CEDu525 - Week 4

This week in class we discussed many secretarial items, such as when our final assignments were due, and when our work sample #1 would come in to play.

It was interesting to see the different group Thinkfinity lessons. There were many good sites and resources presented for all age levels to use. It is clear that when we put our minds together, we can come up with some pretty compelling information and activities to keep our students not only interested, but active in their learning process.

With this class, I have learned that there are many opportunities to use technology during the school day. What I would really like to put together, are some online meetings for students to access as homework assignments (for example, an online debate). I am aware that perhaps all students might not have access to a computer, or the internet, for that matter, but to be able to present an opportunity like this would move our district in an advanced direction that other teachers could follow. Assignments that can be completed without the use of a computer or internet would be provided in lieu of the student(s) not being able to meet for the debate online. I am currently running the idea for a test meeting past my principle, and hope to be able to debate/meet online with my sophomore class some time this semester!!

CEDu525 - Week Three

This week in class was interesting...We spent time in a classroom chat room, as well as had a discussion about social networks and the like. It was interesting that when I returned home and watched the news that a teacher from Beaver Dam had gotten in trouble for a photo on her facebook page. It really makes me nervous, not that I have posted such pictures, however, I am more nervous as to what it is that I could offend people with, and what others might deem as inappropriate. I have taken the opportunity to move my students from my personal page to a school page, with a short "disclaimer" stating that if students are going to befriend me, they should know to be respectful and polite in conversation on my wall, as well as to use appropriate language at all times. However, with the light of last night's news story, I am contemplating taking that particular page down for awhile. I guess because I am only in my first year, my security is not known, and obviously I do not want to ruin any chances of keeping my position in the future.

Anyhoo...the classroom chat was interesting, however, it was difficult to follow along with the conversation and research the different websites that were being discussed at the same time. It is something that I could get into, but I also need either the visual or the hands-on learning to keep my interest. I could easily become distracted with a classroom chat room, or feel like I did not contribute enough to support my grade, even though I am listening and paying attention.

CEDu525 - Week Two and a Personal Note

This week, the class spent some time looking at different resources located on the web that we could incorporate into the classroom. We were able to discuss our Thinkfinity ideas with others in the class, as well as make helpful suggestions that might add to the lesson they were planning. It is always nice to discuss ideas with colleagues as it gives us opportunities to better our lessons in the long run.

We also took a look at Filamentality, a search engine offered by AT&T. This allows teachers to upload lesson plans and create web pages to support these lesson plans. It also allows other educational professionals the opportunity to borrow these lesson plans. It is great to know that companies such as Verizon and AT&T are willing to put forth funds to support educational programs such as this. Now, if only more companies would better promote education instead of giving out billions of dollars in bailout monies to fund year-end bonuses...we might be headed in the right direction.