Building my technology skills!

Throughout the semester we have done a lot of exploration of different types of technology, in and out of class. We are continuously building upon our knowledge of tools and tricks to use in our future classrooms; not only in 315 but in all of our Block 1 classes.

I learned how to use the "print screen" button while doing an assigment for 379. I was trying to save a picture off of a web page, and could not save it, so I decided to enlarge the image and do a print screen instead. To do this, on my computer, you hold down the function key and the print screen key at the same time. You can then paste the image into a word document, or other photo editing software. This helped me make use of some great online resources for my project, that I would not have been able to do, otherwise.

I feel that as future teachers we should all be looking for way to incorporate technology and new tools into our own classwork and learning to enable us to present this knowledge to our elementary students.

Social networking Teachers nightmare or new teaching tool?

One reading this week was and article titled, "How to use Social Networking Technology as a Learning Tool"

http://www.edutopia.org/how-use-social-networking-technology

This article, from Edutopia, found at the link above, is one that everyone should read, it is short but very good. It expresses the need to reach students at their level, which quite frankly, is technologically. Creating a class blog, or allowing students to sign up for websites that allow them more learning experiences, is much more beneficial than having them play math games for thirty minutes a day. As the article says "too often, schools use computers as little more than glorified workbooks, and that's criminal,"

My host classroom teacher has a blog set up where she communicates daily to her students and parents. She has set it up so her students can ask her questions, as well as, their parents. She updates it every afternoon, with what topics were covered that day, as well as, what was sent home with the students ( homework, permission slips, newletters etc.) I feel that this is a tool that would alleviate a lot of stress when it comes time for parent - teacher conferences. Having an open line of communication with families makes them feel more comfortable that their children are with you all day long. This is also good for students who may be afraid to ask questions in class, so they can ask them on the blog, or express concern about projects or activities from class.

It does take alot of extra time to set up things, such as a blog, but taking the time to do it, will be more than worth it. I also feel that, as the article talked about, it is crutial that students are being taught how to properly use these tools. Many schools as well as parents ban them becuase their children use them inappropriately. Teaching students how to use them, and how not to use them, will eleviate the worries surrounding social media.

:)

NETS !

After reviewing the standards, and having to think about what area I was weakest in and how I would strengthen that was very beneficial. I felt that I was weakest in Standard 4 : Promoting digital citizenship and responsibilty. I feel this was because I do not allows cite all of the information I get off of the internet. If I am doing papers for school, or projects I cite everything, but when I am casually looking for information or picures, I do not always do this. It made me think about my taskstream and all of the pictures I have on there. All but one are from Google, images, and I did not mention that on my portfolio at all:proably should do that!

It was also good to see the student standards and think about how to incorporate those into elementary classrooms. The digital generation that we will be teaching, is going to need more than a worksheet and a pencil to be engaged and reach their fullest potential. I feel that becoming comforable with all technology on a independent level as well as, strategies on how to implement it, productively, into a classroom are things that we should all be doing now.

Reflecting on the standards helped me see where I need to be before I step into my first day of teaching my own students.

Technology in host classroom.

This was the first week of observing, and I was pleasently surprised to find a smart board in my classroom. Although, this is common in elementary classrooms now, it was not the case when I was in elementary school. The teacher used it for most of the day, she has it in the front of the room, with a chalk board on one side, and a white board on the other. The chalk board space is used to hold up items with magnets, such as the calendar. The white board is not used that much. I also learned that computer lab has been implemented as special class in multiple elementary schools, my host school included. I observed my classroom at their computer lab, and they used the technology to extend the lessons that were being taught in the classroom. It was very interesting to see the third graders, start up programs, and dive right is, just like old pros. They also used this time to play some math games, that the district had installed on the computers, which were like speed math quizes, but with no grade or pressure. The students were so excited to go to the computer lab. Having the capability to allow all of the students to use the technology to expand their knowledge of the content, and of the digital tools, is wonderful.