Wow! It's finally came to an end! I can't believe it. I am actually quite sad. I enjoyed this class so much. I remember walking in to the classroom on the first day and feeling so overwhelmed. I had never worked on a mac computer before and was totally scared. Today I can proudly say that I no longer feel that way. In fact, it's actually quite the opposite. I feel that I am more apt to using a mac now simply becuase it's the type of computer that I used to after completing all these assignments on it and it will be the same computer that I will use when I get my own classroom. I want to first and foremost thank Professor McCulloch, for being a wonderful teacher. She was very very patient and understanding with me and my situations. She has an energetic personality that makes her students want to succeed and come to class! I didn't miss a day becuase I wanted to see what funny stuff she'd say. The design of the class was fantastic. I did things in this class that I could've never even thought possible and I did them without realizing that weren't as hard as I had previously thought. Secondly, I want to thank my group. The ladies Carrie, Sonia and Desiree, you three are great. I admire all your personalities, energy and creative minds. Thanks for working with me and leaving me with wonderful videos that I will hold on to for a long time. The experience was excellent. I wish everyone the best of luck in the teaching field. I think we will all have an advantage over other teacher candidates because we all learned a lot and had a super great teacher.
Sincerely:
Lisa
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
blog # 14
Hi Class! I just wanted to inform you of the experience that I had creating the imovie. It was actually a lot of fun ... well, the filming portion of the project at least. It was a lot of work once we were splitting clips and trying to place the order of the video. It was awkward doing the subtitles. I enjoyed the group that I had. Carrie, Desiree, and Sonia it was wonderful working with you girls. It was fun to see their spunkiness, creativeness and their excitement toward creating a learning yet fun experience. I really appreciated the fact that the movie was an assignment. Otherwise I would've never had the experience of working with imovie. I think it was a good experience that taught me a lot about how it is not impossible to create projects like this and they would be excited and motivated to use technology.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Blog # 13
Article 1:Interfaces, Databases, and Applications
The most interesting information I read about was how by just inputting information onto one computer thousands of people all around the world can view it. The article talked about how databases help with filling out evaluation forms, doing calendars on the web, and other research tools. Perhaps the one that made me start comparing my own use of databases was when it started to talk about forums. Isn't the forum similar to web ct. The site that we all use as students. I never thought about it that I have had experience using a database until the description was proposed while I was reading this article. Forums make it a great place to facilitate discussions. Everyone can be on the same page about what's going on and it's a quick reference to get to at once.
Reading artcle 2: Databases: America's President
Wow! I never knew it could be so easy to organize alot of infomation into one place. The word database sounds so scary. However, when it is broken down the way it is in this article, I can really see that I would enjoy using one. There was an example of a creative and bright teacher mentioned by the name of Beth Holmes. I loved the fact she teachers problem solving skills and information management by teaching her students the 6 C's. They are easy to remember and all equally important. Compute, Communication, conclude, Confirm, Categorize, and Classify. These are important skills that students need to learn and in her U.S Presidents assignment they do just that. I actually bet the students enjoy doing these items from the assignment. The article highlights just how important it is that students learn to be orgnaized and categorize items because it's an important lifelong skill that can make life a whole lot less stressful.
Article # 3 Bells and Whistles:
Organizing Data for the whole calss
This article talks about databases for all the students. They develop critical thinking skills . The article goes step by step in explaining what to do with fields and information when trying to create a database. This was the article that I actually found most easy to read and understand. I hope that when I have my own classroom I will remember this article becuase I think it would great for my fifth graders to read that way they will not just be creating a database using hands on method. THis article goes in depth about what types of fields can be created, what they are, it even explains the drop down fields. It's a beneficial article that needed to be read.
Lastly, The database that we used in class last week was super cool. I enjoyed using inspiredata and never knew creating a database could be so fun. The word alone sounds so intimidating and it doesn't seem as though I could ever create one. Especially being the fact that I am not so computer savvy. Although after almost completing 422, I feel that I am. I create newsletters, create columns in word and start with a drop cap, I can use databases such as the wiki, web ct, I can create my own web pages. I feel so computer savvy now, my self esteem has really been raised as I have learned that the information to help teachers teach technology to our students is out there, it's free all you have to do is look for it. It was amazing to me that once I started to create these things they seemed so easy too! That's the key don't intimidate the students, show them that with proper information they too can do anything. I'm living proof of it....
The most interesting information I read about was how by just inputting information onto one computer thousands of people all around the world can view it. The article talked about how databases help with filling out evaluation forms, doing calendars on the web, and other research tools. Perhaps the one that made me start comparing my own use of databases was when it started to talk about forums. Isn't the forum similar to web ct. The site that we all use as students. I never thought about it that I have had experience using a database until the description was proposed while I was reading this article. Forums make it a great place to facilitate discussions. Everyone can be on the same page about what's going on and it's a quick reference to get to at once.
Reading artcle 2: Databases: America's President
Wow! I never knew it could be so easy to organize alot of infomation into one place. The word database sounds so scary. However, when it is broken down the way it is in this article, I can really see that I would enjoy using one. There was an example of a creative and bright teacher mentioned by the name of Beth Holmes. I loved the fact she teachers problem solving skills and information management by teaching her students the 6 C's. They are easy to remember and all equally important. Compute, Communication, conclude, Confirm, Categorize, and Classify. These are important skills that students need to learn and in her U.S Presidents assignment they do just that. I actually bet the students enjoy doing these items from the assignment. The article highlights just how important it is that students learn to be orgnaized and categorize items because it's an important lifelong skill that can make life a whole lot less stressful.
Article # 3 Bells and Whistles:
Organizing Data for the whole calss
This article talks about databases for all the students. They develop critical thinking skills . The article goes step by step in explaining what to do with fields and information when trying to create a database. This was the article that I actually found most easy to read and understand. I hope that when I have my own classroom I will remember this article becuase I think it would great for my fifth graders to read that way they will not just be creating a database using hands on method. THis article goes in depth about what types of fields can be created, what they are, it even explains the drop down fields. It's a beneficial article that needed to be read.
Lastly, The database that we used in class last week was super cool. I enjoyed using inspiredata and never knew creating a database could be so fun. The word alone sounds so intimidating and it doesn't seem as though I could ever create one. Especially being the fact that I am not so computer savvy. Although after almost completing 422, I feel that I am. I create newsletters, create columns in word and start with a drop cap, I can use databases such as the wiki, web ct, I can create my own web pages. I feel so computer savvy now, my self esteem has really been raised as I have learned that the information to help teachers teach technology to our students is out there, it's free all you have to do is look for it. It was amazing to me that once I started to create these things they seemed so easy too! That's the key don't intimidate the students, show them that with proper information they too can do anything. I'm living proof of it....
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Filamentality and Wikis
My filamentality URL is: http://www.kn.att.com/wired/fil/pages/listchocolatda.html
Please feel free to check it out and offer suggestions. I'd greatly appreciate it!
As for the wikis assignment. Well, I like the idea of communicating and collaborating on one site. It's so much easier than sending emails to different places. Sometimes you can't remember all people in your groups contact information this way everything is done in one spot. Everyone sees what others are doing. It's so much more organized. What a technological miracle that is. So So So much easier...... I love wikis....
Please feel free to check it out and offer suggestions. I'd greatly appreciate it!
As for the wikis assignment. Well, I like the idea of communicating and collaborating on one site. It's so much easier than sending emails to different places. Sometimes you can't remember all people in your groups contact information this way everything is done in one spot. Everyone sees what others are doing. It's so much more organized. What a technological miracle that is. So So So much easier...... I love wikis....
Blog # 11
First and Foremost let me post my Filamentality website!!! Yeppie! I created my own URL. I'm so Proud of myself. Who would've ever guessed I could do such a thing? Well, when it's benefitting my students, I'll do anything! I can't wait to test out this assignment on my fourth grade reading group at work, once we finish the Chocolate Fever Book, of course. My URL is
http://www.kn.att.com/wired/fil/pages/listchocolatda.html
Take a look at it and see if everything looks okay!! I tried to motivate the students by using a wild combination of colors!!!
The Digital Divide:
This article made me aware that I could possible transmit my fear of technology onto my students if I don't have technology accessible to them. I need to make sure that technology is alive and ready to use in my classroom. This article pointed out that technology is a learning tool it's not just a "priviledge" to use one if a student has a chance. Learning with technology is actually education. I was shocked to see this in the article because earlier today I noticed on the California Content standards that Technology is actually a component on the Language Arts section. I look at the CA standards each and every day when I read with my students and never was aware of the Technology section in Language arts before. It does enhance student learning in many ways. I liked how the article noted that Computers are not just for independent work time. They are great ways of getting students to work with each other and share ideas. By placing two chairs to each computer its a way for the students to start viewing computers as not only individual work stations either. Sharing ideas facilitates learning better, take for example the old saying "Two heads are better than one." I liked the idea of having school computer labs open for students before and after school. This is a wonderful idea, especially for children who don't have access to computers at home. By being able to come before and after school to use a computer then won't get left behind or feel like they are less advanced. I believe that it is true that most teachers use the computer for teacher tasks over instructional tasks. It's unfortunate but very true. I think being faced with all of the California Standards to cover in only a year intimidates teachers to use computers since they take longer to get started, get the students situated, show each student how to use one and then give them directions versus just having them sit at their desks with pen and paper. Obviously the draw back to this is the lack of motivation, but it's definetly more time consuming. Also, with so many older teachers out there who are already set in their ways learning to teach with technology can be challenging. I know in my own future classroom I want to make sure that I am including as much technology as I can that way I am learning and so are the children, It will make my classroom more of a community. We will all want to help each other. Also, if I end up working in a low income area my students might not have access to technology so I want my classroom to provide that access and bridge the gap. Technology is fun and enlightening. Everything positive comes from technology and finding new easier faster ways to do things helps out a lot.
http://www.kn.att.com/wired/fil/pages/listchocolatda.html
Take a look at it and see if everything looks okay!! I tried to motivate the students by using a wild combination of colors!!!
The Digital Divide:
This article made me aware that I could possible transmit my fear of technology onto my students if I don't have technology accessible to them. I need to make sure that technology is alive and ready to use in my classroom. This article pointed out that technology is a learning tool it's not just a "priviledge" to use one if a student has a chance. Learning with technology is actually education. I was shocked to see this in the article because earlier today I noticed on the California Content standards that Technology is actually a component on the Language Arts section. I look at the CA standards each and every day when I read with my students and never was aware of the Technology section in Language arts before. It does enhance student learning in many ways. I liked how the article noted that Computers are not just for independent work time. They are great ways of getting students to work with each other and share ideas. By placing two chairs to each computer its a way for the students to start viewing computers as not only individual work stations either. Sharing ideas facilitates learning better, take for example the old saying "Two heads are better than one." I liked the idea of having school computer labs open for students before and after school. This is a wonderful idea, especially for children who don't have access to computers at home. By being able to come before and after school to use a computer then won't get left behind or feel like they are less advanced. I believe that it is true that most teachers use the computer for teacher tasks over instructional tasks. It's unfortunate but very true. I think being faced with all of the California Standards to cover in only a year intimidates teachers to use computers since they take longer to get started, get the students situated, show each student how to use one and then give them directions versus just having them sit at their desks with pen and paper. Obviously the draw back to this is the lack of motivation, but it's definetly more time consuming. Also, with so many older teachers out there who are already set in their ways learning to teach with technology can be challenging. I know in my own future classroom I want to make sure that I am including as much technology as I can that way I am learning and so are the children, It will make my classroom more of a community. We will all want to help each other. Also, if I end up working in a low income area my students might not have access to technology so I want my classroom to provide that access and bridge the gap. Technology is fun and enlightening. Everything positive comes from technology and finding new easier faster ways to do things helps out a lot.
Blog # 9
Aye Yi Ya, I can't believe the semester is almost over! I am happy to say that I just completed the midterm. What a big release of pressure that was! For me, the hardest thing about the midterm was definetly the snapshot of the screen. For the life of me, I couldn't remember how to do it. I remember it had some to do with control apple and then I went blank. The other portion of the midterm that was tough was the 3 facts about desktop publisher. I speculated about that. Overall, Not to brag or boast I felt pretty confident walking out of the midterm! I was proud of myself at having done all of the work so far on a Mac Computer. I think that come test time it was a major benefit.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Real Blog # 8
Hi Class! I just realized that I have been misnumbering this whole time! I haven't been able to have a moment of resting time as my life is extremely busy right now! But anyways, the theme of this weeks blog is regarding what is a Webquest! I read about four articles on this subject and was still a little confused. Here's my best thoughts on a webquest. I think a webquest is a lesson plan on computers. I related it a little bit to the filamentality worksheet that we need to submit by next week. From what I gathered webquest is a site on the internet where students go, they are introduced to a subject, given an introduction and then asked to solve a problem by searching through relevant subjects. This is not a simple fact finding assignment. It's assignment a little bit like a research project, students are to use the resources (websites) to come to a solution to the problem. They should be able to support their solution using facts from the sites that they were given to look at. It's an assignment that gives each student in the class a task. It's not independent work. It utilizes time well and gets every student and every computer to work. This assignment is good for students to develop critical thinking. It goes way beyond simply search and finding facts. One of the articles broke it down into steps: Introduction, Task, Process, Resources, Evaluation, and Conclusion. It seems to me that webquest is like a lesson plan only it is more useful since it incorporates gathering data, using technology, critical thinking, creativity and team work. The best part about it is that teachers can use it to organize information on one subject into one lesson. The webquest seemed to me to be a way to make sure that students utilized the websites gathering information, and not getting distracted by the non educational websites. It makes sure that all students are focused and involved. I noticed that even Cal State San Marcos Library has a web quest. Hmmmm!! I wonder why I had never noticed this before reading about this webquest business? Perhaps because just like so many other subjects in this education 422 class, there's all this helpful information out there and it's not being advertised, you have really have connections and the education to find it all. Technology is so powerful! I'm impressed.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Blog # 8
Wow! Thankfully we got to read the article titled "Teaching Students to Use the Internet as a Research Tool" By Elizabeth Caulfield Felt and Sarah Symans. This article was beneficial to not only students but to teachers as well as college students. I enjoyed all of the wonderful tips regarding "good information." Although the tips seemed to be common sense once they were read, before reading this article for myself personally, and I'm sure I speak for others, they were tips that were rarely thought of when in "Research" mode. The article gave about five different ways on how to locate valuable information. The first was to buy information from companies who are selling it. Obviously, if it costs money, it must contain valuable information. Second, by evaluating where the URL used came from, if it came from a magazine or a company brochure it can be regarded as quality information. Third, and this one was most beneficial for students, was that this article pointed out that search engines in which look for information on the entire web are pretty much a toss up meaning they could contain good or bad information, while search engines like Yahooligans which contained information evaluated by a specialists contain trustworthy information. The fourth way to get quality information is to browse through Directories which divide all information into topics. Lastly, by examining the sponsor of the website, for example, three letters follow the dot in the url, if its .gov, or .edu, more than likely it's reputable information. I personally, as a college student have struggled with this very same question on whether or not my sources contain valuable information, so I can really see the purpose in teaching a lesson like this to younger grades such as fifth graders. They can really benefit from this lesson throughout the rest of their education on up to college. By introducing these types of lessons young the more likely they will retain it and make these tips a part of their process to accessing "good quality information" for their research papers.
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Blog # 6
Wow! What a helpful resource that website it! I am profoundly amazed that there is a whole website dedicated to making sure that teachers have all the resources they need in order to make the correct decision about which computer software to purchase. This is a a time saver becuase all of the resources are located on one sheet but not only that it's perfect for teachers. It's well known that teachers don't have a huge budget, websites like this make it easier for teachers to decide whether or not they will buy a program. By having check sheets and questions already made up it makes evaluation of a program much easier and time effective. This resource helps to save money instead of making an educated guess on which software is best for your class. This website makes it easier to see whether the advertising is false or whether it used minimal standards when testing for results of product.
I really really enjoyed the link on the website titled www.ecs.org this link gave about thirty questions for teachers to ask themselves when reviewing the program. Questions based on how to make technology more useful in the classroom, whether the technology is useful, whether the technology is time effective, will it improve my goals for the year let alone enhance student scores? The check list of questions is phenomenal. They are questions that are highly relavant.
The next favorite resorces link that was featured on this website was www.child'ssoftware.com. It offers a long and detailed check off list to use when deciding on whether or not to purchase the software. This link breaks it down into sections. A few of the subtitle sections are: Ease of Use, Child proof, educational, and entertaining. This link is very intriguing because a few of the check off items are funny but well needed. The check off list is easy to read and seems like it could done in a few minutes. It seemed to me to the quickest and most effective way to go about selecting a new software or program.
Lastly, I wanted to talk about the very first link, Technology in Education. This is quite valuable becuase it shows you how to judge whether or not a program is effective or not. I like that it shows red flags when software claims seem a little unclear or skewed. It reeally examines if the technology is inflating actual results or stating false results. The software takes all of the guess work out of purchasing technology. It even breaks down the cost by showing purchase price, estimated future maintence and future upgrades.
I am impressed that this website is out there with all of these helpful links. A teacher doesn't have a lot of time to double check the effectiveness let alone if it's new technology they might not know what to look for, this website does their homework in a sense. It's like insurance. It already has thought about for them. Also, it's looking after the teachers budgeted money, that way he or she doesn't spend what little budget they have on bunk software.
I really really enjoyed the link on the website titled www.ecs.org this link gave about thirty questions for teachers to ask themselves when reviewing the program. Questions based on how to make technology more useful in the classroom, whether the technology is useful, whether the technology is time effective, will it improve my goals for the year let alone enhance student scores? The check list of questions is phenomenal. They are questions that are highly relavant.
The next favorite resorces link that was featured on this website was www.child'ssoftware.com. It offers a long and detailed check off list to use when deciding on whether or not to purchase the software. This link breaks it down into sections. A few of the subtitle sections are: Ease of Use, Child proof, educational, and entertaining. This link is very intriguing because a few of the check off items are funny but well needed. The check off list is easy to read and seems like it could done in a few minutes. It seemed to me to the quickest and most effective way to go about selecting a new software or program.
Lastly, I wanted to talk about the very first link, Technology in Education. This is quite valuable becuase it shows you how to judge whether or not a program is effective or not. I like that it shows red flags when software claims seem a little unclear or skewed. It reeally examines if the technology is inflating actual results or stating false results. The software takes all of the guess work out of purchasing technology. It even breaks down the cost by showing purchase price, estimated future maintence and future upgrades.
I am impressed that this website is out there with all of these helpful links. A teacher doesn't have a lot of time to double check the effectiveness let alone if it's new technology they might not know what to look for, this website does their homework in a sense. It's like insurance. It already has thought about for them. Also, it's looking after the teachers budgeted money, that way he or she doesn't spend what little budget they have on bunk software.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Blog # 5
Hi Class!
I wanted to say that last class on february 21, 2007 was actually quite fun. I loved creating my own powerpoint and being able to use word art and create the background. I found it most useful because I work at a dealerhsip and sometimes they ask me to create coupons for our website and even flyers for advertisements, so learning some of the tips like not to use neon blue, was actually beneficial. The part of the power point that I truly got a kick out of was the examples of Bad Powerpoints. In all honesty, I've actually done a few of those things on our service website like the noise to bring attention, I never realized how annoying they are. I learned valuable information. It was a powerful presentation becuase It's now a week later and I can still remember the information. I also enjoyed the presentation when our teacher demonstrated everything we could do to make our powerpoint useful and purposeful.
As for the reading, I thought the information was very useful. I found it so amazing that 95% of all test questions only ask students to think at the lowest possible level. I didn't realize that recalling information is the lowest possible form of testing someone. After reading his breakdown it seemed so clear but before I had read it, it never dawned on me. The second area of easiest testing is comprehension, this shocked me becuase I had always thought comprehension was the hardest skill to master. Even to this day I have problems with it. Although I could see how argue your oppinion on a reading that you did was much more difficult because in a sense you are putting memorization and comprehension and life into one argument. I thought this article showed me a lot. I realize that I do ask my own reading group students to answer questions where they have to draw inferences, but I personally find that I am uncomfortable when grading questions that have open ended answers. So, I do see why grading for fact recall is the most popular way, maybe not the most beneficial for students, but definitely the most easiest for teachers. I was impressed and learned a lot from his breakdown of how to test students and strengthen their reading/ retell of stories. I found it important becuase it took me all this time to learn and realize that even though it may be easier as a teacher to ask fact retell questions it's not helping my students in the long run. THis is an article that I will definitely keep, it will come in handy for planning lesson plans in my reading group.
I wanted to say that last class on february 21, 2007 was actually quite fun. I loved creating my own powerpoint and being able to use word art and create the background. I found it most useful because I work at a dealerhsip and sometimes they ask me to create coupons for our website and even flyers for advertisements, so learning some of the tips like not to use neon blue, was actually beneficial. The part of the power point that I truly got a kick out of was the examples of Bad Powerpoints. In all honesty, I've actually done a few of those things on our service website like the noise to bring attention, I never realized how annoying they are. I learned valuable information. It was a powerful presentation becuase It's now a week later and I can still remember the information. I also enjoyed the presentation when our teacher demonstrated everything we could do to make our powerpoint useful and purposeful.
As for the reading, I thought the information was very useful. I found it so amazing that 95% of all test questions only ask students to think at the lowest possible level. I didn't realize that recalling information is the lowest possible form of testing someone. After reading his breakdown it seemed so clear but before I had read it, it never dawned on me. The second area of easiest testing is comprehension, this shocked me becuase I had always thought comprehension was the hardest skill to master. Even to this day I have problems with it. Although I could see how argue your oppinion on a reading that you did was much more difficult because in a sense you are putting memorization and comprehension and life into one argument. I thought this article showed me a lot. I realize that I do ask my own reading group students to answer questions where they have to draw inferences, but I personally find that I am uncomfortable when grading questions that have open ended answers. So, I do see why grading for fact recall is the most popular way, maybe not the most beneficial for students, but definitely the most easiest for teachers. I was impressed and learned a lot from his breakdown of how to test students and strengthen their reading/ retell of stories. I found it important becuase it took me all this time to learn and realize that even though it may be easier as a teacher to ask fact retell questions it's not helping my students in the long run. THis is an article that I will definitely keep, it will come in handy for planning lesson plans in my reading group.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Blog # 4
First, I'd like to start out by saying that it took me about 3 or 4 minutes to find the article on iste.org site. But once I did, I enjoyed reading this article. I noticed they learned a few lessons from our "Newsletter aide," seeing that they put the article in three columns for easier reading :) Now that we have that out of the way.... Let's get to the article....
I found the article to be very informative. I do agree that science is a visual subject, but by incorporating technology into the subject it's adding to the lesson. The standard that this "Causal mapping" is incorporating into the science lesson is a very important one and it is Cause and Effect. Students usually demonstrate this concept during a reading or compression lesson. It's great and very time efficient to be able to use both concepts in one lesson. The idea of being able to let the students go on virtual field trips intrigues me. I am fasinating by that. Especially seemed the article gave me the impression that they are really life-like. Virtual field trips can be a good thing on many levels, the first being every child in the classroom can attend, no hassel of struggling to get all the permission slips back in time, no stressing about who will volunteer to go on the field trips and what parents gets which kids, no worrying about behavior problems once on the field trip or even worse accidentally forgetting a child. These virtual field trips seem to cut out a lot of stress for teachers. Also, the children get motivated and want to collect data plus, it's not a one day event, they can pause the virtual field trip and therefore be more accurate about the data that they found. These sixth grade teachers wrote about causal mapping and science so that even I was motivated, and if I'm motivated I know that my students will be. I liked the fact that they didn't only pin point positives of this technology science lesson they expressed the down points. For instance, a teacher remarked " Instead of trying to guide the students or hint to the right answer, I ask probing questions to get them to thing about the relationships." I liked the honesty in that statement. It is very true, sometimes, it's a lot easier to hint or guide the students into the right answer rather then to have keep going back and forth to the data and hoping that they will eventually come up with the right answer. The concept mapping is a tool that I would like to use in my classroom one day. It reminded of the Inspiration website. I think technology can be a real positive feature to have in the classroom, It will be a change once I start using it and learning about it myself but I can see it has time saving and lesson combining options that can't be beat.
I found the article to be very informative. I do agree that science is a visual subject, but by incorporating technology into the subject it's adding to the lesson. The standard that this "Causal mapping" is incorporating into the science lesson is a very important one and it is Cause and Effect. Students usually demonstrate this concept during a reading or compression lesson. It's great and very time efficient to be able to use both concepts in one lesson. The idea of being able to let the students go on virtual field trips intrigues me. I am fasinating by that. Especially seemed the article gave me the impression that they are really life-like. Virtual field trips can be a good thing on many levels, the first being every child in the classroom can attend, no hassel of struggling to get all the permission slips back in time, no stressing about who will volunteer to go on the field trips and what parents gets which kids, no worrying about behavior problems once on the field trip or even worse accidentally forgetting a child. These virtual field trips seem to cut out a lot of stress for teachers. Also, the children get motivated and want to collect data plus, it's not a one day event, they can pause the virtual field trip and therefore be more accurate about the data that they found. These sixth grade teachers wrote about causal mapping and science so that even I was motivated, and if I'm motivated I know that my students will be. I liked the fact that they didn't only pin point positives of this technology science lesson they expressed the down points. For instance, a teacher remarked " Instead of trying to guide the students or hint to the right answer, I ask probing questions to get them to thing about the relationships." I liked the honesty in that statement. It is very true, sometimes, it's a lot easier to hint or guide the students into the right answer rather then to have keep going back and forth to the data and hoping that they will eventually come up with the right answer. The concept mapping is a tool that I would like to use in my classroom one day. It reminded of the Inspiration website. I think technology can be a real positive feature to have in the classroom, It will be a change once I start using it and learning about it myself but I can see it has time saving and lesson combining options that can't be beat.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Blog # 4
Oh the Changes!!
Technology has really changed over the past 30 years. I'm sure some of my own teachers were just as amazed and excited about making flashcards on the computer along with creating multiple choice questions as todays' teachers are with creating newsletters and keeping track of grades on spreadsheets. It must have seemed so amazing to be able to use the same format over and over again instead of having to create new ones everytime, like it was on the typewriter. On the flipside to that early amazement was more than likely some apprehension to using it accompanied by fear or a lack of knowledge about technology. I think about as in the lack of knowledge and practice I have with these high tech computers now is probably comparable to the early teachers feelings towards computers back then. Knowing that gives me a sense of confidence and reassurance, that even though it looks hard now, the benefits will definitely outweigh the negatives. Also, it will eventually become easy the more I practice with technology. I can accept the fact that even though I am a teacher, I am still a learner. I shouldn't be looked down upon or held accountable if I don't know everything. I am only human. I couldn't really tell you if my teachers back then were computer savvy, but what I can say is that what looked like a challenge to them back then seems super simple compared to today's technology (I can't wait to see what's out there when my students are in college). I am in total agreement with this article when says that rather than having students use the regular pencil to paper learning strategy it is beneficial and motivational to have the children peer edit accross different schools via the internet. Teachers must always remain enthusiastic and excited to learn new innovative ways to teach children, it's this way in which will get kids to WANT to learn. For me, if learning technology is a way to enhance my students learning then count me in, it's worth all my effort to see a student want to learn. Plus, as a teacher my job learning is never finished, so long as they keep making new technology I will keep learning it.
Technology has really changed over the past 30 years. I'm sure some of my own teachers were just as amazed and excited about making flashcards on the computer along with creating multiple choice questions as todays' teachers are with creating newsletters and keeping track of grades on spreadsheets. It must have seemed so amazing to be able to use the same format over and over again instead of having to create new ones everytime, like it was on the typewriter. On the flipside to that early amazement was more than likely some apprehension to using it accompanied by fear or a lack of knowledge about technology. I think about as in the lack of knowledge and practice I have with these high tech computers now is probably comparable to the early teachers feelings towards computers back then. Knowing that gives me a sense of confidence and reassurance, that even though it looks hard now, the benefits will definitely outweigh the negatives. Also, it will eventually become easy the more I practice with technology. I can accept the fact that even though I am a teacher, I am still a learner. I shouldn't be looked down upon or held accountable if I don't know everything. I am only human. I couldn't really tell you if my teachers back then were computer savvy, but what I can say is that what looked like a challenge to them back then seems super simple compared to today's technology (I can't wait to see what's out there when my students are in college). I am in total agreement with this article when says that rather than having students use the regular pencil to paper learning strategy it is beneficial and motivational to have the children peer edit accross different schools via the internet. Teachers must always remain enthusiastic and excited to learn new innovative ways to teach children, it's this way in which will get kids to WANT to learn. For me, if learning technology is a way to enhance my students learning then count me in, it's worth all my effort to see a student want to learn. Plus, as a teacher my job learning is never finished, so long as they keep making new technology I will keep learning it.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Introduction
Hello My name is Lisa and this is my second time doing these assisnments. I don't know how but somehow my first profile got erased. It said that it timed out. I am kind of annoyed at that becuase it left me with a fear that these postings will be deleted as well. I love using to computers to write papers on, they are easier and more convienent than a typewriter as well as using computers to keep in contact with family, friends, peers and teachers. I haven't used a site for blogs only although I was on myspace for a year. I posted a couple of blogs so that friends could read about my life. That was fun for a while. I am not a computer genius but hopefully by the end of this class I will be more comfortable at using computer software. I know it's a good thing, it saves time and makes things more convienent but I find it so uncomforting to know that with the click of the wrong button all work can be done away with.
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