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.