course Reflection
- a. Coming into this course, what was your level of tech skill? Did you find it easy to adapt to the ways we used technology in this class? What was difficult for you? What was easy?
I was concerned at first that maybe my tech skills weren't that advanced but I think that was just me being unsure going in to a tech class that I had no idea about. I feel I have a high level of tech skill, I just have more to learn because there is so much to do with technology. I found it easy to adapt to class once I was shown how to do something new because I am familiar with computers. What was difficult was getting used to new programs and learning how to insert images or something like Prezi for example. But after a few repetitions, like anything it became easy. I wouldn't say anything was really easy. Group work made things easier, and being in class talking about the assignments made them easier to do. If I took this as an online class I don't think I would be as successful, but I have never taken an online class either.
- b. What have been your favorite parts of the class? What was your favorite activity?
Group work was always fun and successful. I enjoyed having class discussions, we have a lot of people in our class with classroom experience and it was nice hearing their opinions and views from their experience. I liked the iPad activity, made me realize how much is to come of new technology in classrooms. When we talked about special needs and technology to help them with their disability, I found that very interesting.
- c. Do you think you can easily incorporate your tech knowledge and skills into your role as a teacher? Out of all the tools we learned about this quarter, which one do you see using the most frequently as a teacher?
Yes, I definitely do. A lot of schools are using computers in class and if every student has one then I will most definitely do google docs and have them open up assignments to do there, take quizzes, and open articles that we will discuss in class. So I see myself using Google chrome, and making every student having an account so we can all work on documents together.
- d. What do you want to know MORE about in Ed Tech? What are you still curious about? Will you be able to explore these ideas on your own?
Probably Apple computers and their technology. I own an iPhone, and iPod, but not an Apple computer. I feel like they're capable of more, and easier to navigate once you figure them out. Also the sites with lesson plans. I'd like to learn how to use them more to help me in my classroom to make subjects easier to teach and for my students to understand. I believe I will be able to explore these ideas on my own. I have been introduced to the websites and the information, and I just have to explore it and incorporate it in to my lessons.
- e. Do you think your level of tech skill/knowledge has increased this quarter? If so, how? Are you a more confident web user?
Yes, I believe my tech skill/knowledge has increased. Google and g-mail is versatile, there is so much you can do with that. I learned how to put all my email into one mail so I can view it all at once instead of checking different ones one at a time. I would say I am more confident as a web user because I would have not known a lot of the stuff I know now if I hadn't taken this course. I know how to use certain programs, have a blog, create documents, and how to create and monitor my online presence.
MERLOT
Multimedia Educational Resource for Learning and Online Teaching
I thought this source for education was very interesting. Once figuring out how to navigate it, I found out it has many options to use. I clicked on the Mathematics and Statistics option and on the left toolbar I noticed an option that said "animation", being a visual learner myself I looked in to that. I liked how it had visual representations, games, and exercises on certain subjects of Math that I really liked and that I would most likely use in my classroom setting. One animation even showed how to do specific operations on your TI-83 calculator. In my classroom, I could show the TI-83 animation to show my students how to use their calculators to solve problems. Another animation I could use would be one of the numerous games of fractions. I think that would be great because I know growing up how many people hated fractions because it was hard for them to learn. Using other alternatives to teaching can help someone really grasp on to the idea or concept and helping them really understand it. There are even quizzes, test, and assignments for numerous areas of math for you to build upon as well. You can look at all types of disciplines and even read reviews on it of how people used it in their classroom, ways to modify it, whether they were successful or not, and you can add your own materials on there as well.
I thought this source for education was very interesting. Once figuring out how to navigate it, I found out it has many options to use. I clicked on the Mathematics and Statistics option and on the left toolbar I noticed an option that said "animation", being a visual learner myself I looked in to that. I liked how it had visual representations, games, and exercises on certain subjects of Math that I really liked and that I would most likely use in my classroom setting. One animation even showed how to do specific operations on your TI-83 calculator. In my classroom, I could show the TI-83 animation to show my students how to use their calculators to solve problems. Another animation I could use would be one of the numerous games of fractions. I think that would be great because I know growing up how many people hated fractions because it was hard for them to learn. Using other alternatives to teaching can help someone really grasp on to the idea or concept and helping them really understand it. There are even quizzes, test, and assignments for numerous areas of math for you to build upon as well. You can look at all types of disciplines and even read reviews on it of how people used it in their classroom, ways to modify it, whether they were successful or not, and you can add your own materials on there as well.
Creative Commons
Creative Commons
I think Creative Commons is a great source for everyone. It can help educators find other ways of teaching their material or a different approach to adjust to their classroom. Its helpful in that it can help someone else, or even inspire them and build off of an idea to make it greater. Ultimately, I don't see it as copying. I like the idea that this can be used to a certain degree that the creator allows the person to use it. All the information in Creative Commons can be edited, remixed, or built upon. If your putting in the time for your classroom and not just taking other peoples ideas then I don't see it as plagiarism.
I think Creative Commons is a great source for everyone. It can help educators find other ways of teaching their material or a different approach to adjust to their classroom. Its helpful in that it can help someone else, or even inspire them and build off of an idea to make it greater. Ultimately, I don't see it as copying. I like the idea that this can be used to a certain degree that the creator allows the person to use it. All the information in Creative Commons can be edited, remixed, or built upon. If your putting in the time for your classroom and not just taking other peoples ideas then I don't see it as plagiarism.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Ohio DL Schools
Ohio Connections Academy
EcotOhio
Above are two links I posted that I would consider sending my child to for online education. First of all, the presentation of these two websites was the first I based my decision off of. I liked how Ecot was the first and largest DL in Ohio, and they have had lots of success since. They displayed great graduation rates and students later being successful as well. The OCA has had great ratings of being excellent for kids of all ages. I thought the free tuition was great, but it was offered by all of the DL schools.
Virtual School House
This is one DL school in Ohio that I would not choose for my child. Viewing the website, it did not stand out and it looked very elementary. Since this is really the only presentation I have of the DL school, it doesn't look that great, and it didn't state achievements on the front page and tell the viewers why they should come here and why it is so great. It did not grab me like the other two DL schools did that I wrote about previously.
EcotOhio
Above are two links I posted that I would consider sending my child to for online education. First of all, the presentation of these two websites was the first I based my decision off of. I liked how Ecot was the first and largest DL in Ohio, and they have had lots of success since. They displayed great graduation rates and students later being successful as well. The OCA has had great ratings of being excellent for kids of all ages. I thought the free tuition was great, but it was offered by all of the DL schools.
Virtual School House
This is one DL school in Ohio that I would not choose for my child. Viewing the website, it did not stand out and it looked very elementary. Since this is really the only presentation I have of the DL school, it doesn't look that great, and it didn't state achievements on the front page and tell the viewers why they should come here and why it is so great. It did not grab me like the other two DL schools did that I wrote about previously.
Pros and Cons of Distant Learning
Pros and Cons of DL
Above is a link to a document my EDU 220 class and I created of the Pros and Cons of Distant Learning.
I believe the pros outweigh the cons in Distant Learning. It can help you establish your own autonomy in academics, schedule your class and doing your work on your own time. If the lecture or class is recorded you can rewind and review what you didn't catch at first. Also if you are a fast worker, you can go ahead of pace and get more completed. I like that it doesn't take away from your time at work, and that you don't have to worry about arriving early to search for a parking spot.
In my opinion, however, I am against Distant Learning for the time being. I have not ever taken an online class, but I hear good and bad things. The way I like to learn, and I am more comfortable learning in a traditional classroom. I like the social interaction, and being in real time with the teacher. That way, if I have a question about an assignment or topic then she can help me then and there instead of emailing and waiting who knows how long for a response.I have motivational skills so its not like I need to go to class to be motivated to do my work but I enjoy being in the actual classroom, interacting with other students, and getting the support from the teacher. I believe I can be successful in a DL class but until I absolutely have to take one, I probably won't. I'll enjoy my time in class until then.
Above is a link to a document my EDU 220 class and I created of the Pros and Cons of Distant Learning.
I believe the pros outweigh the cons in Distant Learning. It can help you establish your own autonomy in academics, schedule your class and doing your work on your own time. If the lecture or class is recorded you can rewind and review what you didn't catch at first. Also if you are a fast worker, you can go ahead of pace and get more completed. I like that it doesn't take away from your time at work, and that you don't have to worry about arriving early to search for a parking spot.
In my opinion, however, I am against Distant Learning for the time being. I have not ever taken an online class, but I hear good and bad things. The way I like to learn, and I am more comfortable learning in a traditional classroom. I like the social interaction, and being in real time with the teacher. That way, if I have a question about an assignment or topic then she can help me then and there instead of emailing and waiting who knows how long for a response.I have motivational skills so its not like I need to go to class to be motivated to do my work but I enjoy being in the actual classroom, interacting with other students, and getting the support from the teacher. I believe I can be successful in a DL class but until I absolutely have to take one, I probably won't. I'll enjoy my time in class until then.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
RSA Animate
RSA ANIMATE
Above is a link I posted about this very interesting and cool video.
1). I agree that the US systematically destroys the creativity in students in school. I believe that because students often do not become interested in schooling and school work. It is boring for them so they begin to find other things interesting and build on that. I think that some technology being used in class can help with students engagements and make them want to learn more.
2). I think it is possible for a curriculum to be developed and followed to help students creativity. Some components of that curriculum could be using things students already use at home, like a computer, iPad, laptop, smart phone, etc. Integrating the technology that is something new to them that aren't used to using in a traditional classroom will keep them engaged, and keep them thinking. Especially if it is something new and interesting. Making learning fun is one way to help, you can have a set of guidelines of things to have for an assignment but perhaps have them put a twist on it and do it their own way to show their creativity and originality that somehow represents them. This was kind of a tough question.
3). I believe certainly a teachers action can help creativity of a student. Think of past teachers you have had, the ones that were most animated, engaging, fun, and loud were the best teachers you had. Ones that sat at the desk, read word for word out a book or powerpoint the whole time leave you falling asleep at your work space. If a teacher shows creativity like, "Hey look at what I found, or what I did. Can you find other interesting ways of creating this, doing this, etc.?" Engaging them, and challenging them will benefit them most; going through the motions simply won't get it done.
4).Ways I can become more creative are simple. Learning new things, or how to do things differently can help you incorporate all those ideas in to one thing of your own. An example was Prezi, you could do a blank template, or follow a path. A blank template is ready for your ideas and creativity, while when you follow a path you're basically filling in the blanks. Everyone and everything is different so I think group work can help as well or working with classmates because you can use ideas and build off of them to make it different or unique in your own way. In this class especially, I have learned a lot because I was never introduced to certain programs, grammar, or new technology like I have in this class. Yeah, I can make a PowerPoint for a presentation that everyone has seen before, but why not make a Prezi, and make it go all different ways and make it engaging for others to watch and maybe even make them want to see it again. In other classrooms, I haven't been able to express my creativity because of guidelines set, and they have to be a specific way and if it isn't followed then you get a lower grade. For teachers and schools, make it more engaging for the students. Bring them in to the lesson, first hand; make it a fun learning experience and environment. I always had fun in Art class because of how involved and animated my teacher was, and she always said, "dare to be different, make it your own", and I always that originality was creative and being your own. Have a set plan for students to learn certain things, but going a different route other than traditionally sitting at a desk and learning can make a more positive impact I believe.
Above is a link I posted about this very interesting and cool video.
1). I agree that the US systematically destroys the creativity in students in school. I believe that because students often do not become interested in schooling and school work. It is boring for them so they begin to find other things interesting and build on that. I think that some technology being used in class can help with students engagements and make them want to learn more.
2). I think it is possible for a curriculum to be developed and followed to help students creativity. Some components of that curriculum could be using things students already use at home, like a computer, iPad, laptop, smart phone, etc. Integrating the technology that is something new to them that aren't used to using in a traditional classroom will keep them engaged, and keep them thinking. Especially if it is something new and interesting. Making learning fun is one way to help, you can have a set of guidelines of things to have for an assignment but perhaps have them put a twist on it and do it their own way to show their creativity and originality that somehow represents them. This was kind of a tough question.
3). I believe certainly a teachers action can help creativity of a student. Think of past teachers you have had, the ones that were most animated, engaging, fun, and loud were the best teachers you had. Ones that sat at the desk, read word for word out a book or powerpoint the whole time leave you falling asleep at your work space. If a teacher shows creativity like, "Hey look at what I found, or what I did. Can you find other interesting ways of creating this, doing this, etc.?" Engaging them, and challenging them will benefit them most; going through the motions simply won't get it done.
4).Ways I can become more creative are simple. Learning new things, or how to do things differently can help you incorporate all those ideas in to one thing of your own. An example was Prezi, you could do a blank template, or follow a path. A blank template is ready for your ideas and creativity, while when you follow a path you're basically filling in the blanks. Everyone and everything is different so I think group work can help as well or working with classmates because you can use ideas and build off of them to make it different or unique in your own way. In this class especially, I have learned a lot because I was never introduced to certain programs, grammar, or new technology like I have in this class. Yeah, I can make a PowerPoint for a presentation that everyone has seen before, but why not make a Prezi, and make it go all different ways and make it engaging for others to watch and maybe even make them want to see it again. In other classrooms, I haven't been able to express my creativity because of guidelines set, and they have to be a specific way and if it isn't followed then you get a lower grade. For teachers and schools, make it more engaging for the students. Bring them in to the lesson, first hand; make it a fun learning experience and environment. I always had fun in Art class because of how involved and animated my teacher was, and she always said, "dare to be different, make it your own", and I always that originality was creative and being your own. Have a set plan for students to learn certain things, but going a different route other than traditionally sitting at a desk and learning can make a more positive impact I believe.
A Quick Reader (QR) Code
You can make your own QR Code and direct it where ever you would like at goqr.me
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