For this project, I created a SMART board presentation (click dropbox to view Tech SB Lesson) as well as a weebly webpage titled A World of Art. Both of these programs, the SMART board software and the weebly account, involved aspects of technology. Within these two programs, I learned and used the following features. Regarding the SMART board, I used: active links to the internet, background colors, pictures, text boxes, shapes, and gallery items. Within the weebly webpage, I used: multiple pages, pictures from the internet, an uploaded picture of a bulliten board I created, text boxes and titles, and other design features. While creating this site, I ran into constant difficulty with it freezing if I tried to click on something or upload anything too quickly. As a result, I had to keep re-opening the site and working in it until I completed the entire project. Even though this glitch cost me more time, I was able to work around it by constantly re-opening/refreshing the page and learning how to use patience. Additionally, in creating the SMART board lesson, I ran into the difficulty of not knowing how to use all the features just yet. I taught myself how many of them worked by simply experimenting and clicking on various features. In this way, I was able to discover some of the SMART board program's many capabities.
Making a SMART board lesson does not seem as difficult now, and, if I have the time as a teacher, I think I would much prefer to actually make my own lessons this way instead of downloading SMART board lessons from the internet or elsewhere. I liked the freedom I had in making my own lesson about art, rather than having a cookie-cutter lesson from the internet that may not have been what I necessarily wanted to discuss or teacher. I love art, and hence this project's theme, and I plan on using the technology I have created about art within my classroom someday.
Ideally, I would present this overview of 10 artists and their art (the SMART board presentation) to students and then have them get into groups and research a particular famous artist on their own. They could use my weebly site as a launching point for their own research, from which they could put together their own presentation, such as a powerpoint slideshow, for the class. A brief biography of each artist is listed on the site, as well as an example of their art, a brief summary of symmetry's role in all art, and an additional list of children's books for further reference. I would also encourage students to do more of their own research on appropriate internet sites or through library materials. This project is meaningful, not only because it involves something I have a passion for (art), but it also ties in education and technology. I put time and effort into creating both of the pieces of technology that I used, and I am excited to use it someday. I think that kids would highly benefit from a straightforward introduction into several famous artists as well as the handy, additional information on the website about their life and work. This would be a useful place for them to start building their own presentation about a famous, historical figure within the world of art.
This project involves and fulfills NETS for both teachers and students. Regarding the standards for teachers, my project specifically covers #1-3: Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity, Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments, and Model Digital-Age Work and Learning. It fulfills the first one, because it should inspire students to find out more about a famous, historical figure and put together their own project about that individual. It also clearly fulfills the second one, because I designed a "relevant learning experience that incorporates digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity." And my project fulfills the third one, because I communicated "relevant information effectively to students...using a variety of digital-age media and formats" through both the SMART board lesson and the additional online website.
My project also fulfills mutiple NETS for students, including, but not limited to: Creativity and Innovation, Communication and Collaboration, Research and Information Fluency, and Technology Operations and Concepts. It fulfills the first one because students will be forced to think innovatively as they evaluate the information presented and then "create original works as a means of personal or group expression." It fulfills the second one listed, because it will require them to communicate and collaborate effectively within their research group as they contribute to their own learning and the learning of others. It fulfills the third one, because students will "gather, evaluate, and use information" presented to reflect upon and study their assigned artist. And finally, it fulfills the last one listed, because students must "select and use applications effectively and productively" if they choose to interact with the weebly website for some of their research.
All of these NETS for both teachers and students are involved (in the above ways) within my project; therefore, I believe that it would be an effective lesson and experience within my classroom. Down the road, I could use the same two technologies to create any lesson about any subject, depending on how much time I had to put into it. I hope you will click on the links at the beginning of this post and enjoy experiencing the two technologies with which I created my current art lesson.
Copyright Notes:
Pictures included in this project were taken from google.com/images.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
End of Semester Reflection
I have learned so much this semester about technology! There is still so much I don't know, but I feel so accomplished in what I do know at this point. The other night I was showing my mom some of the technological things I have created this semester. In doing so, I could tell I was much more comfortable and versatile with technology than I have ever been. Regarding this subject and technology, I have been inspired to be a competent teacher when it comes to technology in the classroom. I feel like my eyes have been opened to some of the many technological possibilities that can and should exist within the classroom. Specifically, I feel like I have learned the differences between SMART boards and ActivBoards and how they can be used within the classroom, especially the SMART board. Also, I have learned about the many different Web 2.0 tools that exist, and I have become familiar with some of them, such as weebly.com. I have also really enjoyed using and maintaining my blog for Technology in Education, and I hope to create my own blog sometime as a teacher for students and parents to access. There is a world of possibilities regarding technology, espcially thanks to the internet, and I plan to use the knowledge and resources that I have gained as well as the aspects of technology that I will continue to learn about as I step into my career as a teacher. Even if I end up teaching overseas, I know that I will be able to use technology and the internet to access information and resources for my students. I am honestly very thankful for this college class, because I would be very behind in technology if I had not taken it. Even though it was at times overwhelming, I have gaining confidence in the area of using technology to teach lessons and convey information.
Regarding the NETS for teachers, I chose to focus on #1- "Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity." My personal goals in light of this NETS were to:
1) Brainstorm ways to implement technology in my classroom,
2) Be open to finding and pondering creative websites or articles about educational technology to comment on within my blog,
3) Discuss technology and education with the students I am working with each week.
I believe that I have fulfilled all three of these goals throughout the semester. I have gained practice in using technological resources and I have included this knowledge in some of my other educational classes at Northwest, as well. I have researched interesting articles and learned a lot through various internet websites (that I commented about on my blog). And, I have talked about technology with some of the students I work with at Lakeview Elementary, including asking their opinions about several of my technology assignments.
Recently, I asked several students at Lakeview about my Assignment #4 project. I specifically asked them if they would be interested in learning more about art in the classroom. They said they liked art a lot and would have fun seeing my website. Even though I did not actually show it to them, I was encouraged that they were interested in it. I hope to use both my project pieces someday in the classroom. I also feel that this particular assignment (my SMART board art lesson and my "World of Art" weebly website) also fulfills the NETS for teachers that I focused on, because the purpose of them ultimately was to facilitate student learning and creativity by helping students have a launching point from which they could research their own assigned artist. I want my future students to use creativity in everything they do, and I think that my new knowledge about technology will go a long way in helping me find creative, technological ways to convey knowledge.
Regarding the NETS for teachers, I chose to focus on #1- "Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity." My personal goals in light of this NETS were to:
1) Brainstorm ways to implement technology in my classroom,
2) Be open to finding and pondering creative websites or articles about educational technology to comment on within my blog,
3) Discuss technology and education with the students I am working with each week.
I believe that I have fulfilled all three of these goals throughout the semester. I have gained practice in using technological resources and I have included this knowledge in some of my other educational classes at Northwest, as well. I have researched interesting articles and learned a lot through various internet websites (that I commented about on my blog). And, I have talked about technology with some of the students I work with at Lakeview Elementary, including asking their opinions about several of my technology assignments.
Recently, I asked several students at Lakeview about my Assignment #4 project. I specifically asked them if they would be interested in learning more about art in the classroom. They said they liked art a lot and would have fun seeing my website. Even though I did not actually show it to them, I was encouraged that they were interested in it. I hope to use both my project pieces someday in the classroom. I also feel that this particular assignment (my SMART board art lesson and my "World of Art" weebly website) also fulfills the NETS for teachers that I focused on, because the purpose of them ultimately was to facilitate student learning and creativity by helping students have a launching point from which they could research their own assigned artist. I want my future students to use creativity in everything they do, and I think that my new knowledge about technology will go a long way in helping me find creative, technological ways to convey knowledge.
Reflection #12
What?
For my technology final project, I have been working a lot with the weebly websites. Ask I look back on what I have already created, I feel very accomplished and proud of my work. However, the process was actually a lot harder than I expected it to by as I tried to create my weebly. As of now, I have created two weebly sites, one entitled Miss Lauryn's Website and the other A World of Art.
So What?
Although I learned a lot in making the site, I was frustrated by how often the screen froze and said "loading" for long lengths of time. As a result, it took me longer than I thought necessary to put all the pieces together on each site. In looking over these sites now though, I almost forget about these challenges and simply take for granted how "put together" it all looks. However, this made me consider and reflect upon an important classroom principle: Even when something seems challenging or frustrating, press on in order to grow and learn.
Now What?
As I begin working with students and giving them assignments, I know that some of them will struggle more than others, and yet, it is important to struggle to some degree in order to learn. In the realm of technology, I think that students will want to find success (since technology is such a part of their world). However, not everything they do when it comes to technology will be easy for them. I want to be there to remind them of this and yet encourage them in spite of the challenges that they will face as they use technology in the classroom. I'm guessing they will figure out difficulties fairly easy though, since they are growing up in a tech-savvy generation.
For my technology final project, I have been working a lot with the weebly websites. Ask I look back on what I have already created, I feel very accomplished and proud of my work. However, the process was actually a lot harder than I expected it to by as I tried to create my weebly. As of now, I have created two weebly sites, one entitled Miss Lauryn's Website and the other A World of Art.
So What?
Although I learned a lot in making the site, I was frustrated by how often the screen froze and said "loading" for long lengths of time. As a result, it took me longer than I thought necessary to put all the pieces together on each site. In looking over these sites now though, I almost forget about these challenges and simply take for granted how "put together" it all looks. However, this made me consider and reflect upon an important classroom principle: Even when something seems challenging or frustrating, press on in order to grow and learn.
Now What?
As I begin working with students and giving them assignments, I know that some of them will struggle more than others, and yet, it is important to struggle to some degree in order to learn. In the realm of technology, I think that students will want to find success (since technology is such a part of their world). However, not everything they do when it comes to technology will be easy for them. I want to be there to remind them of this and yet encourage them in spite of the challenges that they will face as they use technology in the classroom. I'm guessing they will figure out difficulties fairly easy though, since they are growing up in a tech-savvy generation.
Reflection #11
What?
I recently came across a website online that talks about the effects that technology has had within the educational setting on both teachers and students and simply the classroom atmosphere in general. According to the site, there has been a change in student and teacher roles, increased motivation and self-esteem, increase in technical skills, accomplishment of more complex tasks, more collaboration with peers, increased use of outside resources, and improved design skills and attention to audiences. Of these many changes, however, one in particular caught my eye: increased motivation and self-esteem. This made me ask the question Why? Why did technology have this effect on students? If it does have such an effect in the classroom then it seems highly worth it to include technological resources and outlets within the classroom setting. According to the website's research findings, the most common, universal effect of technology in the classroom was an increase of motivation among students. Students who don't necessarily perform well in an academic setting, thrive when technology is introduced and maintained as part of the curriculum.
So What?
One fifth grade teacher, as quoted on the website, states, "Technology is the ultimate carrot for students. It is something they want to master. Learning to use it enhances their self-esteem and makes them excited about coming to school." Another elementary teacher is quoted as saying, "I see more confidence in the kids here...they can do things on the computers that their parents can't do and that's very empowering and exciting for them." Clearly, students have quality pride when it comes to using the computers. I think that they are greatly able to benefit from having computers be a way of working in the classroom in ways that they gravitate toward in the real world. Since so much of our global culture involves technology, students are motivated to put to use and master their technological skills.
Now What?
As a result of reading this website, I am more motivated myself. As an upcoming teacher, I want to include technology and technological assignments in my classroom when I am creating my curriculum. For a while, I just assumed I would incorporate technology to some extent, through the SMART board or other online means; however, I am really starting to see the important of making ways for all students to use technology. Not only does it give them a voice, it gives them a chance to individually (or in groups, depending on the assignment) thrive and find success. The opportunities that technology presents are endless. There are all kinds of ways that students can use technology, but I want to clearly include it since it gives them a chance to be even more motivated to perform well in school.
I recently came across a website online that talks about the effects that technology has had within the educational setting on both teachers and students and simply the classroom atmosphere in general. According to the site, there has been a change in student and teacher roles, increased motivation and self-esteem, increase in technical skills, accomplishment of more complex tasks, more collaboration with peers, increased use of outside resources, and improved design skills and attention to audiences. Of these many changes, however, one in particular caught my eye: increased motivation and self-esteem. This made me ask the question Why? Why did technology have this effect on students? If it does have such an effect in the classroom then it seems highly worth it to include technological resources and outlets within the classroom setting. According to the website's research findings, the most common, universal effect of technology in the classroom was an increase of motivation among students. Students who don't necessarily perform well in an academic setting, thrive when technology is introduced and maintained as part of the curriculum.
So What?
One fifth grade teacher, as quoted on the website, states, "Technology is the ultimate carrot for students. It is something they want to master. Learning to use it enhances their self-esteem and makes them excited about coming to school." Another elementary teacher is quoted as saying, "I see more confidence in the kids here...they can do things on the computers that their parents can't do and that's very empowering and exciting for them." Clearly, students have quality pride when it comes to using the computers. I think that they are greatly able to benefit from having computers be a way of working in the classroom in ways that they gravitate toward in the real world. Since so much of our global culture involves technology, students are motivated to put to use and master their technological skills.
Now What?
As a result of reading this website, I am more motivated myself. As an upcoming teacher, I want to include technology and technological assignments in my classroom when I am creating my curriculum. For a while, I just assumed I would incorporate technology to some extent, through the SMART board or other online means; however, I am really starting to see the important of making ways for all students to use technology. Not only does it give them a voice, it gives them a chance to individually (or in groups, depending on the assignment) thrive and find success. The opportunities that technology presents are endless. There are all kinds of ways that students can use technology, but I want to clearly include it since it gives them a chance to be even more motivated to perform well in school.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Week 14 Post
I went online and found an article entitled, "Technology and Education, What will the future bring?" What IS the future of education and technology? Will technology continue to accelerate and impact the sphere of education, as it has so greatly done for the past decade?
According to this article, it should be noted and remembered that technology enhances learning but should not control it, because technology is not the content of lessons but rather a "cornucopia of tools for learning." With this as a general rule of thumb, I think that it is important to reflect on the fact that technology is a great way to help students learn knowledge, but should not dominate the classroom setup. Students still need to be able to function and interact without relying simply on technology for the means of understanding. With all the recent advances in technology, however, this article does point out that schools must continue to make accomodations for this "technology revolution" within their curriculum, teaching, and learning methods.
While this article briefly touches on how technological advances in education will hopefully continue to benefit those students with physical or learning disabilities, the ideas presented can apply to all students, including those without disabilities. For example, the article has an excellent analogy of how to view technology and education. Predicting the nature of the coming changes within the realm of technology and education is compared to backpacking in the wildnerness. If a hiker is registered and prepared with maps, a route, and gear, that individual will be well-prepared for possible events but will not be able to predict or know exactly what will take place on the trail along the way. The pleasures and dangers of the journey have yet to be encountered. Likewise, as technology continues to advance and affect the classroom, there has been a continuing increase of the many possibilities that could exist for those with or without special needs, but, at the same time, these future possibilities have yet to be fully explored.
This concept is brilliantly summed up near the end of the article, "The criticle gear we carry on the research trail into the future is our mindset, one of exploration, of investigation, of accepting new ways of doing new things. Those who become entrenched in the past, those who say, 'This is the way we've always done it,' will find that their gear is too heavy." How true this is!! I believe that educators must step into the future with a continued sense of innovation, for the practical and creative possibilities of weaving together technology and education are endless. Until the future "happens" though, we should do our best to incorporate the technological resources we do have within the classroom with the social and academic aspects of education. The trail will be blazed one step at a time. However, in order to progress on it, we must be willing to take each necessary step. Therefore, the survival tools for the future of education include a willingness to explore, adjust, and accept the many possibilities that technology presents educators with. For the sake of engaging students and increasing learning in today's world, I think it is helpful for educators to view technology and education as a trail. The trail currently involves the recent innovation of the SMART board, student and teacher blogs, the handiness of the internet, and much more. The trail will continue to open-up as the future unfolds.
According to this article, it should be noted and remembered that technology enhances learning but should not control it, because technology is not the content of lessons but rather a "cornucopia of tools for learning." With this as a general rule of thumb, I think that it is important to reflect on the fact that technology is a great way to help students learn knowledge, but should not dominate the classroom setup. Students still need to be able to function and interact without relying simply on technology for the means of understanding. With all the recent advances in technology, however, this article does point out that schools must continue to make accomodations for this "technology revolution" within their curriculum, teaching, and learning methods.
While this article briefly touches on how technological advances in education will hopefully continue to benefit those students with physical or learning disabilities, the ideas presented can apply to all students, including those without disabilities. For example, the article has an excellent analogy of how to view technology and education. Predicting the nature of the coming changes within the realm of technology and education is compared to backpacking in the wildnerness. If a hiker is registered and prepared with maps, a route, and gear, that individual will be well-prepared for possible events but will not be able to predict or know exactly what will take place on the trail along the way. The pleasures and dangers of the journey have yet to be encountered. Likewise, as technology continues to advance and affect the classroom, there has been a continuing increase of the many possibilities that could exist for those with or without special needs, but, at the same time, these future possibilities have yet to be fully explored.
This concept is brilliantly summed up near the end of the article, "The criticle gear we carry on the research trail into the future is our mindset, one of exploration, of investigation, of accepting new ways of doing new things. Those who become entrenched in the past, those who say, 'This is the way we've always done it,' will find that their gear is too heavy." How true this is!! I believe that educators must step into the future with a continued sense of innovation, for the practical and creative possibilities of weaving together technology and education are endless. Until the future "happens" though, we should do our best to incorporate the technological resources we do have within the classroom with the social and academic aspects of education. The trail will be blazed one step at a time. However, in order to progress on it, we must be willing to take each necessary step. Therefore, the survival tools for the future of education include a willingness to explore, adjust, and accept the many possibilities that technology presents educators with. For the sake of engaging students and increasing learning in today's world, I think it is helpful for educators to view technology and education as a trail. The trail currently involves the recent innovation of the SMART board, student and teacher blogs, the handiness of the internet, and much more. The trail will continue to open-up as the future unfolds.
Reflection #10
What?
Last week, I had a presentation coming up in my Reading Methods classes for which I decided to create my own SMART board presentation covering a children's book. The tricky thing about this project, however, was that I wanted to communicate the information in the book while still making the presentation novel and exciting. I planned to show the SMART board presentation following the reading of the book, but I didn't want the presenation to simply repeat the content in the book and nothing more. Ultimately, I wanted it to re-cap the story while at the same time solidifying the word identification skill I was teaching within my lesson (the skill of rhyming). Therefore, I decided to turn the SMART board presentation into a brief, fill-in-the-blank quiz regarding the words that rhymed within the story. In this way, I was able to cover the book's content while still helping the class understand the concept of rhyming words that have the same sounds.
So What?
As a result of planning and putting together this presenation, I realized how open-ended teaching can be. I was not following any curriculum, I simply found a book with a word identification skill and brainstormed how I could create a lesson out of it. I had to ask myself, "What would be the most effective way to help children understand rhymes, based upon the content of the story?" "How can I use technology to create an effective lesson?" As I put the SMART board presentation together, I took the liberty to make it whichever way I wanted to- I got to choose the quiz questions, the clipart, etc., while at the same time focusing on how to get my content across in a technological and effective manner.
Now What?
Through this final project lesson in my Reading Methods class, I gained skills that I know I will be able to use as I step into the world of teaching. I also became more familiar with the tricks of the trade regarding how to use technology to put together a lesson and a SMART board presentation. I found content and pictures online and used tools within the SMART board program to make my presentation the best it could be. As I become more comfortable with incorporating technology and my teaching skills, I am continuing to learn just how versatile and creative teaching can be.
Last week, I had a presentation coming up in my Reading Methods classes for which I decided to create my own SMART board presentation covering a children's book. The tricky thing about this project, however, was that I wanted to communicate the information in the book while still making the presentation novel and exciting. I planned to show the SMART board presentation following the reading of the book, but I didn't want the presenation to simply repeat the content in the book and nothing more. Ultimately, I wanted it to re-cap the story while at the same time solidifying the word identification skill I was teaching within my lesson (the skill of rhyming). Therefore, I decided to turn the SMART board presentation into a brief, fill-in-the-blank quiz regarding the words that rhymed within the story. In this way, I was able to cover the book's content while still helping the class understand the concept of rhyming words that have the same sounds.
So What?
As a result of planning and putting together this presenation, I realized how open-ended teaching can be. I was not following any curriculum, I simply found a book with a word identification skill and brainstormed how I could create a lesson out of it. I had to ask myself, "What would be the most effective way to help children understand rhymes, based upon the content of the story?" "How can I use technology to create an effective lesson?" As I put the SMART board presentation together, I took the liberty to make it whichever way I wanted to- I got to choose the quiz questions, the clipart, etc., while at the same time focusing on how to get my content across in a technological and effective manner.
Now What?
Through this final project lesson in my Reading Methods class, I gained skills that I know I will be able to use as I step into the world of teaching. I also became more familiar with the tricks of the trade regarding how to use technology to put together a lesson and a SMART board presentation. I found content and pictures online and used tools within the SMART board program to make my presentation the best it could be. As I become more comfortable with incorporating technology and my teaching skills, I am continuing to learn just how versatile and creative teaching can be.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Week 13 Post
On my PC laptop...
Word features I use on a regular basis include:
-Thesaurus (Shift+F7)
-Page number insert
-Page break
-Symbols (for Spanish class or otherwise)
-Copy and Paste
-Paragraph markings
-Bullets
3 projects Icould have my students do to learn or use Word, Excel, or Powerpoint are:
-In Word: Free-type a story and then use ABC check
-In Excel: Grids and graphs for math homework, etc.
-In Powerpoint: Make a presentation for a book report and then share it with the class.
Word features I use on a regular basis include:
-Thesaurus (Shift+F7)
-Page number insert
-Page break
-Symbols (for Spanish class or otherwise)
-Copy and Paste
-Paragraph markings
-Bullets
3 projects Icould have my students do to learn or use Word, Excel, or Powerpoint are:
-In Word: Free-type a story and then use ABC check
-In Excel: Grids and graphs for math homework, etc.
-In Powerpoint: Make a presentation for a book report and then share it with the class.
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