Thursday, October 29, 2009

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/

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

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.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

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.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

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.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

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.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Sunday, October 4, 2009

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.