Sunday, January 30, 2011
Reflection #2
Yesterday, my fiancé and I were working on getting ready to send out our Save the Dates. I was dreading how long it would take to address all the envelopes (by hand), but my fiancé, Ben, figured out a program on the computer where it would take all the addresses from our guest list and would print them on their own envelopes. The whole process only took less than a half an hour instead of a couple hours! It saved us a lot of time! It is often thought that technology “wastes” people’s time, but if used in the right way, it can really save a lot time! This can also be applied to the classroom, there are many ways that technology can save the student and teacher's time.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Reflection #1
This past weekend my six year old nephew stayed with me. He loves playing on the computer, watching tv and playing video games - he would be satisfied playing with them all day if he was allowed to. I try to mostly avoid doing those sorts of things because I would rather interact with him instead of him being engaged in the computer, video game or tv (he doesn't generally do things on them or watch things that are educational). When I did allow him time to play on the computer I was surprised that he knew how to turn it on, where to go to get the internet, what website to go to with all the right "www" and slashes. He really knows how to manage it well! I know the main reason I don't like him using technology as much as he does (besides missing out on getting exercis, coloring, etc) is the type of stuff he watches and does on them, but I was thinking that if I could find educational games, he would absolutely love them and learn from them. I would love to see his love for technology be used in a way that is beneficial for him!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
SMART Board Reflection
The article I found about SMART Boards is titled "The Use of SMART Boards for Teaching, Learning and Assessment in Kindergarten Science." This article describes the general logistics of the SMART Board and how science can be taught to kindergarten students by using the SMART Board. The research shows that primary students benefit from having a SMART Board (Interactive White Board) in their classroom because it stimulates learning because it is a visual tool. I thought it was interesting that the research found that it is helpful in teaching science to kindergarteners (it makes complete sense). For young students this would be a great tool to help the students learn (especially science) in the classroom. It is important to remember that the SMART Board is a TOOL to help engage the students, not the whole lesson (not everything should revolve around it). I really enjoyed this article because it shows the benefits the Interactive Whiteboard can have specifically on science. The level of science in schools is not satisfactory and if it is shown that it helps develop a foundation for the students then, of course, it should be utilized in the classroom!
http://content.ebscohost.com/pdf9/pdf/2008/73A/01Jun08/32699193.pdf?T=P&P=AN&K=32699193&EbscoContent=dGJyMNLr40SeqLM4yNfsOLCmr0meprBSrq64S66WxWXS&ContentCustomer=dGJyMOzt4Yfq4rmF39%2FsU%2Fipt02u&D=aph
http://content.ebscohost.com/pdf9/pdf/2008/73A/01Jun08/32699193.pdf?T=P&P=AN&K=32699193&EbscoContent=dGJyMNLr40SeqLM4yNfsOLCmr0meprBSrq64S66WxWXS&ContentCustomer=dGJyMOzt4Yfq4rmF39%2FsU%2Fipt02u&D=aph
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
Beginning of Semester Reflection
The amount of technology in our world already is mind-boggling. Television, cell phones, iPads, lap tops, and Smartboards are only a few of the millions of products of technology. Like everything, technology has its pros and cons. People often focus on the cons of technology like decreasing interaction (socialization) between people and the immoral material that technology can be used for, but there are many ways that technology can positively impact people - especially students.
Technology should be embraced as a positive technique to help teach students. In every grade, teachers can use technology to improve their teaching methods and help engage their students. Students want technology to be used in the classroom and encouraged outside the classroom - so why not? Teachers have the opportunity to make technology a positive part of their classes.
Honestly, I have a lot to learn about technology. My six year old nephew probably knows more about computers than I do. I need to learn about the technology that is being used in schools and by elementary students. Just from the explanation in our Technology in Education class about how blogs are used in elementary schools to inform parents, students, and other educators about classes, it is important that I learn how to make the most of blogging for my future classes. As a future teacher, I will need to keep up with the current technology that can be used to improve my classes and help my students learn.
Technology should be embraced as a positive technique to help teach students. In every grade, teachers can use technology to improve their teaching methods and help engage their students. Students want technology to be used in the classroom and encouraged outside the classroom - so why not? Teachers have the opportunity to make technology a positive part of their classes.
Honestly, I have a lot to learn about technology. My six year old nephew probably knows more about computers than I do. I need to learn about the technology that is being used in schools and by elementary students. Just from the explanation in our Technology in Education class about how blogs are used in elementary schools to inform parents, students, and other educators about classes, it is important that I learn how to make the most of blogging for my future classes. As a future teacher, I will need to keep up with the current technology that can be used to improve my classes and help my students learn.
"Turning on the Lights"
I thought "Turning on the Lights" was particularly interesting because before this article I hadn't read anything about technology in schools. It makes complete sense that technology should be included in the learning process since it is such a huge part of our culture and is also extremely influential in young students' lives. Teachers should incorporate technology into lesson plans (not necessarily all lesson plans) to help engage students and provide different avenues for students to best learn.
I agree that it is important to know what students are interested in so teachers can incorporate it into lessons. Although video and computer games do not thrill me, I should make an effort to know what types of games are popular. I could use something from a video game in a lesson plan to help my students learn better. It is also important to know what students are interested in and doing at home so teachers don't come across as naive.
A couple ideas that the article mentioned that I think are excellent ideas to include in a class are: having online pen-pals (which is a lot faster than through the mail) and having students create videos. I loved writing to pen pals and learning about the other students from across the United States or other countries but did not enjoy having to wait so long in between letters. This is a great way for students to use technology to interact and learn from other students from different cultures. Creating videos allows students to express themselves, demonstrates they understand the subject material and they are able to review it with the teacher, all while developing and using their technology skills.
One part of the article that I did not agree with was letting students decide on the technology policies at school. I think it would be great to get their input, but I think it could get out of hand letting them have too much of a say. The reason I say this is that students would want it to be acceptable to have cell phones on in the class. They would say they need to search something on the internet - but the majority of the time would probably actually be spent texting or on Facebook. I think it is unacceptable for students to be on their cell phones in class.
It is important for technology to be incorporated into the classroom to help prepare students for the future, and to best learn.
I agree that it is important to know what students are interested in so teachers can incorporate it into lessons. Although video and computer games do not thrill me, I should make an effort to know what types of games are popular. I could use something from a video game in a lesson plan to help my students learn better. It is also important to know what students are interested in and doing at home so teachers don't come across as naive.
A couple ideas that the article mentioned that I think are excellent ideas to include in a class are: having online pen-pals (which is a lot faster than through the mail) and having students create videos. I loved writing to pen pals and learning about the other students from across the United States or other countries but did not enjoy having to wait so long in between letters. This is a great way for students to use technology to interact and learn from other students from different cultures. Creating videos allows students to express themselves, demonstrates they understand the subject material and they are able to review it with the teacher, all while developing and using their technology skills.
One part of the article that I did not agree with was letting students decide on the technology policies at school. I think it would be great to get their input, but I think it could get out of hand letting them have too much of a say. The reason I say this is that students would want it to be acceptable to have cell phones on in the class. They would say they need to search something on the internet - but the majority of the time would probably actually be spent texting or on Facebook. I think it is unacceptable for students to be on their cell phones in class.
It is important for technology to be incorporated into the classroom to help prepare students for the future, and to best learn.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
First Reflection
I have wanted to be a teacher since I was in elementary school. I had amazing teachers who taught me that learning is important and can be fun. I looked up to my teachers and could always count on them to be consistent. From the wonderful experiences with all my elementary school teachers, it made me want to become a teacher as well. I have always thought that I wanted to be a third grade teacher in a public school, but in the summer of 2008, I was a camp counselor at a junior high camp and loved the experience. I also never thought that I would want to teach science, but now love it and am getting a science endorsement. At this time, I am not positive if I want to teach elementary or junior high school but am excited to share my love for learning with my future students.
I wouldn’t call myself very technologically savvy; I have a lot to learn. I have used Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel and that is about it. I’ve never used a SmartBoard, blogged, or done a podcast. With technology becoming such an important part of our society, it is important that I learn how to best utilize the technological tools that are available. I’m looking forward to learning how to use technology!
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