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

Post #5

Web 2.0 technologies are crucial to teacher development. Some of the most important ones include office software (such as Open Office), blogs, social networks, and online storage (such as DropBox). These technologies enable teachers to save their work and to connect with staff and students more efficiently. Web 2.0 technologies are handy, but technologies that that need to be paid for probably aren’t the best choice unless they are mandatory for instruction. Almost any tool can be found Web 2.0 technology online for free. In order to use these tools, the best computer to use is probably a computer with Microsoft, since Microsoft is the most compatible operating system. A network that enables shared features is probably the best option so all students can print and do work in one classroom. The equipment necessary includes a printer (so students can print out assignments), an electronic whiteboard (so lessons and powerpoints can be projected on the screen), speakers (to listen to audio from the computer), and tablets for students.

A Web 2.0 tool that I want to use is Survey Monkey. Survey Monkey is an online polling site that can be used for free to create polls and surveys. There are also options to pay a certain amount per month if you want to buy added features. Using the free version of Survey Monkey allows you to ask a maximum of 10 questions and up to 100 responses per question. This tool is helpful for educators who want to ask students a question or ask for their opinion on a topic or lesson without having to waste class time.

I like this too because this too is easy to use. The website is functional and up-to-date. It will be easy for students to use as well. With this tool, I can ask students the night before a new lesson to ask for their opinion on said lesson. I can ask them, for example, how much they know about said lesson, so I will know how much time to spend on the lesson with them. Survey Monkey is a convenient tool that teachers should definitely know about.

Here is the link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/

Thanks to the Concept Mapping assignment, I now know how to use Kidspiration to make a map. I have had no prior experience with Kidspiration, and now I know the shortcuts and the things to keep in mind when making a map. I think I did well on my first concept map. I tried to keep only one thought/fact in one bubble each, but to me, the map seems to have a lot going on. I color coded each section to make them map more organized. Next time, I think I have to employ the Notes feature on Kidspiration so the concept map will be less crowded. Now, I know how to make a concept map and I know how to integrate it into Word and make an outline for my students.

Post #4

For high school students, one of the standards for English Language Arts proficiency according to CPalms is to “Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing and speaking.” (LAFS.1112.L.1.1). One of the online tools I would use with my students is Grammarly. Grammarly edits papers and essays and points out errors in a student’s paper. Grammarly is a free reference software that can be found online. When using it with my students, I would have them use it to check their papers for grammatical and spelling errors, and then have them study why their grammatical errors were corrected so that they can see their mistakes instead of relying on Grammarly to do all of the work for them. Here is the link to Grammarly: https://www.grammarly.com/

I believe that the Internet is useful for student research for many reasons. Through the Internet, students can access a variety of information. They can find information much more quickly and will have access to books, magazines, and journals through databases. The Internet may not be helpful when a student finds sources that may not be reliable or up-to-date, but with databases on the Internet, a researcher can find new and accurate information quickly. Many books today contain outdated information, and some students do not have the money to spend on books that they are only using a few times for research, so using the internet is a cheap and quicker alternative.

I have searched for and evaluated Internet resources by critiquing the format of a website, its intended audience, and the resource’s last update. If the format of a website was confusing and/or had nonfunctioning links, I did not use the resource. If the resource’s intended audience was for students younger than me, I did not use it either. The resource’s date was important for me to find because my projects and papers I have done in the past required that a resource was published or written within the past five years. So, if a resource was older than five years, I did not use it. These methods are very similar to the podcast, as the podcast emphasized looking at links thoroughly and making sure that the resource was appropriate for the students.

From the Web Hunt assignment, I learned how to shorten and narrow my searches. I learned that I could find trivia questions or facts by using an asterisk. I also never knew that I could exclude items in a search by using the dash symbol. Overall, the web hunt assignment was very helpful. I can now find search results faster and easier by especially using the asterisk and dash symbols when needed.

Here are some of my own web hunt questions:

1)      Find a website that has information regarding the Spanish-American War.

2)      Find a picture of John Dewey, an American who reformed education during the 19^th and 20^th century.

3)      Find a map that labels all of the oceans on Earth.

Post #3

For this critique, I found an infographic regarding pollution. The infographic works well because all of the words are relatively the same color, font, and size. The statistics used in the infographic are a larger font to emphasize their importance, which works as it catches the reader’s attention. The title of the page U.S. Environmental Impacts is colored green and blue and the font is slightly larger than the rest of the text, but since the title is one of the most important parts in an infographic, this style works. However, I would prefer that the title was in the top center of the page rather than in the top left corner. There are no color clashes, and the images work well with the design. However, all of the images and statistics seem to be slightly crammed together. The author probably could have aligned his images and texts better, but overall, the infographic is looks well done.

With my students, I would like to incorporate the use of blogs as another way for students to do homework. I would also like students to use wikis in order for them to find information quickly and easily, but they should be familiar with databases when writing research papers. Since I plan to teach high school students, mainly 11^th and 12^th graders, when I talk to them about digital citizenship, I will need to emphasize avoiding plagiarism and to refrain from making bullying others over the Internet. I also want to teach them how to use the Internet and other types of software, such as Word or Excel, professionally so that they will be prepared to use technology in college. They will also need to know how to use these tools for their careers as well.

Thanks to this assignment, one of the skills I learned from this assignment was how to use the Format Painter tool. I was already familiar with most of the tools in Word, but I wasn’t aware of the Format Painter tool. In my newsletter, I like the blue color scheme that I used. I also like the owl that I put in as a graphic. Overall, everything in my newsletter is organized. I probably could have kept out the Hamlet cover image, since it seems to make the right and the left sides of the newsletter seem unbalanced in terms of content. In the future, I can improve my newsletter by adding more information and by adding more variety, such as using different shapes and adding more color. Through this assignment, I know how to design flyers and posters that I can hang in my classroom. Since I am becoming a teacher, making a newsletter was important for me to learn, and now I know what to add to my newsletter before sending it to my students’ parents.

Post #2

I have used MS Word for a variety of tasks. I have used Word to write papers, create invitations for parties, and make small posters. I’ve also used the grammar and spell checks in MS Word to ensure that papers I wrote were free of any errors. I have seen teachers use MS Word to write up documents for assignments, create tests and worksheets, and to take attendance. I learned from the textbook that I can use MS Word to create award certificates for students, make stickers and buttons, and convert files from MS Word to add to websites. With this knowledge, I can now use MS Word as a way to reward my students and to create websites.

As a student, I know not to plagiarize work that belongs to others. I have learned to cite quotes or facts from other resources that do not belong to me. As a student, I realize that schools and teachers cannot photocopy entire textbooks or pirate licensed software because it is illegal. It is always important to use citations when needed and to buy textbooks and licensed software when needed in order to demonstrate that you respect others’ work. Additionally, it is important to demonstrate to students how to properly use these copyrighted materials in the future. When I become a teacher, I will stress to my students to use citations and to copyright their own original work so that their work can be protected in the future. Since I plan to instruct high schoolers, it is important to remind students to cite their work as they are old and responsible enough to know that they cannot use someone else’s work and play it off as their own, as it could lead to serious consequences.

On Twitter, I have learned that I can access many educational resources through blogs such as edutopia. Many of these blogs offer teacher tips as well as technology tips for the classroom. Additionally, I realized that using social media is a good way to relay messages in a quick and easy manner to multiple people at the same time. I can use Twitter to keep in touch with students and employees. I can also use Twitter to remind students of assignments and tests, which will especially be helpful when students have week-long breaks for holidays. However, I would create a separate Twitter account for school and educational purposes rather than using my personal account, as teachers shouldn't share their personal life with students.

Post #1

Computers are an essential part to today’s educational experience because computers provide research and make it easier for teachers to connect with her/her students through social media, using blogs, forums, and podcasts to teach and share information. Some concerns regarding how students use computers include not using the computer appropriately (for example, playing games instead of typing an essay) or not having the appropriate resources in schools that could aid them in learning. How teachers integrate technology into their classes is another concern because many teachers are not technologically literate. I agree that it is an issue that many teacher need to learn technology literacy, but I think that reinforcing technology certification for older teachers is an effective way of ensuring that all teachers are prepared to use a computer and its software. In chapter 1, the issue of teachers becoming ‘facilitators of learning’ instead of the authority figure in the classroom due to technology was also discussed. I disagree that teachers’ roles will be demoted because, in the end, it is the teacher who will be testing the students’ comprehension of the material, and will overall be leading the discussions in his/her classroom.

I will use computers in order to create and set up lessons (such as using programs like Thinkfinity) and to create presentations. I will also use computers for crucial tasks, such as taking attendance of students and determining a student’s grade using Excel. I will also use computers to cater to my future students’ learning preferences and find programs for students based off of the visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning styles. I hope to learn how to use some of these programs in this course as well learn how to quickly assess my students’ learning styles. Additionally, I want to be aware of new and upcoming technologies that become (or will become) essential in schools. It’s important that I know the ways to facilitate the learning process in my classroom through technology that will make it easier for me to teach my students while making it easier for my students to learn.

A digital native is someone (often born during or after the 1970s) who has grown up with technology. On the other hand, digital immigrants are those who learned how to use technology as a teenager or adult. I agree with labeling today’s youth as digital natives because children and young teenagers today have especially grown up with various types of technology. I grew up mostly with computers and television, but younger teenagers and children are growing up with not just televisions and computers, but with smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other high-tech devices. As a digital native, I am accustomed to technology being integrated in my daily life and I know how to use it as part of my daily routine. Usually I use my laptop to take notes, do research, read news articles, and chat with friends and family through video chatting with Skype. Some teachers I had in the past were digital natives but didn’t know how to use the technology in the school, such as the specialized software the school used for educational purposes. I’ve also had teachers who were digital immigrants. Many of these teachers were frustrated with computers and preferred writing notes on a chalkboard or occasionally showed students a boring Youtube video, while other teachers (especially science teachers) used webquests and online labs to ensure that students knew the material for tests and quizzes. Sometimes I would be frustrated with teachers who would only give lectures instead of using the resources available to enhance their lessons. I only learned well in technology-integrated classrooms when the online assignments emphasized what I was being taught. 

I somewhat anticipate that there will be differences between me and future students because, when I was growing up, technology was encouraged to be mostly used for learning and for school. Today, many children and teens view technology as another way to have fun and to socialize with friends, and there is less emphasis in households to use computers and other tools for homework and study. There is nothing wrong with using technology for fun (I do it as well), but there needs to be a bigger emphasis on integrating the Internet, computers, and tablets with school and work. I believe that it will be important for me to show students how to effectively use the internet, for example, for research, but I am reassured that it will not be difficult for future students to learn how to do so, since most have grown up with technology.

I have had a lot of experience with technology in the past. From childhood, I have used Microsoft Word and Powerpoint for assignments and presentations from elementary school to high school. I know how to use the Internet and online databases for finding information for research papers and other assignments. Last Spring, I took a computer course that taught students how to utilize the Internet, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint. Additionally, I have removed viruses from my laptop using virus removal tools such as Malwarebytes. Overall, technology has been a major influence in my life that I have learned to use since childhood.

In this course I hope to learn how to use technology in a classroom setting. I have used Word, Excel, and Powerpoint nearly my whole life, but I've only used those tools as a student, not as an instructor. I also want to learn what software is available for teachers to use in the classroom besides Word and Powerpoint. I hope that I can learn how to communicate with my future students through social media and through other resources. In my opinion, using technology in the classroom is one of the most essential things to learn in order to become a successful teacher.

Today, the results from the Learning Styles Quiz demonstrated that I am a sensing learner rather than an intuitive learner: I learn better knowing facts rather than theories. I am a reflective learner as well, but I discovered that I am more of a visual-based learner than any other type of learning style. I rated a 7 as a Visual learner on the learning results scale. This result doesn't surprise me as I study better when I create outlines, graphs, and pictures. Additionally, I am a sequential learner, a result which surprised me because usually I do not tend to work sequentially, especially when I am working on homework or on a test. Overall, now that I am aware of what the different learning types are, I can use this information in the future to see what methods my future students use to learn and study. I can also use this information to help create better study methods for myself based on the results of the learning types quiz.