End-of-Term Reflection

1. Have your opinions about technology integration in education changed since the beginning of the term? Why or why not?

Yes it has, before I was more against having technology in the classroom but now I think it can be very beneficial to have technology integrated. Through this class I have learned a bunch of different ways teachers can attract students in using technology to benefit their needs of learning. I still am a little against having technology in the classroom because not every child may have access to a computer at home so I would not want them to be excluded if assignments carry over to homework.

2. Identify one or more programs/web apps introduced this term you believe you'll use in your future classroom. Why will you use these programs/apps?

I would like to use wikis in my future classroom, because it is a good way to communicate with students outside the classroom. You can have all of your assignments posted on there, grades, and announcements that you would like to share with the class. The only problem would be making sure that every child has access to the internet at home if that is the way you will post assignments. I also liked the interactive games we learned in this class and think they are a great way for students to be more excited about learning.

Students Using Technology

Wordle

                                            http://www.wordle.net/create

"Integrating Websites into the Classroom."

     I found a website called Creative Literacy Project which allows students to create their very own book! This project is a great way to have children let their inner creativity out and have them express what THEY want to focus on in learning. This project can for as young as a preschooler to as old as a 6th grader, and  does not have to be limited to just the classroom. Parents can do this as an at home activity with their child.
     This site could be a great way to explore the imagination of a young child. I was thinking about using this project while we are learning about under water life in class. The children would then be able to create their own book to express what they have learned. This project is really great for students because there are very limited restrictions and it allows the students to work on something individually and create the project the way THEY want it. The project could be extended beyond the classroom by making students go home and read their story to a parent, grandparent, sibling, or guardian. This is a good way to have parent/child interaction and also shows what amazing work they are doing in the classroom. You could also set up a time to have older (or younger) peers come and read the child's story with them. This relationship may often go past just reading the story and is a good way for students to interact with each other.

Avatars in Education

     Avatars could be used to help enhance the use of language in communication. You are able to change which type of language the avatar speaks in so this could help children be more exposed to different languages across the world. You are also allowed to type what you want the avatar to say so if early childhood children are struggling with english skills you can use the avatars as a way to have them spell the words and then hear what they sound like.

Assignment: Reading Response: 1

  During previous schooling I have experienced working with computers in the class room mostly while in middle school. I remember going to the computer lab and using word documents, making charts/graphs, and seeing how many words we can type per minute. I also have used computers in the classroom while doing student testing.

     I plan on integrating the use of computers in my 8th grade classroom by allowing them to do in class projects throughout the year. They will be able to use many different programs like Microsoft word (not just for a blank document, but to make brochures, clip art, and learn to make a resume), photoshop, and the internet. By allowing them the access to a computer at school they will be able to create many different types of documents, and will be able to browse the internet to find facts, and other pieces of information.

     I believe that the most challenging aspect of applying computers in the classroom will be the availability of the computers. Many teachers I'm sure would love to have the option of each student having there own computer at the school, but that is just not an option with the budget schools have, so it is going to be very difficult arranging time slots for each teacher to be able to use what little computers are available.

Assignment: Reading Response 2

     Telecollaborative projects develop students critical thinking skills, because they force students to work together as a group to complete an assignment. Most students would rather work individually because they can control what type of a grade they get, by working in a group you do not have control over what one of your team members may or may not do, which can be frustrating to some students. Also by working in a group you have to find a way to put everybody's ideas together as one, which takes critical thinking skills as well.

      Students also develop critical thinking skills from telecollaborative projects by evaluating the work that is given. In order to fully understand the assignment, the student must analyze and comprehend what they are doing, an example of that would be to judge the effectiveness of the telecollaporative project. They also must be able to apply there ideas/evaluations of the project into real life.