Graphic Organizer

This is a graphic organizer I created using Inspiration, an application used to organize and display information.

Journal 9

Science + Technology = Creativity & Fun

Bouterse, Brian, Corn Jenifer O. & Halstead Elizabeth O. (2009, August). Science + technology = creativity and fun. Learning & Leading With Technology, [37(1)], [30-31].

Usually when you think of a scientist, the word “creative” isn't the first word that pops into mind. But just like everything else in today's world of education, this is changing too. (For the better of course!) There are specific steps a teacher can take to ensure he/she is allowing their students to have the opportunity to develop their creative intuition while working on scientific exploration. These steps are:

• Give them tools

• Give them time

• Be vague

Students need the opportunity to use tools such as microphones and digital cameras. By using technology such as this, they are learning the basics of hardware and software alongside with the class content. Students are able to build their technological database when a teacher provides both structure and clear expectations of assignments. At this step in the learning process, the students are learning how to choose appropriate technology tools to complete an assignment. The transition to an open ended assignment given by the teacher requires more thinking time on the student's part. The students will need more time to explore new technology tools and more time to process the assignment. Once the students have expanded their digital tool belts, the teacher can be vague when discussing the final product expected from an assignment. A teacher can be specific about content, but by leaving the chosen technological medium up to the student, the teacher is encouraging the student to be creative.

Question 1

Is this a fair learning process to the students?

Yes, this approach is extremely fair and beneficial to students. It understands the student's current level of technological knowledge and eventually step by step prepares them to be creative and able to make their own decisions regarding appropriate technology tools and the final outcome of assignments.

Question 2

Can this teaching technique be used for any grade level?

Yes, I believe so. A teacher would only have to modify the assignments and expectations of their students. I am hoping to teach second or third grade. I could definitely implement this teaching strategy in my classroom. I can begin with clear expectations from my assignments and then gradually work my way up to allowing my students to choose what technology tool they feel is most appropriate.

Crossword Puzzle - NETS 3

This is an interactive crossword puzzle created on an Excel worksheet. There are clues on Sheet 2 to help the students to complete the puzzle. What a fun learning tool!
Ed422_crossword Workbook Filled

Journal 8

Choosing the Perfect Tools for One-to-One

Bouterse, Brian, Corn Jenifer O. & Halstead Elizabeth O. (2009, August). Choosing the perfect tools for one-to-one. Learning & Leading With Technology, [37(1)], [14-17].

The face of the traditional classroom has changed. Today, many schools and districts nationwide are using portable computers to create a one-to-one learning environment for the students and teachers. These portable computers allow flexible technology access for this new learning environment. But the change is not easy, schools & districts are faced with the challenge of maximizing learning at a sustainable cost by selecting the appropriate computing device. In order to best meet the needs of the students and teachers, the schools must select a computing device that best fits their specific situation. There are basically six questions that must be addressed in order to achieve these goals. They are:

• Will the computing device be used for a single purpose or as a multipurpose machine?
• What operating system can the school financially support?
• Does the school want to install local or web based applications, or both?
• Does the school want to install local or web based content, or both?
• Will the school be using peripheral equipment?
• What can the school do to protect the computing device from wear and tear of everyday use by students and staff?

Careful consideration and planning will provide important information needed to select the most appropriate portable computing device for a school or district's particular learning needs. There are also other questions to consider: the training of personnel to ensure they are able to proficiently use the equipment, the costs associated with connecting to the Internet, additional software applications to be purchased and the amount of money needed to to wire an existing physical location.

Question 1

Are schools left to face these issues alone?

No, there are companies like The Consortium of School Networking (CoSN) who specialize in evaluating the effective use of technology within K-12 learning environments.

Question 2

Are students and staff ready for changes such as this?

Yes, I believe students and staff are more than ready! In order to stay competitive within the learning environment, schools and districts must be ready and able to make changes which incorporate technology into education.

Newsletter - NETS 1

Newsletter - NETS 1

I created this appealing newsletter using Microsoft word. I used Word Art for the title, incorporated graphics and clip art, included custom bullets and added a beautiful border!

Power Point - NETS 3

Power Point - NETS 3
I created this power point slide presentation to demonstrate my knowledge of the 2007 ISTE NETS-S and the performance indicators for a specific grade range. My power point includes custom animation, a hyperlink, images and clip art. Enjoy!

iMovie- NETS 1

This is an editing project I completed using footage supplied by my professor. This short video clip contains, a voice overlay, transitions, music and special effects.