Technology is whats going on. Cynthia Mosley

What I already knew:

I thought I knew more than I really did. I had taken the required computer class where I created a table, newsletter and Resume and other documents. At that time I thought I knew most of the basics. I knew this class was going to be a challenge and that I would need to work hard. But it was more difficult than I thought.

What I wanted to learn:

During this course my expectation is to be able to understand and demonstrate skills related to computer technology. To learn how to incorporate current internet sites and resources to promote the learning of all children.

What I have learned so far:

I have learned many things during this class. I have learned how to create a spreadsheet, to create a PowerPoint presentation, do Group Wiki assignments, Evaluate Web Quest and to embed videos, how to hyperlink. How to blog.  What a Podcast is. I would never thought I would have learned this much. Thank you Mrs. Keesee for being patient and understanding. I can say that most of my goal has been obtained and I look forward to learning more.

I intend to use the skills I have obtained to introduce technology in the classroom by  encouraging internet search activities where student are able to search and find information on different subjects to participate in class discussion. I also intend to provide video and web quest to explore the concept of time and to create Word families.

Reflection Post

In my blogs, I usually write about the specific assignment. At first I notice the struggle of trying to complete the post. Basic information was given with no elaboration. I believe that the nature of my post has changed. Although I am not completely comfortable with technology I have gained information that allows me to understand and perform functions with the different programs and software. The thing that surprises me is the many ways to introduce technology into the classroom. At the beginning of the class it would have been impossible for me to insert a video into any document. The threads that are worth revisiting are all of them. All of the post provided me with material that I needed to learn and understand how to utilize affective techniques for applying media in the classroom setting. Every step was a learning process that brought me closer to a greater understanding of educational technology.

Podcast on integrating technology in the classroom

Web address: http://powertolearn.typepad.com/teaching_with_technology/integrating_technology/

Predictions for technology trends in 2010 by Jim Langel, resource from Deloit Canada. I found the podcast by following the link provided teaching with technology podcast.   

These are a few technology devices mentioned in this podcast with recommendations concerning IPod, I pad, Cloud computing. 76% of students own an IPod.  Deloit recommend that teachers make sure all the books and assignments can be formatted to be available on the IPod. I pad- connect direct to internet, smaller than a textbook; can do a lot that a laptop can. Recommend encouraging and supporting the use of variety devices, be flexible so curriculum content works on all of them. Smartphone and computer are based on employee commands. Recommend to scan the market place for new technology that has educational value for the classroom. Cloud computing. Deloit recommend to encourage school to provide a cloud where students and teachers can back up their data, share documents, avoid virtual desktops and many others data.

I have learned that technology must be embraced and as a teacher can be used at my advantage to teach our children and make information more accessible. Be prepared to adopt and adapt to new technology. I would recommend this to others. This podcast encourage teachers to use what students have available to them. Although many students use IPod to view video and listen to music, it also can be used as an educational tool.

Integrating Technology into the Classroom

I chose this video because it shows how some teachers may think about technology.In this video one teacher is hesitant on bringing technology into the classroom, while the other is offering ideas on ways technology will be an advantage to the students."It would be irresponsible for us as teachers not to integrate technology into the classroom."
An obstacle a teacher may face when using YouTube in the classroom is the students may not be responsoble and do what is required of them in class, such as not participating in class discussion, not listening to instruction or they may watch music videos during the entire classtime.

Spreadsheet

One way I would integrate Spreadsheets in the classroom is by using it as a tool in Science. As the teacher I can encourage the students to create a database on daily temperature changes at 8am and noon.  Collecting data and to input information on spreadsheets to show when temperature was at its highest. Some advantage are neat charts and graphs , students able to see data represented in graphs , increased consistency, Improved data security and reduced data redundancy. All 6 stages of the Nets for student standards are met. (Textbook)
1) Creativity and innovation-apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes, create original works as a means of personal or group expression identify trends and forecast possibilities, identify trends and forecast possibilities.
2) Communication and collaboration -develop cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with learners of other cultures, interact, collaborate, and publish with peers, experts, or others employing a variety of digital environments and media, contribute to project teams to produce original works or solve problems. Plan strategies to guide inquiry.
3)Research and information fluency-process data and report results, evaluate and select information sources and digital tools based on the appropriateness to specific tasks.
4)critical thinking, problem solving and decision making- plan and manage activities to develop a solution or complete a project, collect and analyze data to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions
5)Digital citizenship-advocate and practice safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology.  Exhibit a positive attitude toward using technology that supports collaboration, learning, and productivity.
6)Technology operations and concepts - student understands and use technology systems. Select and use applications effectively and productively.  Troubleshoot systems and applications. (Nets

Database

Databases: One way I would integrate Databases in the classroom is by using it as a tool in Science. As the teacher I can encourage the students to create a database on daily weather changes.  Collecting data and to input information on temperature, precipitation and cloud cover. Some advantage is increased consistency, Improved data security and reduced data redundancy. All 6 stages of the Nets for student standards are met. (textbook)

creativity and innovation-apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes, create original works as a means of personal or group expression identify trends and forecast possibilities,

 Communication and collaboration -develop cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with learners of other cultures, interact, collaborate, and publish with peers, experts, or others employing a variety of digital environments and media

Research and information fluency-process data and report results, evaluate and select information sources and digital tools based on the appropriateness to specific tasks.

critical thinking, problem solving and decision making- plan and manage activities to develop a solution or complete a project, collect and analyze data to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions

Digital citizenship-advocate and practice safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology.  

Technology operations and concepts - student understands and use technology systems.(nets)

Word processing

One way I would integrate Word Processing in the classroom is by using it as a resource for English. This software encourages the writing process. For example: most students are asked to summarize readings. Draw pictures and describe pictures that demonstrate creative thinking. Integrating this software, students are provided with tools that check spelling and grammar usage within the writing process as well as producing a neat product. There are many advantages; students can produce their own written materials with minimal time and little computer expertise. (Textbook p.128) word processing is a powerful writing tool. With extended access, writing seems to improve with the use of word processing. All achieving the Nets for student’s standards with creativity and innovation; communication and collaboration -research and information fluency-; critical thinking, problem solving and decision making; digital citizenship, technology operations and concepts. lrieber.myweb.uga.edu/edit6150/ppt/usesword-rieber.ppt, Net for Students Standards, http://www.ehow.com/info_7947117_appropriate-ways-integrate-classroom.html