BLOGGING ABOUT TECHNOLOGY AND EDUCATION: Chapter 1: "
I agree wholeheartedly, the issue of decreased funding for technology and education overall has really been difficult this year. My district (Birmingham City) is feeling the pinch of the recession as well. This is the first year in my twelve years of teaching that we have not even received pupil supply funds. I would use the two allocations of $250 each for basic supplies and classroom materials. Also, we are hoping to get new computers next year and software. Teachers are to expecting their own computer as well. As educators, we continue to encourage and motivate our students to continue to strive for academic excellence. Currently, we're using what we have and trying not to focus on what we don't have. My students just completed an assignment in which they had to create a brochure using Microsoft Publisher. They were assigned a short story from the Elements of Literature text and were required to use the elements of a short story as their headings. They loved being exposed to technology.
Friday, November 19, 2010
BLOGGING ABOUT TECHNOLOGY AND EDUCATION: Examples of Different Types of Software
BLOGGING ABOUT TECHNOLOGY AND EDUCATION: Examples of Different Types of Software: "
I was very excited to learn about Pete's Powerpoint Station. Thanks Valerie! I teach 8th Grade English/Language Arts and I can certainly use this tutorial in my classroom. I particularly am thrilled to learn about the writing tutorials. I noticed that this site has tutorials in the four modes of writing as well as creative writing and the writing process. This site will help me prepare to teach those topics and fulfill those objectives on the Alabama Course of Study. Students will find these presentations interesting and easy to follow.
mldteach
I was very excited to learn about Pete's Powerpoint Station. Thanks Valerie! I teach 8th Grade English/Language Arts and I can certainly use this tutorial in my classroom. I particularly am thrilled to learn about the writing tutorials. I noticed that this site has tutorials in the four modes of writing as well as creative writing and the writing process. This site will help me prepare to teach those topics and fulfill those objectives on the Alabama Course of Study. Students will find these presentations interesting and easy to follow.
mldteach
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Week 4-Two examples of multimedia from chapter 6
Multimedia example #1-I really like Clifford's Interactive Storybook site at http://teacher.scholastic.com/clifford1/. Scholastic Story Starters is an ideal computer lab activity because it can be easily modified to fit a short amount of time or a longer period of time. It is highly engaging for students, and sharpens essential student writing skills. With younger grade levels, teachers can work collaboratively as a class. The teacher will ask such details as: How does the main character look and act? What happens in the beginning, middle, and end of this story? What words or phrases describe where the story takes place? Teachers can start a new story starter each day, make copies and distribute or ask students to record the starter in their notebooks. Have students free write for 10 minutes using the prompt as a starting point. Students may volunteer to share their writing with the class.
Multimedia example #2-The second example of multimedia from chapter 6 is StoryPlace: Children's Digital Library at http://www.storyplace.org/ StoryPlace, an interactive web site was designed to provide children with the virtual experience of going to the library and participating in the same types of activities the library offers. StoryBook consists of two libraries, the Preschool Library and Elementary Library. Under the Preschool Library selection are: Online Story, Online Activity, Take Home Activity, and Reading List. Both libraries are offered in Enlish and Spanish. This is an excellent tool for our ESL students. I would allow students to work in groups on the Online Activity, then review with them the skills that they learned in preparation for assessments.
Multimedia example #2-The second example of multimedia from chapter 6 is StoryPlace: Children's Digital Library at http://www.storyplace.org/ StoryPlace, an interactive web site was designed to provide children with the virtual experience of going to the library and participating in the same types of activities the library offers. StoryBook consists of two libraries, the Preschool Library and Elementary Library. Under the Preschool Library selection are: Online Story, Online Activity, Take Home Activity, and Reading List. Both libraries are offered in Enlish and Spanish. This is an excellent tool for our ESL students. I would allow students to work in groups on the Online Activity, then review with them the skills that they learned in preparation for assessments.
Week 3-Examples of Different Types of Software
Examples of Different Types of Software
Drill and practice:
Earobics-Helping Readers Reach is one example of a tutorial type of software. The site is http://www.earobics.com/. Through the use of interactive instruction, students can develop skills, engage with lively instructional characters, and advance as they are ready to advance. all instruction is supported by a blend of multimedia materials and student-guided activities that extend the computer experience in the classroom.
Tutorial:
Congress for Kids at http://www.congressforkids.net/ is a tutorial site. The site teaches children about the American Government. The home page gives the option of clicking on Independence, Constitution, Legislative Branch, Executive Branch, Judicial Branch, Elections, and Citizenship. There are quizzes and activities to teach each of the topics.
Simulations:
Stagecast is an example of simulation software for students. In the classroom, this software can be used to give students the power to create lively interactive simulations for math, reading, science and more. This software can be used for any subject, for any grade level, by both boys and girls, and by students with a wide variety of learning styles. Children learn by building things. The site is located at http://www.stagecast.com/school.html. One feature that I would definitely use in the classroom is the Educational Game-making tool. Stagecast Creator teaches students how to make their own computer games.
Instructional Games:
Zoodles is a free online education service that makes learning fun for kindergarteners. The site is located at http://www.zoodles.com/. Zoodles brings together the most engaging educational content on the web and adapts it to the skills and interests of kindergarten children. Zoodle cintains engaging playful activities-like puzzles, games and videos. I will be able to use this site as a Librarian to assist kindergarten children in learning new skills.
Problem Solving:
The Geometer's Sketchpad at http://www.dynamicgeometry.com/ is a problem solving site for students of mathematics. This site can be used in classrooms at all levels of the mathematics curriculum. This site gathers information about fieldtested classroom activities (including teacher notes, student worksheets, and/or Sketchpad documents), all ready for immediate classroom use.
Integrated Learning Systems:
The CompassLearning Odyssey Manager is one example of an integrated learning system. The website is located at http://www.compasslearning.com/. The site focuses on several subjects including reading, language arts, social studies, and math. In the area of Primary Reading/Language Arts the site is designed to support each student's learning style and level of achievment. Odyssey is a program developed for work on high-frequency words, study skills, fluency, vocabulary, letter recognition, writing conventions, sounds, and reading comprehension. Odyssey can be used to teach writing with its engaging writing tools. The tool can help students develop their imaginations as well as their technical skills.
Week 5-Favorite Web 2.0 Sites and Reasons for Recommendations
One of my favorite Web 2.0 sites is The Educational Podcast Network. This site can be used in the classroom by allowing students to make audio recordings delivering his or her book talk. A book talk is a brief overview of a book designed to raise the interest of potential readers. The student will either be assigned a book or be allowed to self select. Teacher will model a book talk first so that students will know exactly how to respond to the given task. I strongly recommend this site for the auditory learner and for ESL students as well. Students have to listen after the activity is completed and this could assist with pronunciation as well as overall knowledge of the topic.
The second Web 2.0 site that I consider outstanding is Prezi.com. Prezi can be used in the classroom in a variety of ways. One way is to allow students to create a Prezi about the author of the short story that they just read. Students could also use this tool to create a Prezi in which they highlight elements of a short story. I can also see how students could use this tool for an introduction about themselves at the beginning of the school year. Actually, Prezi can be used for any topic or assignment that requires students to make presentations. I recommend this site because students will have another presentation tool to use in addition to creating powerpoints. Also, the prezi is easy to learn once you learn the functions of the tools.
The second Web 2.0 site that I consider outstanding is Prezi.com. Prezi can be used in the classroom in a variety of ways. One way is to allow students to create a Prezi about the author of the short story that they just read. Students could also use this tool to create a Prezi in which they highlight elements of a short story. I can also see how students could use this tool for an introduction about themselves at the beginning of the school year. Actually, Prezi can be used for any topic or assignment that requires students to make presentations. I recommend this site because students will have another presentation tool to use in addition to creating powerpoints. Also, the prezi is easy to learn once you learn the functions of the tools.
Week 2-Chapter 1 ED 505
After having read Chapter 1, I have identified three issues that are shaping the role of technology in education. The issues are: the Digital Divide, the Role of distance education, and Information Literacy.
1. The Digital Divide- The chapter clearly states that the digital divide "refers to a discrepancy in access to technology resources among socioeconomic groups." The digital divide does exist however, I have observed areas in which efforts have been made to bridge the digital divide. In our local school system, thanks in part to the Birmingham City Council, students at several elementary schools have been allowed to use laptops in the classroom. The students are actually assigned a laptop that they can take home to complete homework assignments and conduct research. Teachers have received to training to integrate the use of the technology into the curriculum
2. The Role of distance education-Distance education can provide students with a second chance at a college education, reach those disadvantaged by limited time, distance or physical disability. Distance education can also serve to update the knowledge base of workers at their place of employment. I personally am enjoying my current distance education program. The methods of instruction and technologies are excellent. I also am learning from student-to-student interaction and teacher-to-student feedback.
3. Information Literacy- Information literacy is so critically important because we are surrounded by a global society of information in all formats. Students must continue to learn how to search, locate, evaluate, and share information. Information literacy skills are used for academic purposes, such as research papers and group presentations. As future library media specialists we will help teach students these needed information literacy skills.
1. The Digital Divide- The chapter clearly states that the digital divide "refers to a discrepancy in access to technology resources among socioeconomic groups." The digital divide does exist however, I have observed areas in which efforts have been made to bridge the digital divide. In our local school system, thanks in part to the Birmingham City Council, students at several elementary schools have been allowed to use laptops in the classroom. The students are actually assigned a laptop that they can take home to complete homework assignments and conduct research. Teachers have received to training to integrate the use of the technology into the curriculum
2. The Role of distance education-Distance education can provide students with a second chance at a college education, reach those disadvantaged by limited time, distance or physical disability. Distance education can also serve to update the knowledge base of workers at their place of employment. I personally am enjoying my current distance education program. The methods of instruction and technologies are excellent. I also am learning from student-to-student interaction and teacher-to-student feedback.
3. Information Literacy- Information literacy is so critically important because we are surrounded by a global society of information in all formats. Students must continue to learn how to search, locate, evaluate, and share information. Information literacy skills are used for academic purposes, such as research papers and group presentations. As future library media specialists we will help teach students these needed information literacy skills.
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