ILP "Design" - Create a Webquest

For my second Independent Learning Project, I used the website 'Create Webquest' to create my own webquest. In this webquest, I had my 'students' write a paper about an author who changed modern American society. Now I know how to create my own webquests thanks to the 'Create a Webquest' tool. I recommend the tool to anyone who has never created a webquest but is interested in making one.

Here is the link to my webquest: http://createwebquest.com/webquest/authors-who-shaped-modern-america

Blog Post #10

From the PowerPoint Interaction assignment, I learned several skills. The two most important skills I learned were how to create buttons and insert audio. With those skills, I learned how to create and enhance my jeopardy game. I really enjoyed working on this assignment because I was able to work on something I like (cats!) while improve my PowerPoint skills. This project was fun and not too challenging, but it did take me a long time to create the buttons and make sure that all of the links worked properly in my PowerPoint. I will definitely create games using PowerPoint in the future so my students can have fun while learning.

With data collection tools, I can receive feedback from students to determine what lessons worked with students and which ones did not. Today, there are technological tools, such as Plickers, that can help me with collecting data from students in an easier and faster way. Since I want to teach English to high schoolers (specifically 11th and 12th graders), I can have students anonymously answer whether or not they liked a book that they read for an assignment through an online poll or through a voting app. I will also use data collection tools to see if students thought they did well on a recent test, or possibly to check their vocabulary skills. Overall, using data collection tools will help me assess my students’ knowledge, their progress, and their interest in the class.

The topic I found that was the most interesting this semester was the Digital Divide. It was interesting to see those who were fortunate to have access to technology growing up and those who didn’t. I also liked looking at my classmates’ projects. I especially enjoyed looking at everyone’s web design posters as well. I think that my classmates did a great job with their blog posts and their assignments. I feel that, because of this course, we will be much better prepared to teach in a technological world.

A technology-related skill that I would like to learn is how to use a SmartBoard to enhance my classroom and my lessons. I’ve used a SmartBoard before, but only to write notes onto it. I would like to learn about the software used on a smartboard and how I can use it in the classroom besides using it to write down notes or to show a Youtube video. I know when I become a teacher, I likely will have a Smartboard, and I want to make the most out of it in order to get my students’ attention.

To achieve my future educational goals, I will continue learning about different tools and software that exist. I want to learn how to use certain tools, such as Survey Monkey and Curriki, to help me achieve my educational in the classroom. I want to start exploring what tools works and tools do not work for students. I will start exploring these tools now and researching them, so that when I begin teaching, I will be prepared. I know that as technology improves and becomes more prevalent, I want to be as knowledgeable as possible about the technology tools that exist today and that will exist in the future so I can make my students’ learning experiences amazing.

Blog Post #9

The flipped classroom is a teaching method where students watch videos outside of the classroom, and then come to class to interact with the lesson with the teacher and their peers. This method is different from the typical method the teacher lecturing the students, and then the students go home to do homework based on the lesson. In the flipped classroom, students work with their peers and their teacher to better comprehend what they watched the night before. The flipped classroom requires the use of technology and internet access, which may not be an option for schools that do not have great access to technology. However, the flipped classroom is being lauded for actively engaging students. Here is a website that contains videos used in the flipped classroom: https://www.khanacademy.org/ Khan Academy is a great website to use if you wish to create a flipped classroom. Khan academy has a wealth of videos for every subject, but you will need an account in order to watch the videos.

A great web-based tool I found for professional development is Education World. Education World not only offers lesson plans and tools for teachers, but also provides news to teachers regarding teaching and current events. Education World has several resources, including a link that shows teachers how to create their own blog. Teachers can also use Education World to find app reviews, games, and other tech tools that they can use in the classroom. Education world provides the best resources, so teachers can learn about the changing world of education and technology while improving their skills as well.

Education World is very up-to-date. All news articles are recent and relevant. There are an unlimited amount of resources that teachers can take advantage of. Not only does Education World offer resources for teachers, but they also provide guides and strategies for administrators and principals as well. Education World also has a ‘what’s new?’ tab for every section to provide teachers with newest technology updates. Education World embraces technology and encourages the use of tech in the classroom. Overall, Education World should be considered by all teachers if they wish to develop professionally. Here is the link to Education World: http://www.educationworld.com/

From this week’s assignment (PowerPoint for Information Dissemination) I learned how to use Jing. I already knew how to use PowerPoint, so making this assignment was not difficult. In this assignment, I talked about the novel Jane Eyre. The only issue I had was when using Jing was I had to redo the recording a few times because the audio did not sound right. I’m not sure if this was because of an issue with my laptop or because of Jing that I had difficulty recording my presentation. I also wish that I had shortened my PowerPoint presentation because I went over the Jing's time limit a few times. Learning how to use Jing was helpful because this can be a very helpful tool in the classroom. For examples, math teachers can use Jing by recording their voice while recording themselves solving a math problem. As I did with my assignment, I can use Jing to explain a book that my students had to read.

ILP "ToolBox" - Curriki

https://voicethread.com/share/7262123/

Blog Post #8

I believe that the biggest technology advancement for education lies in electronic paper. I believe that it holds the biggest promise in education because it is light and easy to carry- that means students will have fewer books to carry in their backpacks! Electronic paper would much more difficult to damage, unlike eReaders and tablets, which have breakable screens. Electronic paper would be easy to use in the classroom, and for teachers, it would mean less papers to grade, as students can take online tests and quizzes on the device. Students can also do their homework on this device as well. This device would make a teacher’s worklife much easier: most of their work and their students’ work will be on one simple device, which will help keep teachers organized. Also, this device is cheap and will become cheaper in the future. The accessibility of this device will likely make electronic paper very popular in the future.

I believe that LCD touch screens could potentially be a major influence in the future classroom. LCD touch screens, while still expensive, will probably decrease in price over time as they become more popular. LCD touch screens are easy to use, especially for children, and can be installed with adaptive technologies that can be used to help those with disabilities. If LCD touch screens are installed not just in the front of the classroom but on every student’s desk, the teacher can share information with students. Also, the teacher can play games with students using the touch screens. This will make lessons more interactive and fun for students. Electronic textbooks and assignments can be installed on the device as well. Here is the website that explains the use of LCD screens: http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/future-classroom-technologies/

After listening to the digital divide podcast, I can say that I am on the side that has had a great amount of access to technology. My family shared a computer, and then I was given my own personal computer when I was a teenager. I’ve had a cellphone since I was thirteen, but I didn’t get a smartphone until I was eighteen. Now, I have a laptop and a smartphone that help me greatly with finishing homework assignments. During middle school, students were required to take classes that taught how to use computers and software (such as Excel and Powerpoint). At my high school, computers were almost always available. Even though the computers were not great, but they were sufficient enough to get work done. Now, in college, I am surrounded by relatively up-to-date technology. I know that if I work in an urban school, technology may be insufficient and not up-to-date. I can address this divide by avoiding assignments that require the use of computers and other technologies, and instead give my students assignments that they can use with a pencil, paper, and a textbook. However, I would also try to get my students as much exposure to technology as much as possible, but this may be difficult if the school I work in has limited access to technology.

Post #7

Bloom's Taxonomy

When using PowerPoint, student learning at each level of Bloom’s Taxonomy will be met in the following ways: At the first level (Remembering), I would create a flashcard game with PowerPoint so that my students can learn and retain important facts and terms, such as vocabulary words. At the second level (Understanding), I would make a PowerPoint that details some important facts (such as the plotline and important events that occurred in a assigned book) and discuss it with my class. At the third level (Applying), I would split my students into groups and have them create a PowerPoint (such as explaining what happened in a chapter in a book) so that they are retaining the information they know by creating their own lesson for their peers. At the fourth level (Creating, Evaluating, and Analyzing), students can create their own PowerPoints have a discussion with their peers regarding the information they put on their PowerPoint to see if they agree or disagree with the information. By doing this, students are analyzing and evaluating the information presented to them and creating their own opinions about what they learned.

Adaptive technologies help students with learning disabilities function in the classroom and stay on par with their peers. Simple adaptive technologies, such as pencil grips and graphic organizers, can help students with writing assignments. More technological examples include spell checkers. Calculators can help students who have difficulty with solving math problems- calculators can help such students solve a problem faster. Calculators are also used by almost everyone. More technological aids, such as e-readers, can help student with reading difficulties. With an e-reader, students can highlight words they don’t understand or use it to facilitate their reading. Students with physical disabilities can use speech-to-text tools and voice recognition software (for example, if they are unable to use a keyboard) in order to use computers with ease. When I was younger, I saw students use pencil grips and graphic organizers to help them during their English class. I, as well as many other students, use calculators. My younger brother has a Kindle, which makes reading for him much easier. An issue I thought about of using more technologically advanced assistive technologies is the cost: some of these technologies are expensive, and many schools cannot afford to provide their students with reading tablets.

Working on my Web Page Design assignment taught me how to create a well-organized class page that students will find useful. I like how my web page is organized and provides information. My students can find everything on my web page, such as the due date for homework assignments, blog posts, and the supplies needed for the class. For the future, I would remember to make sure that my links are functioning and that all information is up-to-date. Overall, I think I did well on this assignment. I will definitely make a web page in the future for my students, and I will probably continue to use Wix, since it was the easiest website I have used to create my own web page.

Post #6

For this assignment, I went to my high school website (James Caldwell High School) and looked up the webpages of some teachers. Overall, many teachers have a small amount of information about their course on their website, along with homework assignments, and maybe a picture. I compared two different teacher webpages: a Spanish teacher who taught multiple grades, and a health teacher. The webpage for the Spanish teacher is organized and displays the courses she teaches, her email, and pictures. Everything is organized. The webpage for the health teacher contained a picture, her email and phone number, and links to important forms for students. Overall, the main page for the high school website is organized and can be viewed by both parents and students.

I plan on using technology for simple tasks, such as communicating with coworkers, by using email and social networks such as Twitter. I plan on teaching students how to be responsible digital citizens by reminding them to cite their work and to follow copyright laws. I definitely plan on using tools that will help me plan lessons, such as Evernote, to help me create lesson plans and to save them for future students. I also plan on using Google Calendar (or some other calendar tool) to plan out the semester. I’m also considering using Wix to make my own website, since I found that it was the easiest web design too. Using Wix, I can create a blog as well, so all homework assignments, schedules, and tasks can all be found in one place.

From the Web Resource Evaluation assignment, I learned how to better determine if a website was suitable to use for research purposes and for the classroom. Through constructing my own website, I learned what to include and how to make my own evaluation. For me, this assignment was difficult because I wasn’t sure what to specifically include on my website and evaluation, but once I looked at other examples, I was able to create my own. I can use this assignment for my future career by evaluating websites that I think may be of good use for my students and by having students evaluate websites they want to use for research purposes. Overall, this assignment was useful for teaching me other ways in which to evaluate a website.

The Wiki

The Web Evaluation Form