Sunday, September 27, 2009
Reflection #1
I oberved a 1st grade class recently. They had an Interactive Board and a camera that showed up on the Interactive Board. There was lots of the students' work on the walls; it was great! They are SO cute! They are also at the beginning stages of learning to be a student. I can see myself teaching this grade; we'll see where I end up. I learned a lot; how to transition from lesson to lesson, little techniques of communicating with the students in a way to not lose their attention and keep them on task. I look forward to my next observation.
School Website Review
I looked at my high school's website, Woodinville High School. They basically just had the most important information one would need.
I liked: seeing pictures of my old teachers, seeing the Track & Field site, which had the scores of the past season, some pictures of the campus; it brought back memories.
I disliked: It seems like the website isn't that important to the school. It has basic information. It would be cool if teachers devoted more time trying to connect to the parents and community about what they're doing in the classrooms. I can see technology in the classrooms could be useful and possibly engage the students more. If there were some interesting things going on in the classrooms maybe the teachers would be motivated to share with others what they're doing.
What is missing?: Definitely missing some excitment. Maybe they could higher a photographer, or maybe have students take pictures of things they are doing, then submit them, then the whole issue of students photos being on the internet, but if they could get permission it could work. Also, someone more experienced and some creativity could help.
I also looked at my Elementary website, Bear Creek Elementary in Woodinville. This website had more life and color to it. They were more connected to the community and the parents. This is probably because the parents are more interested in their childs first years of school. After Elementary, they seem to know the routine and what to expect from their childs school. There was definitely more technology devoted to the youngsters, possibly to jump start their imagination and show them what is available to them. A child's elementary years are the years they child soaks the most information in, grows the most and actually "seem" like they really want to learn. Maybe this is why there is more technology and more materials for teaching to all learning styles available to them.
I liked: seeing pictures of my old teachers, seeing the Track & Field site, which had the scores of the past season, some pictures of the campus; it brought back memories.
I disliked: It seems like the website isn't that important to the school. It has basic information. It would be cool if teachers devoted more time trying to connect to the parents and community about what they're doing in the classrooms. I can see technology in the classrooms could be useful and possibly engage the students more. If there were some interesting things going on in the classrooms maybe the teachers would be motivated to share with others what they're doing.
What is missing?: Definitely missing some excitment. Maybe they could higher a photographer, or maybe have students take pictures of things they are doing, then submit them, then the whole issue of students photos being on the internet, but if they could get permission it could work. Also, someone more experienced and some creativity could help.
I also looked at my Elementary website, Bear Creek Elementary in Woodinville. This website had more life and color to it. They were more connected to the community and the parents. This is probably because the parents are more interested in their childs first years of school. After Elementary, they seem to know the routine and what to expect from their childs school. There was definitely more technology devoted to the youngsters, possibly to jump start their imagination and show them what is available to them. A child's elementary years are the years they child soaks the most information in, grows the most and actually "seem" like they really want to learn. Maybe this is why there is more technology and more materials for teaching to all learning styles available to them.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Assignment #1
Article Review
In this article, Art Education Technology: Digital Storytelling, Sheng Kuan Chung writes about the importance and impact of digital storytelling in the classrooms. As Chung stated, "[...] digital storytelling refers to the practice of incorporating digital text, imagery, video, and audio into the presentation of a computer-mediated, multimedia story" (Chung, 17). Digital storytelling teaches about culture and uses a variety of visual arts including the use of digital audio sounds, images from video's, possibly YouTube, PowerPoint, and much more. This sort of technology would be great for upper Elementary grade levels. It seems this article was written for higher-level students, but I can definitely see this used in Elementary grades. Before students use the computer to produce a story, students can have, let’s say, eight scenes/boxes on a paper. Then they could use the boxes to illustrate a sequential storyline; a storyboard, transfer it onto the computer, record their audio voice as a narrator, add text, and so on. This project would incorporate communication, arts, technology, and student imagination.
This article opened my eyes to how art can be incorportated into technology. This article talked about a specific way art education can be used in a technological generation of students. Chung stated, "Digital storytelling not only addresses art education's current concerns with visual culture, computer technology, and interdisciplinary pedagogy, but also allows learners to cultivate and apply their multiple literacy, artistic, and critical skills to give voice to greater issues of importance to a worldwide audience" (Chung, 17). I am excited to see how, as a future educator, I can incorporate the arts with computers for my students.
The Permalink to this article:
http://firma.northwestu.edu/login%20url=http://search.ebscohost.com.firma.northwestu.edu/login.aspx%20direct=true&db=ehh&AN=24120706&site=ehost-live
Sheng Kuan Chung. "Art Education Technology: digital storytelling." Art Education 60.2 (Mar. 2007): 17- 22. Education Research Complete. EBSCO. [Library name], [City], [State abbreviation]. 22 Sep. 2009 http://firma.northwestu.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com.firma.northwestu.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ehh&AN=24120706&site=ehost-live.
NETS for Teachers
The NETS for teachers I would like to focus on is number two, Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments. I feel this standard incorporates a little of every standard. In this standard the teacher not only "Designs and Develops Learning Experiences" but also at the same time is facilitating and inspiring student learning.
This standard is important for teachers because the teacher is putting a lot more effort in designing a learning experience for the students, developing environments for students to express their creativity, customizing and personalizing digital tools and resources, and provides students with assessments resulting from their learning.
This standard is important for students because they not only feel inspired to learn, but the standard effectively creates experiences that are customized to each students learning style, and gives the student lots of control and hands on learning.
My plan on improving in this area is to learn how to design and develop tools that can be used to give the best learning experience for my future students, and also to find the best possible ways for my future students to personally engage and have control in their learning.
NETS for Students
One of the standards I believe is important for students is standard number one, Creativity and Innovation.
This standard is great for young learners, and I believe it's most encouraging. This standard is less specific than other standards but is a great starting point for young learners. It encourages creative thinking, exploring new knowledge, and developing and expressing original works/projects.
A few ways I can incorporate this standard into my classroom:
- Use existing knowledge to create illustrations, generate ideas for projects involving let's say, weather.
- Creating original works / posters individually or in groups about for example a famous President or country.
- Identify trends when working on math problems or forecast possibilities when developing a plan for a science project.
- Lastly, when creating art projects, students can apply all of the above in the construction of an art project.
In this article, Art Education Technology: Digital Storytelling, Sheng Kuan Chung writes about the importance and impact of digital storytelling in the classrooms. As Chung stated, "[...] digital storytelling refers to the practice of incorporating digital text, imagery, video, and audio into the presentation of a computer-mediated, multimedia story" (Chung, 17). Digital storytelling teaches about culture and uses a variety of visual arts including the use of digital audio sounds, images from video's, possibly YouTube, PowerPoint, and much more. This sort of technology would be great for upper Elementary grade levels. It seems this article was written for higher-level students, but I can definitely see this used in Elementary grades. Before students use the computer to produce a story, students can have, let’s say, eight scenes/boxes on a paper. Then they could use the boxes to illustrate a sequential storyline; a storyboard, transfer it onto the computer, record their audio voice as a narrator, add text, and so on. This project would incorporate communication, arts, technology, and student imagination.
This article opened my eyes to how art can be incorportated into technology. This article talked about a specific way art education can be used in a technological generation of students. Chung stated, "Digital storytelling not only addresses art education's current concerns with visual culture, computer technology, and interdisciplinary pedagogy, but also allows learners to cultivate and apply their multiple literacy, artistic, and critical skills to give voice to greater issues of importance to a worldwide audience" (Chung, 17). I am excited to see how, as a future educator, I can incorporate the arts with computers for my students.
The Permalink to this article:
http://firma.northwestu.edu/login%20url=http://search.ebscohost.com.firma.northwestu.edu/login.aspx%20direct=true&db=ehh&AN=24120706&site=ehost-live
Works Cited
NETS for Teachers
The NETS for teachers I would like to focus on is number two, Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments. I feel this standard incorporates a little of every standard. In this standard the teacher not only "Designs and Develops Learning Experiences" but also at the same time is facilitating and inspiring student learning.
This standard is important for teachers because the teacher is putting a lot more effort in designing a learning experience for the students, developing environments for students to express their creativity, customizing and personalizing digital tools and resources, and provides students with assessments resulting from their learning.
This standard is important for students because they not only feel inspired to learn, but the standard effectively creates experiences that are customized to each students learning style, and gives the student lots of control and hands on learning.
My plan on improving in this area is to learn how to design and develop tools that can be used to give the best learning experience for my future students, and also to find the best possible ways for my future students to personally engage and have control in their learning.
NETS for Students
One of the standards I believe is important for students is standard number one, Creativity and Innovation.
This standard is great for young learners, and I believe it's most encouraging. This standard is less specific than other standards but is a great starting point for young learners. It encourages creative thinking, exploring new knowledge, and developing and expressing original works/projects.
A few ways I can incorporate this standard into my classroom:
- Use existing knowledge to create illustrations, generate ideas for projects involving let's say, weather.
- Creating original works / posters individually or in groups about for example a famous President or country.
- Identify trends when working on math problems or forecast possibilities when developing a plan for a science project.
- Lastly, when creating art projects, students can apply all of the above in the construction of an art project.
Monday, September 21, 2009
"Generation IM" article response
This article was interesting. It made me realize the kinds of students I will most likely have when I become a teacher. Students are daily emmersed in technology and know greatly more about technology than many teachers. Therefore, as teachers we need to be caught up and familiarized with what technological resources are out there and how we can implement them in our classroom. The biggest road block for teachers to be familiar with new technology is their time and resources.
This article provided many ideas and ways for teachers to grasp on to the technology that is needed for students. There were many helpful websites like http://www.teachertube.com/ and http://www.wikispaces.com/
The need for technology in the classroom is growing. We can't be teaching students how we learned. Children these days are not learning the way we learned; they are a whole new generation with a whole new concept of learning.
The article states, "In a digital age, we simply cannot measure a child’s knowledge through an isolated, fact-driven standardized test" (Instructor Magazine). I would greatly agree with this quote. If we can teach students and test students that works best with their learning style, I think students would not only improve academically, but socially, and emotionally.
This article provided many ideas and ways for teachers to grasp on to the technology that is needed for students. There were many helpful websites like http://www.teachertube.com/ and http://www.wikispaces.com/
The need for technology in the classroom is growing. We can't be teaching students how we learned. Children these days are not learning the way we learned; they are a whole new generation with a whole new concept of learning.
The article states, "In a digital age, we simply cannot measure a child’s knowledge through an isolated, fact-driven standardized test" (Instructor Magazine). I would greatly agree with this quote. If we can teach students and test students that works best with their learning style, I think students would not only improve academically, but socially, and emotionally.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Beginning of Semester Reflection
I believe technology in any grade level classroom should be informed of the technology that is available, and classrooms/teachers should have the ability of including new technology to enhance their classrooms learning environment.
The role technology can and is playing in K-12 classrooms is boundless. As technology in society is continually advancing, so should the technology in the classroom. Children are becoming more and more aware of what is available to them technology wise, and they're becoming more and more "experts" in technology. Educators need to reinforce what children are already learning greatly from and apply it to their teaching in the classroom; for example, facebook, blogs, podcasts, computers, audio recordings, wiki, etc.
In this new era, and my soon to be life as a teacher, I should be aware of the usefulness of technology and how it can enhance the learning about any subject I plan on teaching.
I'm so eager to be a teacher. I want to encourage any dreams my students have; dreams of going to the moon, being President, or owning a bakery. I look forward to bringing these dreams to life for my students, and using technology as an tool for my students' dreams to become reality.
The role technology can and is playing in K-12 classrooms is boundless. As technology in society is continually advancing, so should the technology in the classroom. Children are becoming more and more aware of what is available to them technology wise, and they're becoming more and more "experts" in technology. Educators need to reinforce what children are already learning greatly from and apply it to their teaching in the classroom; for example, facebook, blogs, podcasts, computers, audio recordings, wiki, etc.
In this new era, and my soon to be life as a teacher, I should be aware of the usefulness of technology and how it can enhance the learning about any subject I plan on teaching.
I'm so eager to be a teacher. I want to encourage any dreams my students have; dreams of going to the moon, being President, or owning a bakery. I look forward to bringing these dreams to life for my students, and using technology as an tool for my students' dreams to become reality.
SMART boards are amazing!
“In all of my purchase decisions for classroom technologies, my top priority is ensuring that the new technology supports the goals and passions of our teachers and enhances student learning," says Stuart Posin, director of technology at the Buckley School in Sherman Oaks, California.
In the article I read titled SMART Products Fit the Mix at Buckley School, I learned about how SMART boards have enhanced the teaching effectiveness for teachers at Buckley School. The director of technology, Stuart Posin also mentioned, “I very quickly saw the value for our school. I believe that the software and the capabilities of the SMART Board complement classrooms from kindergarten through to Advanced Placement history or math. It fits a wide range of teaching styles and classroom configurations.”
Posin is in charge of integrating and finding new technology that can easily be learned and integrated into classrooms.
The author was saying that parents were wondering when their child's classroom would get a SMART board. Students were wondering this as well. Teachers were realizing that SMART boards are increasingly vital to the technology advancing classrooms. They can do so much! The software that comes with the board can show a graphing calculator to the students when learning math. They truly increase the level of engagement for students.
In the article I read titled SMART Products Fit the Mix at Buckley School, I learned about how SMART boards have enhanced the teaching effectiveness for teachers at Buckley School. The director of technology, Stuart Posin also mentioned, “I very quickly saw the value for our school. I believe that the software and the capabilities of the SMART Board complement classrooms from kindergarten through to Advanced Placement history or math. It fits a wide range of teaching styles and classroom configurations.”
Posin is in charge of integrating and finding new technology that can easily be learned and integrated into classrooms.
The author was saying that parents were wondering when their child's classroom would get a SMART board. Students were wondering this as well. Teachers were realizing that SMART boards are increasingly vital to the technology advancing classrooms. They can do so much! The software that comes with the board can show a graphing calculator to the students when learning math. They truly increase the level of engagement for students.
Monday, September 7, 2009
"Turning on the Lights" by Marc Prensky
In discussions about technology I have heard people say, "Technology is a blessing and a curse," it all depends on how we use it. I completely agree that cell phones, computers, video games, etc. are a distraction in schools, however they are one of the greatest inventions that kids are learning from, experiencing, and spending much of their time mastering. Yes, these inventions, specifically the computer and internet, can overly consume a child, but as the article was saying, the internet connects cultures and people; students learning about Australia can connect with Australian students wanting to learn about America.
I agree with Marc Prensky when he was talking about how students feel their schooling is completely irrelevant with their lives and their future. I believe school would be so much more fun and interesting for our students if they saw that educators wanted to know their goals and aspirations and desired to help them get there using tools, like blogging, videogames, podcasts, powerpoint, and so much more.
This article encouraged me as a future teacher to not just teach my students what the standards are, but to really teach them what they will need to know for "real life" and their careers; in doing this, use technology that my students are already learning with; technology that captures their imagination.
I agree with Marc Prensky when he was talking about how students feel their schooling is completely irrelevant with their lives and their future. I believe school would be so much more fun and interesting for our students if they saw that educators wanted to know their goals and aspirations and desired to help them get there using tools, like blogging, videogames, podcasts, powerpoint, and so much more.
This article encouraged me as a future teacher to not just teach my students what the standards are, but to really teach them what they will need to know for "real life" and their careers; in doing this, use technology that my students are already learning with; technology that captures their imagination.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
My Story
As long as I remember I've wanted to become a teacher. I want to influence my students' lives. The main reason that has pushed me into becoming a teacher is the fact that I struggled in Elementary. More specifically I struggled in math. I hated not understanding, being the last one to "get" concepts, and I hated feeling stupid. I don't want my students to have the same feelings and experiences that I went through. I want to help my students understand, and feel smart about themselves.
Ideally, I would love to teach 1st, 2nd, or 3rd grade.
Ideally, I would love to teach 1st, 2nd, or 3rd grade.
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