CEDu510 - COMPLETE

WOW. This class has flown by. I have learned a great deal in the previous weeks, so much so that my students' are reeling from the experiences they are having in class. Almost every aspect of the class I have put to use in my classroom, and perhaps next semester, I can start incorporating video casts and the like. This class was a great experience, and I am glad that it was so hands on, as doing while discussing was much easier than following anything like a manual. Thank you, again, Louie!

CEDu510 - Week 5 Blog

Usually when I walk away from class each week, I am inspired to try something new in my classroom the following week. What we study affects my classroom greatly, as I am always altering lessons and trying new situations to extend the learning of my students.
This week we learned how to Skype and use virtual classrooms for our benefit. It was wonderful to be able to converse with colleagues as well as the professor without having to hold a phone to my ear all night! It was also great to see how virtual classrooms can be implemented, whether for an online course, a student who may have been absent that day, or for a video cast that the students are asked to watch outside of the classroom.
I think next semester I will implement the use of video pods in my classroom syllabus and ask students to access it either from home or in their study halls. It is definitely an experience that I want to try, and want to implement for my students benefit as well.

CEDu510 - Virtual Classrooms

In downloading RealPlayer and watching a few In Time videos, it is clear that some are relevant and worth using, and some need to be desperately improved upon. The video I settled on was from a teacher in Iowa. From his explanation, the entire state of Iowa, the public school system, at least, and including many universities, is connected by a system called the Iowa Communications Network. This system allows this teacher to complete a unit called Introduction to Black Studies working with students at three different high schools at one time. This is truly a virtual classroom, as the students and teacher are conversing through the internet, and there are enough visuals (TVs) that all students are able to see the teacher clearly and discuss in real time the topics at hand. In this manner, all students experience active involvment in the lesson, frequent feedback of product and discussion, as well as an appreciation for the content. The teacher has worked on this particular unit for the past three years, and mentioned that there were many changes that he had made along the way. It is good to see that he does not use the same strategies each time, but molds his lessons to fit the make-up and needs of his classroom.

This could be a way to reach students in my classroom, however it would be necessary that they all had access to a computer or TV that was connected to the internet or a system like the one shown here. However, it would not be difficult to create a video lecture and put it on YouTube for students to try or have an online experience. Now that I think about it...it might be worth a try!

CEDu510 - Week Three!

This week in class we discovered and perused Google Doc spreadsheets. WOW. I was previously familiar with Microsoft Excel, however, I do find that the Google spreadsheet is easier to use for my purposes. In Communications class, it might not be quite necessary to use a spreadsheet, but there are many instances where it would be helpful in terms of comparisons or contrasts between different sources or pieces of literature.

I have currently been running a fund-raiser for PWHS Student Council for our annual Gift-A-Child donation, and have been entering the class donations into a spreadsheet on Excel. I am thinking about transferring it to Google Docs because then my co-advisor can research and access it at any time. Currently I am still emailing her the daily monetary changes, and this would make the whole project move much easier...not to mention that if we continue with the fund-raiser next year, the spreadsheet is easily accessible by both the Advisor and myself. What a great tool!

Philip the Hyper-Hypo!

This week in class we discussed the different types of search engines that are available. Wow. I was surprised at how many search engines were actually out there. I am used to using Google as my search engine because as a teacher, I am able to find resources that are valid and accurate to the research I am conducting. In terms of my students, they are most familiar with Google as well, however, they don't always know what sites are acceptible and credible. I have spent a lot of time in my classroom going over what makes for a credible web page and source. My students are under the impression that anything on Wikipedia is fact. This is just one of the myths that I try to dispell every semester. I think a GOOD activity that I might use before research projects next year (or as soon as this month, if time allows) is to give the students a project where they find original information on Wikipedia, and then research the same topic on credible sites. I think the students would find it interesting how different information can be presented as well as documented.

We also looked at Word Processing programs, such as Google Docs, and discussed the importance of word processing in terms of learning. Word processing is necessary in all content areas, even though it might not be offered as such. Word processing opportunities allow students to perfect their skills, as well as open them up to different reasons as to why one might want to word process on a regular basis, for example, creating such technical documents as cover letters, brochures, resumes, etc. These examples allow students to practice their professionalism as well, which is just as important in this day and age, as it is necessary that most items one turns in for a job should always be professional.

Oh, the Twilight anticipation!!

OOPS! My bad!

Ok, so I really didn't answer the questions asked of me...I have spoken about the class, but how about how the new content knowledge will affect me professionally and personally?!?  Well, if you couldn't tell, I am extremely excited about using my new knowledge in the classroom, and I have already bragged about it to our principal, so I don't think I need to say much more!  And personally?  I have blogged a few times about what I have used and want to use in the classroom, and I have already downloaded SKYPE, signed up for a TWITTER account, and am thinking about starting my own NING social group!  Gosh, I wonder if I will ever be able to get away from this computer in the future?!?!  

NING! and Supporting Learning with Technology

Well, we have started our second class for the Instructional Technology Masters.  I am very excited, and once again, have learned so very much on the first day of class.  It was very interesting to set up my own Ning account, use and create a new online presentation source, as well as graphics!  I am going to have to play around with them a bit more so perhaps I can add some fun and entertainment to my blog.

The principal of my school stopped in to talk to me about unrelated matters today, and I took the opportunity to show him what I had learned so far, as well as introduce him to what we had learned last night.  Gosh, it truly is something new and exciting every class period, and that is what I enjoy about coming to class.  Learning something new.

I have just finished reading chapter one of Supporting Learning with Technology, by Joy Egbert.  This chapter works to introduce the reader to the use of computer technology in the classroom, and starts by discussing the different parts and components of the computer as well as the many terms that are used in working with computers.  It also discusses such objectives as why a learning focus is important to supporting learning with technology, the relevant standards and the 21st century skills that ground the learning in this text, as well as defining "educational technology" and other related terms.  There is a lot of information that is valuable thus far in our course and I especially like how there are related statements included from teachers who are already trying to implement these techniques in their classrooms and school districts.  One thing I am disheartened about, however, is that in finishing the chapter, and reading these short blurbs by other teachers, I realized that all of the teachers who commented were either elementary or middle school teachers.  It prompted me to search the rest of the book, in which I found the same result.  There are no blurbs or comments from the 9-12 perspective.  This, I think, makes it hard to relate to the material, as it might for a few of the high school teachers in our program, as we might not have any of these experiences to identify with.  I am, however, looking forward to what other informational pieces this text has to offer.

Google Docs Continued...

Well, today went a bit smoother with students using Google Docs. They are becoming more and more familiar with what the program has to offer. I even had students working on their assignments at home last night, they thought it was so cool!! That truly is exciting, to have students looking forward to learning because of the technologies that are available to them?!? Incredible! I am already receiving emails to view their progress, and it looks like they are really taking to the applications. Oh, what will tomorrow bring?!?

Google Docs in Use

So, today I began my research presentation with my Freshmen using GoogleDocs. Oy! It sure was stressful!! We began by viewing the Google Docs in Plain English by Lee LeFever. The students found it very interesting, and wanted to get started right away. Huh. Interesting enough, some students did not have email addresses, and therefore we had to back up to allow them to access a new email account (the perks you go through when the district doesn't currently have student email). Once we had accomplished this task, it was necessary for students to create a Google account and contact their partners through Google Docs. This did take awhile, and I know that I will be starting in the same place tomorrow, but I am very glad that the students had an opportunity to play around with the site before getting started.

The bonus? I have two Freshmen classes back to back, and I can change whatever doesn't work first hour to better explain second hour. I am SO looking forward to what my students create tomorrow!

I have to say, I am SO excited about applying my new-found knowledge to the classroom. I have just created my first assignment using Google Docs for my Freshmen. I am looking forward to working with them on this project to both introduce them to new technology and continue with my own education of the program as well. So, next week, I am spending four days working with Google Docs with my Freshmen. They have no idea what to expect, and neither do I, but that is what makes teaching FUN.

Well, I thought I might add some color to my new blog. I am ecstatic in so many ways, and feel so blessed. I am in a teaching position that I love, I have a wonderful, loving and caring new husband, and I am beginning a masters program that will be sure to challenge me over the next 18 months. I welcome that challenge...I don't feel I would be learning to my best potential if I were part of a program where I knew most everything already. This program gives me the opportunity to learn new techniques and better my own technological education as well. I look forward to the challenges ahead...

Introduction to the Internet

Welcome to the Internet!!! This is a great course for me! I am worried however, that my current school district is far behind in terms of gaining new technological equipment and putting new Internet resources into the hands of our students. I have learned so much already, and I thought I was mediocre at the use of the computer and the Internet, however, I was sorely mistaken.

I want to start implementing these programs into my classroom! How exciting would it be to have students commenting and taking part in class activities from home? The use of google.docs was amazing, and the idea that I can post it to the web, and not having to worry about carrying around a zip drive with me all the time is wonderful! What better way to share your knowledge with others.