https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AoFcS-yLW66edDM4dWoyQ004WHh0WGtnVnB4Ylo0cXc&hl=en
So I have not had more fun with a program! These spreadsheets are not only fun to create, but I think the students will gain a lot more practice with these quizlets. I think the combination of game-like atmosphere and academic features will allow the students to semi-forget that they are "learning" and "learning vocabulary", in this certain situation. The above link is to a quizlet I created for 9th graders learning vocabulary. They can go into the quiz and plug in the answers for direct feedback. I found myself playing around with different features, including color, font, size, graphics, and more. I am also inclined to try to investigate new formulas to help me create new features. I think every teacher needs to have adequate knowledge of spreadsheets because they are so useful in the classroom. For example, I already have at least 10 different ways that I will consider using them in my classroom: Here are some below:
-gradekeeping
-inventory of classroom resources/books/accessories
-creation of quizzes
-practicing vocabulary
-classroom group activities/games-putting a large scale quiz on a smart board, for example, and breaking the class into teams to try to collaborate answers and work together for points.
-any type of independent practice with immediate feedback
-for technologically inclined or special needs students who are more comfortable working on computers
-shy or delayed students who can work at their own pace without embarrassment or fear from peer pressure to get answers right in class.
-personalized teacher files that need organization
-keeping records to be pulled up for immediate reference
**** AND SO MUCH MORE
This was my most favorite aspect of this technology class thus far, and I look forward to working more with spreadsheets in the future!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Web Mapping/Design
diagram can also be viewed at:
https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B4FcS-yLW66eMjE3YzlkOGMtNTljNC00Mjc3LTkyNmEtMTU3N2IyMzY5M2Y5&hl=en
Today, I completed my first diagram using the Mac Inspiration tool. Although this first attempt did take me longer than expected, I mostly attribute that to trial and error mistakes when trying to figure out different features. Above is an example of a diagram that could be used in any English class. This one in particular can be used with English 1 students as they begin to learn and perfect the structure and development of the "five paragraph essay." I tried to break the three categories down into "Intro, Body, and Conclusion" so that the students could clearly identify which information was needed in each paragraph. In addition to trying to create a clear and concise diagram on essay writing, the information given is in direct alignment with the Tennessee State Standards and the NETS*S standards as well. Through this process I was able to reflect on the following things:
1) Inspiration allows the user to place specific graphics exactly where needed with an amazing feature known as "notes" which attach to the sub-categories in order to give further information. I loved using this feature because it allows me to clarify things and gives the students a little extra reminder of what is needed
2) This program is developed to be user-friendly. I did not have to search for hours for different features. I guess the only problem one might have at first is trying to decide, "which feature" works best. There are so many options to use ranging from clip art options, shapes, buttons, animations, hyperlinks, headers, footers, font changes and formatting, etc.
3) Finally, my favorite part about using this program is that I think students could really enjoy creating things on it. I don't think this feature is efficient just for teachers but rather could be used by students who are creative, visually oriented, or technologically motivated. This kind of technology is able to incorporate a game-like atmosphere with the essential curriculum standards that school requires.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Kajour website
After watching a Kajour website preview posted to blackboard by one of my local professors (who has a membership with the site), I found an increased interest in this type of software. In addition, I am wondering what other people who have used this website think, and if used in the classroom what is its practicality. Below is the website link:
http://kajour.knowledgeathletes.com/
As far as my understanding goes, Kajour is a Web 2.0 collaborative communications platform for K-12 schools.
Website definition:
"Kajour is a Web 2.0 educational website and 21st-century learning engagement platform that provides teachers and students with an online extension to the classroom™. Kajour combines the worlds of instructional content and learning management systems with popular online social media applications like blogging, wikis, forums, chat, podcasting, groups, messaging, and microblogging."
It seems like this type of site can really be beneficial to teachers and students. Again, I think a lot of pre-planning and organization will have to come from the teacher, but I think it seemed really interesting. I especially liked the way you can add different hyperlinks, videos, chatrooms, assignment sheets, etc. Technology is the wave of the future, and hopefully more teachers will take the extra time to try to incorporate more into the classroom. I think some teachers are terrified of learning about this new technology because they may feel its to hard to understand or they won't have time for it in their classroom, both of which may be true. However, lots of these features, especially on Kajour seem very simple to use and manipulate. In my opinion, technology just may just be the connecting point between "traditional stereotypes of teaching methods and LEARNING AS FUN AND SECOND NATURE". I hope I can be a new-wave teacher in the sense that I don't feel scared or inadequate to try these new things in the classroom. Although it may take a while for me, as a new teacher, to feel comfortable swaying from the normal expectations of traditional teaching methods, my hope is that over time I can learn to incorporate these things. I THINK THERE IS HOPE FOR NEW METHODS...
So what do you guys think about Kajour? Have any of you teachers used it within the classroom? What works and what doesn't? Is it worth becoming a member of? I am very interested in learning as much as I can about this website, and all your comments will be very appreciated
http://kajour.knowledgeathletes.com/
As far as my understanding goes, Kajour is a Web 2.0 collaborative communications platform for K-12 schools.
Website definition:
"Kajour is a Web 2.0 educational website and 21st-century learning engagement platform that provides teachers and students with an online extension to the classroom™. Kajour combines the worlds of instructional content and learning management systems with popular online social media applications like blogging, wikis, forums, chat, podcasting, groups, messaging, and microblogging."
It seems like this type of site can really be beneficial to teachers and students. Again, I think a lot of pre-planning and organization will have to come from the teacher, but I think it seemed really interesting. I especially liked the way you can add different hyperlinks, videos, chatrooms, assignment sheets, etc. Technology is the wave of the future, and hopefully more teachers will take the extra time to try to incorporate more into the classroom. I think some teachers are terrified of learning about this new technology because they may feel its to hard to understand or they won't have time for it in their classroom, both of which may be true. However, lots of these features, especially on Kajour seem very simple to use and manipulate. In my opinion, technology just may just be the connecting point between "traditional stereotypes of teaching methods and LEARNING AS FUN AND SECOND NATURE". I hope I can be a new-wave teacher in the sense that I don't feel scared or inadequate to try these new things in the classroom. Although it may take a while for me, as a new teacher, to feel comfortable swaying from the normal expectations of traditional teaching methods, my hope is that over time I can learn to incorporate these things. I THINK THERE IS HOPE FOR NEW METHODS...
So what do you guys think about Kajour? Have any of you teachers used it within the classroom? What works and what doesn't? Is it worth becoming a member of? I am very interested in learning as much as I can about this website, and all your comments will be very appreciated
Electronic Reading Workshop
So recently I've become fascinated with reading workshop. I think its a great way to get kids excited about reading in general. So while reading different articles about RW, I came across something even more fascinating called "Electronic Reading Workshop". The article is called, "ERW: Beyond books with new literacies and instructional technologies" by Lotta Larson. This article can be found in the journal of adult and adolescent adult literacy in the October 2008 edition.
First, I want to explain what reading workshop is in general. The following components are stated below:
Literature selection-students read designated novel
Literature response journals-students respond to journal entry prompts about novel
Literature conversations-students get into small groups to discuss key points, etc of novel
Project response options-students use different forms of creative methods to extend their reading experience(posters, drama, art, etc)
Second, I want to give a definition for Electronic Reading Workshop so you can measure the differences :It does have the same components with technology included as follows:
Literature selection: in the form of e-books, online reading materials, hypertexts
Literature response journals: in the form of blogs,
Literature conversations: wiki, discussion board, chat rooms
Project response options: use of internet, multi-media,
In terms of ERW, I think its a fantastic idea for the classroom. I think it will require a lot more teacher planning and organization, but it seems to be something that could be very effective, especially for this upcoming generation of kids immersed in this type of technology from infancy. Although the article that I read about ERW did mention that time was an issue in the classroom, I think that with adequate time management and pre-planning, it could work. I like the idea that many different types of multi-media and creativity can be used. I think its important for students not to feel like every second of the day in school feels like "work". Learning should be something fun and interesting, and technology could be a great stimulus for changing the way students view school and education. I can remember going through middle and high school feeling like every day was just another mandatory day of long hours, boring material, and "something to get through". I want my future classroom to be a space where kids are not only eager to get into, but are excited about what kinds of new and interesting things that I can incorporate into their learning curriculum.
First, I want to explain what reading workshop is in general. The following components are stated below:
Literature selection-students read designated novel
Literature response journals-students respond to journal entry prompts about novel
Literature conversations-students get into small groups to discuss key points, etc of novel
Project response options-students use different forms of creative methods to extend their reading experience(posters, drama, art, etc)
Second, I want to give a definition for Electronic Reading Workshop so you can measure the differences :It does have the same components with technology included as follows:
Literature selection: in the form of e-books, online reading materials, hypertexts
Literature response journals: in the form of blogs,
Literature conversations: wiki, discussion board, chat rooms
Project response options: use of internet, multi-media,
In terms of ERW, I think its a fantastic idea for the classroom. I think it will require a lot more teacher planning and organization, but it seems to be something that could be very effective, especially for this upcoming generation of kids immersed in this type of technology from infancy. Although the article that I read about ERW did mention that time was an issue in the classroom, I think that with adequate time management and pre-planning, it could work. I like the idea that many different types of multi-media and creativity can be used. I think its important for students not to feel like every second of the day in school feels like "work". Learning should be something fun and interesting, and technology could be a great stimulus for changing the way students view school and education. I can remember going through middle and high school feeling like every day was just another mandatory day of long hours, boring material, and "something to get through". I want my future classroom to be a space where kids are not only eager to get into, but are excited about what kinds of new and interesting things that I can incorporate into their learning curriculum.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Digital Imaging
So after today's lesson on digital imaging I have a new found happiness associated with Photoshops Elements program. I had no idea that powerpoints/pictures/etc could be embedded in this way. Now, my only obstacle is transferring over to Mac mentality. Its so hard to stop thinking in PC terms. However, I do still have a valid appreciation for the PC. Although almost seen as an older version of the future, the PC can do most things that the MAC is capable of. Ok Ok, maybe not all the things a Mac can do, but they can still get the job done, not to mention are way cheaper that the goddess known as "Apple Mac". So now that I know the fundamentals of digital imaging, I think that they can be used in a variety of ways in the classroom. For example, with English literature for example, digital imaging can be useful when trying to create maintainable images, whether they be from novels, author biographical websites, etc. The feature that I really enjoyed the best was the resizing tool. With this tool, pictures can be re-sized to fit into any presentation or email. In the past, I can remember trying to send pictures through email messages and receiving a note saying, "picture too large". Now that I understand how to re-size, what all the options are, and the effects I can use, I no longer fear the email or the presentation where I need to incorporate images. I especially liked when Mrs. Kelly(our tech teacher) showed us how these new pictures can be easily tagged and retrievable in a search. With Picasa and Photoshop Elements, I think a whole new world has opened up for me. Its almost like a fun and easy game to figure out all the benefits that these programs offer, and I think I've finally decided that I'm not at all a Mac hater...and I'm sure one day I'll convert from my current PC....GO MAC!
PS...anyone seen those Mac/PC commericals with the two guys: one guy is the cool Mac and the other the nerdy PC...I used to hate those...but now I understand its relevance and will laugh when one pops up again on the tube...oh PC..you are a nerd! LOL
PS...anyone seen those Mac/PC commericals with the two guys: one guy is the cool Mac and the other the nerdy PC...I used to hate those...but now I understand its relevance and will laugh when one pops up again on the tube...oh PC..you are a nerd! LOL
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