Lesson Plan

Through the use and exploration of smartboard I have now been exposed to the many different lesson plan ideas and activities available. This application has opened new ways of teaching and applying technology to every subject while promoting interactive lesson plans. The many different options that smartboard provides, creates new and innovative way to teach rather than just using a textbook. I think a major issue with the education system is that students do not interact with the material because they get bored or it gets repetitive. Smartboard has so many different creative ways of exploring technology in the classroom while keeping the lessons interesting and fun. I created a lesson plan for elementary school students for art. With the major budget cuts art is being cut from many different schools which I think is an important subject to teach culture and creativity. I started my lesson by explaining the different forms of art and how it influences our everyday life. Then I have slides with paintings and information about the artist, at this point it is important to have the students express their interpretations and opinions about the art because after all, that's what art is. The slide that is pictured is of the final slide which is a quiz of sorts that has flashing images of the paintings that were discussed and the students have to choose the artist based on the painting. This was such a fun activity and it really made me think about the responsibilities of a teacher to not only teach but keep the classroom stimulated.

Teacher Interview with Ms. Waldman

(1) What tools are their favorite tech and web tools to use in the classroom?
I like to use the smartboard because it is an effective way to show information to the class but it is also interactive for the students.
(2) What are their biggest frustrations with technology in the classroom?
That there is not enough of it. Its hard to only have access to class computers a certain time during the week for projects. It gets very frustrating.
(3) What is the biggest misconception about using technology in the classroom?
That it takes away from learning. While I do not allow cell phones to be used, I think technology has become a big enough part of our society that we should include it in the classrooms and the learning process.
(4) What are the biggest hurdles that you face as an educator using technology in the classroom?
That there is not enough of it and that the resources are not available.
(5) What has been your biggest success with technology integration in the classroom?
Seeing new and creative ways of exploring different subject matter and also creating innovative curriculum's that include different technological aspects and allow the students to express their creativity.
(6) Who/What has been your biggest inspiration in helping you to use technology in the classroom?
The students. To be able to see what they can do with it and the ways that it helps them learn and develop is truly inspiring.
(7) Where do you see technology integration heading in the future?
I hope that more resources in the future will allow for more technology in the classroom!

Storybird

I created my first storybird and had so much fun. I thought it was a great way to explore the different uses of the internet while also using my own creativity. Storybird is a great way to utilize different artistic digital aspects while using your imagination to weave the images and text together to create a story. I think this site could be very useful in the classroom because story telling is a great way for kids to explore their imagination and it promotes creativity and expression.

Blog Analysis

http://www.insidehighered.com/blogs/adviser_in_the_classroom/first_classes

This blog was good according to the criteria that we listed. The blogger updates frequently and the blog itself is very organized. The topics are all revolved around education therefore keeping the blog focused. The blog post was very thorough and specific; however, there were no comments on the blog which is questionable.

http://doteduguru.com/id4289-authenticity-what-i-learned-on-my-winter-vacation.html

In my opinion this blog was not very good. While it had photos to help support the text, the text itself was not interesting at all. It seemed as if the individual just wanted to blog about something and chose something that would not intrigue anyone but the blogger. I recognize their attempt to put out interesting information but I found that reading this blog was a waste of time.

http://blog.genyes.com/index.php/2010/01/17/martin-luther-king-jr-day/

I found this blog fascinating. It was posted on MLK day and the topic was appropriate. Not only did the blogger include his own opinions and thoughts about the world today and how times have changed but also used logical support using quotes from Martin Luther King Jr. There were comments on the blog proving that the blogger is open to feedback, it was organized because it started with a quote and the blog post stayed focused throughout the whole thing, making it a good blog.

Blogging Standards

With so many blogs out there it is hard to determine which ones are good and which ones are bad. Our PLN has compiled a list of qualities that make up a good blog.

-updated frequently
-open minded
-interesting topics
-focused
-organized
-interactive
-available for feedback
-appropriate
-logic based

Happiest Place on Earth

This is a concept map and collage that my PLN created to demonstrate the technology that we would want in an ideal classroom. The reality of the situation is that with the lack of funding in education we do not have access to all of these resources; however, in a perfect classroom all of these forms of technology would be present in the classroom to help and emphasize learning in the classroom.

Technology immigrant vs. Technology native

A cartoon I created that represents the difference between a technology native and a technology immigrant and how their lives and resources are so different. Very representative of the generation gaps and the technology that often proves as a language barrier between us and other generations.

My iGoogle

My iGoogle page is effective in providing me with many different applications in one site. I have a weather application because it saves me from having to navigate away from my email to check the 10 day forcast. I also have the application for urban spoon which allows me to look for different restaurants of any type of food in any location. Spanish is my minor and therefore plays a large part in my college education, because of this I added a translator application because I am always struggling to find an effective translator website. By personalizing my iGoogle I made i really easy to access information that is applicable on a daily basis for me.

I jinged it!

Here are some tools I think will be used in the classroom in 10-15 years. What do you think are some interesting technology tools that will be used?

Book of Faces

My name is Kara and I am a Facebook addict. Facebook, a site that has revolutionized stalking and has turned me into a horrible student. Why do my math problem site when I can stalk people on facebook that I haven't talked to for years? A question I ask myself on the daily. Facebook has made communication easy but it has also made being a student harder. After writing three sentences in my English paper I reward myself with time on facebook. I feel as though I am more connected with people through the use of facebook but ultimately I have realized that in my attempts to stay connected I end up disconnecting myself from my school work. Hopefully through this class I can gain an understanding of other sites besides facebook and I can find other websites to procrastinate with.

Digital Story

After using iMovie for the first time to create a digital story I found it very fun and challenging. I had so much fun making a digital story and dissecting myself and the reasons for me wanting to be a teacher. It allowed me to learn about myself while also learning about the advantages of technology. Getting to see everyone's digital stories was a great opportunity to also get to know my PLN better. This was a great assignment to explore the many computer applications and understand various ways of communicating individual interests and opinions. I had so much fun completing the digital story and I hope it shows!

Edst 221: Day 1

In my experience as a student from K-12, technology did not become a prominent part until high school. My elementary experiences did not involve a lot of use of technology; however, I do remember we would get computer time a couple times a week in which we would take online tests to help us type better and increase our knowledge on how to navigate around the internet and computers in general. In high school internet became my main source of information. With the increase and necessity of research, the internet became a great and efficient tool to gather and organize information. The internet provides many different opportunities for learning and allows students to explore various topics more in depth. I feel as though I have a great understanding of all of the opportunities the internet has to offer; however, this class had made me realize I haven't even scratched the surface. I have a lot to learn about the internet as well as how its use can be applied in the classroom.