Last week my lesson for Social Studies focused on explorers from Europe so I thought this would be the perfect time to integrate technology! My students had to create a power point presentation for the explorer they were assigned to. They were very excited to work on power point from choosing the font, layout, design, and inserting pictures that represented their explorer.
The students first had to read on their explorer, create their notes, and then finally create their power point slides. This whole lesson took me about a week, but at the end it was all worth it. The students were able to learn from one another by conducting these presentations.
However, I did have to spend a lot of time teaching some of my students how to create their power point slides. I alslo had to make sure that they were not entering too much text and entering only a few words. Many of my students were typing like they were speaking. This is something that adults might also do. Power Point should include highlights and the presenter is responsible to include the details as they are speaking. What I did to show them the correct way to present is I created my own presentation on an explorer and I modeled the incorrect way and the "correct" way of presenting.
I was kind of leniant on the grading, but as we include more power point in our lessons, I advised them my expectations would go higher!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Technology is a Must!
I am lucky to say that I am at a district where technology is greatly emphasized. Every school year, two lessons with the integration of technology are due from each teacher. Teachers must submit their lessons to Tech Fusion, and once they are submitted other teachers are able to view each others lessons on Tech Fusion for use of ideas in their own classrooms, and even rate the lesson to report back how useful the teachers found the lesson. This will be my first year to post a lesson, and I really can’t wait to see all the lessons posted to grasp some new ideas!
Something else that my campus has just begun this year is TECH THURSDAYS. Every Thursday after school, staff developmental is available for teachers to learn new insights of integrating technology in the classroom. This is such a great resource; teachers can be assisted with any questions they might come across, and have a knowledgeable person right there to help!
I personally like to integrate technology in my classroom. Besides the obvious educational purpose of it, majority of my students are from low socio-economic backgrounds. Therefore, this gives them the opportunity to put their hands on technology where as they many not have it in their own homes. It is essential that students are given the opportunities to learn the ins and outs of technology as it will prepare them for the real world; this will create life long learning!
Something else that my campus has just begun this year is TECH THURSDAYS. Every Thursday after school, staff developmental is available for teachers to learn new insights of integrating technology in the classroom. This is such a great resource; teachers can be assisted with any questions they might come across, and have a knowledgeable person right there to help!
I personally like to integrate technology in my classroom. Besides the obvious educational purpose of it, majority of my students are from low socio-economic backgrounds. Therefore, this gives them the opportunity to put their hands on technology where as they many not have it in their own homes. It is essential that students are given the opportunities to learn the ins and outs of technology as it will prepare them for the real world; this will create life long learning!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
SPREADSHEETS
Spreadsheets are designed to organize and manage numerical data. Teachers can use spreadsheets to keep budgets and grade books, and to help teach math topics. I personally like to use spreadsheets to keep all of my grades for my two groups of kids. Using a spreadsheet helps me to keep up with the grades, and with assignments students are missing.
Spreadsheets can be very beneficial to teachers and students.
1. Save time: They allow teachers and students to complete calculations quickly.
2. Organizes and Displays of Data: Their capability to store information in columns make them ideal tools for designing informational charts like schedules and attendance lists.
3. Supports asking “what if” questions: They help people visualize the impact change in numbers. A student can play with the numbers and see the results immediately, probing the student to ask “what if” questions.
4. Increases Motivation in Mathematics: Spreadsheets can make math concepts graphic where students can see how they work. This can create that motivation in the kids who see some math concepts dull and boring.
I am a Social Studies and ELA teacher. I would really like to learn how I can use spreadsheets with these two contents. I can see how spreadsheets could effectively be used for math like using it for problem solving and analyzing data, but I would really like to explore more on the integration of spreadsheets in ELA and SS.
Spreadsheets can be very beneficial to teachers and students.
1. Save time: They allow teachers and students to complete calculations quickly.
2. Organizes and Displays of Data: Their capability to store information in columns make them ideal tools for designing informational charts like schedules and attendance lists.
3. Supports asking “what if” questions: They help people visualize the impact change in numbers. A student can play with the numbers and see the results immediately, probing the student to ask “what if” questions.
4. Increases Motivation in Mathematics: Spreadsheets can make math concepts graphic where students can see how they work. This can create that motivation in the kids who see some math concepts dull and boring.
I am a Social Studies and ELA teacher. I would really like to learn how I can use spreadsheets with these two contents. I can see how spreadsheets could effectively be used for math like using it for problem solving and analyzing data, but I would really like to explore more on the integration of spreadsheets in ELA and SS.
DATABASES
Database is a computer programs to store, organize, and manipulate information, including text and numerical data. The sole purpose of database is to store important data in a way that makes it easy to locate as needed.
Databases can be used in education, and offers many benefits.
1. Saves time locating and/or updating information: Users can find the information needed very quickly, and changes can be made as needed.
2. Allows comparisons of information through searching across files.
3. Helps reveal relationships among data: Students can see the relationships between information elements that they might not perceive.
4. Teachers can even use it to send personalized letters to parents and others. Teacher only has to create ONE letter or note and the database program takes care of the personalization of the letter.
One negative issue with databases is PRIVACY. Educators must be very careful since databases can consist of personal information. They must protect it from unauthorized access. I am not a big user of databases. First of all, I am not very familiar with the software, and have not really invested too much time on manipulating it or learning too much about it.
Databases can be used in education, and offers many benefits.
1. Saves time locating and/or updating information: Users can find the information needed very quickly, and changes can be made as needed.
2. Allows comparisons of information through searching across files.
3. Helps reveal relationships among data: Students can see the relationships between information elements that they might not perceive.
4. Teachers can even use it to send personalized letters to parents and others. Teacher only has to create ONE letter or note and the database program takes care of the personalization of the letter.
One negative issue with databases is PRIVACY. Educators must be very careful since databases can consist of personal information. They must protect it from unauthorized access. I am not a big user of databases. First of all, I am not very familiar with the software, and have not really invested too much time on manipulating it or learning too much about it.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Model Classroom Lessons
After viewing the Model Classroom Lessons in my content area/grade level, I was able to find many good lessons that I could use in my classroom. I really liked how each lesson I found had a rubric to go with it.
Buddy Books where students work with kindergarden students to create a book discussing their favorite things. The technology that is used is photo editing, Kidspiration maps, and a scanner. I think this is a great idea for students!
My Exciting Career is also a great lesson. Students choose a career to research and create a presentation using power point. Power point is a great software for students. I like for my students to use power point when presenting any kind of research. They really like using it as they get to look for different pictures to insert in their presentations. The only issue with using this software is that teachers must teach it first.
The last lesson that I also liked is Idioms. Students create a graphic in Kid Pix, or an appropriate drawing program, to show their understanding of a selected idiom from a teacher-generated list. I really love this idea since I teach bilingual students who really struggle with idioms. This is something that I plan to use for my ELLS'.
I really loved this website! There are so many lessons to choose from. Everything is already laid out for teachers. From time, TEKS, materials needed, procedures, closure,and rubrics. I definetely plan on using many of these lesson, and will share with my colleagues.
Buddy Books where students work with kindergarden students to create a book discussing their favorite things. The technology that is used is photo editing, Kidspiration maps, and a scanner. I think this is a great idea for students!
My Exciting Career is also a great lesson. Students choose a career to research and create a presentation using power point. Power point is a great software for students. I like for my students to use power point when presenting any kind of research. They really like using it as they get to look for different pictures to insert in their presentations. The only issue with using this software is that teachers must teach it first.
The last lesson that I also liked is Idioms. Students create a graphic in Kid Pix, or an appropriate drawing program, to show their understanding of a selected idiom from a teacher-generated list. I really love this idea since I teach bilingual students who really struggle with idioms. This is something that I plan to use for my ELLS'.
I really loved this website! There are so many lessons to choose from. Everything is already laid out for teachers. From time, TEKS, materials needed, procedures, closure,and rubrics. I definetely plan on using many of these lesson, and will share with my colleagues.
Word Processor
Word Processing is a great tool to implement in the world of education. It can be used to support any kind of directed instruction or constructivist activity. There are some great advantages to word processing.
1.Saves time- Educators can use their preparation time more efficiently by modifying materials that they already have versus creating a new material.
2.Enhances Document Appearance- Word processing software makes materials look more polished and professional versus hand written ones.
3.Allows sharing- Word processing allows materials to be shared easily among writers.
4.Helps Students Make Corrections on writing
• Students can use word processing to write, edit, and illustrate stories.
5.Can be used for activities in language, writing, and reading.
• Students can combine sentences, add or correct punctuation, or writing sentences for spelling words.
6.Encourages writing through the Curriculum.
• Word processing can encourage writing throughout all content. Its font and graphic features allows student to present concepts in mathematics, science, etc…
7.Word Processing is Available in Several Languages
• Supports foreign language learning.
The only disadvantage that I would see with this word processing is teachers have to take the time to teach their students. In order for this software to be used students must be shown the features and the uses of the software. My time is so limited with everything that I already do. I would love to use it in my classroom especially for writing, but at this time I feel that is impossible with time being my biggest challenge.
I personally use this software every day, and makes my job so much easier. I can save documents and make modifications, share my lesson plans with other teachers, create letters to parents, maintain student information, and many more! It is a great tool for both teachers and students. My goal is to find a way to be able to implement it in my classroom with so little time!
1.Saves time- Educators can use their preparation time more efficiently by modifying materials that they already have versus creating a new material.
2.Enhances Document Appearance- Word processing software makes materials look more polished and professional versus hand written ones.
3.Allows sharing- Word processing allows materials to be shared easily among writers.
4.Helps Students Make Corrections on writing
• Students can use word processing to write, edit, and illustrate stories.
5.Can be used for activities in language, writing, and reading.
• Students can combine sentences, add or correct punctuation, or writing sentences for spelling words.
6.Encourages writing through the Curriculum.
• Word processing can encourage writing throughout all content. Its font and graphic features allows student to present concepts in mathematics, science, etc…
7.Word Processing is Available in Several Languages
• Supports foreign language learning.
The only disadvantage that I would see with this word processing is teachers have to take the time to teach their students. In order for this software to be used students must be shown the features and the uses of the software. My time is so limited with everything that I already do. I would love to use it in my classroom especially for writing, but at this time I feel that is impossible with time being my biggest challenge.
I personally use this software every day, and makes my job so much easier. I can save documents and make modifications, share my lesson plans with other teachers, create letters to parents, maintain student information, and many more! It is a great tool for both teachers and students. My goal is to find a way to be able to implement it in my classroom with so little time!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
ATOMIC LEARNING
64 out of 100.... Definitely glad I am in this course! There is a lot of reviewing and learning to accomplish! After reflecting on my results, I don't have the confidence to teach others any of the skills that were assessed in the Atomic Learning Assessment. I could perform most of the skills on my own, but not teach them to another individual. The skills that I really want to learn more about is collecting, organizing, manipulating, formatting, and communicating videos. This is something that I would really like to learn so that I could use it in my classroom with my students. With all that being said, I feel that I am a quick learner, and know that by me taking this course and with the help of others, I can improve my skills.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
TECHNOLOGY STANDRDS FOR TEACHERS
NETS
These standards must be met by teachers to ensure students are fully engaged in their technology learning. Teachers are responsible for implementing these standards as they are technology role models to their students. These NETS are essential for educators in order to be proficient in integrating technology in education.
TEKS
These are the objectives that are set in place for students in reference to the use of technology in the classrooms. In order for students to be able to meet the TEKS, educators must fulfill the NETS. You can't have TEKS, if you don't have NETS!
These standards must be met by teachers to ensure students are fully engaged in their technology learning. Teachers are responsible for implementing these standards as they are technology role models to their students. These NETS are essential for educators in order to be proficient in integrating technology in education.
TEKS
These are the objectives that are set in place for students in reference to the use of technology in the classrooms. In order for students to be able to meet the TEKS, educators must fulfill the NETS. You can't have TEKS, if you don't have NETS!
TECHNOLOGY GOALS
Be Profficient in...
- Video Streaming
- Number Manipulation
- Integrating Sound
- Using TECHNOLOGY in the Classroom
- Making my Students Independent Technolgy Users
My Plan to Accomplish these Goals: I believe this class will definetely help me achieve some of my goals as well as attending Technology Staff Developmental at my campus every Thursday.
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