Today I decided to use what I've learned in my technology course. My students absolutely adore the beginning process of blogging. I had each of them write a brief review on how they felt about a story we've read in class "Amber Brown Green with Envy." I can't wait to read what they had to offer.
With blogging I hope to actively engage my students and continue to focus on motivation. I will keep you all posted.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
What a Great Experience~Blogging
This semester I truly enjoyed not only creating a blog, but also posting information about different tools used in our Educational Technology course. I love the fact that blogs allows you to communicate with other by presenting them with information you’ve learned over time. What I adore the most is that there are so many wonderful features that you can use to add appeal to your blog (gadgets such as videos, subscriptions to other blogs using RSS Feeds, templates, images, etc.). With technology evolving tremendously staying connected is important and blogs are a great way to do just that.
The shortcoming for me with my personal blog was that it was a little time consuming because of my other priorities. It was very challenging for me to respond to my peers’ blog post because of the excessive work load that was required in my four classes this semester. I began to think of how difficult it may be to keep up with a classroom blog if I don’t create a schedule to stay organized. If you know me, you know I can’t function properly without a “Things to Do List”.
Will I keep up with my blog? I most definitely will. I adore reading and writing and blogging gives me the opportunity to let the world know what I’ve learned through my experiences and research. I have sooo much to share and everything I write will be worth reading. Until the next post, stay focused and positive my fellow bloggers.
The shortcoming for me with my personal blog was that it was a little time consuming because of my other priorities. It was very challenging for me to respond to my peers’ blog post because of the excessive work load that was required in my four classes this semester. I began to think of how difficult it may be to keep up with a classroom blog if I don’t create a schedule to stay organized. If you know me, you know I can’t function properly without a “Things to Do List”.
Will I keep up with my blog? I most definitely will. I adore reading and writing and blogging gives me the opportunity to let the world know what I’ve learned through my experiences and research. I have sooo much to share and everything I write will be worth reading. Until the next post, stay focused and positive my fellow bloggers.
Creating Lesson Plans
This week I had the opportunity to develop a presentation on any tool we’ve learned about within the 12 weeks of my Educational Technology course. I choose to use MS Word Power Point to present a lesson on ways to use blogs effectively in an educational setting. MS Word has many magnificent features that I never knew exist (videos, animations, voice recordings, etc.) All of these additions help one to grasp the attention of all learners if used properly and with consideration. I’ve heard several times about blogs from peers, but never really knew their purpose. After being introduced to them this semester, conducting research, and creating a power point presentation I’ve learned how beneficial this Web 2.0 tool is for everyone. I’ve learned so many things about creating a lesson especially using power point. First, you should always think of your audience and the overall objective/purpose for presenting any topic. Next, make sure to take into consideration that there are all types of learners with different learning styles. In addition, NEVER assume that your audience has gained knowledge of the subject before you began to facilitate the lesson. Furthermore, all the features on power point should not be used all at once. This causes confusion and learners lose interest. Last but not least, there is always room for improvement. The next lesson you create on the same subject should be better than the first.
I enjoyed reading my peers’ lessons this week as well. I’ve seen creativity at its best. The way the brain work is fascinating. What I’ve learned about my classmates’ lesson was that by using information you’ve retrieved from any lesson you can teach others what you’ve learned. Showing student work should be one of our primary goals as educators. This is the best way for progress monitoring and evaluation of skills taught. What I loved the most is that we were able to provide constructive criticism on areas of strengths and concerns. When we are brainstorming ideas and completing presentations there is so much information we want to share that we may forget specific details or add too much information. With peer evaluation you can modify instruction and discuss best practices in order to further assist your students. Overall, I enjoyed creating and reading peer lessons. I can honestly say this semester I’ve gained a lot insight on many subject areas that I can and will implement in my classroom.
I enjoyed reading my peers’ lessons this week as well. I’ve seen creativity at its best. The way the brain work is fascinating. What I’ve learned about my classmates’ lesson was that by using information you’ve retrieved from any lesson you can teach others what you’ve learned. Showing student work should be one of our primary goals as educators. This is the best way for progress monitoring and evaluation of skills taught. What I loved the most is that we were able to provide constructive criticism on areas of strengths and concerns. When we are brainstorming ideas and completing presentations there is so much information we want to share that we may forget specific details or add too much information. With peer evaluation you can modify instruction and discuss best practices in order to further assist your students. Overall, I enjoyed creating and reading peer lessons. I can honestly say this semester I’ve gained a lot insight on many subject areas that I can and will implement in my classroom.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
MS Power Point
MS Power Point is a great tool to use in the educational setting. It allows teachers to organize, structure, and focus on key points while discussing any topic. With MS Power Point all learning modalities are taken into consideration. There are functions that help the presenter include images for visual learners, there are microphones and videos that can be added to assist auditory learners, and students can actually create their own slides which helps our kinesthetic learners. It is up to the presenter to actively engage students during a presentation. They should not rely solely on the images or the power point to teach a lesson.
Power point can be used as a home/school connection to reinforce skills taught in the classroom. Parents are able to access the power point if teachers send it directly to their e mail and add it to their blog or classroom website. With power point being used at home parents are actively involved in their student learning.
When thinking of using any tool in the classroom teachers must first receive adequate training and use the software before presenting it to their students. Where there are potentials there are also risks to using any tool in the classroom. The shortcomings of using MS Power Point are that some features such as animations and backgrounds can distract the audience from the actual information in the presentation. When creating a power point we must keep in mind the target audience that way when we add images they will focus more on the information rather than the pictures. Another shortcoming of power point is that power point presentation can’t be completed without using other forms of technology such as a projector or screen. If one of the devices functions improperly it can either delay the presentation or cause the audience to lose focus. Knowing these shortcomings one should always have a plan B and this is where printing out slides is important.
Below you will find a website that provides information on using power point in the classroom.
http://www.teach-nology.com/tutorials/powerpoint/no_one_tells_you/
Power point can be used as a home/school connection to reinforce skills taught in the classroom. Parents are able to access the power point if teachers send it directly to their e mail and add it to their blog or classroom website. With power point being used at home parents are actively involved in their student learning.
When thinking of using any tool in the classroom teachers must first receive adequate training and use the software before presenting it to their students. Where there are potentials there are also risks to using any tool in the classroom. The shortcomings of using MS Power Point are that some features such as animations and backgrounds can distract the audience from the actual information in the presentation. When creating a power point we must keep in mind the target audience that way when we add images they will focus more on the information rather than the pictures. Another shortcoming of power point is that power point presentation can’t be completed without using other forms of technology such as a projector or screen. If one of the devices functions improperly it can either delay the presentation or cause the audience to lose focus. Knowing these shortcomings one should always have a plan B and this is where printing out slides is important.
Below you will find a website that provides information on using power point in the classroom.
http://www.teach-nology.com/tutorials/powerpoint/no_one_tells_you/
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Web 2.0 Tools
According to Wikipedia a Web 2.0 tool is commonly associated with web applications that facilitate interactive information sharing, interoperability, and user-centered design. It allows users to interact with each other as contributors to the website's content. Some Web 2.0 tools discussed in my educational technology course were: wikis, social networks and cataloging such as Twitter and Face book, librarything, delicious, and flickr, along with video-sharing sites such as You Tube, ITunes, Brainpop, and films on demand. Each tool has great potential, but where there is potential there are also risks. Teachers must continue to monitor and evaluate student progress. Individuals that use any Web 2.0 tools should first examine each to see which resource is effective and beneficial to their learners while considering individual needs and appropriateness. I believe that all the tools listed above are important from an educational standpoint.
There are more schools with inclusive classrooms today than ever before. Within these environments instruction is geared towards both disabled and nondisabled that must focus on communication, social, language, and academic skills. Since computers and the read/write web have evolved significantly over the past decade students are becoming more technological savvy. The internet can enhance skills to increase learning and decrease inappropriate behavior. After examining each of the tools indicated above I found that there are more potentials than risks. For example, both Twitter and Facebook are tools that can be used to increase social and intrapersonal skills. With each students are able to communicate with their peers on different topics explored during class. For nonverbal students both Facebook and Twitter can help them to express their personal views and opinions on topics as well. The risk of using Twitter is that it can be time consuming if individual allows it to be. Since there are only 140 characters there may be concerns about grammatical errors and spelling. With Facebook the risk is students using the site for inappropriate discussions with peers or friends. Once again this is where teachers and parents must frequently monitor progress.
Librarything is a great cataloging tool that students can use to discuss literature, focus on the six traits of writing, summarize and use descriptions of books, develop guided comprehension questions, etc. I think that by using this site students will become more interested in different genres because they are making connections not only with their peers but also with people around the world.
Delicious is such a great Web 2.0 tool to use during research. There are plenty of times we’ve searched the web and wished we’d saved the site so that we can go back to it later. Using delicious/favorites we are allowed to save all necessary information that way it will always be there for future references.
Another Web 2.0 tool I know students would absolutely adore is Flickr. The first 5 letters in this word should automatically tell you its purpose. Using pictures to collaborate experiences, to show a process during experiments, to develop stories, etc. is beyond exciting. Many of our children are visual learners and with flickr students are able to discuss images that are interesting.
Let’s not forget our auditory and kinesthetic learners. Video-sharing is a great way to incorporate learning strategies for all learners. Using videos and podcasts in the classroom can grasp the reader’s attention and keep them actively engaged during instruction. YouTube, ITunes, Films on Demand, and Brainpop all have free resources for teachers that are accessible and available for use at any time. Teachers must remember to examine all content before using any tool . Structure and organization is key so one can’t expect to come into the classroom and share a video or podcast without fully examining its content.
None of the tools above should be used to replace the curriculum. All tools should be used as a means of support to instruction instead. The overall purpose of using Web 2.0 tools is to incorporate different strategies to increase social and academic skills. Determining which tools are appropriate for learners is important. Every student is unique what works for one may not work for the other; however, Using too many can also ineffective. With that being said in order to modify instruction one must more than one tool.
Below you will find a website that includes many useful Web 2.0 tools.
http://oreilly.com/pub/a/web2/archive/what-is-web-20.html?page=3
There are more schools with inclusive classrooms today than ever before. Within these environments instruction is geared towards both disabled and nondisabled that must focus on communication, social, language, and academic skills. Since computers and the read/write web have evolved significantly over the past decade students are becoming more technological savvy. The internet can enhance skills to increase learning and decrease inappropriate behavior. After examining each of the tools indicated above I found that there are more potentials than risks. For example, both Twitter and Facebook are tools that can be used to increase social and intrapersonal skills. With each students are able to communicate with their peers on different topics explored during class. For nonverbal students both Facebook and Twitter can help them to express their personal views and opinions on topics as well. The risk of using Twitter is that it can be time consuming if individual allows it to be. Since there are only 140 characters there may be concerns about grammatical errors and spelling. With Facebook the risk is students using the site for inappropriate discussions with peers or friends. Once again this is where teachers and parents must frequently monitor progress.
Librarything is a great cataloging tool that students can use to discuss literature, focus on the six traits of writing, summarize and use descriptions of books, develop guided comprehension questions, etc. I think that by using this site students will become more interested in different genres because they are making connections not only with their peers but also with people around the world.
Delicious is such a great Web 2.0 tool to use during research. There are plenty of times we’ve searched the web and wished we’d saved the site so that we can go back to it later. Using delicious/favorites we are allowed to save all necessary information that way it will always be there for future references.
Another Web 2.0 tool I know students would absolutely adore is Flickr. The first 5 letters in this word should automatically tell you its purpose. Using pictures to collaborate experiences, to show a process during experiments, to develop stories, etc. is beyond exciting. Many of our children are visual learners and with flickr students are able to discuss images that are interesting.
Let’s not forget our auditory and kinesthetic learners. Video-sharing is a great way to incorporate learning strategies for all learners. Using videos and podcasts in the classroom can grasp the reader’s attention and keep them actively engaged during instruction. YouTube, ITunes, Films on Demand, and Brainpop all have free resources for teachers that are accessible and available for use at any time. Teachers must remember to examine all content before using any tool . Structure and organization is key so one can’t expect to come into the classroom and share a video or podcast without fully examining its content.
None of the tools above should be used to replace the curriculum. All tools should be used as a means of support to instruction instead. The overall purpose of using Web 2.0 tools is to incorporate different strategies to increase social and academic skills. Determining which tools are appropriate for learners is important. Every student is unique what works for one may not work for the other; however, Using too many can also ineffective. With that being said in order to modify instruction one must more than one tool.
Below you will find a website that includes many useful Web 2.0 tools.
http://oreilly.com/pub/a/web2/archive/what-is-web-20.html?page=3
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Microsoft Word
Ms Word is an excellent resource to use not only for developing and writing papers, but also for differentiating instruction. There are magnificent tools teachers can use in the classroom to keep children actively engaged and motivated during instruction. There are several useful resources that can aid in the overall learning process that many educators are not familiar with using. Graphic organizers can be developed by using the smart art function displayed in ribbon that’s located at the top of the page. Using graphic organizers to access prior knowledge is essential in all academic areas because it assists teachers with focusing on students’ comprehension skills. Graphs can also be inserted by using the chart function located in the ribbon. This helps teachers to integrate technology within their math and science curriculum.
Microsoft Word improves learners editing skills when completing essays, journals, research projects, etc. Teachers should teach students the foundation of spelling and grammar before having them revise their work or the work of others. Students should never rely solely on using the spelling and grammar function to complete activities for this will hinder them throughout their academic career. Remember our goal is to have productive citizens.
Microsoft Word can benefit teachers as well. These past two weeks I’ve had the opportunity to create both a flyer and newsletter for the very first time. This experience has opened my eyes to the many great things this program has to offer. Applying the design principles of contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity is very important when producing any design. Using all four principles is what grasps the reader’s attention. One without the other only causes parents to discard important information. Flyers and newsletters are just two out of the many ways teachers maintain home/school communication. One of our goals as teachers is to create a rapport with parents in order to focus on a relationship that will benefit their child. When sending home papers we want parents to actually read and understand what we have to offer. By creating flyers and newsletters that are relevant and engaging we can continue to focus on what truly matters, our learning community.
Below you can find two interesting websites that discuss ways to integrate Microsoft Word into the curriculum. If you would like to view my flyer and newsletter please go to my website https://sites.google.com/a/baypath.edu/the-world-we-live-in/. Both designs are located on the online portfolio page.
Websites for intergrating Microsoft Word into the curriculum:
http://www.acs.ac/StaffDev/Microsoft/classroom/office98/wdhighlt.htm
http://schoolweb.missouri.edu/southiron.k12.mo.us/Technology%20H%20elpdesk/Word%20Tips.htm
Microsoft Word improves learners editing skills when completing essays, journals, research projects, etc. Teachers should teach students the foundation of spelling and grammar before having them revise their work or the work of others. Students should never rely solely on using the spelling and grammar function to complete activities for this will hinder them throughout their academic career. Remember our goal is to have productive citizens.
Microsoft Word can benefit teachers as well. These past two weeks I’ve had the opportunity to create both a flyer and newsletter for the very first time. This experience has opened my eyes to the many great things this program has to offer. Applying the design principles of contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity is very important when producing any design. Using all four principles is what grasps the reader’s attention. One without the other only causes parents to discard important information. Flyers and newsletters are just two out of the many ways teachers maintain home/school communication. One of our goals as teachers is to create a rapport with parents in order to focus on a relationship that will benefit their child. When sending home papers we want parents to actually read and understand what we have to offer. By creating flyers and newsletters that are relevant and engaging we can continue to focus on what truly matters, our learning community.
Below you can find two interesting websites that discuss ways to integrate Microsoft Word into the curriculum. If you would like to view my flyer and newsletter please go to my website https://sites.google.com/a/baypath.edu/the-world-we-live-in/. Both designs are located on the online portfolio page.
Websites for intergrating Microsoft Word into the curriculum:
http://www.acs.ac/StaffDev/Microsoft/classroom/office98/wdhighlt.htm
http://schoolweb.missouri.edu/southiron.k12.mo.us/Technology%20H%20elpdesk/Word%20Tips.htm
Monday, April 5, 2010
The Four Design Principles
I absolutely adore SPRING and the wonderful things it has to offer: new life, new beginnings, fresh fragrances, beautiful weather, etc. With SPRING comes the knowledge of new information that was always there, but we would have never known about their existence unless the situation or event presented itself. With that being said; I’ve seen brochures, flyers, newsletters, and billboards everyday for as long as I can remember, but never paid attention to their designs. Just like SPRING each design has unique elements that can make things appear either strikingly amazing, or bitterly dull. It is up to the gardener to keep their plants growing like it is up to a designer to keep their targeted audience engaged.
According to Robin Williams, the author of “The Non-Designer’s Design Book,” there are four principles of design that should be embellished into every design. In order to remember the designs you can use the acronym of C.R.A.P. (contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity). I believe that every element of these design principles are vital when creating flyers, newsletters, brochures, billboards, etc. All four principles can help any and everyone design pieces that will be more informational as well as engaging for their readers. Below you will find a brief definition of each design principle.
The principle of contrast is what makes the pictures and words stand out on the page grabbing your reader’s attention. If the reader is actively engaged you are guaranteed to keep them looking forward to what you have to offer.
The repetition principle is also important because the designer is being consistent and repeats some aspect of design throughout the entire piece. There’s nothing worse than an inconsistent design with clutter. It’s not only unprofessional, but also prone to be discarded.
Using the alignment principle is what keeps the design organized and unified. According to Williams, nothing should be placed on the page arbitrarily. Everything must correlate and be reader friendly.
Proximity is helps to organize information, reduces clutter, and gives the reader a clear structure. All items relating to each other should be placed close together.
The principles listed above are very beneficial for both teachers and students. Teachers can use them when creating flyers and newsletters to go home as well as enhancing their classroom website. If the teacher is trained and has knowledge on each principle they can incorporate design into their curriculum. Using all four principles in any piece will also keep parents from discarding the information and active readers.
Students can use the design principles for writing assignments that focus on creativity. For example, in high school there are many clubs that are developed and managed by students. When learners want to get information out to their peers about events, fundraisers, daily news, etc. they can use each of the principles in their design to keep their targeted audience attentive. All in all if the principles are not applied correctly one may not be able to deliver what we all are looking for.
According to Robin Williams, the author of “The Non-Designer’s Design Book,” there are four principles of design that should be embellished into every design. In order to remember the designs you can use the acronym of C.R.A.P. (contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity). I believe that every element of these design principles are vital when creating flyers, newsletters, brochures, billboards, etc. All four principles can help any and everyone design pieces that will be more informational as well as engaging for their readers. Below you will find a brief definition of each design principle.
The principle of contrast is what makes the pictures and words stand out on the page grabbing your reader’s attention. If the reader is actively engaged you are guaranteed to keep them looking forward to what you have to offer.
The repetition principle is also important because the designer is being consistent and repeats some aspect of design throughout the entire piece. There’s nothing worse than an inconsistent design with clutter. It’s not only unprofessional, but also prone to be discarded.
Using the alignment principle is what keeps the design organized and unified. According to Williams, nothing should be placed on the page arbitrarily. Everything must correlate and be reader friendly.
Proximity is helps to organize information, reduces clutter, and gives the reader a clear structure. All items relating to each other should be placed close together.
The principles listed above are very beneficial for both teachers and students. Teachers can use them when creating flyers and newsletters to go home as well as enhancing their classroom website. If the teacher is trained and has knowledge on each principle they can incorporate design into their curriculum. Using all four principles in any piece will also keep parents from discarding the information and active readers.
Students can use the design principles for writing assignments that focus on creativity. For example, in high school there are many clubs that are developed and managed by students. When learners want to get information out to their peers about events, fundraisers, daily news, etc. they can use each of the principles in their design to keep their targeted audience attentive. All in all if the principles are not applied correctly one may not be able to deliver what we all are looking for.
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