Assignment #4: Final Project

Exciting, Energetic Earthworms SMARTboard

My Delicious Account

Features that I learned and used:

1. SMARTboard software

a. Table

b. Gallery

c. Text box

d. Add a link

e. Video

f. background

g. Picture

2. Internet

a. Youtube

b. Delicious bookmarks

c. Websites for research

3. Delicious Account

a. Bookmarking

b. Tabs

c. Bundle

Issues that I encountered:

I had many issues when I first began to tackle the SMARTboard. I have never been one to be tech savvy and I was really nervous that learning a brand new program would be very difficult for me. This earthworm lesson was actually the very first SMARTboard presentation that I made all on my own. It took me forever. I was really confused about the text box element. First, I had to figure out that in order to move a text box I had to click on the cursor button or I would continue to make more and more text boxes with each click. After I finally figured this out I couldn't figure out how to edit a text box once it was made ( you actually have to double click on the text box once it is moveable to edit it). This created a bit of a problem but luckily I was able to figure it out with a bit of trial and error. Also, I learned how to make a chart on the SMARTboard program. This is learned is great for kids to come and drag items into it, however it only fits one word and then when a second word is brought into the box, it disappears. I have yet to figure out how to make this work. I also was able to mess around with links to various internet pages. I learned that you can choose to either connect a link to an object, or have a little round blue dot to the side of an object. Both of these are very helpful in that it make accessing the internet in the beginning of the lesson very helpful. I also will never forget the moment during the previous presentation in which I used this SMARTboard lesson when the video did not show up. I had to act on my feet and decide to go straight into the reading of the book instead of dealing with the video that I had intended to use. This was a great lesson in technology in that it is important to always have a back up plan :).

What this Means to Me and How I Will Use it as a Teacher:

This project represents to me a lot of hard work. I never would've imagined a the beginning of the semester that I would be able to make my very own SMARTboard presentation. I can look back now and can say that I feel much more comfortable with technology in general as well. I feel as though I can maneuver throughout the internet and can be much more creative with technology. As a teacher in this generation, I really do think that technology is going to play a key role in the classroom. I also think that the SMARTboard is going to be a normal part of any and all classrooms at a time in the near future. So, I am really happy that I have had this opportunity to learn how to use the tools on the internet to make my classroom a better place ad also to relate best to a generation of learners who are digital natives. I would love to use this particular lesson in the future as part of either an english/ reading lesson or a science lesson. I am also pleased to say that I have made other SMARTboard presentations related to math, and reading that I hope to use in the future.

NETS for students:

3. Research and Information Fluency:

b. locate, organize, analyze, synthesize, and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media.

c. evaluate and select information sources and digital tools based on the appropriateness to specific tasks.

In my project, students are able to research an animal of their choice using internet sources and then to use this information to answer specific questions.

6. Technology Operations and Concepts:

a. understand and use technology

b. Transfer current knowledge to learning of new technologies.

Students will understand how to interact with the SMARTboard in front of the class and will also be able to use a new resource ( delicious account) to search for websites on a given topic. At one point, student may able develop their own delicious account to bookmark websites that they use to research their own animal ( expansion lesson).

NETS for teachers:

1. Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity:

a. Promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students' conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes.

Students will do their own research after I model research that I have done and also once I give specific guidelines and instructions. I will also point out available resources as a starting point for student research ( my Delicious account that I have already set up in regards to certain topics).

2. Design an develop digital- age learning experiences and assessments:

b. develop technology- enriched learning environment that enable all students to pursue their individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their own educational goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress.

Students will have an opportunity to research an animal of their choice and also to gage their own progress as they answer specific questions in order to write their own creative diary. This lesson can also be expanded to become a project as well, this would leave even more room for student creativity.

Comments on Other Blogs ( part 2)

Amy Angelton

Alice Livermore

Kacie Simpson

Bethany Pitroff

Sarah Womack

The Future of Education and Technology (required)

I read an article on the influence of technology in the classroom now as well as the potential influence that it has for future classrooms. Much of the information found was from universities such as NYU and the relationship between students, professors, and technology. The article stated that already, technology is a key element in the classroom. However, the use of technology is expected to expand even more, especially in the areas of video games, networking sites and other web 2.o tools. Though these may seem to be odd additions to the classroom. Studies have shown that these items originally "intended for evil" can be turned into "good" tools. These are especially useful for the students that are struggling with the pace of the class. Also, networking tools make it easy for students to connect with one another and with their professors.

This shift in education is predicted to make learning more about the application of knowledge then memorization. Students will be able to learn in a way that works best for them, but will be expected to show a demonstration of what they learn in a new way as well. This means that a student may be able to test at the beginning of the year to see what they already know and then can focus on those areas in which they need improvement. Also, projects and presentations will be student based and will also involve extensive peer review. Overall, technology is continuing to influence and change the education system in a way that will eventually rework learning as we know it.

Technology and Education

Why I Have a Mac (required)

I really enjoy having a Mac but to be honest, there are still a lot of things that I have to learn. I grew up using PCs and just switched to a Mac when I entered college. So, I am far from being a tech savvy Mac user. However, there are a few things that I really enjoy about having a Mac. For one, the programs that are included on a Mac are very user friendly such as iphoto, itunes and imovie. I really like iphoto in particular. It is a great way to organized pictures and to do simple photo editing as well. I also really like the dashboard element (this is a place where I can store different gadgets that I can download from apple. com such as a dictionary, calculator, and even Christmas lights). I also really like the set up of "Hot Corners." This allows me to switch quickly between different programs that I have open at once. It is really handy when I need to use the internet and Word at the same time. Or if I need to organize parts of two different Word documents.

Once challenge that I had to face with a Mac is the lack of Microsoft Word. I have this program downloaded on my computer but sometimes it is hard to open an attachment when I email them to others ( because my version of Word is different). This does pose a challenge. But, other then that minor problem, I am very happy with my Mac.

Ways to use the Mac in the classroom:

1. Mac's are easy to cart around and are small in size, this makes them ideal for classroom use.

2. iphoto has an excellent photo editing program where students can easily take a picture and edit it for a project or presentation.

3. imovie is user friendly and great for hands on projects where students can combine their knowledge of a subject with photos and are to make a movie project.

4. the hot corners effect allows students to use many different windows at once, this makes it easier to do research.

5. The Mac store offers great advice and council for computer problems that is an excellent source for schools.

Online Conference ( required)

I had the chance to listen to a few different podcasts:

Googlios- a 21st Century View of Teaching

This podcast talked about a wide range of technological tools that are handy in the classroom. Some examples include the use of Google tools, the E portfolio, wikis and other websites. I really enjoyed this individual's insight into the E portfolio or "Googlio". I am particularly interested in this because of the new portfolio system that we are setting up in the education program. It is interesting to hear about all of the things that can be included in something like this and also to see how it can be used in all different age groups from kindergarten to graduate students. I think that it is a great idea to have students become familiar with the portfolio at a young age, especially with how competitive the job market is getting. If kids are better equipped at a young age to be ready for the workforce and the "real world" the better. I also particularly like his ending statement that we are in fact on the breach of a "technological renaissance" it just makes everything seem very epic.

The Cigar Box Method

This Podcast focuses on a method of "remixing" in regards to a project that a class did on Canadian history. The teacher focus on "inquiry based work" where students can research history and can come up with their own conclusions. This is based on a story of a "Cigar Box" collection of a man who collects cigar box and claims that "each panel of the box, as he uncovers them is a part of history." So this teacher decided to have his students create cigar panels that represent different parts of Canadian history through images and research. Students could then "Remix" images to understand history more closely.

1. analyze "Canada in a Box" website ( different images and what they mean)

2. Had a professor come in to speak about the "Cigar Box" exhibit

3. Students research topic

4. Sketches in sketchbook

5. Macromedia Fireworks graphic editing program

6. Create five panel (form a virtual museum)

7. Frequent feedback

8. Worked with a Curator from the museum

9. Finishing touch.

10. Wood shop

I really liked this project because it made history come alive for the 7th grade class. I also think that it is cool that this became a class effort and the students had to work together to form their own personal museum. I love the idea of making history more personal and also to have students really think about historical artifacts and what they mean, not just memorize dates and facts. I loved this project and I greatly admire the hard work of this class and this teacher.

The World Flat Classroom

This Podcast about a classroom that focus on technology and global development. It includes the presentations of individual students who present different group projects. Also, students reflected on the experiences with different global classrooms.

Some of these include:

1. predicting the future

2. Summits with other classrooms around the world (Germany, Australia)

3. Creation of video

I think this is a great way for students to connect with other students from other countries. This allows the world to become more real and also allows students to engage cross cultural. I also really enjoyed the fact that teachers from across the world are using this program to connect across cultures. This would be a great addition to a history, social studies, or geography curriculum.

Reflection #9: Re-visiting the Dream

"The Land of Spices" India Blog

What: This is the blog that I started up when I went on a month-long internship to Mumbai, India last summer. Because I was interning for an organization that had many sponsors ( I also had some of my own) I was asked to start up a blog to keep people informed during my time in India. Little did we all know that I would in fact be staying at a place with no internet connection and very little access to internet cafes ( they were a half and hour drive from where I was staying). So, unfortunately, though I was able to post my thoughts before my trip and after my trip, I was not able to keep people updated during my stay in India.

So What:

This was my first experience writing a blog and I am so proud to say that I feel more comfortable writing blogs now that I have been in Technology in Education. However, this is another great way to show the use of blogs. Blogs are a great way to keep a large scope of people updated on a topic in your life and you can make it as personal or impersonal as you wish. I think a really cool project for a class would include researching a country or state and writing a blog talking about "adventures" in that country or state. This would be a great way for parents to see and be involved with what their kids are doing in school.

Now What:

Like I said earlier, a blog is a very useful tool to keep a large number of people updates on a specific topic. Therefore it could be a useful tool for students or for teachers. I think that I have for sure learned this through my experiences writing a block recounting my experiences in India.

Reflection #8: Rebuilding a Community One School at a Time

School for Schools Teacher Exchange

What:

This website is a part of the Invisible Children campaign that focuses on improving the educational system in Northern Uganda. The website includes promotional videos that are very well done that explain what has been done already in Uganda an encourages involvement so that more can be built and improved. The basic heart of this ministry is to rebuild schools in Northern Uganda that have been devastated for years because of war and to bring these school up to standard so that the students can once again compete with southern Uganda and with the world. The basic steps that are taken to do this include rebuilding the structural buildings of the schools through local contractors and then to bring in good teachers to begin to mentor students. They also focus on individual mentorship and have a "teacher exchange" program where teacher from America can swap places with teachers in Uganda in order to learn from each other.

So What:

This is a great example of the place that education is in the world. Many countries are looking for book and desks let alone technology and resources. We are so blessed in America to have all fo the resources available to us that we do. This website causes me to think outside of the box and to get a global perspective on the importance of education.

Now What:

I really think that this program would be an amazing experience for anyone interested in secondary education. After reading this article, I really do consider doing something like this "teacher exchange" so that I can see the global need and so that I can give hope in the form of education to students around the world.