Google Site

I created a google web page. I added a lesson plan that I plan on using to teach adaptations as part of a unit on endangered animals. Below where my site can be found.

http://sites.google.com/site/jillsedtechpage/

INTASC SELF-ASSESSMENT

Here is a link to my INTASC SELF-ASSESSMENT. I include links to my TinyURL presentation that I created as well as my video that I made about Youtube and Facebook.

New Technology Standards

I think that the new technology standards are a great idea. Students need to be able to utilize technology to function in society as adults. Without these standards, some teachers might not teach their students how to utilize technology and how to safely use the internet in a responsible and legal way. These standards are going to force us to be aware of technology, which will only benefit the students.

This class has really opened my eyes to a wide variety of technological tools that I can utilize in the classroom. Since this class has started, I’ve been utilizing google docs on a regular basis to write papers and I plan on incorporating technology into my work sample. I’m going to have my 3/4th graders create a video about endangered animals. My supervising teacher said that many of the students do not have computers at home and are not exposed to technology. I’m excited to be able to introduce them to technology that that might not be aware of. The students use the computer lab to take tests, but that is about it. I would like them to be able to use the computer lab in a fun and exciting way. In the future, I would love to have a class website or blog. I think this is a great way to bridge the gap between school and home.

In my classroom, I plan on encouraging creativity and innovation. There are so many free resources on the internet that students can utilize to create amazing original works and express themselves through videos, blogs, etc. I think that communication and collaboration is extremely important in all classrooms. Technology can help facilitate that process. Students are already using face book and other social networking sites on a regular basis. It would be nice to use their knowledge and digital media to communicate and work collaboratively, across the global community, to support learning. I think it is essential for students to learn critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making skills. These are all skills that can carry over into other aspects of life. Students can use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, analyze data, and so much more.

Youtube and Facebook

I've never been a tech savvy kind of person. I don't even have a facebook page. It was nice to work with a group that utilizes facebook on a regular basis. I think I will have to create an account for myself. It really is a great resource for networking. You tube is great. It's always nice to see great videos on youtube and it can be a great resource for teachers. Our Equity class has already watched a few videos on youtube about inclusive classrooms. Below is the video that my group put together using screen toaster. Screen toaster was pretty user friendly and it was kind of fun making the video.

Free online screen recorder

Google Spreadsheet

I have never been a big fan of excel. Google spreadsheets took some time to figure out, but it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. I think I figured it out.

Here is my spreadsheet and graph which shows that students get more proficient as time goes by. One student went down a little, but got better.

Tiny URL

Skype

I just signed up for Skype and I'm looking forward to using it. With skype, I can make phone calls, video calls, and instant message for free. I can easily incorporate Skype into the classroom. I want my future class to have pen pals. With skype, they can see and talk to other people from all over the world. It will be nice for them to put a face with all of the writing I will also have them do. I can also potentially set up meetings with experts in various fields and set up a video phone calls for my students to ask questions and talk to the expert.

OTEN Conference

I recently attended the OTEN Conference at Pacific University. Dr. Mike Charles presented the keynote: Technology and learning: putting together the total package in the classroom. I chose to attend the Stellarium and Podcasting sessions. Stellarium taught us how to bring starry nights into the classroom. It is a great program that lets you visually view the phases of the moon, constellations, and so much more. You can put in a time and location and view where the moon would be located. This is an amazing website that I would like to use in the classroom when I start my practicum. I also loved the podcasting session. The instructor showed us how she incorporates i pods and technology into the classroom. I liked the project that she did with endangered animals and i pods. I would like to do a similar project like this in the spring with my second graders when I teach them about the Rainforest.

My FAVORITE web 2.0 tools

Web 2.0 is pretty much one stop shopping. Web 2.0 gives you access to TONS of amazing tools such as Google Docs, social networking sites, photos/images, blogs, web pages and so much more. Since all of these resources are online, they are easily accessible. I can access these resources from any computer with internet access.

I've recently started using Google Docs and plan on using it when I start teaching. Its a great resource that allows you to access information from any computer. I can travel between home and school without worrying about losing information. Depending on the age level that I teach, I could have student write reports using Google Docs. I wouldn't have to carry around tons of paper to proofread or grade assignments. Students love social networking sites and communicating with one another online. As a teacher, I would love to have students create their own blog or to have a class blog. I think students will be more interested in writing/keeping a journal when they can make it their own online. It makes writing more interesting than just filling out a journal with paper and pencil. It also a great way to get them to take surveys and interact with one another. Some students have a harder time than others to talk out loud in class. This would give those students a chance to participate and have a voice in the classroom.

ED 550

Blogs can be amazing resources for teachers. I believe that its really important to have great communication with parents/families and blogs can open up the dialog. I would like to have a classroom blog to share classroom news and to show the families what activities the class is participating in and what their children are learning. In one of my classes, I learned that great teachers are thieves. I plan on checking out other teacher blogs to see what I can incorporate into my own classroom.

Refection 6.13

Multicultural Pavilion is created by Paul c. Gorski and EdChange. Paul C. Gorski is an assistant professor at George Mason University and founder of EdChange. The website is a great resource for anyone wanting to know more about diversity They are committed to creating more equitable schools and communities. Educators can find great information on curriculum, lesson plans, printable handouts, songs, essays, and more. Overall, the website has great information on multiculturalism, race, gender, disabilities, and more. However, when looking more into some of the sections such as songs and speeches I noticed that is is geared toward mostly African Americans. I did find a lot about Native Americans in the song section. Much of the information was geared toward the overall theme of Multiculturalism and was trying to sell t-shirts, bumper stickers and more. The also have links to workshops and seminars. It seems like the website is geared toward making money by having people puchase various items. The website supports anyone of diversity. The website focuses on some negative aspects of some white people. They are selling t-shirts that say "cracker" and "No (rich, white, English, upwalking) Child Left Behind. I think the website undermines Caucasians and could have talked about more cultures. I did not see much for Asians and Latinos. Mostly, I found information for African Americans.

http://www.edchange.org/multicultural/

Reflections 6.3

Arab Americans-0
Asian Americans-7 girls/10 boys/1 both sexes
African Americans-6 girls/8 boys/2 both sexes
Latino-9 girls/8 boys/1 both sexes
American Indian-0
White American-19 girls/23 boys/6 both sexes
Race/ethnicity Ambiguous-0
Mixed group-3 girls/5 boys/31 both sexes
Disabled American-0

ALL ABOUT ME

Hello! My name is Jill Baker and I am excited to be in the Masters in Teaching program at Willamette University. I earned my B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Western Oregon University in 2004. My focus areas were Social Sciences, Natural Sciences/Math, and Health/PE. I started volunteering in elementary classrooms when I was in high school and fell in love with working with children. I am currently in the process of working toward my ESOL endorsement. Right now, I'm just counting down the days until I graduate and I look forward to the day when I have a classroom of my own.