What?
This week was our last week to work on our digital stories. We had to make final finishes to our digital story by adding the pictures to go along with the music and voice and work with transitions and the effects to make it more entertaining.
So What?
What this means is that our digital story is almost done. We decided to work in Windows Movie Maker because the program was easier to use, had more options, and was already converted into a WMV file. This has meant to me as a student and as a teacher a lot. It has helped me to be more creative and it helped me to see how much I enjoyed making these videos. They are very impactful if made right and I was able to see the difference it makes. As a colleague, I am able to help those that I work with and give them advice on how to make one for themselves or collaborate with them and allow them to use any videos I may make. I believe we are doing this because it is fun and very informative.
There is a lot to making a digital story. You first have to do a storyboard and find the pictures that are going to be descriptive, informative, and be able to tell a story. Next, you need to find a script. For our video we used a speech. We had to do more work combining the music to the parts of the speech we wanted to use. And then you put it all together in the program of your choice. We used this because it helps us to see what we can do if we want to do something different and impact our students. This can apply to me in my other classes and in general by using the information I learned and putting it into action. I can make digital stories in my other classes and can also make personal digital stories. Life is one big story we can express through videos. This new technology is a new way of teaching which leads to a new way of learning for my students. It helps me as well as my future colleagues to be more creative in the way we present the information to our students. It helps me to see what students like and what they learn from.
Now What?
This technology means a lot to my future students. My students are in the generation where technology is meaningful and is needed. Digital stories wont bore them. They will enjoy hearing these stories about the civil war, pioneers, science experiment, etc. because they can visually see whats happening and can emotionally connect. Using this type of technology will make me a better teacher because I will develop passion and will be more informative of the subject area because it requires a lot of research. My students can help me do digital stories or they can make one of their own. If I learned a lot about the subject I did my digital story on, I can only image how much my students would also learn.
Digital Stories and technology in general will help me to be a better teacher and colleague because my classes will never be boring. They will always have meaning behind it and my students will be able to connect better to that. My colleagues will see the passion I have for the subject and may look to me as a resource to help them develop the same teaching style. This technology class has opened my eyes to how many different teaching styles there are and how easy it is to integrate technology into a classroom. Integrating technology can help myself and my colleagues to have better communication and collaboration. We can share ideas, thoughts, and feelings. Like I said before, if I enjoy learning through technology, then most likely so will my students. It's becoming the new way of life and a new way of learning. Without it we would be lost and we wouldn't be as far as we are today.
Video Reflection
I did not really like this video. I did not see how it was connecting to what we were learning about this week and how it had anything to do with technology. Education is important and many famous people do go to college and continue their education, but this video was not believable. It was a young boy who was only interested in being a movie director. Yes, he talked about education but it didn't really connect to the true importance of education. So what I would have done different is maybe have a student that is in the arts and film school present and express how without his education in not only the areas of interest but with the generals, he wouldn't be where he is today. Now what, I don't think if I showed my students that clip they would have been impacted so I would have changed it or added to it to help them see the true importance. Or I would not use the video!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Digital Story 2
What?
This week we continued to work on our digital story. We learned how to make it in Photo Story 3 and we also learned how to transport slides from PowerPoint into Photo Story. We also learned how we need to submit this assignment to her and how to post it on Youtube.
So What?
If I want to incorporate an emotional story and to it by presenting it through media, this is a great way to do it. Digital stories allow teachers (people) to share their thoughts on an event. It is also a great teaching tool for the students to connect to. So as a student it helps me be creative in how to prepare certain lesson plans and it gives me great ideas on different media forms to teach with. As a teacher, it helps me by allowing a way into getting my students interested. Students love videos and it is also a visual way that students can connect to the material being taught. Also as a teacher, my students would be able to create their own digital story. Whether it be on their life or on a researched subject. Photo Story 3 is an easy program that each of my students would be able to use. As a colleague it helps my team be more creative. It brings more emotion into the lessons and it may influence other teachers to use the same system. I believe we are doing this to be experimental and not use the same teaching techniques.
This can apply to me in my other classes by creating a digital story when I present. Each presentation and subject I have taught on could have included a digital story. I did a presentation on Slavery and I think if I would have done a digital story for it, everybody would have been able to feel the emotion stronger. It is a sensitive subject that deserves to be taught and taught passionately and correct. Learning Photo Story 3 gives me a starter tool to move on to making more in depth videos. I could be able to make family videos or even make wedding videos. This technology means freedom and enjoyable. It brings out my creativity. Photo Story and other digital story programs means creativity and change in the way we teach and the way we collaborate as teachers.
Now What?
Photo Story and digital stories means a new way to do assignments or do homework. It gives them more power in the way they learn and more power in how they learn the information. When students are interested they tend to want to do more and are more interested. I never thought to use Photo Story or digital story for my students to use. This changes by using it. I think it is just as important and more fun then writing a paper. The type of teacher I will become by integrating these different techniques will make me a better teacher. It will keep me on my feet and will not allow me to get lazy because it is constantly changing.
My students would be able to work by themselves or with partners on creating a digital story in Photo Story. They could research a social studies topic we are learning about during the year and make a good representation of what it was like during a persons life or during a certain time period. They could also create life biographies. There are many assignments I could have them do. They could collaborate with others outside the class by inviting them into our classroom and show them their work. This will help me to become a better teacher by allowing my students to have more participation and say on what they are learning and how they are learning about it. It gives them responsibility in helping me as well as their class. This helps me as a colleague by being unique and being open to helping others learn different styles and techniques to teach. As for collaboration, I think the staff will talk to each other more because others may be curious of what you are doing and the reaction of the students. It will add to better communication.
Video Reflection
This video started abruptly. It didn't allow you to transition into what you are about to see and learn about. I also think the slides switched to soon. I wasn't able to see what it was they wanted me to see. I thought this video was corny and it didn't really allow me to feel the message he was presenting. I thought it was pretty boring and I also felt it was more rehearsed and that he had a script he had to memorize. He is a young kid and he youthful personality didn't come across very strong in this digital story. I thought the message was really good and I like the part where they brought in his home life. That allowed me to feel more apart of his story but overall I didn't think this was a good video.
This week we continued to work on our digital story. We learned how to make it in Photo Story 3 and we also learned how to transport slides from PowerPoint into Photo Story. We also learned how we need to submit this assignment to her and how to post it on Youtube.
So What?
If I want to incorporate an emotional story and to it by presenting it through media, this is a great way to do it. Digital stories allow teachers (people) to share their thoughts on an event. It is also a great teaching tool for the students to connect to. So as a student it helps me be creative in how to prepare certain lesson plans and it gives me great ideas on different media forms to teach with. As a teacher, it helps me by allowing a way into getting my students interested. Students love videos and it is also a visual way that students can connect to the material being taught. Also as a teacher, my students would be able to create their own digital story. Whether it be on their life or on a researched subject. Photo Story 3 is an easy program that each of my students would be able to use. As a colleague it helps my team be more creative. It brings more emotion into the lessons and it may influence other teachers to use the same system. I believe we are doing this to be experimental and not use the same teaching techniques.
This can apply to me in my other classes by creating a digital story when I present. Each presentation and subject I have taught on could have included a digital story. I did a presentation on Slavery and I think if I would have done a digital story for it, everybody would have been able to feel the emotion stronger. It is a sensitive subject that deserves to be taught and taught passionately and correct. Learning Photo Story 3 gives me a starter tool to move on to making more in depth videos. I could be able to make family videos or even make wedding videos. This technology means freedom and enjoyable. It brings out my creativity. Photo Story and other digital story programs means creativity and change in the way we teach and the way we collaborate as teachers.
Now What?
Photo Story and digital stories means a new way to do assignments or do homework. It gives them more power in the way they learn and more power in how they learn the information. When students are interested they tend to want to do more and are more interested. I never thought to use Photo Story or digital story for my students to use. This changes by using it. I think it is just as important and more fun then writing a paper. The type of teacher I will become by integrating these different techniques will make me a better teacher. It will keep me on my feet and will not allow me to get lazy because it is constantly changing.
My students would be able to work by themselves or with partners on creating a digital story in Photo Story. They could research a social studies topic we are learning about during the year and make a good representation of what it was like during a persons life or during a certain time period. They could also create life biographies. There are many assignments I could have them do. They could collaborate with others outside the class by inviting them into our classroom and show them their work. This will help me to become a better teacher by allowing my students to have more participation and say on what they are learning and how they are learning about it. It gives them responsibility in helping me as well as their class. This helps me as a colleague by being unique and being open to helping others learn different styles and techniques to teach. As for collaboration, I think the staff will talk to each other more because others may be curious of what you are doing and the reaction of the students. It will add to better communication.
Video Reflection
This video started abruptly. It didn't allow you to transition into what you are about to see and learn about. I also think the slides switched to soon. I wasn't able to see what it was they wanted me to see. I thought this video was corny and it didn't really allow me to feel the message he was presenting. I thought it was pretty boring and I also felt it was more rehearsed and that he had a script he had to memorize. He is a young kid and he youthful personality didn't come across very strong in this digital story. I thought the message was really good and I like the part where they brought in his home life. That allowed me to feel more apart of his story but overall I didn't think this was a good video.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Field Experince 3
What?
This was my last week in Vista Elementary. I noticed a lot of changes within the students as well as the teacher. I noticed technology being used more since we came into the classroom.
So What?
I feel we have introduced a new way of learning to our cooperating teacher. At the beginning I rarely noticed our cooperating teacher using technology. She would use the smart board but using other resources were hardly used. I believe this has strengthened our relationship as colleagues as well as helped me see my education working for me. I have used what I have learned in the classroom and as a result sparked an interest for our cooperating teacher. I think this is why we go to school to update and learn new ways to teach and present information. I have seen it not only help and uplift my students learning but it also helps other teachers.
Throughout my field experience, our cooperating teacher would constantly ask my partner and I how we did something, which had to deal with technology. She would also ask us where we found our information and how we found it. She would then ask us to show her and teach her. This experience has changed the way I view technology. Before starting my field experience, I knew technology was important and I knew that was the direction the world was moving in but after finishing I have seen using different types of technology and frequently using it helps motivate those who you are working with whether its your students or your colleagues.
Now What?
I still believe technology is our future students. I believe technology will open doors for my students and will help all the different types of learners. There were some students that were not interested or did not pay attention when they were just listening to someone talk but as soon as you added in pictures on the Smart Board, or you used a video or you had them use technology in some way, everything changed. This changes the way I have been taught to the way I want to teach. Technology is not only using PowerPoint's or using the Smart Board tools, technology is having students research information for a project, or having them create a project. There is not one right way or right tool in technology because I believe all of it is valuable and important to learn and use.
Technology is not there to keep to yourself. Throughout my field I have seen those teachers that incorporate technology into their classrooms and do not share their information of what they did or how they did it with other teachers, especially those lacking in technology knowledge. When I become a teacher I want to try to change that and have my department be on the same page and use similar teaching strategies. I have seen the excitement our cooperating teacher got when we used technology in her classroom and would hope to bring that collaboration and excitement to my future school and future colleagues. Collaboration can make a difference and I hope to have a positive experience with my colleagues when I teach.
Video Reflection
I think technology is really important in schools. I find it very beneficial to have somebody at the school working to make it a technology community. In this video the technology specialists alleviates a lot of stress the teachers obtain as they are trying to do everything they possibly can to help their students succeed in a technology world. This video clip includes making learning fun through computers. They are learning different things in different ways. It opens doors for those that may have struggled with school before. This program helps those students blossom and enjoy their education. They state the achievement scores went up and so did relationships between other teachers and students. Who wouldn't want to make a difference...we all would and that's what this video showed me!
This was my last week in Vista Elementary. I noticed a lot of changes within the students as well as the teacher. I noticed technology being used more since we came into the classroom.
So What?
I feel we have introduced a new way of learning to our cooperating teacher. At the beginning I rarely noticed our cooperating teacher using technology. She would use the smart board but using other resources were hardly used. I believe this has strengthened our relationship as colleagues as well as helped me see my education working for me. I have used what I have learned in the classroom and as a result sparked an interest for our cooperating teacher. I think this is why we go to school to update and learn new ways to teach and present information. I have seen it not only help and uplift my students learning but it also helps other teachers.
Throughout my field experience, our cooperating teacher would constantly ask my partner and I how we did something, which had to deal with technology. She would also ask us where we found our information and how we found it. She would then ask us to show her and teach her. This experience has changed the way I view technology. Before starting my field experience, I knew technology was important and I knew that was the direction the world was moving in but after finishing I have seen using different types of technology and frequently using it helps motivate those who you are working with whether its your students or your colleagues.
Now What?
I still believe technology is our future students. I believe technology will open doors for my students and will help all the different types of learners. There were some students that were not interested or did not pay attention when they were just listening to someone talk but as soon as you added in pictures on the Smart Board, or you used a video or you had them use technology in some way, everything changed. This changes the way I have been taught to the way I want to teach. Technology is not only using PowerPoint's or using the Smart Board tools, technology is having students research information for a project, or having them create a project. There is not one right way or right tool in technology because I believe all of it is valuable and important to learn and use.
Technology is not there to keep to yourself. Throughout my field I have seen those teachers that incorporate technology into their classrooms and do not share their information of what they did or how they did it with other teachers, especially those lacking in technology knowledge. When I become a teacher I want to try to change that and have my department be on the same page and use similar teaching strategies. I have seen the excitement our cooperating teacher got when we used technology in her classroom and would hope to bring that collaboration and excitement to my future school and future colleagues. Collaboration can make a difference and I hope to have a positive experience with my colleagues when I teach.
Video Reflection
I think technology is really important in schools. I find it very beneficial to have somebody at the school working to make it a technology community. In this video the technology specialists alleviates a lot of stress the teachers obtain as they are trying to do everything they possibly can to help their students succeed in a technology world. This video clip includes making learning fun through computers. They are learning different things in different ways. It opens doors for those that may have struggled with school before. This program helps those students blossom and enjoy their education. They state the achievement scores went up and so did relationships between other teachers and students. Who wouldn't want to make a difference...we all would and that's what this video showed me!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Field Experience 2
What?
This is my second week of field and many things have happened. I have been able to see the impact technology has on my students as well as my cooperating teacher.
So What?
During this weeks field, I have seen how technology has made me a better teacher, student and colleague. I have seen how the colleagues in Vista elementary work together and how they share ideas and PowerPoint's. This has opened my eyes to see that I will not be alone when teaching. Each teacher has a unique way of doing things and they have different ideas of PowerPoint's including different information. This has helped me see the success I could have in connecting with my students as my colleagues and I worked together.
This week has been great. Our cooperating teacher has shown a lot of interest in using more technology into her lessons. My partner and I use Google presentations for every lesson we have taught and it has been the best tool for us. I have come to appreciate Google docs and presentation because it is convenient and we are constantly using them. Our cooperating teacher has acknowledge how much we use it and how the students connect to it better and are more involved in learning. With this happening, our teacher has asked us to teach her how to use PowerPoint and how to find all the information we do on the Internet. She is very willing to learn and I think it she will continue to use this tool. This has helped me as a student because I have actually used what I have learned in class and put action to it my teaching it to our cooperating teacher. The technology used in classrooms means a lot in the advancement and enjoyment students get from learning. After this week I also believe it helps and means a lot to the advancements to our cooperating teacher. She has found excitement in it and I have been excited that she wants to use something we have showed her. The Smart Board is still one of the best tools in the classroom and is used all throughout the day with many different subjects. As colleagues we have been able to share our PowerPoint's with our cooperating teacher. She has asked us to download what we have made to her USB stick which I think shows great team work.
Now What?
Technology is what my future students are. Over the last couple of weeks, I have seen the connection my students gained from using technology. I have witnessed my students with little or no technology experience excelling and really paying attention and bringing it into their learning the way they should. I have seen them have a clear understanding of what is being taught because they have the visuals to help them. Technology is still being used to test and I have seen the positives as well as negatives with doing this. The positives are it is easier to do and grade and way more convenient. The negatives are, the students fool around on other websites such as games and do not get their tests done. Technology can have its good and bad points to it and those were a few examples.
This week I did not see my students go to the computer lab as often as they did last week. However I have seen the use of the Smart Board more. For example in math, the students are called on and will use the Smart Board to show how they got their answer. This allows them to teach the others students as well as allow the teacher to see if they really understand how to solve this type of problem. I have noticed this week that my teacher uses more technology than she probably realizes. It is the best way to teach in my opinion as long as the students stay focused and on topic. The students seemed to adapt really well to it and paid more attention. As a colleague, I have seen the impact technology has had on our cooperating teacher and the benefits we have all seen in using it. It gives all of us different ideas. This helps with all forms of collaboration in the classroom and school.
Video Reflection
What:The next generation is surrounded my technology in all forms. They see their parents using it work work and personal reasons and then in this video the school the boy goes to is an ICT school where technology is used everywhere. So What: This boy showed a lot of excitement in going to school which makes for a fun and entertaining learning experience. Chalk boards used in the past has turned into Smart Boards that can be used as drawing and computer use. There are many forms of technology and it helps all students, especially those that are shy. The next generation will have assignments and learning at the press of the finger. The parents and students can use and do school work and homework anywhere. Now what does this mean to me, it means the next generation learning involves the parents more as well as the students. The students enjoy learning and puts more effort and work into it.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Field Experience 1
What?
This week I started my first field experience. This will allow me to see and interact with students as well as teach lessons.
So What?
This week I started my first field experience at Vista Elementary. Doing my field experience helps me become a better teacher, student and colleague. I am able to see how the colleagues work together in the school as well as how I work with my cooperating teacher. In doing so, this helps me to have open eyes and see how much you work with other people when teaching to make the students learning a success. This helps me as a student because I can see similarities between my students in the classroom and the way I am as a student. I can tie connections and maybe learn from them or help them understand better.
I believe we do this so it gives us authentic learning. We are doing hands-on and real life learning which is one of the best ways to learn and truly understand what teaching really is like and what we have to look forward to. It gives us an opportunity to see if this is the right calling for us in life. All of my classes are dealing with education, so this is a great tool to better myself by using what I have learned in those classes as well as teaching those I work with everyday. The technology used in classrooms means a lot in the advancement and enjoyment students get from learning. In my classroom we have a smart board and it really makes it convenient to teach with it. The students also enjoy it. As colleagues we are able to share PowerPoint, ideas, and much more. I have seen my teacher use a PowerPoint another teacher in her team made. This shows great collaboration and teamwork.
Now What?
Technology is what my future students are. I have worked with some students that have not had the opportunity of using technology, but it is a great way to work with them and help them learn. It is an interactive tool that can guide them through success. The new way of testing is done through computers. My students will need to know how to use a computer in order to test. This changes my schema because when I was a student everything was done on paper. This is convenient and easy as well as less stressful. Using technology in my classroom will change my teaching style for the best. I have become a fan of Smart boards and I believe they are only going to get better. It doesn't limit what teachers, or myself, can do in the classroom.
During my first week of field, I have seen my students go to the computer lab everyday. They have had an assignment to create a PowerPoint on the rock cycle. I can do assignments similar to this and much more. This assignment allowed them to work with their booklet they filled out in class throughout the unit, work with others in the class, and share it with those that are not in the school.This helps me to become a better teacher by allowing different ways of learning in the classroom. It is modern and up to date with what the children are doing in their everyday lives. I have seen both sides of teaching during filed, the teacher that is very smart with technology and my teacher who is old school and doesn't use much technology. We have taught a few lessons already and we have followed after the teacher who uses technology. We used YouTube, the Smart Board, and a video. The students seemed to adapt really well to it and paid more attention. As a colleague, I think this helps our cooperating teacher see both sides as well. It gives all of us different ideas. This helps with all forms of collaboration in the classroom and school.
Video Reflection
I really liked this video. I completely agree we should all be educators. I have noticed students learn better and have stronger power to learn. As a student this helps me identify what teachers are educating and which are just teaching. I looked back on past classes and the classes I did better in went with the educating approach. Working with a class now, I have access to really influence and help students. I am working with a couple ESL students and if I take the educating path, I believe these students will learn and pick up on the information faster. Guiding is a tool that is beneficial for both the student as well as the teacher. As a future teacher, this allows me to see the impact teachers have and who succeeds the most by teaching that way. I want my students to have the best form of education and I believe educating is the best way. The presentation said it all. All of the key facts to success!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Digital Story 1
What?
We are learning about digital stories. We are learning how to use them in a classroom and how to make one. Our assignment is to start putting together a digital story by completely a storyboard.
So What?
This means a number of things to me as a teacher, student, and colleague. I can use digital stories in any situation, whether it be in my personal life or to help teach a lesson. As a student, there are several projects we are to do and using a digital story to connect to my audience is a great way. As a teacher, students learn well when they are doing something they enjoy. Digital stories is like watching a film and this time it is on a subject they may be studying. Teachers can capture the students attention if they are using a digital story in which students find interesting and relevant. As a colleague we work best by sharing ideas. Digital stories can be used anywhere and by anyone. Sharing them within the school, grade level, and even around education in general is helpful and a great support for colleagues. I believe we are doing this because it is entertaining and interesting for students which is a great tool to helps students learn.
Everybody loves watching films that connect to you and have meaning and this is the goal for digital stories. I can use this in my personal life as something fun to do and show my nieces and nephews. I can also use this with my other classes by using it as a tool to present information. I love this type of technology and have a lot of interest in it. To me it means creativity and excitement for both my students and myself. This technology for my colleagues means a way of sharing ideas and creating an atmosphere for your students to learn. This is a way of communicating in the education world.
Now What?
Digital stories mean to my future students a way of learning. It means a hook and a way to introduced new information. It means a way to be connected to the subject. I have made videos before but never something that tells a story about a subject I will be teaching in school. This changes my schema to see there are so many different ways to teach and introduce information and this way is a great way that will benefit both my students and me. This will change the type of teacher I will be by using digital stories. Watching the samples in class built a connection for me and I hope to do the same with my future students.
I can assign my students to create their own digital stories. This will work as an assessment for me to see if they really understood the content information and it is also a fun way for them to do an assignment and work with other peers. This will help me as a future teacher by using digital stories in many forms. Not just as a great hook for the lesson, but also a great way to help my students enjoy learning. It will help me as a future colleague by staying current and relevant and being an example to my colleagues. They can use my work and likewise I can use theirs.This type of collaboration is different than what the norm is but it is a great way to stay connected to those you work with.
Video Reflection
This digital story was about NASA. This digital story was not one of my favorites. There were a couple things I did like about it and a couple things I did not like. First lets start with the things I did not like about it. I did not like the words displaying the persons name. The narrator told who they were and I thought that was good enough. The writing took away from seeing the whole picture. Another thing I didn't like or I thought was not something I would do was speeding up the slides at the end. The slides did not match the music or the talking which I think took away the feeling and mood of this digital story. Here are a the things I liked about the story. I thought this digital story did a great job telling through a narrator. The narrator did not portray he was reading a script. I also thought adding in Kennedy giving his speech impacted and set the feeling. So, all in all I would definitely change some of the things mentioned above.
We are learning about digital stories. We are learning how to use them in a classroom and how to make one. Our assignment is to start putting together a digital story by completely a storyboard.
So What?
This means a number of things to me as a teacher, student, and colleague. I can use digital stories in any situation, whether it be in my personal life or to help teach a lesson. As a student, there are several projects we are to do and using a digital story to connect to my audience is a great way. As a teacher, students learn well when they are doing something they enjoy. Digital stories is like watching a film and this time it is on a subject they may be studying. Teachers can capture the students attention if they are using a digital story in which students find interesting and relevant. As a colleague we work best by sharing ideas. Digital stories can be used anywhere and by anyone. Sharing them within the school, grade level, and even around education in general is helpful and a great support for colleagues. I believe we are doing this because it is entertaining and interesting for students which is a great tool to helps students learn.
Everybody loves watching films that connect to you and have meaning and this is the goal for digital stories. I can use this in my personal life as something fun to do and show my nieces and nephews. I can also use this with my other classes by using it as a tool to present information. I love this type of technology and have a lot of interest in it. To me it means creativity and excitement for both my students and myself. This technology for my colleagues means a way of sharing ideas and creating an atmosphere for your students to learn. This is a way of communicating in the education world.
Now What?
Digital stories mean to my future students a way of learning. It means a hook and a way to introduced new information. It means a way to be connected to the subject. I have made videos before but never something that tells a story about a subject I will be teaching in school. This changes my schema to see there are so many different ways to teach and introduce information and this way is a great way that will benefit both my students and me. This will change the type of teacher I will be by using digital stories. Watching the samples in class built a connection for me and I hope to do the same with my future students.
I can assign my students to create their own digital stories. This will work as an assessment for me to see if they really understood the content information and it is also a fun way for them to do an assignment and work with other peers. This will help me as a future teacher by using digital stories in many forms. Not just as a great hook for the lesson, but also a great way to help my students enjoy learning. It will help me as a future colleague by staying current and relevant and being an example to my colleagues. They can use my work and likewise I can use theirs.This type of collaboration is different than what the norm is but it is a great way to stay connected to those you work with.
Video Reflection
This digital story was about NASA. This digital story was not one of my favorites. There were a couple things I did like about it and a couple things I did not like. First lets start with the things I did not like about it. I did not like the words displaying the persons name. The narrator told who they were and I thought that was good enough. The writing took away from seeing the whole picture. Another thing I didn't like or I thought was not something I would do was speeding up the slides at the end. The slides did not match the music or the talking which I think took away the feeling and mood of this digital story. Here are a the things I liked about the story. I thought this digital story did a great job telling through a narrator. The narrator did not portray he was reading a script. I also thought adding in Kennedy giving his speech impacted and set the feeling. So, all in all I would definitely change some of the things mentioned above.
Friday, March 5, 2010
WebQuest Final/Podcast/Vidcast
What:
This week we learned how to make the final fixes on our WebQuests and how to submit and make them copyrighted. We also learned about Postcasts and Vidcasts and what they are used for. The assignments for this week are to finish our WebQuest, make it copyrighted, and submit it. We are also to start our Vidcasts and Postcast.
So What:
Going into the education field has opened my eyes to the different types of technology we need to know and use. As a student, WebQuests, Vidcasts, and Podcasts can help me present information in all of my classes. As a teacher this is going to become one of the most used technology tools. Vidcasts and Podcasts are very beneficial in students learning because they are able to see what it is I am wanting them to see. This generation is also very involved in technology and so this is a great way for me to connect to my students. I will also be able to use Vidcasts and Podcasts on my WebQuest. As a colleague, I will use this to help other teachers by developing a Vidcast or Podcast on a subject and in return my colleagues will make some and they will help me. We will all work together to be innovative and creative.
We are using these types of technology because they are useful and they help us connect to our students. They get the message across and they are also easy for our students to do if we ever wanted them to do it for an assignment. Life in general and in my other classes all three of these tools are helpful and useful in presenting information. Each of us like to watch videos and so we are bringing that interest into our classrooms and becoming entertained by the information we learn as well as present. To me all three of these types of technology means enjoyment, excitement and the new way of learning. This technology means for my colleagues the same. It also means connection and communication not only with our students but with the people we work with. TeacherTube helps teachers everyday. This is another great way to stay current and at the same time not be so overwhelmed becasue you have others helping you.
Now What:
This technology means everything to my future students. In a couple of years when I have my own classroom, this will be the kind of things they will be interested in and will be proficient in. If I don't learn it or teach it then I will lose some of students to boredom. My future students will be able to stay current and in the future will be able to be successful due to knowing how to use the different types of technology. This has changed my schema by incorporating videos and podcasts from the internet. It makes searching for a certain idea easy by being convenient.. I do plan to use all three of these tools in my classroom which will show I want to be connected to my students as well as be current in what is required to know. I will also use copyrighting to protect my projects but will still allow for others to borrow my ideas and work.
Vidcasts, Podcasts, and WebQuests can all be used by my students and each will allow them to collaborate and work with all students. If they were asked to make something dealing with technology Vidcasts and Podcasts are great. I can give them pretty much any subject to work with and they can get ideas from other students across the country. They can also work with those that are in their class. This will help them to research any topic as well as help them learn how to work with other people. This will help me to become a better teacher by being fun and creative and bringing that atmosphere to my students. They will see the excitement I have and hopefully in return will feed off of it. As a colleague, this will make me better by staying up to date with what students need to use and learn from. I can benefit my colleagues by teaching them or by being an example and showing my success. The collaboration we as teachers have will be strong because we will be working together in all ways and sharing many ideas.
Video Reflection:
What: Blogging is one of the best ways to get our point across. The short clip stated several reasons why blogging is great for student to do and those are, for communication, literacy, ownership, sharing, collaboration, discussion, empowerment, interaction, motivation, participation, engagement, excitement, conversation, creativity, for reflection, to extend the walls of the classroom, to give students a voice, to give students an audience, to give students a learning environment, and to give them skills that will help them in their digital future. So What: So what this means is power and fun in learning. It means expression through technology so all can see. Now What: this now means to act on it. Children are learning well and are expressing themselves better by blogging. It gives them control which will help teachers see a result which is good. They are taking responsibility for what they are learning and doing and are at the end helps the teachers see that they understand.
This week we learned how to make the final fixes on our WebQuests and how to submit and make them copyrighted. We also learned about Postcasts and Vidcasts and what they are used for. The assignments for this week are to finish our WebQuest, make it copyrighted, and submit it. We are also to start our Vidcasts and Postcast.
So What:
Going into the education field has opened my eyes to the different types of technology we need to know and use. As a student, WebQuests, Vidcasts, and Podcasts can help me present information in all of my classes. As a teacher this is going to become one of the most used technology tools. Vidcasts and Podcasts are very beneficial in students learning because they are able to see what it is I am wanting them to see. This generation is also very involved in technology and so this is a great way for me to connect to my students. I will also be able to use Vidcasts and Podcasts on my WebQuest. As a colleague, I will use this to help other teachers by developing a Vidcast or Podcast on a subject and in return my colleagues will make some and they will help me. We will all work together to be innovative and creative.
We are using these types of technology because they are useful and they help us connect to our students. They get the message across and they are also easy for our students to do if we ever wanted them to do it for an assignment. Life in general and in my other classes all three of these tools are helpful and useful in presenting information. Each of us like to watch videos and so we are bringing that interest into our classrooms and becoming entertained by the information we learn as well as present. To me all three of these types of technology means enjoyment, excitement and the new way of learning. This technology means for my colleagues the same. It also means connection and communication not only with our students but with the people we work with. TeacherTube helps teachers everyday. This is another great way to stay current and at the same time not be so overwhelmed becasue you have others helping you.
Now What:
This technology means everything to my future students. In a couple of years when I have my own classroom, this will be the kind of things they will be interested in and will be proficient in. If I don't learn it or teach it then I will lose some of students to boredom. My future students will be able to stay current and in the future will be able to be successful due to knowing how to use the different types of technology. This has changed my schema by incorporating videos and podcasts from the internet. It makes searching for a certain idea easy by being convenient.. I do plan to use all three of these tools in my classroom which will show I want to be connected to my students as well as be current in what is required to know. I will also use copyrighting to protect my projects but will still allow for others to borrow my ideas and work.
Vidcasts, Podcasts, and WebQuests can all be used by my students and each will allow them to collaborate and work with all students. If they were asked to make something dealing with technology Vidcasts and Podcasts are great. I can give them pretty much any subject to work with and they can get ideas from other students across the country. They can also work with those that are in their class. This will help them to research any topic as well as help them learn how to work with other people. This will help me to become a better teacher by being fun and creative and bringing that atmosphere to my students. They will see the excitement I have and hopefully in return will feed off of it. As a colleague, this will make me better by staying up to date with what students need to use and learn from. I can benefit my colleagues by teaching them or by being an example and showing my success. The collaboration we as teachers have will be strong because we will be working together in all ways and sharing many ideas.
Video Reflection:
What: Blogging is one of the best ways to get our point across. The short clip stated several reasons why blogging is great for student to do and those are, for communication, literacy, ownership, sharing, collaboration, discussion, empowerment, interaction, motivation, participation, engagement, excitement, conversation, creativity, for reflection, to extend the walls of the classroom, to give students a voice, to give students an audience, to give students a learning environment, and to give them skills that will help them in their digital future. So What: So what this means is power and fun in learning. It means expression through technology so all can see. Now What: this now means to act on it. Children are learning well and are expressing themselves better by blogging. It gives them control which will help teachers see a result which is good. They are taking responsibility for what they are learning and doing and are at the end helps the teachers see that they understand.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
The Real WebQuest 2 Reflection
What:
I am learning how to work with WebQuest in PowerPoint. I am learning how to insert links and make my WebQuest look professional and nice. The assignments include working on my WebQuest page.
So What:
I think WebQuests are great ideas for ways to teach in a classroom. I like how you can create a WebQuest online or in PowerPoint. It makes it convenient. For me as a student it allows me to see the impact technology has in the classroom. It also helps my see how easy it is when you work with others. For me as a teacher this means creativity and successful teaching. My students are going to be involved and entertained so in return I am going to enjoy this. As a colleague it will help me discover similar ideas and make them my own or I can borrow a WebQuest that is already done. I believe we use WebQuests because it makes learning fun and it helps the teacher stay updated with technology and the tools he or she should be using.
This can apply to me in my other classes as well as in life by using them. In my other classes we have to develop lesson plans and by knowing how to create a WebQuest, I could incorporate it into another class I am doing a lesson plan for. I will be student teaching soon and just like I can use WebQuest for a lesson plan, I can use the lesson plan I developed and work with it in my student teaching classroom. To me, technology means freedom! I am able to choose the way I present the information and by using technology there are so many different ways and tools I can choose from. Technology means to my colleagues a way to collaborate with each other and teach in similar way so the students know what to expect.
Now What:
WebQuest means enjoyment for my future students. WebQuest changes my schema by knowing there are different ways to teach and different types of technology I can use. This changes the way I teach in the future by showing more creativity and enjoying preparing it. For our WebQuest, we are having our students find out and discover information about the water cycle. For some activities our students will be allowed to work with others and collaborate together to come up with ideas and answers. A couple activities include building a water cycle or model.
This helps me to become a better future teacher by using my creativity and showing my students learning can be fun for you and me. This will help me as a colleague by helping those I work with find their own creativity and helping each other use it in the classroom. WebQuests are easy to use and I can help my colleagues see that. When we as teachers have great communication, our classrooms benefit and are fun. Using WebQuest and collaborating together helps us achieve communication and helps us overcome the difficulties of stress by alleviating it and working together.
Video:
What: We live in a world of instant information. We have more options and have more aids to help us learn. Learning is constantly changing and adding things to help us do better. So What: The use of technology is changing the way we learn by adding entertainment and by changing the way we communicate. Communication no longer involves just talking on the phone or using email, there are so many new and developing options to choose from. Now What: We need to help prepare our students for the real-life learning experiences and that is what engaged learning accomplishes.The world has changed and includes new skills. We need to know how our students learn best. We don't need to teach just the subject matter and facts but we need to teach what is happening in our world and what we use to achieve that.
I am learning how to work with WebQuest in PowerPoint. I am learning how to insert links and make my WebQuest look professional and nice. The assignments include working on my WebQuest page.
So What:
I think WebQuests are great ideas for ways to teach in a classroom. I like how you can create a WebQuest online or in PowerPoint. It makes it convenient. For me as a student it allows me to see the impact technology has in the classroom. It also helps my see how easy it is when you work with others. For me as a teacher this means creativity and successful teaching. My students are going to be involved and entertained so in return I am going to enjoy this. As a colleague it will help me discover similar ideas and make them my own or I can borrow a WebQuest that is already done. I believe we use WebQuests because it makes learning fun and it helps the teacher stay updated with technology and the tools he or she should be using.
This can apply to me in my other classes as well as in life by using them. In my other classes we have to develop lesson plans and by knowing how to create a WebQuest, I could incorporate it into another class I am doing a lesson plan for. I will be student teaching soon and just like I can use WebQuest for a lesson plan, I can use the lesson plan I developed and work with it in my student teaching classroom. To me, technology means freedom! I am able to choose the way I present the information and by using technology there are so many different ways and tools I can choose from. Technology means to my colleagues a way to collaborate with each other and teach in similar way so the students know what to expect.
Now What:
WebQuest means enjoyment for my future students. WebQuest changes my schema by knowing there are different ways to teach and different types of technology I can use. This changes the way I teach in the future by showing more creativity and enjoying preparing it. For our WebQuest, we are having our students find out and discover information about the water cycle. For some activities our students will be allowed to work with others and collaborate together to come up with ideas and answers. A couple activities include building a water cycle or model.
This helps me to become a better future teacher by using my creativity and showing my students learning can be fun for you and me. This will help me as a colleague by helping those I work with find their own creativity and helping each other use it in the classroom. WebQuests are easy to use and I can help my colleagues see that. When we as teachers have great communication, our classrooms benefit and are fun. Using WebQuest and collaborating together helps us achieve communication and helps us overcome the difficulties of stress by alleviating it and working together.
Video:
What: We live in a world of instant information. We have more options and have more aids to help us learn. Learning is constantly changing and adding things to help us do better. So What: The use of technology is changing the way we learn by adding entertainment and by changing the way we communicate. Communication no longer involves just talking on the phone or using email, there are so many new and developing options to choose from. Now What: We need to help prepare our students for the real-life learning experiences and that is what engaged learning accomplishes.The world has changed and includes new skills. We need to know how our students learn best. We don't need to teach just the subject matter and facts but we need to teach what is happening in our world and what we use to achieve that.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
WebQuest 2
What did we learn this week. We did not have class this week so I did not learn anything different or new about WebQuest. So what does this mean. I am sure this means we will discuss it in class on Tuesday. However, we were to continue working on our WebQuest and think of ideas that would be great to use, such as our tasks, process, etc. So I was able to work with my partner and come up with a few ideas that will work for our WebQuest. Now what will I do to help me prepare. I will use my prior knowledge of what we talked about in class a couple of weeks ago and add to it.
Video Reflection
What: The topic of the video was probably one of the most used videos we as students working in the education program use today. So what: Weaving social websites with the curriculum taught in classes is genius. Like the video states, if you don't integrate this type of media and engage your students in it, then you will lose them. This video also discussed a term called DigMe which stands for digital media and uses technology, literacy, and learning. Now What: This was an important tool to work with because it engages students in their academic achievement. This also helps engage us as student too. When we use social websites, we learn to work with technology and at the same time are reflecting what we know. The video mentions two more things which is it builds the students attention and prepares students with communicating. They love it, we love it and it works!
Video Reflection
What: The topic of the video was probably one of the most used videos we as students working in the education program use today. So what: Weaving social websites with the curriculum taught in classes is genius. Like the video states, if you don't integrate this type of media and engage your students in it, then you will lose them. This video also discussed a term called DigMe which stands for digital media and uses technology, literacy, and learning. Now What: This was an important tool to work with because it engages students in their academic achievement. This also helps engage us as student too. When we use social websites, we learn to work with technology and at the same time are reflecting what we know. The video mentions two more things which is it builds the students attention and prepares students with communicating. They love it, we love it and it works!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
WebQuest 1 Reflection
What?
We are learning how to design WebQuests so our students can have a different way of learning. We are to come up with a Utah Standard and come up with tasks we want our students to do.
So What?
As a student, teacher, and colleague this means a lot to the way subjects are taught to our students. As a student this teaches me there are creative ways to teach my future students and I can collaborate with others to accomplish this. As a teacher this will mean designing tasks and procedures for my students to better understand a subject. I believe we are doing this because it is the new way to teach. I think it better helps everyone to enjoy what they are learning or teaching. This applies to me now by knowing where and what to look for if I need ideas on preparing lesson plans.
This type of technology means change and the future. This is the direction education is taking by emphasizing more use of technology and creativity. As colleagues, we can borrow others ideas so we have a variety to choose from. It helps alleviate stress to all teachers because we can all work together. With WebQuest, anyone anywhere can teach and use the same information. It is also convenient because you can alter it if changes are needed.
Now What?
This type of technology means enjoyment and fun to my future students. I believe WebQuest is a solution to help keep students involved and active in learning. This changes my schema from doing everything on paper to using the computer and precisely organizing a search or steps for my students to do and follow. This will change the way I teach by using WebQuests often. By watching the video, I saw there are so many options to choose from that other teachers have already made. This will help me to be creative and less stressed.
WebQuest is a process the students go through to discover the answer. In order for my students to work with others, I will have to design tasks and procedures that involves working with another classmate, inside and outside of class. What I like about WebQuest is it can be a individual assignment or an assignment students can work on together. This will help me become a better teacher by stretching my ways of teaching and doing it in a fun way. With webQuest, it is also easier to grade because there is a rubric that needs to be followed. As a colleague, WebQuest will help me to look for ways to make it easier. I will be able to give ideas and lesson plans to other teachers. This is an important way we as teachers collaborate with each other. Teachers are stressed as it is and using WebQuest will help everyone feel adequate and prepared.
Video Reflection
This video on Microsoft Surface Computer was interesting and really cool. I liked the way you can do more things at once, which will help people to be more productive and get things done quicker. It was amazing that they could easily transfer information by placing what needed to be transferred on the surface. So what does this mean to people and especially to education, well I think in the future we will not be working much with paper and pencil but will transfer over to something similar to this. In a way Smartboards are similar to what is to come. Now that we know this information and what could possibly happen in the future, we need to educate ourselves better so we can understand how to work with all the new technology that is to come.
We are learning how to design WebQuests so our students can have a different way of learning. We are to come up with a Utah Standard and come up with tasks we want our students to do.
So What?
As a student, teacher, and colleague this means a lot to the way subjects are taught to our students. As a student this teaches me there are creative ways to teach my future students and I can collaborate with others to accomplish this. As a teacher this will mean designing tasks and procedures for my students to better understand a subject. I believe we are doing this because it is the new way to teach. I think it better helps everyone to enjoy what they are learning or teaching. This applies to me now by knowing where and what to look for if I need ideas on preparing lesson plans.
This type of technology means change and the future. This is the direction education is taking by emphasizing more use of technology and creativity. As colleagues, we can borrow others ideas so we have a variety to choose from. It helps alleviate stress to all teachers because we can all work together. With WebQuest, anyone anywhere can teach and use the same information. It is also convenient because you can alter it if changes are needed.
Now What?
This type of technology means enjoyment and fun to my future students. I believe WebQuest is a solution to help keep students involved and active in learning. This changes my schema from doing everything on paper to using the computer and precisely organizing a search or steps for my students to do and follow. This will change the way I teach by using WebQuests often. By watching the video, I saw there are so many options to choose from that other teachers have already made. This will help me to be creative and less stressed.
WebQuest is a process the students go through to discover the answer. In order for my students to work with others, I will have to design tasks and procedures that involves working with another classmate, inside and outside of class. What I like about WebQuest is it can be a individual assignment or an assignment students can work on together. This will help me become a better teacher by stretching my ways of teaching and doing it in a fun way. With webQuest, it is also easier to grade because there is a rubric that needs to be followed. As a colleague, WebQuest will help me to look for ways to make it easier. I will be able to give ideas and lesson plans to other teachers. This is an important way we as teachers collaborate with each other. Teachers are stressed as it is and using WebQuest will help everyone feel adequate and prepared.
Video Reflection
This video on Microsoft Surface Computer was interesting and really cool. I liked the way you can do more things at once, which will help people to be more productive and get things done quicker. It was amazing that they could easily transfer information by placing what needed to be transferred on the surface. So what does this mean to people and especially to education, well I think in the future we will not be working much with paper and pencil but will transfer over to something similar to this. In a way Smartboards are similar to what is to come. Now that we know this information and what could possibly happen in the future, we need to educate ourselves better so we can understand how to work with all the new technology that is to come.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Video Reflection Powerpoint
What? PowerPoint has a huge role in the way I present things in my classes now and as a future teacher. PowerPoint is a way to get the point across so those you are teaching can see it and understand what it is you are teaching. So What? I need to make sure my PowerPoint's are affective and useful. The video gave seven things to not do and they are, putting all words on the PowerPoint, the use of spell check, bullet everything, color schemes, the number of PowerPoint's, animation and the font. Each of these will show how well I can organize information to teach. If I don't follow some of his advice, I will lose my students or fellow classmates attention. I will also look disorganized and confusing. The way do my PowerPoint says something about me as a person. Now What? I plan to take this advice and follow it as I use PowerPoint. Each topic was valuable and truthful as it will cause more problems and will look bad.
My Beliefs
3. Post a reflection titled "My Beliefs" on your beliefs on the use of technology in the classroom. Post a reflection of no more than 2 paragraphs discussing these points.
I think technology is one of the most important tools used in schools and most importantly in classrooms. I think students connect better to using technology to work on an assignment or project because they use technology everyday. It has become the norm for students today. Using technology also allows the different learners to practice the way they learn best. It opens up students way of doing things. Our society depends on technology.
By teaching our students how to use technology, they will be better equipped for when they enter into the real world and get a job. Most jobs now days require that you have knowledge in technology whether it is using a computer, a phone, music device or even the ability to present with a projector. The world is changing and I believe that means we as people need to change and we need to change the way we teach it.
I think technology is one of the most important tools used in schools and most importantly in classrooms. I think students connect better to using technology to work on an assignment or project because they use technology everyday. It has become the norm for students today. Using technology also allows the different learners to practice the way they learn best. It opens up students way of doing things. Our society depends on technology.
By teaching our students how to use technology, they will be better equipped for when they enter into the real world and get a job. Most jobs now days require that you have knowledge in technology whether it is using a computer, a phone, music device or even the ability to present with a projector. The world is changing and I believe that means we as people need to change and we need to change the way we teach it.
Lessons Learned
2. Post a reflection titled "Lessons Learned" of no more than 2 paragraphs discussing your thoughts, concerns, and what you learned from the readings, videos, and web sites.
I thought the readings, videos and web sites were really interesting and they all contained information that is going to be beneficial for me to know. I liked how it started out with WWW (whatever, whenever, and wherever).I like the way they described how we are capable of using our phones to do many tasks, for instance, spending money. This just made WWW more true as the article showed different ways it is now more convenient to do something. I don't like that children are able to do anything, because I can see this causing trouble with the lack of socializing, communicating, and valuing the truthfulness of life. This can also affect the way they act in school.
Another thought I had from the reading was the importance media gratification is. It needs to be real, rich, and relevant. One of the articles states, in order for our students to have self-esteem they have to achieve and have actual success. We need to distract them from boredom and do what Seligman states, "hand students over to themselves." Last, it is important to use projects and tools because it acquires and refines analysis and problem solving skills. It can also reduce behavioral problems. Technology can affect the way teachers teach as well as contribute to students having a better relationship with them.
I thought the readings, videos and web sites were really interesting and they all contained information that is going to be beneficial for me to know. I liked how it started out with WWW (whatever, whenever, and wherever).I like the way they described how we are capable of using our phones to do many tasks, for instance, spending money. This just made WWW more true as the article showed different ways it is now more convenient to do something. I don't like that children are able to do anything, because I can see this causing trouble with the lack of socializing, communicating, and valuing the truthfulness of life. This can also affect the way they act in school.
Another thought I had from the reading was the importance media gratification is. It needs to be real, rich, and relevant. One of the articles states, in order for our students to have self-esteem they have to achieve and have actual success. We need to distract them from boredom and do what Seligman states, "hand students over to themselves." Last, it is important to use projects and tools because it acquires and refines analysis and problem solving skills. It can also reduce behavioral problems. Technology can affect the way teachers teach as well as contribute to students having a better relationship with them.
Strengths and Weaknesses
1. What were your strength/weaknesses according to the UNI survey and NET Standards? Establish goals you would like to accomplish as a beginning teacher who will integrate technology in instruction and in the classroom. Your goals should be developed according to your weaknesses. Identify 2 mini-workshops, short-courses, podcasts, or 2 on-line tutorials you would take that will improve your weaknesses. Explain how these workshops and/or tutorials will further your professional growth and goals. Post a reflection titled "Strengths & Weaknesses" of no more than 3 paragraphs discussing these points.
According to UNI and NET Standards, my strengths include knowledge of equity, ethics, legal, and human issues concerning use of computers and technology, the awareness of resources for adaptive assistant devices for students with special needs, using audio/visual resources, using the internet and email, and using word processing. My weaknesses include, video conferencing, using instructional software, and knowing and using terminology. The rest of my knowledge with technology resources and tools for information literacy and the basic technology equipment operations and concepts falls under a similar category, which is the apprentice stage.
Some goals I would like to accomplish as a beginning teacher integrating technology instruction in the classroom would be first to understand and use terminology. I think in order to understand what something is or how to do it you have to understand the basics. I believe terminology is the starting point of understanding technology. Next, I would like to improve the tools of video conferencing and learning the instructional software. I believe in the future, technology is going to be only way to teach so I need to understand the software instructions do be able to adequately teach it.
To help achieve my goals, I could take short online courses. I have researched and found a website that offers help in understanding computer and internet terminology. This website is www.universalclass.com. The website states, "After taking this course, students will come away with a deeper understanding and better appreciation of the computer and Internet related technologies and become better educated and better versed technology users and consumers." The next goal I want to achieve is learning how to do video conferencing and learn how to work with instructional software. I have found a tutorial that can help me understand as well as work with video conferencing. After I complete these tutorials, I will be able to communicate with those that are far away as if they were still here. I would also be able to teach my students a new way of communicating that would keep them interested.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
