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.

Journal 7

Beyond Social Networking: Building Toward Learning Communities

Reynard, Ruth (2009, July 15). Beyond social networking: building toward learning communities. The Journal Transforming Technology Through Education, Retrieved August 5, 2009, this article begins with the idea that social networking is only the beginning of a longer and more complex process of socially constructed learning, collaboration and knowledge building. When actively participating in a learning community, ones social networking relationships should evolve into legitimate idea exchange and knowledge construction. Social networking builds on the social relationships already established by the users of today's technology, which are young and old alike. Basically, social networking provides new ways to connect and share information and create networks of interests. In the past, teachers had to organize and create situations where the students could connect together. Today, by utilizing social networking tools, students can immediately connect and group together. But, social networking does not create these learning communities independently. Instructors intentionally need to support this process to ensure a learning community is created and maintained. Even when using social networking as a learning tool, students still need to be encouraged and made aware that their ideas and contributions are valuable and needed in the learning community. Also, students still also need help building their confidence to openly share their ideas within the learning community. When participating in a social network, various other skills are developed as well. For instance, the skills of discussion and dialogue are enhanced when a student participates in an on line discussion group, idea sharing and collaboration are also developed when students participate in this kind of learning process.

Question 1
Do students prefer this "new way" of learning vs. the "old way?"

Yes, I believe students are more intrigued with today's style of learning vs. learning by the traditional standards. Keeping education current with technology is vital in keeping the student's interested in learning.

Question 2
Can students ever suffer from social networking as a learning process?

Yes, if the teacher fails to monitor the student's social networking and simply leaves the students up to their own agendas, the students learning will suffer. Social networking is a great tool within today's learning process, but it doesn't replace the important role of teachers.

Journal 6

Don't Feed the Trolls

Work-Richardson, Karen (2008, May). Don't feed the trolls. Learning & Leading With Technology, [35(7)], [12-15]

I agree with this article completely. It is our job as teachers to teach civil discourse to students regarding on-line and face-to-face interaction. Simply stating the rules for behavior isn't enough. If we want the students to really understand and respect civil discourse, we must engage the students in the learning process. Using blogs to teach civil discourse is an excellent idea. Students are able to review and reflect on specific segments of conversation chosen by either the teacher or themselves. Role playing is also a great way to teach and model civil discourse. Teaching reflection and self constraint while using collaborative technology not only benefits the students in the present, by creating a safe and supportive conversation place, but also benefits them in the future, by creating a solid foundation for a democratic society. I liked the notion being taught by the on-line interactive learning environment, Moose Crossing: “If you think you shouldn't do it, then you probably shouldn't.” That's a great rule of thumb for all ages. I also liked the idea, “think first, then post.” It's so important to teach students that people don't always agree and that disagreeing is a good and normal part of life, it's what being an individual is all about. The key to remember is, when we do disagree with others- we should do so civilly.

Question 1

Do teachers view teaching on-line civil discourse as a burden?

No, I believe teachers are willing to demonstrate and model proper on-line behavior with a positive attitude. Teachers have already dedicated themselves to the enrichment of their students, and on-line behavior is just as real & important as face-to-face interaction.

Question 2

Should teaching on-line civil discourse be integrated into school curriculum?

Yes, what a great idea. Collaborative technology is here to stay. If students are not taught correct behavior and thinking patterns from the beginning, we are actually setting them up to become “trolls” in the future.