Gayla

New and Emerging Technology Reflection

2010-04-25T17:51:00.000-07:00

As this course and my journey to complete my master’s degree come to an end I have learned so much more than I could have ever imagined. This course has brought about an eagerness to change the way I teach students. This course alone has taught me how to create and implement technology into my lessons easily. It is my hope that my students will enjoy learning and continue to do so as they continue their education.

Educators should promote technology to build student interest and keep them engaged in learning and therefore build their knowledge by using technology tools that further their education. Using technology and all the wonderful resources that can be utilized helps students become aware of all the different tools they can use create artifacts and also help them in the working world. This course facilitates the belief that technology is a great source to differentiate lessons for all unique learners, connecting with students and encourage the use of technology in the classroom. Encouraging students to be successful through the use of technology helps adjust or modify lessons to fit the needs of all learners. Making modifications to lessons will assist students overall learning.

I have learned many different types of technology uses and how to take teaching to a whole new level of excitement. It is my hope the I can continue to encourage my co teachers and colleagues to take baby steps and begin implementing technology into their lesson. I hope they will rely on me for support and realize that it is our job to prepare our students for their future.

application 4 Online Learning to Support 21st Century Learning

2010-03-28T17:31:00.000-07:00

I hope you enjoy my voicethread

http://voicethread.com/share/1026205/

Reaching and Engaging All Learners through Technology

2010-02-28T21:01:00.000-08:00

Over the past eight weeks, I have had the opportunity to learn about Differentiated instruction and Universal Design for Learning and the difference between them. Both strategies allow educators to give students the opportunity to learn in ways that are best suited to them. Our students come from diverse backgrounds, and with many different needs. Offering lessons in a variety of ways using DI and UDL our students can be successful in the classroom and in the working world.
My first step is to create a survey to learn my student’s interest and learning styles in order to really understand my students better. After this is done I can begin planning lessons based on their responses. Using VoiceThread, Blogs, Wikis, smart-board and many other resources that appeal to students will make learning fun and enjoyable.

Another thing that I appreciated in this class was my Ning group. It was a great place to discuss learning strategies as well as receive great resources that will help me as I further my teaching career. The sources are one that are useful and can be used immediately in the classroom. I feel more comfortable using DI after completing this course and I know my students will be able to learn using methods that are suitable for them. I certainly plan to use them to help me when I plan lessons and activities for my students and share with colleagues at my school.

Technology and Universal Design for Learning

2010-02-01T19:56:00.000-08:00

Week 4 application for EDCU 6714.

Follow this link to view my PowerPoint presentation.

http://www.scribd.com/share/upload/21944202/8qbht31vk0cq3qw9hba

EDUC 6713 Week 8-Final Blog Post Reflection

2009-12-27T17:49:00.000-08:00

As I reflect back on this course, I have learned a lot from using the GAME plan. Using the GAME plan I have discovered that I need to plan with my colleagues in order to improve my teaching methods. I learned how to use several technology tools during this course. I learned how to podcast, and use Microsoft Photo story3.

Using the GAME plan has made me realize not everything will go as anticipated. I will still pursue creating a blog on our school website after the holidays are over and we go back to school. I have not received any indication that I will not be able to complete that goal. I feel that having a blog linked to the school website will encourage students and parents to communicate about upcoming events or important dates. I look forward to putting the blog in place before the school year ends.

To increase my use of technology into the classroom I plan to collaborate with my colleagues more and help them plan online social collaboration activities for our students as well as problem-based learning activities. To keep up with the ever changing technology I will continue to attend professional training courses and bring back what I learn and implement those ideas or tools into my lessons. My goal is for my students to be creative thinkers who are confident, motivated, persistent, open-minded, as well as flexible (Laureate Education Inc., 2009). Overall, this course has been very eye opening experience that I have learned a lot from. I have a much better understanding of what it means to be a self-directed learner.

Cennamo,K., Ross, J. & Ertmer,P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. Belmont,CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.

Week 7 Update: Using the GAME plan with Students

2009-12-19T18:43:00.000-08:00

After evaluating my GAME plan (Cennamo, Ertmer & Ross, 2010), over the past several weeks I have a better understanding of the NET-S. These standards are important not only for teacher’s but also for our students. It is important for our students to see the value in creating a GAME plan and be able to set reasonable goals, make progress or take action, monitor their work and then evaluate the outcome.
To introduce the NET-S into the classroom I would like to create a Power Point presentation with the standards in student friendly terms so they will understand them better. As a whole class we will set two goals for everyone with a plan for them to set another goal for themselves. They will be required to contribute to our class blog to indicate what their GAME plan is and to see how they are progressing towards the goals they have set. I will check to see how they are coming along and help them make adjustments as needed.
At the end of the nine week grading period the students will reflect on their GAME plan to share their accomplishments or failures and what their plans are for future projects and assignments.

National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers (2008). ISTE. http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_for_Teachers_2008.htm, access December 19, 2009

Week 6: GAME Plan

2009-12-11T06:28:00.000-08:00

Over the past few weeks I have been working on my GAME plan. GAME plan is a self directed learning approach created by Cennamo, Ertmer, and Ross (2009). My GAME plan consists of two goals that I have been working towards. The first goal was to create a blog on my schools website and the second was to teach my students how to successfully use technology that relate to real world experiences.

I have spent several hours working to accomplish my goals. This experience has helped me see the need to be proficient in technology. When I first started this program through Walden I was intimidated the first time the assignment was to create a blog. I soon overcame my fears and realized I needed to embrace technology in order to be able to teach students in the best possible way and help them be successful when they enter the working world.

My greatest challenge has been finding time to meet with the technology department to get approval to continue with my blog. I will continue pursuing this goal until it is either completed or I am told I can't because of district policies. I do believe that after the holidays I will see progress in this goal.

My second goal has been somewhat successful because I have been able to plan with fellow colleagues to integrate real-world activities into the curriculum. However, doing so can be very overwhelming and time consuming.

To further improve my proficiency in technology I will continue to collaborate with my colleagues and share what I learn as I continue my journey of education.

Cennamo,K., Ross, J. & Ertmer,P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. Belmont,CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.

Week 5 Blog: Evaluating my GAME plan progress

2009-12-07T19:17:00.000-08:00

I have attempted to work on my GAME plan over the last week, but I haven’t been very successful. I was on track until this past week when other deadlines seemed to take priority. As Cennamo, Ertmer and Ross state, in order to be effective at achieving a desired learning goal, self-directed learners must first establish a GAME plan. The first was to set a goal, take actions, monitor and finally evaluate how effective the actions have been towards meeting the goals (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009).

My first goal was to set up a blog on our school web site as a communication tool for students and parents. I am still planning to do this as long as it doesn’t get stopped by the district. So, far I do not see that happening.
The second goal was to follow NETS.T, http://www.iste.org standard 3b. Collaborate with students, peers, parents, and community member using digital tools and resource to support student success and innovation. I have been more successful in this area because it is something I am more familiar with. I have been teaching my students how to use voice thread. During reading students had to write a different ending to a story, so I had them write it and draw pictures of the characters and setting. When they were finished they were able to record the ending and post their pictures. Each student was given feedback by me or their regular classroom teacher. They were also encouraged to share with their parents and ask them for comments as well. They have been motivated to want to write more, which is encouraging since they don’t typically like to write.

I have learned that things don’t always go as planned and I need to continue to try and not give up on my goals. I have been collaborating with my colleagues about my GAME plan and it is encouraging to know they are willing to help me accomplish my goals.

I still need to learn how to set up a blog on the school website, but it is more a lack of me not following through with the plan than it is the district stopping me at this point.
At this time I will continue to work towards my plan and adjust it as necessary.

Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.

National Education Standards for Teachers (NETS-T) located at http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_T_Standards

Monitoring My GAME Plan Progress

2009-12-01T19:43:00.000-08:00

To continue to improve my GAME plan this week I have found that I need more information in order to accomplish my action plan. GAME plan is an idea from Cennamo, Ross and Ertmer’s text book, Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use (2009). The idea behind GAME plan is to set a goal, take action towards that goal, monitor, and then evaluate the goal you have chosen.

One of my goals was to set up a blog on our school website. Following NETS.T, http://www.iste.org standard 1b,engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources. I am in the process of checking with my technology department to see what the district’s policy is on having a classroom blog and if the parents of the students will have to sign permission to utilize the blog. I am still waiting to meet with a technology coach to get clarification and suggestion to accomplish this task.

The second goal comes from NETS.T standard 3b.Collaborate with students, peers, parents, and community members using digital tools and resources to support student success and innovation. I am working towards teaching my students to have a better understanding of technology and be able to use it correctly and effectively. I am currently waiting to receive the interwrite along with the new model classroom. I was given an update a few days ago about it. There is a possibility that all of the equipment will be installed over or Christmas break coming up soon. So it is doubtful that I will be able to share my experience with using it before this class ends. However, I will try to keep everyone informed on my progress through this blog.

Some questions have come up as I have been working on this plan. How much will I have to teach them about using a blog or the new interwrite? Will they be able to teach me? How strict do the guidelines need to be? As Cennamo, Ross & Ertmer (2009) states, when working in technology-enriched learning environments, students will benefit from having guidelines that indicate what they should accomplish during the lesson, what they are expected to have beforehand, and what they should do after their computer time is over. I will have to find what works for my students and adjust the guidelines as necessary.

So far I have learned that things don’t always go as planned or as easy as I thought they might have been. This time of year is especially busy at school and with family, so I haven’t been able to dedicate as much time towards my action plan as I would have liked.

References
Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2010). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.

ISTE International Society for Technology in Education. (2008). NETS-T. Retrieved November 29, 2009, from Http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/FroTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_T__Standards_Final.pdf

Continuing my GAME Plan

2009-11-18T19:09:00.000-08:00

This week I have been asked to give a description of the resources and information that I need to carry out my action plan.To continue my GAME plan, I still need to do more research on how to get a blog started on our school website. After collaborating with a technology coach, it was suggested that I use Shutterfly, which has a component that serves the same service as blogging, and glogster. Both of which I know very little about. So, that is my next step that I will be taking. I plan to meet with the coach within the next few days.

The other goal that I have been working on is for my students to have a better understanding of technology and be able to use it correctly and effectively. I took the step in the right direction this week.

I just learned that I will be getting a new model classroom with a projector, document reader, document camera, surround sound system with microphone for both the teacher and one for student use and in addition to this a DVD/VHS player for classroom use. Up until now I have been using an overhead projector and transparencies. This has put some limits on what I can do. I attended an in-service training last night on how to use all of the components. Some of which I had some knowledge, but some I had no knowledge of. So, in order to teach my students how to operate and use the equipment I needed to be trained. Probably the best part of the whole training, at least for me, was the fact that I will also be getting an Interwrite board because our technology coach received a grant. One of the requirements for getting one is that I will have to attend two training sessions and develop a lesson plan utilizing it in the classroom. I can say that I am very excited about learning how to use the new technology tools that I will be getting by the end of the year or right after our Christmas break. If anyone has any great plans for using the Interwrite, they would greatly appreciated.

Gayla

GAME PLAN

2009-11-12T20:19:00.000-08:00

As I looked over the NETS standards, there are two standards that I want to be able to use in the classroom. The first one is standard 1b. Engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources.

Goal – For my students to have a better understanding of technology and be able to use it correctly and effectively.

Action – I will evaluate my lessons and incorporate real world problems that my students can relate to using their own experiences. Using webquest and virtual field trips are activities I will use to engage my students and to improve the lesson.

Monitoring –I will consider how the process is going and then determine where improvements are needed and decide what needs to change in the plan.

Evaluate – I will look at the ways technology was utilized and develop strategies to improve my lessons. I will ask co-workers for input and advice.

The second area is 3b: collaborate with students, peers, parents, and community members using digital tools and resources to support student success.

Goal – To implement a way to communicate with parents, students and peers, I will utilize a variety of ways to communicate more effectively. I would like to create a class blog, so that parents and students can check to see what has been taught. It can also be used to help parents stay informed on what is happening in the classroom.

Action – I will post a blog onto my school website, so the student’s can access it easily to get information on missed work or upcoming events.

Monitor - I will consider how the process is going and then determine where improvement needs to take place and decide what needs to change in the plan.

Evaluate – In order to check my progress, I need to survey my students, parents and peers to see how effective the blog has been. If it needs to be improvement

References:

Laureate Education, Inc. (2009). "Enriching Content Area Learning Experiences with Technology, Part 1." Baltimore, MD: Laureate Education Inc.

National Education Standards for Teachers (NETS-T) located at http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_T_Standards_Final.pdf.

Gayla

Reflection-- Supporting Information Literacy and Online Inquiry in the Classroom

2009-11-01T18:55:00.000-08:00

As I reflect on Supporting Information Literacy and Online Inquiry 6712, the most striking revelation I had about teaching new literacy skill to my students was the importance of teaching my students how to effectively search for and gather information using the internet. I didn’t realize how many students go to Google and choose the first link available and think that it’s an accurate site and they don’t need to look any further. Up until now I have always just given my students the site I wanted them to get information from so that time would not be wasted during class time. Now I am able to teach them how to find reliable sources the correct way and teach them what the information in the URL’s mean (November, 2008). Not only do students need to know which search engines to use for certain types of searches, but they need to be able to interpret the results of the search (Eagleton & Dobler, 2007). That’s why it is important to teach our student’s 21st century literacy skills so they will be successful throughout their learning.
The knowledge and experience that I gained in this course will help me in my teaching practices because it has given me a stronger base in 21 century skills that will allow me to integrate those skills into projects that I assign my students. Using the QUEST model (Eagleton & Dobler, 2007) will engage my students and support them as they tackle the complexities of reading on the Web. With the internet being one of the most popular and easiest ways to research information it is highly important for them to know how to use it properly so that time is not wasted searching through millions of different sites.
One professional development goal that I would like to pursue that would build upon my learning from this course to develop my information literacy skill is collaborate with my colleagues to help them integrate technology into their lessons. My school district is actively involved in getting teachers highly qualified in technology so that all teachers will know how to integrate technology across the content. I want to be in on the ground floor of this by teaching others how to teach their students the correct way to conduct research using the QUEST model and incorporating technology into classroom projects. In order to do this I will need to work with our technology department and others who have already been implementing technology. I will also need to continue to improve my technology skills. In addition, I will present my colleagues with information that I have learned throughout this course and about literacy skills. I have already been sharing different ideas with my colleagues as this course has progressed, but now that it has come to a close I am excited to show them what I have learned. I am hopeful that they will be as excited about learning new literacy skills and understand the importance of them.

Eagleton, M. B., & Dobler, E. (2007). Reading the Web: Strategies for Internet inquiry. New York: The Guilford Press.
November, A. (2008). Web literacy for educators. Thousands Oaks: Corwin Press.

Evalulating Research Methods EDUC 6653

2009-08-16T20:19:00.000-07:00

Some of the things I have learned from this course while doing educational research has amazed me. I have done some research in previous classes, but never to the extent. I can say I enjoyed doing the research but it was a little overwhelming at times. I thought I was on the right track and finding what I needed and then I would start to second guess what I was looking for.

For this week’s assignment, I have four scenarios to identify the type of research method and a rational for each method.
Scenario 1: Ten students are available for in-depth interviews. Participants will be selected based on their involvement with the peer mediation program. They will be observed over three weeks. Analysis will attempt to determine issues concerning peer mediation.

The method that would be most suitable for this scenario would be qualitative. This type of research consists of interviews and lived experience, which makes is a phenomenology.

Scenario 2: Two classrooms of students are selected. There are 30 students in each class; each group will have similar demographics—age, sex, race, socio-economic background, etc. Classes will be randomly divided into two groups of 15 students. Of these two groups, one randomly selected group will get training on peer mediation and the other group will not. Thus in each classroom there will be one group that is trained in peer mediation and one that is not. Analysis will occur on which groups have the fewest office referrals.

For this scenario, I think the quantitative method would be the best for this scenario. McMilan & Schumacher, 2008, stated that “In an experimental design, the researcher manipulates what the subject will experience.” In this case the classes were divided in two groups of 15 students each. One group received training on peer mediation.

Scenario 3: A school counselor is interested in knowing how student attitudes affect the value of peer mediation to decrease the number of office referrals that are being filed for inappropriate interactions.

The research for this method is done in a natural environment which is quantitative. The other thing that is looked at is the number of referrals which is qualitative. Based on the used of two methods, I believe this scenario fits into the mixed method of research.

Scenario 4: Peer mediation has become widely used in many schools. The feelings of those involved in the process are little known-either from those doing the mediation or those receiving it. The ZASK-R Acceptance Preference Survey will be given as pre- and post-tests to 40 students participating in mediation. Follow-up interviews will be conducted on a bi-monthly basis.

This scenario also fits into the mixed method. The researchers continually look at data on a bi-monthly basis through face to face interviews. The pre and post tests fit into the quantitative design.

When doing educational research it is important to use the best method possible in order to get the valid results. Whether research is conducted with quantitative, qualitative, or mixed, we need to make sure it is done correctly so that our results are not invalid. When doing research we need to make sure it is done in a way that does not harm our students in anyway and that their privacy is kept.

McMillan, J. H., & Schumacher, S. (2008). Research in education: Evidence-based inquiry (Laureate custom edition). Boston: Pearson

EDUC 6653: APP 3: Writing Research Questions

2009-07-19T19:33:00.000-07:00

After further review of my problem statement, I have decided not to change my problem statement, but rather add or modify my questions for doing the literature review. As Dr. Canipe explained in this week’s video, I needed to dissect my problem statement (Laureate Education, Inc., 2008). I was troubled by this at first and after really thinking about it I found that I was able to evaluate each question and make them more researchable. So, with that being said, the questions that I plan to use are as follows:

1. What types of technology will be used in the classroom? (qualitative)
2. What effect does not using a textbook have on teaching a lesson? (qualitative)
3. Does the use of technology help students remember information longer? (quantitative)
4. What teaching strategies are used in the classroom to teach the required standard to ensure student mastery? Technology as a teaching tool or traditional teaching through lecture and note taking? (qualitative)
5. How are standardized test scores affected? (quantitative)

I would appreciate any suggestions or comments to help me with this assignment.

Reference:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008). Program three. Research Questions [Motion picture]. Introduction to educational research. Baltimore: Author.

Problem Statement

2009-07-12T12:13:00.000-07:00

Week 2: Purpose/Problem Statements
EDUC-6653I-2 Introduction to Educational Research
Instructor: Kathryn Arnold

I plan to determine if teachers who use technology as learning tools improves elementary students standardized test scores versus teachers who teach using traditional methods.

Who: elementary students
What: use of technology as learning tools
Why: have higher standardized test scores

Reflection for course 6711

2009-06-28T19:08:00.000-07:00

As I reflect upon this course as it comes to an end, I looked back on the theory I mentioned in application one. I talked about how I believe students learn by using what they have experienced and then use that information to expand their knowledge. I mentioned using graphic organizers, visual aids and hands on activities as a way to help my students make connections to their learning and also to be responsible for their work. I will continue to use visual aids, graphic organizers, and model activities in my classroom. I also plan to use the new technology tools learned from this class.

One thing that I plan to change is, to make better use of Concept maps, and VoiceThreads. I haven’t used either of these as instructional tools in the classroom but, I certainly am excited about getting started. I plan to utilize the new technology tools as learning tools with my students. “Learning tools are what the child can do with technology” (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009).

I have two long-term goals that I plan to incorporate in my classroom. The first is to teach my students how to use Voice Thread. I really like this assignment during this course. I found it to be very easy to use and I’m sure my students will like it too. I loved the idea of my students being able to interact with other students across the globe.
My second goal is to use virtual field trips. When I was exploring all of the virtual field trips that the internet has to offer, I was amazed at was offered. Shortly before this school year was over I explored a virtual field trip with my students. I was so excited about showing them what I had found that I basically just went to the site and explored it with them. So, I can only imagine how much better it will be when I actually plan a VT and the have the students create a concept map from what they have learned. Using virtual field trips is an awesome way to let student experience the world without ever leaving the classroom or having to ask parents for money or worrying about getting permission slips returned.

This course has provided me with so many resources to pack into my learning suitcase that I can not wait to start unpacking when school starts in the August. I am excited about sharing the strategies and technology tools that I have learned about with my colleagues. I don’t want to just share them I want to teach them how to use them effectively in their classrooms.

Reference:
Laureate Education, Inc., (Producer). (2009). Program thirteen. Technology: Instructional Tool vs. Learning Tool. [Motion Picture]. Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction and Technology. Baltimore: Author

Cooperative learning

2009-06-05T11:01:00.000-07:00

This week’s strategies that were discussed were social learning techniques and technology resources. Social learning is the idea that people learn best by being actively engaged. Students learn best by interacting with their peers instead of trying to complete an assignment alone. One strategy that was discussed this week was how to incorporate techniques into the classroom. Group activities require students to be responsible for their learning. It is best to assign each student in the group with a role so that they are responsible for a specific portion and so that everyone in the group participates.
Another strategy I found useful is web quest. Using web quest allows students to interact with students all over the world to create projects. That excites me too! It encourages collaboration and problem solving which will benefit our students as they enter the world after high school. I can only imagine how much my fifth graders will experience by the time they graduate.
Technology has opened so many amazing opportunities to learn from that I cannot imagine how boring life would be without it. I am so excited about all the new technology strategies I have learn this far. I cannot wait to see what’s next.

Voicethread: application 5

2009-06-04T20:33:00.000-07:00

I hope you enjoy my voicethread. I had difficulty with recording so I opted to just type my comments. http://voicethread.com/share/528916/

Constructionist/constructivist

2009-05-28T18:47:00.000-07:00

Through the use of project-based learning and technology, students are following the constructionist/constructivist learning theory. By using technology to create power point presentations, concept maps, and other programs, students are able to have a sense of ownership for their learning. Project learning allows the focus to be moved from the teacher to student centered. The "artifacts" that they create demonstrate the learning process has taken place. Students learn best when they make connections to what they are being taught.

Virtual field trips are one of my favorite new strategies that I am excited about using next year. Students are able to experience many new exciting places and events that they might not otherwise be able to without leaving the classroom. Concept maps, power point, or wikis can be used as tools to help the student make connections.

Note taking and summarizing is another strategy that was explored this week. Note taking focuses on students being able to gather information and turning it into something new. Good note taking is important as elementary students move into middle, high and then into college. Being able to take notes that make sense, because if they are not good auditory learners, they will not be able to recall the information they have heard. However, if they are taught how to take notes at an early age, they will become better learners. Each child learns in his or her own way and they will come to their own conclusions and make decisions based on the knowledge they have built.
Gayla

Cognitivism in Practice

2009-05-21T18:44:00.000-07:00

Common strategies that teachers use are cues, questions, summarizing and note taking. However, using concept maps and graphic organizers lets the students read and see what the lesson is about. The more ways a topic can be presented, the more the students are likely to remember what they have been taught and be able to recall the information. Using advanced organizers can be helpful when teaching a new subject (Pilter, Hubbell, Huhn, & Malenoski,2007). Organizers help students understand information that may be difficult to recall. Summarizing and note taking is another strategy that can be used to help student retain information. Virtual field trips help students make connections that help them remember important details. They are also more interesting then just reading from a book or listening to the teacher lecture. All of these strategies fit the cognitive learning theory.
I am excited about using more concepts maps next school year, rather than just using graphic organizers without guided questions. I am also excited about using virtual field trips, which I have never used, to help my students explore more interesting topics, outside of what is in our text books.
During this last week of school, my team teacher and I took our students to our school computer lab and I was able to take them on a virtual field trip to Yellow Stone National Park. There is a scavenger hunt we did as a class and then we watched a live streaming video of a geyser erupting. They were so into the lesson that they did not want to leave the lab. So, I know that by exploring one virtual field trip, without much preparation, I am sure that next year I will grab my students interest and keep their attention, and they will remember what they learned. I am excited and ready too, because it will be something different rather than just reading and taking notes.

Reference:
Pilter, Howard, Hubbel, Elizabeth, Kuhn, Matt & Malenoski, Kim. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria: ASCD

Behaviorism

2009-05-16T16:30:00.000-07:00

With our ever changing world we need to utilize technology in the classroom so that our student will be prepare for the working environment after graduation.
For students to be able to monitor their own level of success, academics and behavior must be enforced in the classroom. Student's don't always realize the importance of believing effort(Pilter, Hubbel, Huhn, & Malenoski,2007). A way to involve students in monitoring their efforts is to use rubrics for projects as well as for classroom assignments. Rubrics can be with very little effort by the teacher because of the many rubric programs available. An easy way to produce a rubric is by using a spreadsheet. Rubrics should be easy to follow and student friendly. This is an example of behaviorist learning theory that students want to have good behavior, that gives them the opportunity to see their progress and results. Therefore, they will know if they are doing poorly and why and they can see the positive effects of their work. They will see what they need to do to get the results they want.
Homework and practice are areas where behaviorism put into practice in learning. Homework should have a purpose and feedback should be timely. Immediate feedback serves as a reinforment to students as they practice a specific skill, thus changing the behavior and developing learning and understanding (Orey, 2001). Student showing effort and having homework to reinforce skills that are being taught are very important and all contribute to a child's success. Dr. Orey states "you want them to show they are learning something"(Laureate, Inc. 2008). Through the use of rubrics students know what is expected of them and by teachers using the collected data to assess the students performance, teachers are following the behaviorist learning theory.

References:
Laureate Education Inc. (Producer). (2008). Program four. Behaviorist Learning Theory[Motion picture]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Baltimore: Author.

Orey, M.(Ed.) (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/

Pilter, H., Hubbel, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K., (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

Reflection of Integrating Technology into the Classroom

2009-03-01T20:47:00.000-08:00

As I reflect upon this course, it is amazing how much I have learned about technology. I wasn’t aware there were so many ways to use technology in the classroom. Before this course, I wasn’t familiar with podcast, or wiki’s. I had barely heard of blogs, but I did not have any experience with them. I was under the impression that blogs were only for personal use. At first I wasn’t sure if I agreed with using them in the classroom and then after reading and actually learning how to use them, I began to change my thinking and the wheels started turning and my imagination went wild. This class has given me the opportunity to learn how to use web 2.0 tools and understand how useful they can be in the classroom. I learned how to effectively integrate them in the classroom, and give my students the opportunity to be successful in the workplace. After learning more about how to integrate 21st century skills into the classroom I am beginning to feel more confident. I look forward to learning new techniques as they come along.

Although I am confident that using visual and hands on activities is an effective method for teaching, I now understand that the way of the future is through technology. With our students growing up as “digital natives”, as Marc Prensky refers to them, it is even more important that we as educators learn how to incorporate technology into our lives so that we can relate to our students and be able to reach them. “They have spent their entire lives around computers, video games, cell phones, and all other toys and tools of the digital age” (Prensky 2001).We need to enhance their usage with technology so they will be ready when they enter the real world.

A way for me to begin using the web 2.0 tools and resources I have learned in this class, I have set two long term goals for myself. The first goal I would like to accomplish is to guide and encourage my colleagues at my school to use technology in their classrooms. I want to be able to help them with the wonderful world of technology. My second goal is to start a blog for my fifth grade team. The web page is great, but I would like to see something that is more interactive. I would like to offer students and parents as well as my colleagues a way to collaborate. I think having a school blog will give the parents a better understanding of what is happening in the classroom. They will also be able to communicate with each other as well as myself.

This course has taught me a great deal about how to integrate technology into the classroom. It has provided me with a better understanding of the skills needed for our students to be successful. It has taught me that it’s alright to step out of my comfort zone to teach a different way. By understanding how to use 21st century skills, I will be able to connect with my students, and therefore, prepare them for the future.

Reference:

Prensky, M. (2001). Digital natives, digital immigrants. On the Horizon, 9(5).

technology interview #1

2009-02-08T20:18:00.001-08:00

Gabcast! technology interview #1

Evaluating 21st Century Skills

2009-01-29T19:40:00.001-08:00

The website for the Partnership for the 21st Century Skills is a site that includes information about the importance of skills and resources needed to implement technology into the classroom. After reading over several articles, the one that intrigued me the most was "Route 21". I was impressed by the number of companies like Dell, Ford, HP, Verizon and even the U. S. Department of Education that are partners involved to help the organization. The Route 21 link has many good resources or educators and administrators. I was disappointed in the number of states that are participating. It is necessary for every state to implement 21st Century skills into the classrooms. Our students need to learn these skills while they are in school, so they can be successful after they graduate and enter into the workforce.
Educators and students must change in order to be successful in the workforce. We need to think about the future and realize how critical it is for our students to be able to use technology effectively when they graduate. Not to say they can't learn after graduation, but it will be much easier if they leave school armed with the knowledge, instead of having to face the workforce with little or no skills.

Using Blogs in the classroom

2009-01-14T19:14:00.000-08:00

When I was trying to decide on how to use blogging in the classroom. I had to really think about how I would use it and then second would I even be able to use it because of the restrictions on using school computers. Then I thought about how blogging is similar to other forms of technology that the school system already uses. How different is it than email or powerschool where parents can log in and check their child's grades, or what about the schools website where parents, students and even strangers can go to a teachers website and read about the teacher or what is happening in their classroom and leave messages. So with that in mind I decided that I would start out by using it as a tool to post class-related information such as events and homework assignments and use it as a way to communicate with parents. If that goes well I would like to use blogging as way for my students to showcase writing prompts that are required once a month and then let their classmates score the writing by using the 6+1 trait writing rubric and leave comments for each other on how to improve or let them know which area they did well. I think this would be a way for the students to be able to see good examples of writing and also be able to see where they could make improvements in their own writing.

New to Blogging

2009-01-07T18:35:00.001-08:00

Wow! I made it this far. I am currently taking a course on integrating technology into the classroom and as a assigment for the current class I am supposed to create a blog site. I thought I was pretty good with technology but I have learned that I haven't even scratched the surface. There are many many new programs and ideas that can be utilized to make teaching more interesting and keep the students engaged in learning. I hope to become more tech savy and embrace the opportunity to learn more creative ways to teach using technology and be able to share with my colleagues.