I found it interesting that several of my colleagues mentioned wanting a digital gradebook, and I just wanted to tell them that there is that technology already available. My teachers used it in highschool. It was not webbased, as some have wanted, but my brother, who is currently in high school is now using a different kind of digital gradebook that is available online. It is kind of like a modified BlackBoard like we use and it is very helpful.
Next, I would like to learn how to do webdesign, so that I can design a webpage for my classroom when I am a teacher. I realize that there are plenty of websites available to assist teachers in making a simple classroom website, but I want to be able to make my own, original website and use html to personalize the site for my students.
I might acheive this goal by taking a webdesign course in the future or having someone who has this skill instruct and teach me on how to do the same. I am sure that I will go through a lot more technology training before I become a teacher and it can only add to the skills which I already have in the area of technology.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Post #9
I found a website called Internet4Classrooms that has links to hundreds of web-based resources. There are sites to assist with assessments, there are lesson plan templates, game and puzzle makers, web page hosting, flashcard makers, and numerous other resources that would be helpful to teachers. This website is a great resource for almost anything you could possibly need as a teacher.
I think that this website would be a huge help to me as a teacher and it would be great to be able to access it for a variety of thigs. This website combines a lot of other resources that are commonly used and puts them all in one place, making it a great resource.
A technology that I've never seen that I think would be useful is a digital workbook for students. Instead of having a paper workbook that they tear out the pages to turn in, they would have a digital workbook, similar to a large PDA that they could write in with a stylus pen or use the small attached keyboard to complete assignment. The workbooks would be linked to a teacher book to which they would submit assignments digitally.
I think that this website would be a huge help to me as a teacher and it would be great to be able to access it for a variety of thigs. This website combines a lot of other resources that are commonly used and puts them all in one place, making it a great resource.
A technology that I've never seen that I think would be useful is a digital workbook for students. Instead of having a paper workbook that they tear out the pages to turn in, they would have a digital workbook, similar to a large PDA that they could write in with a stylus pen or use the small attached keyboard to complete assignment. The workbooks would be linked to a teacher book to which they would submit assignments digitally.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Post #8
Chapter 8 talked about security issues and such when it comes to the internet and computer software. One of the most devastating things that can happen because of a security breech is a computer virus. A virus infects your computer, damages certain aspects of your system, and can even wipe out your entire hard drive. A virus is attached to a piece of software called the host program. The virus spreads when the program is shared.
There are precautions that you can take to protect your computer. There are many different types of virus software available that can help restore a computer after it has been infected by a virus. There is also antivirus software that can help prevent a virus from ever infecting a computer. Also, there are many tips about internet safety that can prevent viruses if followed.
Since my last post, I have learned how to use the new Windows Vista, because my new laptop has it. It is really cool but some things are pretty different. The new Microsoft Office software that comes with it is very different in its layout, and it is taking a while to get used to, but I am learning.
There are precautions that you can take to protect your computer. There are many different types of virus software available that can help restore a computer after it has been infected by a virus. There is also antivirus software that can help prevent a virus from ever infecting a computer. Also, there are many tips about internet safety that can prevent viruses if followed.
Since my last post, I have learned how to use the new Windows Vista, because my new laptop has it. It is really cool but some things are pretty different. The new Microsoft Office software that comes with it is very different in its layout, and it is taking a while to get used to, but I am learning.
Post #7
Chapter 7 talked a lot about how to evaluate technology integration to make sure that it is appropriate for the audience that is using it. The use of rubrics and evaluation sheets assists students and teachers in doing this. Evaluation sheets can be used to evaluate websites, software, and other technology used in the classroom.
Some things that should be considered when evaluating these things are: authority, affiliation, purpose, objectivity, content and learning process, audience, currency, design, ease of use, and ability levels. A great way for teachers to determine how effective technology they used was is to have their students fill out such an evaluation and take consideration of the results.
Since my last post, I have learned how to do some cool things on PowerPoint that I did not know how to do before. I learned how to make a game using action buttons and hyperlinks and I learned how to change the slide master. I love that this class is teaching me even more about programs that I thought I knew all about.
Some things that should be considered when evaluating these things are: authority, affiliation, purpose, objectivity, content and learning process, audience, currency, design, ease of use, and ability levels. A great way for teachers to determine how effective technology they used was is to have their students fill out such an evaluation and take consideration of the results.
Since my last post, I have learned how to do some cool things on PowerPoint that I did not know how to do before. I learned how to make a game using action buttons and hyperlinks and I learned how to change the slide master. I love that this class is teaching me even more about programs that I thought I knew all about.
Post #6
Chapter 6 talked about curriculum and all that is included in it. State Departments of Education provide their school districts with documents that describe curriculum standards and benchmarks for learning. These documents can be called curriculum frameworks or curriculum guides. These documents can include standards for specific subject areas, benchmarks, activities, and forms of evaluation.
Most school districts are requiring students to complete certain benchmarks and reack grade level expectations before moving on to the next grade. A curriculum standard or goal defines what a student is expected to know at certain stages of education. A learning objective, or benchmark is a specific, measurable outcome or indicator that is usually tied to a curriculum standard.
Since my last post I have learned some interesting things that can be done in Excel. I learned how to use the "if" function and learned how to make a game using this function. This was really cool because I didn't realize all that could be done in Excel.
Most school districts are requiring students to complete certain benchmarks and reack grade level expectations before moving on to the next grade. A curriculum standard or goal defines what a student is expected to know at certain stages of education. A learning objective, or benchmark is a specific, measurable outcome or indicator that is usually tied to a curriculum standard.
Since my last post I have learned some interesting things that can be done in Excel. I learned how to use the "if" function and learned how to make a game using this function. This was really cool because I didn't realize all that could be done in Excel.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Post #5
Chapter 5 talked about digital media software. Digital media software is any computer-based presentation or application software that uses multimedia elements. A lot of digital media is interactive digital media because it includes interaction with the program. This software responds to input from the person using it. The user can input using a keyboard, voice, movements, or a pointing device. The program provides feedback and performs an action in response.
This chapter also discussed the different kinds of digtal media and the different elements that make them up. Elements such as text, graphics, video, and audio add a lot to digital media programs. Each of these elements can be interactive in among itself. Textual information is great for explaining or clarifying information. Graphics illustrate concepts and are a big help to visual learners. Audio is great for supplementing the text in a program, and video helps to bring concepts to life.
Since my last post I have learned how to make a crossword puzzle online! It was actually very easy, and did not require much work, but it has opened my eyes to some really cool software. I think software like this will help when I am a teacher because it is a great way to make learning fun and make students want to complete assignments. The crossword puzzle was a good tool for learning vocabulary and would definitely come in handy in my future classroom.
This chapter also discussed the different kinds of digtal media and the different elements that make them up. Elements such as text, graphics, video, and audio add a lot to digital media programs. Each of these elements can be interactive in among itself. Textual information is great for explaining or clarifying information. Graphics illustrate concepts and are a big help to visual learners. Audio is great for supplementing the text in a program, and video helps to bring concepts to life.
Since my last post I have learned how to make a crossword puzzle online! It was actually very easy, and did not require much work, but it has opened my eyes to some really cool software. I think software like this will help when I am a teacher because it is a great way to make learning fun and make students want to complete assignments. The crossword puzzle was a good tool for learning vocabulary and would definitely come in handy in my future classroom.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Post #4
Chapter 4 talks about different kinds of input and output and how they work. It is interesting to get a closer look at how the technology I use every day actually works. So often I use my digital camera and then transfer the pictures to my computer and I never think about how it works. Chapter 4 helped me understand the processes behind the technology I love. Another interesting part of the chapter was seeing the different components of technology and its accessories. It showed the different parts of a floppy disk and the components that make a digital pen work on a tablet PC.
One of the most interesting things that I have seen on other students' blog is that we all agree how much technology is a part of our lives and how much we depend on it. We also agree on the fact that it's going to be an even bigger part of our lives by the time we are teachers.
Since my last post, I have learned how to use the scholar section of Google search. I think that this will be quite a big help when I am a teacher, as it makes it incredibly easy to find specific articles. I did not know of this option on the Google search until last class, and I have found it to be very useful since that time.
One of the most interesting things that I have seen on other students' blog is that we all agree how much technology is a part of our lives and how much we depend on it. We also agree on the fact that it's going to be an even bigger part of our lives by the time we are teachers.
Since my last post, I have learned how to use the scholar section of Google search. I think that this will be quite a big help when I am a teacher, as it makes it incredibly easy to find specific articles. I did not know of this option on the Google search until last class, and I have found it to be very useful since that time.
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Post #3
Chapter 3 talks about software applications, and more specifically, productivity software, which makes performing daily activities more productive. Some common types of productivity software are word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation graphics. One of the most widely used software applications is word processing applications. These applications allow you to create, edit, and format documents. Millions of people use these applications every day. The most popular word processing application is Microsoft Word.
Spreadsheet software allows you to organize data. Most commonly, spreadsheets organize numerical data. One of the most popular types of spreadsheet software is Microsoft Excel. Database software allows you to create a database, then organize and add to the data, and sort and retrieve data from the database. Presentation graphic software, like Microsoft PowerPoint, allows you to create a presentation. These presentations are most commonly viewed on slides.
Since my last post, I have learned how to use Inspiration to create graphic organizers and outlines. I think that this will be very useful in the class and could be a great tool to create concept maps and other graphic organizers to help my students learn. I really enjoy using this software.
Spreadsheet software allows you to organize data. Most commonly, spreadsheets organize numerical data. One of the most popular types of spreadsheet software is Microsoft Excel. Database software allows you to create a database, then organize and add to the data, and sort and retrieve data from the database. Presentation graphic software, like Microsoft PowerPoint, allows you to create a presentation. These presentations are most commonly viewed on slides.
Since my last post, I have learned how to use Inspiration to create graphic organizers and outlines. I think that this will be very useful in the class and could be a great tool to create concept maps and other graphic organizers to help my students learn. I really enjoy using this software.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Post #2
A computer can connect to the internet in several different ways. Some ways are faster than others, because each way uses different methods of connecting. Dial-up access uses regular telephone lines and it is the slowest. Some high speed alternatives are a cable modem, which uses the same cable line that connects to cable television, and a digital subscriber line (DSL) which can be up to 150 times faster than dial-up. A new emerging way to connect to the internet is based on power line communications (PLC) and uses an electical outlet.
With ever-emerging technology on the internet which includes chat rooms, email, blogs, and networking sites, an internet etiquette (netiquette for short) was formed. Some of the rules include instructins on how to type messages, warnings against using offensive language and capital letters, and some common emoticons.
Since my last post I have learned how to make better tests. We learned to use the hot potatoes software and I can see how it would be helpful to have in my future classroom. With the way technology is advancing, it is nice that we have tools such as hot potatoes to allow us to make and use more technologically advanced curriculum. Since this class, I have increased my knowledge of test making and I have learned to use some new software to aid in this.
With ever-emerging technology on the internet which includes chat rooms, email, blogs, and networking sites, an internet etiquette (netiquette for short) was formed. Some of the rules include instructins on how to type messages, warnings against using offensive language and capital letters, and some common emoticons.
Since my last post I have learned how to make better tests. We learned to use the hot potatoes software and I can see how it would be helpful to have in my future classroom. With the way technology is advancing, it is nice that we have tools such as hot potatoes to allow us to make and use more technologically advanced curriculum. Since this class, I have increased my knowledge of test making and I have learned to use some new software to aid in this.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Post #1
In my section of chapter one, I learned how networks connect computers and other devices so that information, software, and hardware can be shared. A local area network (LAN) connects a small geographical area and a wide area network (WAN) connects larger areas. The internet is the largest network. It connects the entire world! Networks are a huge help in education. An LAN can connect computers in the same classroom so they can all use the same printer. The networked computers could also access the same software and data, which is very helpful in the classroom setting. Education also depends highly on the internet for communication between students, teachers, and parents, and also for the accessing of information.
Personally, I can see how networks are going to benefit my future classroom. It is amazing that I will be able to post grades so that students and parents can see them at anytime. I feel that being networked to the families of the students in my class through the internet is going to be a major advantage. Email makes it very easy for parents to contact teachers and for teachers to post assignments and other information for students to access. The advances in the internet in recent times make me excited to see what amazing things I will be able to use it for when I am a teacher. It really does conncet people and make all aspects of life easier.
Since my last post, I have learned more about Microsoft Word. I thought that I knew pretty much everything there was to know about Word, becuase I have used it for so long, but through our first assignment, I was able to learn even more cool things that you can do through Word, and I also learned how to do some things in an easier way than how I was doing it. This will help my teaching career because a lot of things that I will type up for my class (such as tests and assignments) will be done through Word. Gaining these new skills will help me to be more effective using this program.
Personally, I can see how networks are going to benefit my future classroom. It is amazing that I will be able to post grades so that students and parents can see them at anytime. I feel that being networked to the families of the students in my class through the internet is going to be a major advantage. Email makes it very easy for parents to contact teachers and for teachers to post assignments and other information for students to access. The advances in the internet in recent times make me excited to see what amazing things I will be able to use it for when I am a teacher. It really does conncet people and make all aspects of life easier.
Since my last post, I have learned more about Microsoft Word. I thought that I knew pretty much everything there was to know about Word, becuase I have used it for so long, but through our first assignment, I was able to learn even more cool things that you can do through Word, and I also learned how to do some things in an easier way than how I was doing it. This will help my teaching career because a lot of things that I will type up for my class (such as tests and assignments) will be done through Word. Gaining these new skills will help me to be more effective using this program.
Post #0
It never ceases to amaze me how dependent we are on technology. I love technology and how much it helps us in our everyday life, but being so dependent on it can really mess things up too. For instance, we all know how frustrating it has been to have technology fail on us during our first two class meetings. As much as it helps us, it can also be a very big frustration. My prior experience with technology has been mostly positive, and the advances in technology continue to make my life easier and more enjoyable. I love that I can keep in contact with friends so easily through email and facebook, and I love having tools such as blackboard to communicate with students and instructors from my classes. However, my laptop is having some issues and there was a week or so when my wireless internet was on the fritz and it drives me crazy, so as great as technology can be, I have also experienced the downside.
In this class, I hope to learn how to use technology to benefit my students. I know that technology can add so much to education, and the age we live in demands it. Even in just these past few years technology has advanced so quickly. New technology comes out what feels like daily. I can hardly imagine what advances we will have made by the time I am a teacher. I sometimes wonder how long it will be before everything we do is digital. Hopefully, this class will help me keep up with the changing times and show me how to use technology to the advantage of my students. I hope that I can learn how to use technology to make my classroom fun and make learning enjoyable for my students. Honestly, I am also very happy that this class fulfills the computer literacy requirement, because that means I can get that out of the way while taking this pre-req for my elementary education major.
My results from the learning styles quiz stated that I am an active learner, which means that I remember things better after having done something with it, like trying out a concept or explaining it to others. I also found out that I am a sensor, which means that I like learning facts and solving problems with well-established methods. I am also a visual learner, and I prefer to see pictures, diagrams, charts, and demonstrations rather than hearing about a subject. I am a sequential learner, which means that I understand things better when they are presented in linear stps and I follow logical steps to find solutions.
In this class, I hope to learn how to use technology to benefit my students. I know that technology can add so much to education, and the age we live in demands it. Even in just these past few years technology has advanced so quickly. New technology comes out what feels like daily. I can hardly imagine what advances we will have made by the time I am a teacher. I sometimes wonder how long it will be before everything we do is digital. Hopefully, this class will help me keep up with the changing times and show me how to use technology to the advantage of my students. I hope that I can learn how to use technology to make my classroom fun and make learning enjoyable for my students. Honestly, I am also very happy that this class fulfills the computer literacy requirement, because that means I can get that out of the way while taking this pre-req for my elementary education major.
My results from the learning styles quiz stated that I am an active learner, which means that I remember things better after having done something with it, like trying out a concept or explaining it to others. I also found out that I am a sensor, which means that I like learning facts and solving problems with well-established methods. I am also a visual learner, and I prefer to see pictures, diagrams, charts, and demonstrations rather than hearing about a subject. I am a sequential learner, which means that I understand things better when they are presented in linear stps and I follow logical steps to find solutions.
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