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!