Exit Slip

We talked about grades today and how Professor Boyer resolved the situation between his grading system and the traditional way of grading.  I like the way Professor Boyer grades and thought it was a good example of how to problem solve to make his way of grading work in D2L.  We also discussed how a teacher in Canada has integrated technology into her classroom.  We talked about the different ways she integrated technology and how it can be used to increase student engagement in the classroom.  It was nice to see a teacher integrating technology into her classroom, it shows me that it is possible and that schools are trying to incorporate more technology into the school setting.  Professor Boyer gave us a strategy to use when deciding whether or not to integrate technology into the classroom.  If we can do something better or something now that we couldn't do before without technology then we should integrate technology into that activity.  This way we aren't unnecessarily adding technology into something that doesn't really need it.  The new things I learned about today will be helpful later when I want to integrate technology into my future classroom.

Exit Slip

We learned about using each others Delicious accounts to add to our own.  We can network with each other to find more resources and have more resources available to us.  Networking with your peers is a great way to learn new things and find information in easier ways than just Googling things and picking through it.  By networking, you can find information that you know is good and not have to look through it yourself to see if it is relevant.  People that we are networked with have already checked out these resources, otherwise they probably wouldn't have added them to their Delicious accounts.  We have access to these same sites and can use them in our own teaching or in our personal lives.

Book Chapter Presentation

This was a good project because it gets us up in front of our peers to discuss with them something they should have read.  I like projects like this because I am shy and have a hard time getting up in front of people and talking sometimes.  I feel the more often I have to do it, the more comfortable I become and since I want to be a teacher I should probably learn to be comfortable talking in front of people.  I may not always enjoy doing the project itself, but I am always grateful for the experience and practice I get from doing the actual presentation.  My group and I spent about two hours going over the chapter and deciding what we wanted to incorporate into our discussion.  This chapter was quite long so we knew we wouldn’t be able to cover everything, but we wanted to make sure we touched on the bigger points and pick topics our peers would find interesting and relevant to their future as teachers.  Like I mentioned earlier, facilitating course content prepares us to get up in front of our future classes and teach.  We must learn the content and be confident in our knowledge of the material before we can teach it to our students.  Having to do this project prepares us for that task.  We had to read the chapter, make sure we knew what we were going to talk about and then put it together and present it in a way the rest of the class would understand.  Discussing this content with my peers prepares me to discuss content with my future classes.  It makes me a more confident speaker and helps me to practice my ‘teacher voice.’  It also teaches me to use different technology and not only rely on the familiar, but get me out of my comfort zone a little bit.  If I’m not willing to make mistakes in front of my students, I shouldn’t expect my students to take chances and potentially make a mistake.

I thought our presentation went well.  We had a good discussion with the class and many different people participated and gave their ideas.  I know personally I had some uhms, but tried to fix them once I realized that I was doing it.  I thought that we did a good job of getting the class to talk about the chapter and think about how these things will affect them as future teachers.  I was a little nervous before we started and at the beginning, but after I got going I felt better and was not as nervous.  I thought the discussion was really good, especially for the last question.  Overall I thought our presentation went well and that the class participated well.

Interactive Whiteboard Lesson

Putting together this interactive whiteboard (IWB) lesson was a good experience for me.  I had not used the SMART Notebook software before so it was nice to learn how to use a new tool.  I think this was a very relevant assignment because I’m sure some of us will be working with IWBs and we should probably know how to use the software that coincides with the board.  We may not have the same board or software in the school we end up at, but at least we have used a type of program that is most likely similar.  I probably spent a good three to four hours from start to finish on my IWB lesson.  The hardest part was figuring out what to do it on and make sure it met the requirements of the science standards.  Once I found all the pictures and interactive pieces I wanted to use, it wasn’t very difficult to put it all together.  It reminded me a lot of power point, but with more options.  Learning about the tips and tricks Dr. Boyer went over in class was also helpful.  I have a part of my IWB lesson where you match words to definitions and the answers are covered by blocks.  If he hadn’t taught us how to lock down pieces that we didn’t want to move, I probably would have had issues with showing answers and things moving when they weren’t supposed to.  I think the lesson that I made could easily be adapted to teach a higher grade level than it is targeted for right now.  A few minor changes could make it a more in depth presentation; making this a very versatile lesson.  Creating the IWB lesson has showed me that as a teacher I need to really consider using technology in my class room.  I know that I would have much rather listened to my science teacher lecture if there had been a chance for more class interaction.  The IWB makes that interaction possible without the teacher having to make a lot of changes to the lesson or having to do a lot of extra work.  From all the other tools I have learned about in this class, this one seems to be one of the easiest to use.  If the school I teach at has IWBs in their classrooms I will definitely use mine to keep my students engaged and to enhance their learning. 

Digital Storytelling PSA

Creating this PSA was a blast.  I have never had more fun working on a group project than I did while making this PSA.  Granted our subject was a little somber since our topic was cyber bullying, but we still had fun and learned some along the way.  I don’t have a Mac and that is what we used to put our video together, so I learned a little bit about some new technology that I had never used before. Our group spent about two hours planning and producing our PSA.  Once we figured out what we wanted our topic to be it didn’t take long for us to decide how to make the video.  We decided to take still photos and put them together to make our movie.  I think that was a good idea for us because we probably wouldn’t have stopped laughing long enough to make an actual video on this somber subject.  I think this project was very relevant and helpful to us as future teachers because it taught us how to collaborate.  We didn’t always have exactly the same idea on how to do something, but we talked it over and as a group decided what the best route to take would be.  As teachers, you may not always agree with your colleagues on something that you are working on, but need to come to a place where you are all happy with the end product.  I didn’t necessarily enjoy being the victim of the cyber bullying in our video, but I knew someone had to do it.  We were all happy with the way our PSA turned out so in the end that is all that really mattered.  Putting together this PSA also taught me a little bit more about cyber bullying and digital citizenship in general.  I didn’t realize quite how prevalent cyber bullying was or how long it had been a problem.  Now I can use what I learned while doing this project to teach my students how to be good cyber citizens and how what they say online can hurt just as much as saying it to someone’s face.  Sometimes I think kids don’t realize that it doesn’t matter how you say it or where you say it, it’s just the fact that you said it that hurts.  PSA’s are great projects to have students do on a subject that they may be learning about in school.  Now that I have had some experience using the technology I will be better equipped to help students who may have questions about how to proceed.  Over all this project was a lot of fun and even though it was a lot of work I’m glad I did it because I learned a lot.

Link to our PSA

Rethinking Education (ch 10) Reflection

The last chapter of Rethinking Education went through and summed up all the ideas that the previous chapters had touched on and added a few more.  The most interesting thing I read in this chapter was the idea of letting students choose whether or not they wanted to enter the work force or go to high school after completing middle school.  I know it said that the students would have to be evaluated to make sure that they had learned the necessary skills to do this while in middle school, but I don’t think at the age of thirteen or fourteen kids should be deciding whether or not to continue school.  I know when I was in eighth grade I would have been happy to have not gone to high school and started working somewhere.  Who doesn’t want a little money in their pocket or money to put away so they can get a car when they are sixteen?  I think if students don’t go to high school after middle school they will be less likely to go back to high school at all.  In the world we live in today, it is increasingly harder to find a good paying job without at least an Associate’s Degree.  The book is suggesting that students don’t even need to get a high school degree, but to use technology and learn while working.  While I agree with the idea of lifelong learning, I think it should start after high school when kids are more mature and better able to make decisions that will impact the rest of their lives.  I think if this would come about and students were given this choice that the students that decide to go into the work force should have to take classes online to work toward their diploma.  I don’t think it would be a good idea to let them completely off the hook because unless highly motivated, most won’t re-enter high school or make an effort on their own to take classes online.  Most students lose interest in school because it’s not interesting enough, but if teachers incorporate more technology into their teaching students will stay more engaged.  Students who are engaged and enjoy learning will want to continue to go to school and won’t want to go work and then maybe come back to school later.  As a potential teacher at the middle school level, I want to prepare my students for life after middle school.  I know that as high school students some kids will get a part-time job and I want to prepare them for that job by teaching them the skills they will need to function in the real world.  I also want to instill in them the importance of education and how it can help them get farther in the world.  Without an education, it will be harder to get a good job or the job they may want.  I will answer questions for my students, help them decide what they may want to do after high school, and prepare them for whatever path they decide to go down.

Exit Slip

Blog Question: I would teach my students how to use the new technology; I wouldn't expect them to figure out how to use it on their own.  If I knew that I was going to be using a type of technology in my class, I might send home a note to parents of students I would have the next year so they could get acquainted with the new technology over the summer if possible.  I know all students don't have access to technology at home, but maybe they would be able to go to the library or a friends house and learn it together.  If their parents don't know how to use it I might offer a class for parents to learn the basics so they can help their children at home. 

Exit Slip: We talked about chapter 9 in Rethinking Education.  It was interesting to talk about how to teach our future students and their parents about technology being used in the classroom.  I think getting parents involved in what their children are learning is a great way to encourage students to continue learning even after they leave the physical school.  We also discussed if grades really matter in the grand scheme of things.  Do grades really tell how much you learn or how smart you are?  Something to think about and decide how you feel about the topic.  There are alternatives to "regular" grading.

Contemporary Issue Podcast

Making this podcast was an interesting experience for me.  I wasn't sure how to put it all together once I had it recorded and my music and sound effect imported.  I used Audacity because I have a PC at home, but from what Professor Boyer showed us in class, I wish I had a Mac.  The Garageband program seemed like it was easier to use than Audacity.  I couldn't remember exactly how to use the program so I ended up doing a lot of cutting and pasting to get my tracks to all line up and flow smoothly.  I thought there was an easier way to do that, but I couldn't remember what that was.  It took me about an hour to complete the whole production of making the podcast.  That included writing my script, recording, and putting it all together so it flowed smoothly.  I'm glad I wrote out my script before hand because that took probably the most time.  Once I started recording it was easier to not get so caught up in the uhms and likes that seem to plague most of us when speaking in public.  I think making a podcast is a good way to present information without having to stand up in front of people.  Personally, I get a little afraid to stand in front of people and talk.  Doing a podcast is like giving a presentation without having to stand up in front of people, if you mess up no one can see you so its less embarrassing.  I think this would be a good way to get students used to talking and giving a presentation without the pressure of standing in front of their peers.  Since you are able to upload it to the internet it is a great way for students to get feedback from people other than their teacher or classmates.   I think this was a good project to do because it introduced me to a new technology that I haven't used before and I could see using this in my future classroom.  In the classroom I'm observing in now, the teacher made making a podcast an option for a project the kids are doing.  Doing a podcast myself prepares me to answer questions for my future students if I decided to do a project like this.  The only thing I would personally do different is to use a Mac because I think the program is easier to use and it has a library of music and sound effects.  I think that would have also made things easier because I wouldn't have had to go looking for music and effects and wouldn't have had to worry about copyright issues.

Podcast music by Kevin MacLeod

Link to article

Rethinking Education (ch 9) Reflection

Students are learning just as much on their own as they are learning from teachers in the classroom.  We need to embrace the information they are learning and help them to use technology in ways that will supplement what they are learning in school.  This chapter talked about getting parents and their children on the same page when it comes to technology.  Parents said that they allow their children to use the new technology that is out there, but most parents don’t know how that technology works themselves.  Instead of just telling kids that they are wasting their time with video games and the internet, the author suggests sitting down and learning how to use these new technologies with them.  Most sit down with their kids and read with them, why not sit down and let them teach you how to play their favorite video game.  Parents can encourage their children to join online communities that have to do with something they are really interested in.  This will allow students to learn more about something they are passionate about from people other than their teachers.  It can give them a new perspective on a subject from someone who may be an expert.  Most parents and teachers worry about kids spending too much time on computers and not getting enough exercise.  In the country we live in, that is a legitimate concern because of the large number of individuals who are overweight.  I think parents can still encourage their children to use the new technology they are using, but limit the amount of time kids are allowed to spend on the computer.  Interaction with people over the internet about topics that kids are interested about is a great way for kids to become more knowledgeable on a subject they are passionate about.  It’s a great way for kids to find out if the subject they are interested in is a possible career path, but I think there is something to be said for actual human interaction.  I you can Skype and see the person you are talking to, but most communication on the internet takes place in the form of blog posts and comments or instant message.  There is not a whole lot of actual talking going on.  People need this type of interaction so they can function in the real world.  If students don’t learn to have actual conversations with other people, how are they supposed to go to a job interview and talk to a possible employer?  Encouraging students to use technology and expanding on the knowledge they receive in school is great, but I still think students need the school setting for the social aspect of education.  I will promote the use of technology and try my best to prepare my students for that aspect of their futures.

Exit Slip

Blog Question - I don't think these curriculum changes are a good idea because kids at a young age change their minds quiet often.  If students were to decide to get a certain certification and then decide after high school they didn't really like it, they may not be prepared to get a degree in their new interest area.  The way curriculum is set up now prepares students for college no matter what subject area they want to go into.  Most schools also offer students elective courses that they can take so they are able to learn more in an area that interests them.

Exit Slip - We went over some tips and tricks for Scratch so we can revise our IRLO's.  Need to make sure that our IRLO is reusable.  Having Sprites back in the right place when the game begins and having a variety of different questions for students to use.  Make sure there are directions so students know what to do when they begin.  Need to make sure students have an interactive part in the IRLO, not just watching the screen while it does something.  Scratch is an easy program to use, but can be challenging to get started and figure out how to put everything together.  These tips and tricks will be useful in revising my IRLO.

Cool Tool Screencast

Creating this screencast was a really good learning experience for me.  It was fun and challenging trying to figure out how to best say everything I wanted to in just five minutes.  I liked how easy the tool was to use and download.  It’s also handy to have it right on the desktop all the time.  I spent a good thirty minutes trying to record my screencast because I didn’t like how it sounded or said something that really made no sense.  It would have been nice if there was a way to save it and then edit it instead of having to start all over again.  It’s also possible that there is a way to do this, but I couldn’t figure out how to do it.  I also spent about an hour going through the site figuring out how to use it and what the strengths and weaknesses were.  I thought my tool was easy to use and easy to find the information that I needed to make my screencast.  Making this screencast was a way for me to share information with my peers in a new way.  It also taught me how to use a new tool that I can use in my future classroom.  I could use this screencast to introduce my tool to my students or make different screencasts to show different tools to my students.  I can also teach my students how to use Jing or another screen casting tool so that they can create their own screencasts.  My students could make screencasts teaching their peers how to use a cool tool or how to navigate a certain website to find information about a specific subject.  Jing can also be used to capture an image that students could use to share information with their peers or with me as a teacher.  I will use technology in my classroom and completing this project helped me to become more confident using this tool. 

Cool Tool Screencast

Rethinking Education (ch 8) Reflection

Schools will have to adjust to this change in technology if they want to keep their doors open.  In class a few weeks ago, we talked about preparing kids for the future and how many kids starting school at age four or five already know how to use a computer.  If schools and teachers are not willing to make changes and embrace the technology that is available to them I think there will be many teachers without jobs and schools without students.  This technology can actually be used to help students who live in poorer communities to excel in school and then be able to go on to college.  The book talked about students who live in thriving cities, but rarely leave their neighborhoods because of a lack of education.  The technology that is available is not a fix for the economic problem that these children face, but it can bring in a higher quality of education for them.  Distance education is one example of a resource that could be made available to students in poor and urban schools.  This type of teaching is done over video conferencing and doesn’t require another teacher to be hired.  The students conference in and learn from a teacher who is teaching at another school.  Students could partake in AP classes and further their education, better preparing themselves for college.  Schools could also use technology to have virtual tutors for their students.  This would allow students who need extra help with certain subjects to get the help they need.  It would help them get better grades and hopefully give them the confidence they need to realize they too can go to college or tech school and get the job they want.  Bringing this technology into the poorer schools is a way to make education more equal among children from different socioeconomic backgrounds.  Technology also gives teachers a new way to teach.  Instead of always lecturing, writing on the board, and making your students take notes teachers can use technology to engage their students in other ways.  One of the most common ways would be to use simulations in whatever you are teaching.  In a history class for example, you could use a video game that has to do with war to show your students the different strategies that go into planning an attack.  There are many other games and simulations available for any subject that get students thinking in a different way, but still helping them learn the information.  I will use technology in my classroom because I want my students to think outside the box and actually learn what I am teaching.  Not just for the test they may have in two weeks, but to really learn it so that two years down the road they can apply it to a situation they may come across.  Introducing my students to technology not only helps me teach them and keep them engaged, but it is preparing them for the future.

Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts (ch 10 and epilogue) Reflection

I have come to the end of this book and realize that I have learned a lot about many different tools I will be able to use in my classroom.  It is amazing what you can learn from a book if you actually read it!  The last chapter talked about ten big shifts that teaching is going through or will go through due to the new technology that is available.  The technology that is available opens up the door to new possibilities and ways of teaching many teachers probably never thought about.  One of the shifts is a shift to open content.  Most teachers get their content from a textbook that already has worksheets and tests that came along with it.  With new technology, teachers have access to so much more information and new resources that they can use to teach the same information.  The new information and resources will help keep students more engaged and make learning fun again.  I think there are a lot of students out there who don’t like to learn because teachers don’t always make it fun.  It’s hard to sit in class day after day and be expected to learn if what the teacher is teaching isn’t fun or interesting to you.  The technology we have now also gives students and teachers easier access to each other and other people who can help them learn.  Using blogs is one way your students can get feedback from their peers, parents, other teachers, and other people around the world depending on how you set up access to the blog.  This allows student’s access to many teachers and makes students teachers themselves.  Students have access to information in different forms that might make a concept easier for them to learn and also allows students to learn the information at a time and place that is convenient form them.  Technology also is allowing students to collaborate much easier on group projects.  You could have students design a wiki page and they would never have to actually meet face to face to do it because of the tools that they may have access to.  As a teacher, I want to encourage my students to work together and to learn from each other.  I want to teach them how to work together and use the technology that is out there so that when they get out in the ‘real’ world they are prepared.  I am a future secondary level science teacher and I realize not all my students are going to go to college and get a career in a science related field, but I still want to contribute to readying them for the future.  One way I can do that is to incorporate technology into my teaching style and teach my students how to use technology.  Giving my students access to technology and showing them how to use it will prepare them for the future.  I want my students to enjoy coming to my class every day and to be as excited as I am about what we are learning.  I think using and introducing to students the technology that I have learned about in this book will accomplish both those goals.

Exit Slip

Elluminate is a tool that allows people to communicate using web conferencing, webinars, or virtual office hours.  Professor Boyer went through the basics of how to use Elluminate to communicate with him and each other.  This program allows you to discuss things with people who are on the other side of the world.  It also allows the moderator to record what is going on so that if you want to go back later and watch it or hear something again you can.  The moderator is also able to upload files that can be shared with the rest of the people who are signed in for that session.  I think this would be a good tool to use if you were teaching an online class or for students to use so they could work on a project together.