Hello, I am happy to meet you all. I am a first grade teacher. I have been in the classroom for 15 years. Before teaching first grade, I taught second grade. I am taking my last two classes in library media. I am married and the proud parent of an 8 year old daughter.
WEEK 2 SHOULD STUDENTS PLAY GAMES IN SCHOOL? According to Roblyer and Doering there is a problem of learning versus having fun. Some feel that winning the game becomes more of the challenge than learning the skill. I could see this being an issue. I have observed students playing games that require a student to win a race. The boys seem to get excited about the race instead of the skill. However, with the majority of the games you have to excel from level to level by mastering a skill. ** Confusion of game rules and real-life rules. The textbook mentioned that a student might confuse math procedures with a game rules. That is where the teacher comes in. She has to make sure that a student is taught the math procedures and be able to separate the two . There should be enough practice with the math skill and the game rules before a student is allowed to proceed. ** Inefficient learning- Teachers have to be familiar with the game and its educational value. There are several programs that offer software that is a part of the school curriculum. Games such as the Learning Odyssey and Ticket to Read are direct links to school frameworks. ** Classroom barriers- There were several stated, such as lack of characteristics required, adequate computer hardware and short class periods. I could see this being an issue for high school classes. The programs for elementary offer short activities that allow students to go from one activity to another in a short period of time. In place of worksheets, cooperative learning, and as a reward. I think that it is a good idea to use computer games as rewards. Students enjoy them and they can be fun. If a student knows that he will be allowed to play his favorite computer game if he scores high on a test, he might work a little harder. Games are a great motivation tool. They may not always be suitable for all students. Teachers have to keep in mind that learning is based on student individual needs, and not all will benefit from software games. Lessons should incorporate all types of learning styles.
WWEK 3 Create a post about software and include descriptions of the five types of instructional software. In addition, give at least one example of software that illustrates each type of software and include a hyperlink. 1.DRILL AND PRACTICE-Allow learners to work problems or answer questions and get feedback on corrections. Example-Drills in SAT, vocabulary and math http://www.saab.org/saab_org.cgi
2.Tutorial-Type of instructional software that offers a complete sequence of instruction on a given topic, including explanation, examples,embedded practice, feedback, and usually assessment. EXAMPLE-Technology how-to tutorials : http://www.internet4classroom.com/on-line2.htm
3.Simulation-Type of software that allows users to work with a computerized model of a real or imagined system in order to learn how the system works. EXAMPLE-Stock market simulation for schools: http://www.nationalsms.com
4.Instructional Games-Type of software function designed to increase motivation by adding game rules to a learning activity. EXAMPLE-Social Studies games: http://playing history.org
5.Problem Solving-Instructional software function that either teaches specific steps for solving certain problems or helps the student learn general problem-solving behaviors for a class. EXAMPLE-Memory Challenge: http://www.criticalthinking.com
WEEK 4 Describe 3 kinds of material generators that you have used or would like to use in your classroom. Be specific about how you would use the tool.
1.Test generator :http://mytest.vocabtest.com-software designed to help teachers prepare and/or administer test. Test generators are used to create and enter questions, and then they have the program prepare the test. The teacher may print the required number of copies on the printer or print only one copy and make the required number of copies on a copy machine. The features of test generators vary, but the following capabilities are common and offer several advantages, even over word processing programs. Teachers are always coming up with new ways to monitor student progress. Children do not learn the same and so it would make sense to assume that they wouldn't test the same. Some students do not like to write. Those students would probably benefit from multiple choice questions instead of having to write short answers. Students that are good writers would enjoy assessments with open ended questions. Teacher made test would allow teachers to generate test that focus on one skill versus several skills at once. If students are struggling with a certain part of a math lesson, you could make up a test that focus on that part alone. You could also generate a test for your more advance group so that they could move on. Schools systems provide assessments for students, but it is the teacher that knows what skills should be assessed first. There may be areas that you wish to set aside until a later date. You could generate an exam to meet that need. There are so many uses for test generated software. EXAMPLE-Exam viewLearning Series http://www.einstruction.com
2.Puzzle Maker://http://www.discoveryeducation.com Teachers create puzzles and worksheets to allow skill practice. It automatically formats and creates crossword puzzles, word search puzzles and similiar game like activity based on content entered. Very often teachers run out of creative ways to keep students actively engaged. When it comes to subjects such as spelling there is only so much that you can do. I think that using class spelling list in a crossword puzzle would be fun. A word search would challenge students to recognize their spelling words written in a variety of ways, whether horizontally, backward, or upside down. Allowing students to write their words multiple times or spelling them out orally can get old quickly. You could even use the Promethean board to display a word search or crossword puzzle and complete it orally in whole group. Students could be placed in groups and complete a crossword puzzle as a team to promote cooperative learning. EXAMPLE-Crossword puzzle maker http://amoredpenguin.com
3.Certificate Maker:http://www.certificatemaker.com Teachers and students create awards, recognitions, flyers, cards, and other decorated documents. We all like to be recognized for our good works. A little motivation goes a long way with children. Even though schools have honors assemblies, that only happens maybe four times a year at the end of each semester. I know that there are moments in every teachers class that a child finally gets a skill that has been difficult for them to master. That is when a teacher created certificate would be ideal to give that child. This tool can be used to make get well cards for student who are ill and unable to attend class. There are parents that give their time for field trip or just to stop by the school for a visit. Teacher generated cards are a good way to say thank you. In order to inform parents of skills taught teachers have to make up calendars to send home. A flyer generated by this software is a great idea. Even at times when a flyer is not needed you may want to send a quick note to inform a parent about a skill their child needs to focus more on. There are so many people involved in the process of making a school successful. A teacher generated cards is a great way to say thanks.
WEEK 5 Why is it important to be a good digital citizen? What value doers a good digital reputation have?
It is important to be a good digital citizen because what you post effects more than yourself. When I prepare to post information online I try think about the fact that it may be there for all eternity. Is the information something that I would share with co-workers neighbors friends and family members. You have to consider more than yourself when posting information. Is the information very personal, are pictures inappropriate. You have to consider others feelings when posting comments, they should not be negative. Hurtful comments will follow you for years and years. Youmg people today have to be especially careful because cameras are everywhere and one mistake could be the defining moment for a potential boss. It all goes back to that old saying. Treat others the way you would want to be treated. I think that being a good digital citizen is like being a good person. When you are people value your opinion because they know that what you say is reliable and based on facts. They know that you can be trusted. You have to be careful of what you do and say. Think before you post.
WEEK 7 After going through this course and learning about different technology tools please write a post entitled the Top 10 Tech Tools I can't live without.
1.Funbrain- If your looking for a great collectiion of educational games look no futher than Fun Brain. On it teachers can take advantage of fun tools for math and reading. 2.Animoto-Animoto makes it simple to create video-based lessons or presentations for the classroom and to share them with students or anyone else. 3.You Tube- Not all schools allow You Tube, but they are missing out as the site contains a wealth of great learning materials for the classroom. There's even a special education focused channel just for teachers and students. 4. Glogster-Glogster is a social site that lets users mash up music, photos, video, and pretty much anything else you'd like. It's a great way to create learning materials and a handy tool for creative student projects. 5.Google Education- Google offers a number of great tech resources for teachers, including email and collaborative apps, videos, lesson plans, search professional development and even educational grants. 6. App iPad- One of the most widely used,though experience, tech tools being used in today's classroom is the Apple iPad. With a host of educational apps being developed for the device. It's become a favorite of teachers and students alike across the nation. 7.Edu Blogs- EduBlogs offers a safe and secure place to set up blogs for yourself or your classroom. 8.Diigo-Diigo lets you treat the web like paper-based reading material, making it simple to highlight, bookmark, take notes, or even add sticky notes. 9.Bubblus- Intuative minimapping tool. Students can start creating right away without creating an account. Maps can be printed and saved with a free account. Embed code, sharing, collaboration included. Twitter-Twitter is a free web tool that many educators use to connect to others. Twitter ask the question: What are you doing? Members respond in 140 characters or less. The power of twitter is learning from and connecting with people on twitter.
WEEK 6 What mobile appsare available for your subject area? List and describe at least 4 apps that could be used on a smartphone, ipod, or ipad in the classroom. There are mobile apps for education section in each of the subject area chapters in the Roblyer and Doering book.
1.Social Studies World Book-App-ipad This day in history is an interactive multimedia calendar that displays historical events for the current day or any selected day, along with related media such as photos, illustrations, music, and speeches. Students can hear the national anthem of countries on the day they became a nation, listen to presidents'speeches on the anniversary of their inaugurations, and play sound clips from famous artist on their birthdays.
2.Music and art education-android and ipad The educational game offers an extensive collection of 44 high quality musical instrument pictures and sound clips to give your kids a rich and fun learning experience about the wonderful musical world. It will also help them discover their sense of rhythm! This app can be easily used by children as young as 6 months old.When they express a desire to touch everything! The combination of visual and auditory contents make this application ideal for learning musical instruments vocabulary.
3.Mathematics and Science- ipad The math forum@Drexel's Ask Dr.Math is a question and answer service set up for math teachers and students. Students submit questions to Dr. Math by filling out a Web form. Answers are sent back by e-mail, and then they gather the best questions and answers into a searchable archive organized by grade level and topic.
4.ABC Writing Zoo Animals Game HD-ipad Learn ABC reading, writing, and listening skills with zoo animals. This game reinforces associative learning, which may aid in early brain development in young kids and may help children get a head start in reading and writing.
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI am happy to meet you all. I am a first grade teacher. I have been in the classroom for 15 years. Before teaching first grade, I taught second grade. I am taking my last two classes in library media. I am married and the proud parent of an 8 year old daughter.
WEEK 2
ReplyDeleteSHOULD STUDENTS PLAY GAMES IN SCHOOL?
According to Roblyer and Doering there is a problem of learning versus having fun. Some feel that winning the game becomes more of the challenge than learning the skill. I could see this being an issue. I have observed students playing games that require a student to win a race. The boys seem to get excited about the race instead of the skill. However, with the majority of the games you have to excel from level to level by mastering a skill.
** Confusion of game rules and real-life rules. The textbook mentioned that a student might confuse math procedures with a game rules. That is where the teacher comes in. She has to make sure that a student is taught the math procedures and be able to separate the two . There should be enough practice with the math skill and the game rules before a student is allowed to proceed.
** Inefficient learning- Teachers have to be familiar with the game and its educational value. There are several programs that offer software that is a part of the school curriculum. Games such as the Learning Odyssey and Ticket to Read are direct links to school frameworks.
** Classroom barriers- There were several stated, such as lack of characteristics required, adequate computer hardware and short class periods. I could see this being an issue for high school classes. The programs for elementary offer short activities that allow students to go from one activity to another in a short period of time. In place of worksheets, cooperative learning, and as a reward. I think that it is a good idea to use computer games as rewards. Students enjoy them and they can be fun. If a student knows that he will be allowed to play his favorite computer game if he scores high on a test, he might work a little harder. Games are a great motivation tool. They may not always be suitable for all students. Teachers have to keep in mind that learning is based on student individual needs, and not all will benefit from software games. Lessons should incorporate all types of learning styles.
WWEK 3
ReplyDeleteCreate a post about software and include descriptions of the five types of instructional software. In addition, give at least one example of software that illustrates each type of software and include a hyperlink.
1.DRILL AND PRACTICE-Allow learners to work problems or answer questions and get feedback on corrections.
Example-Drills in SAT, vocabulary and math http://www.saab.org/saab_org.cgi
2.Tutorial-Type of instructional software that offers a complete sequence of instruction on a given topic, including explanation, examples,embedded practice, feedback, and usually assessment.
EXAMPLE-Technology how-to tutorials : http://www.internet4classroom.com/on-line2.htm
3.Simulation-Type of software that allows users to work with a computerized model of a real or imagined system in order to learn how the system works.
EXAMPLE-Stock market simulation for schools: http://www.nationalsms.com
4.Instructional Games-Type of software function designed to increase motivation by adding game rules to a learning activity.
EXAMPLE-Social Studies games: http://playing history.org
5.Problem Solving-Instructional software function that either teaches specific steps for solving certain problems or helps the student learn general problem-solving behaviors for a class.
EXAMPLE-Memory Challenge: http://www.criticalthinking.com
WEEK 4
ReplyDeleteDescribe 3 kinds of material generators that you have used or would like to use in your classroom. Be specific about how you would use the tool.
1.Test generator :http://mytest.vocabtest.com-software designed to help teachers prepare and/or administer test.
Test generators are used to create and enter questions, and then they have the program prepare the test. The teacher may print the required number of copies on the printer or print only one copy and make the required number of copies on a copy machine. The features of test generators vary, but the following capabilities are common and offer several advantages, even over word processing programs.
Teachers are always coming up with new ways to monitor student progress. Children do not learn the same and so it would make sense to assume that they wouldn't test the same. Some students do not like to write. Those students would probably benefit from multiple choice questions instead of having to write short answers. Students that are good writers would enjoy assessments with open ended questions. Teacher made test would allow teachers to generate test that focus on one skill versus several skills at once. If students are struggling with a certain part of a math lesson, you could make up a test that focus on that part alone. You could also generate a test for your more advance group so that they could move on. Schools systems provide assessments for students, but it is the teacher that knows what skills should be assessed first. There may be areas that you wish to set aside until a later date. You could generate an exam to meet that need. There are so many uses for test generated software.
EXAMPLE-Exam viewLearning Series http://www.einstruction.com
2.Puzzle Maker://http://www.discoveryeducation.com
Teachers create puzzles and worksheets to allow skill practice. It automatically formats and creates crossword puzzles, word search puzzles and similiar game like activity based on content entered. Very often teachers run out of creative ways to keep students actively engaged. When it comes to subjects such as spelling there is only so much that you can do. I think that using class spelling list in a crossword puzzle would be fun. A word search would challenge students to recognize their spelling words written in a variety of ways, whether horizontally, backward, or upside down. Allowing students to write their words multiple times or spelling them out orally can get old quickly. You could even use the Promethean board to display a word search or crossword puzzle and complete it orally in whole group. Students could be placed in groups and complete a crossword puzzle as a team to promote cooperative learning.
EXAMPLE-Crossword puzzle maker http://amoredpenguin.com
3.Certificate Maker:http://www.certificatemaker.com
Teachers and students create awards, recognitions, flyers, cards, and other decorated documents.
We all like to be recognized for our good works. A little motivation goes a long way with children. Even though schools have honors assemblies, that only happens maybe four times a year at the end of each semester. I know that there are moments in every teachers class that a child finally gets a skill that has been difficult for them to master. That is when a teacher created certificate would be ideal to give that child. This tool can be used to make get well cards for student who are ill and unable to attend class. There are parents that give their time for field trip or just to stop by the school for a visit. Teacher generated cards are a good way to say thank you. In order to inform parents of skills taught teachers have to make up calendars to send home. A flyer generated by this software is a great idea. Even at times when a flyer is not needed you may want to send a quick note to inform a parent about a skill their child needs to focus more on. There are so many people involved in the process of making a school successful. A teacher generated cards is a great way to say thanks.
WEEK 5
ReplyDeleteWhy is it important to be a good digital citizen? What value doers a good digital reputation have?
It is important to be a good digital citizen because what you post effects more than yourself. When I prepare to post information online I try think about the fact that it may be there for all eternity. Is the information something that I would share with co-workers neighbors friends and family members. You have to consider more than yourself when posting information. Is the information very personal, are pictures inappropriate. You have to consider others feelings when posting comments, they should not be negative. Hurtful comments will follow you for years and years. Youmg people today have to be especially careful because cameras are everywhere and one mistake could be the defining moment for a potential boss. It all goes back to that old saying. Treat others the way you would want to be treated. I think that being a good digital citizen is like being a good person. When you are people value your opinion because they know that what you say is reliable and based on facts. They know that you can be trusted. You have to be careful of what you do and say. Think before you post.
WEEK 7
ReplyDeleteAfter going through this course and learning about different technology tools please write a post entitled the Top 10 Tech Tools I can't live without.
1.Funbrain- If your looking for a great collectiion of educational games look no futher than Fun Brain. On it teachers can take advantage of fun tools for math and reading.
2.Animoto-Animoto makes it simple to create video-based lessons or presentations for the classroom and to share them with students or anyone else.
3.You Tube- Not all schools allow You Tube, but they are missing out as the site contains a wealth of great learning materials for the classroom. There's even a special education focused channel just for teachers and students.
4. Glogster-Glogster is a social site that lets users mash up music, photos, video, and pretty much anything else you'd like. It's a great way to create learning materials and a handy tool for creative student projects.
5.Google Education- Google offers a number of great tech resources for teachers, including email and collaborative apps, videos, lesson plans, search professional development and even educational grants.
6. App iPad- One of the most widely used,though experience, tech tools being used in today's classroom is the Apple iPad. With a host of educational apps being developed for the device. It's become a favorite of teachers and students alike across the nation.
7.Edu Blogs- EduBlogs offers a safe and secure place to set up blogs for yourself or your classroom.
8.Diigo-Diigo lets you treat the web like paper-based reading material, making it simple to highlight, bookmark, take notes, or even add sticky notes.
9.Bubblus- Intuative minimapping tool. Students can start creating right away without creating an account. Maps can be printed and saved with a free account. Embed code, sharing, collaboration included.
Twitter-Twitter is a free web tool that many educators use to connect to others. Twitter ask the question: What are you doing? Members respond in 140 characters or less. The power of twitter is learning from and connecting with people on twitter.
WEEK 6
ReplyDeleteWhat mobile appsare available for your subject area? List and describe at least 4 apps that could be used on a smartphone, ipod, or ipad in the classroom. There are mobile apps for education section in each of the subject area chapters in the Roblyer and Doering book.
1.Social Studies
World Book-App-ipad
This day in history is an interactive multimedia calendar that displays historical events for the current day or any selected day, along with related media such as photos, illustrations, music, and speeches. Students can hear the national anthem of countries on the day they became a nation, listen to presidents'speeches on the anniversary of their inaugurations, and play sound clips from famous artist on their birthdays.
2.Music and art education-android and ipad
The educational game offers an extensive collection of 44 high quality musical instrument pictures and sound clips to give your kids a rich and fun learning experience about the wonderful musical world. It will also help them discover their sense of rhythm! This app can be easily used by children as young as 6 months old.When they express a desire to touch everything! The combination of visual and auditory contents make this application ideal for learning musical instruments vocabulary.
3.Mathematics and Science- ipad
The math forum@Drexel's
Ask Dr.Math is a question and answer service set up for math teachers and students. Students submit questions to Dr. Math by filling out a Web form. Answers are sent back by e-mail, and then they gather the best questions and answers into a searchable archive organized by grade level and topic.
4.ABC Writing Zoo Animals Game HD-ipad
Learn ABC reading, writing, and listening skills with zoo animals. This game reinforces associative learning, which may aid in early brain development in young kids and may help children get a head start in reading and writing.