My perspective has become enlarged and more complex. Classrooms are based around technology and it is our job as teachers to use our resources and expand our areas of technology. I still agree with my thoughts that technology should not take over the classroom. I have however expanded my thinking. Technology cannot take over the classroom without someone controlling it. Technology is man-made and man-operated, it does not control things, we do. Not only does technology allow students to learn in different ways it also enhances a child’s education. It is proven that kids learn more information if it is given using technology. Through this semester I have been able to learn things that I have never known before. I learned about the Flip Video and will continue to use mine, I learned how to make a web page which was unthinkable when I first started this class. There are many other things that I have learned this semester and the I plan on taking with me into a classroom.
I enjoyed working on the trouble shooting NETS for teachers. It helped me to remain calm when dealing with problems. Unfortunately, none of my trouble shooting experiences actually solved any problems. I have learned that it is a good idea to always have a plan “b”. Technology is not always going to work, so if you want to keep your classroom running smoothly, then have a back upJ
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
Assignment #4
check out my website that I have been working on. I have also attached a Wiki which allows parents to sign up for "my parent teacher conferences coming up in January" -but not really:)
list of features on website:
list of features on website:
- downloading pictures
- downloading files
- downloading audio (which I'm surprised I had the option to do)
- copy and paste from word
- downloading my google search engine
- adding hyper links
- using different font, color, and alignment
- adding youtube videos
- creating a blog
list of features on wiki:
- editing text
- inserting hyperlinks
I didn't really work too much on Wiki because I spent most of my time on the website. There are other things that I can do on wiki but for right now they don't apply to me.
What was it like creating this project?
- time consuming :)
- I had a blast being able to use my own hands to create something from nothing
- frustrating at times. It is a free website so things don't work perfectly
- Frustrating. I feel like a digital immigrant when it comes to such complex works of art and for me to have to read everything slowly to understand and then be stuck if it is not explained well it gets frustrating
- enjoyable. Weebly offers a very simple website with step by step instructions (which i needed).
- un-enjoyable. Weebly is too structured. I'm not allowed to place things exactly where i want them b/c the way weebly works is that everything is consecutive on the page and not centered or separated by a column. You can however copy whatever you want from word so that is easily solved except for the inconvenience
- the wiki was hard to use at first because i thought i offered more things (and maybe it does and i haven't found out every thing yet)
what does this project mean to you?
this project has been helpful to me b/c i plan on using a class website and i would like to you a wiki as well to set up times for conferences. it has been an accomplishment for me b/c i don't consider myself tech savvy.
Nets for teachers:
3. Model digital age work and learing
I am demonstrating fluency in technology systems by creating a class website where my students can go and interact with the technology for the class. Creating this website shows to my students that i am not afraid to try new things. Creating the wiki is a contemporary tool that will come in handy and will be time efficient on both the side of the parent and the teacher
Nets for students:
1. creativity and innovation
hopefully through this website students will be encouraged to think creatively when using technology. I will give the students the ability to use technology to educate themselves. My website will be used as an example of a creative way to educate your self and use technology.
Friday, December 4, 2009
reflection of inspiration sotfware and gradebook
unfortunetely i didn't get a chance to watch the inspiration video so i was not as sure what the inspriation software offered. i did work on the software for a little bit and it seems like it would be helpful to visual learners. i would be able to use it in my classroom to show the students for example how to create a paper. we would be able to create an outline of a paper in class and they would even be able to use the software to create a web of information. i also liked that you could use people or events to create a web of information. they offere a variety of pictures that i also think would be helpful especially to ELL students who might not know what words mean.
the other piece of software i used in class was the gradesource gradebook. i really liked this software (maybe that's becuase i don't know any other one) there were a few too many hoops to jump through to get the information you needed but if it's free how could i complain? gradesouce is for the secondary level and provides an aread to add students, tests, all class periods, and i'm even able to send emails. i really like the option to send emails because all of the email addresses are already in the program so if you wanted to send an email to a specific student you would just select their name and if you wanted to send an email to a whole class you just select what class. This would help with time management, instead of going in and typing every students address in, this saves time and allows you to click on the appropriate names or classes.
the other piece of software i used in class was the gradesource gradebook. i really liked this software (maybe that's becuase i don't know any other one) there were a few too many hoops to jump through to get the information you needed but if it's free how could i complain? gradesouce is for the secondary level and provides an aread to add students, tests, all class periods, and i'm even able to send emails. i really like the option to send emails because all of the email addresses are already in the program so if you wanted to send an email to a specific student you would just select their name and if you wanted to send an email to a whole class you just select what class. This would help with time management, instead of going in and typing every students address in, this saves time and allows you to click on the appropriate names or classes.
inspiration video
i was supposted to watch the inspiration video that everyone elso watched in class but thanks to my low wireless connection it is not possible for me to watch the video right now. i don't realize what it is with a slow internet connection until it happens to me:) and now i'm frustrated and impatient. do you think quick access makes us impatient when it comes to something not working correctly because we are so use to instant gratification? i think it does. anyways i wanted to post something so you guys don't think it get a way with more just becasue i'm not in class with you for the first 30 min. Professor gives me work to do...trust me:) until later my friends.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Reflection #12
I think I am the only student in the eduction program to not have a school to teach at next semester. This is alarming but this is also a great time to lean on Jesus for patience and faith. I have to caste all my worries on Him. He knows the plans he has for me and I just have to have faith that they will be carried out.
I pray that I will be able to be placed before the start of school on January. I think it would be weird if I showed up after all of the kids went back to school. This is a great time for me to start observing in some schools that I might be interested in teaching in. I have found it easier to start their rather than waiting around for someone else to place me.
I already found a teacher and school that was willing to be my help but unfortunetly it was too far away from the University for anyone to observe me. If I ask myself it seems to aliviate some of the hoops.
anyways I just relying on God and the fact that I'm here at this school for a reason. I know He has something planned for me, I just don't know what it is yet:)
I pray that I will be able to be placed before the start of school on January. I think it would be weird if I showed up after all of the kids went back to school. This is a great time for me to start observing in some schools that I might be interested in teaching in. I have found it easier to start their rather than waiting around for someone else to place me.
I already found a teacher and school that was willing to be my help but unfortunetly it was too far away from the University for anyone to observe me. If I ask myself it seems to aliviate some of the hoops.
anyways I just relying on God and the fact that I'm here at this school for a reason. I know He has something planned for me, I just don't know what it is yet:)
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
reflection #11
Today I observed my first male teacher classroom. I was excited to observe a male teachers classroom because i have only had experience with females. one thing i found interesting about him was that he did not dress professionally, his uniform consisted of vans, blue jeans, and a stripped polo. he was well kept just not professional. when i think of teaching i think of professional attire. i want to dress up to show respect to my students, and to show my principal that i'm serious about my job. i'm not saying these are not things that this teacher doesn't have, he just must show them in a different way. when i stepped into the classroom i found him about 50lbs lighter and 20 years younger than i imagined. for some reason when i think of male social studies teachers i only have my own experience to work off of. my experiences have been around the age of 50 and about 250-300 lbs. the point to me telling all of this is that he probably has some things to worry about; from his looks i could tell that some girls have crushes on him. it probably makes it even worse that he dresses like the boys do in high school. this is something that we as teachers need to be aware of; male and female alike. as a teacher dressing professionally helps to close that gap between friend and teacher. i'm sure that if i dressed more like the students i could have crushes and the students might think i was there friend over their teacher. but however this was just an observation
word, excel, and powerpoint
word: bullets, columns, different fonts, colors, and sizes, spacing, preview, print 8X11's and envelops, highlight, thesaurus, endnotes, headers and footers, spell check, watermark, incerting tables, pictures, and word art, inserting cover pages, blank page, and page break.
project: they could create a newspaper article including one picture (either from clip art or word art), one graph, and two different fonts.
excel: (i wish i was more experienced with excel) insert text, add two or more colums, change cell styles, copy and paste, delete cells, add borders to cells, print, font, size, and add tabs.
project: i could have the students make a time line using two different colors using a table chart
powerpoint: (i don't use powerpoint on a regular basis) add a slide, replicate a slide, change the format of a slide, add word art, add a text box, insert a picture, play a movie, put a theme to the slide, add animation, run a slide show, change presentation views, and print.
project: I could have my students prepare a slide show with five different animations, one movie or sound clip, and three different formated slides.
project: they could create a newspaper article including one picture (either from clip art or word art), one graph, and two different fonts.
excel: (i wish i was more experienced with excel) insert text, add two or more colums, change cell styles, copy and paste, delete cells, add borders to cells, print, font, size, and add tabs.
project: i could have the students make a time line using two different colors using a table chart
powerpoint: (i don't use powerpoint on a regular basis) add a slide, replicate a slide, change the format of a slide, add word art, add a text box, insert a picture, play a movie, put a theme to the slide, add animation, run a slide show, change presentation views, and print.
project: I could have my students prepare a slide show with five different animations, one movie or sound clip, and three different formated slides.
Friday, November 20, 2009
teachers panel
Mrs. Sorenson emailed me a copy of the conference that the technology class had on Tue. The ladies were very helpful with setting up a class for a substitute and setting up a class for learning. Even though they did not find use for lesson plans after they recieved jobs, the lesson plans were helpful to them as they plan what they will be teaching and how they will go about teaching. They have been successful with setting up an outline in their minds about what they are going to teach and how. If it hadn't been for the lesson plans they had to do at Northwest they would be spending more time writting them out now.
One of the ladies mentioned what she preferes as a substitute. It was nice to hear from her because when you can't show up to class it's ladies like her who are running your room. She said she feels it is helpful for teachers to write down alittle about their students performance and helpfulness. this helps the sub know who she can call on for help and who to keep an eye on.
Talking the heather about the panel also helped give me a good idea of what was discusses. They gave some good feedback to us "soon to be teachers". I was surprised that there was not much talk about technology in the classroom.
the main theme i got out of the panel discussion was to be confident in interviews. the other theme was networking, to get out there and get to know teachers and principals. knowing people helps your name to go around in a good way
One of the ladies mentioned what she preferes as a substitute. It was nice to hear from her because when you can't show up to class it's ladies like her who are running your room. She said she feels it is helpful for teachers to write down alittle about their students performance and helpfulness. this helps the sub know who she can call on for help and who to keep an eye on.
Talking the heather about the panel also helped give me a good idea of what was discusses. They gave some good feedback to us "soon to be teachers". I was surprised that there was not much talk about technology in the classroom.
the main theme i got out of the panel discussion was to be confident in interviews. the other theme was networking, to get out there and get to know teachers and principals. knowing people helps your name to go around in a good way
Thursday, November 19, 2009
blogs for educators
The savvy tech educator blog was informative on areas of technology that could be used in the classroom. The blog mentions a new website to get informative videos, it's called schooltube.com it has some of the same things as teacher tube and downloads alot faster. schooltube could be useful to me as a teacher because it's another site that has similiar info as teachertube with out the lag time, marketing, and poorely made videos.
Free technology for teachers was the other blog i took a look at. the blog offered a variety of different free technologies.
typepad micro was one that gets your students bloging
Free technology for teachers was the other blog i took a look at. the blog offered a variety of different free technologies.
typepad micro was one that gets your students bloging
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
k-12 online conferences
Prove It “Student Creation of Digital Documentaries in History Classrooms: Research Findings”
http://dotsub.com/view/c8de26a3-effe-4577-a8b6-930e8bf09a11
I found this conference to be very helpful because it specifically focused on History. It introduced me to a new technology called primary access. The conferece dealt specifically with this new software. It was really interesting because the conference showed samples from students using the Primary access software and powerpoint. the students who used Primary access were able to recieve constant feedback from their teachers because every time they worked on their project the teacher was able to see it on her end of the line. the students who used powerpoint were not able to recieve that same type of feedback they also did not learn as much as the students who used primary access. Primary Access helps the students remember content knowledge.
Kicking it up a Notch Games in Education
http://dotsub.com/view/937f0dcc-da25-477a-b00b-d6ac691baf90
I choose to watch the games in education becasue as a history teacher i want to learn how to make history come alive to my students. this conferece talked specifically about how games can have educational value. it briefly covered the topic of having your students design there own games. it also covered what games have educational value and which ones don't. the lady who did the conference was very knowledgable in these areas because her career is making video games both for schools and for the public. some video games that the schools have access to are not educational. they don't help the students to think critically, they are however assessment based games that the student can answer after studying the material. the games that the host was addressing are games that can be played to learn new ideas, not simply for assessment after the material is learned. the host gave out some great websites for teachers to be apart of when trying to find something applicable and thought provoking to bring into a classroom.
http://dotsub.com/view/c8de26a3-effe-4577-a8b6-930e8bf09a11
I found this conference to be very helpful because it specifically focused on History. It introduced me to a new technology called primary access. The conferece dealt specifically with this new software. It was really interesting because the conference showed samples from students using the Primary access software and powerpoint. the students who used Primary access were able to recieve constant feedback from their teachers because every time they worked on their project the teacher was able to see it on her end of the line. the students who used powerpoint were not able to recieve that same type of feedback they also did not learn as much as the students who used primary access. Primary Access helps the students remember content knowledge.
Kicking it up a Notch Games in Education
http://dotsub.com/view/937f0dcc-da25-477a-b00b-d6ac691baf90
I choose to watch the games in education becasue as a history teacher i want to learn how to make history come alive to my students. this conferece talked specifically about how games can have educational value. it briefly covered the topic of having your students design there own games. it also covered what games have educational value and which ones don't. the lady who did the conference was very knowledgable in these areas because her career is making video games both for schools and for the public. some video games that the schools have access to are not educational. they don't help the students to think critically, they are however assessment based games that the student can answer after studying the material. the games that the host was addressing are games that can be played to learn new ideas, not simply for assessment after the material is learned. the host gave out some great websites for teachers to be apart of when trying to find something applicable and thought provoking to bring into a classroom.
Friday, November 13, 2009
reflection #10
yesterday I went and observe a social studies classroom at Lake Washington High School. I''m not sure wether I felt comfortable or the students were nice but I seemed to like my visit there. At the end of the class period the teacher introduced me (which doesn't happen very often) and asked me if I had any questions for the students. So, I asked them if they had any advise for me. To my surprise about five kids raised their hands and they all had some really good feed back. Then I asked them about their active board that they have in their classroom. I asked them if they ever get a chance to go up to the board and do activities on it and play interactive games. I was surprised that they said no. I also asked them if that is something that they would like to be able to do, they all said yes.
After class the teacher and I spoke about the Active Board comments and she told me that she didn't realize the kids were interested in being apart of the board. She mentioned how she now needs to find some ways to get the students up to the board and work with it more.
I had a great time because I was able to put input into how a classroom was being taught. I hope it was benificial to all parties.
After class the teacher and I spoke about the Active Board comments and she told me that she didn't realize the kids were interested in being apart of the board. She mentioned how she now needs to find some ways to get the students up to the board and work with it more.
I had a great time because I was able to put input into how a classroom was being taught. I hope it was benificial to all parties.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Technology project plan
My plan is to enhance my website skills. I also signed up for a Wiki which is already attached to my website. My podcast basically explains most of the information but I plan to incorperate my website into my classroom instruction time. It will be my hub for when I go online. So far I have tried to attach everything to my website to keep it all in one place. check out my podcast by going to my web site and clicking on my "school" tab, it should be the first thing on the page
www.mrswelchsclassroom.weebly.com
www.mrswelchsclassroom.weebly.com
Monday, November 9, 2009
reflection #9
My church has always wanted to intergrate video tapping into our announcements. It hasn't happened yet and I think it's because the video camera can be an inconvienence and difficult to used due to it's battery life, film, and trying to put it on the computer to edit it. Well, since I was in class last I realized how simple the Flip Video can be and am now excited to see if we have access to one (which I think my Pastor has one...if it's at Costco he probably bought it:)) When we used the Flip it was so easy to use and it was fun editing it and putting music to it and I know that it would be something I would be able to throw together quickly to make an announcement.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
"Caught of Video"
I have never heard about the Flip Video before. It sounds like a pretty interesting devise. I like how each video footage gets it's own file. I can only imagine how confusing it would get if you have more that one class and you are trying to find something specific on the video camera. one thing that the Flip video pros didn't mention was that it could be used to capture lessons and be able to bring it up again to critic your own teaching and teach it again.
it was very interesting for me that this article mentioned grading. in another class of mine we are talking about the importance of grading, they mean everything and they mean nothing. Alfie Kohn is a very smart man and thinks that grades do not mean what they should. I think video tapping would be a great idea. but i don't think it will ever take the place of grading. The United States is too much of a competitive nation that we need the grades in order to feel like we are worth something
it was very interesting for me that this article mentioned grading. in another class of mine we are talking about the importance of grading, they mean everything and they mean nothing. Alfie Kohn is a very smart man and thinks that grades do not mean what they should. I think video tapping would be a great idea. but i don't think it will ever take the place of grading. The United States is too much of a competitive nation that we need the grades in order to feel like we are worth something
thoughtful and insightful comments
I have commented on the following blogs
Amber (activ board and clickers)
emily (assignment #3)
Heather (k-12 online conference)
Heather (reflective entry #9)
Emily (assignment #4)
Amber (activ board and clickers)
emily (assignment #3)
Heather (k-12 online conference)
Heather (reflective entry #9)
Emily (assignment #4)
Friday, October 30, 2009
Reflection #8
While I was in my Assessment class we have been covering the No Child Left Behind law. It is so frusterating because the NCLB lowers the school standards. I feel like the NCLB is more concerned about making sure everyone is accepted and liked. This is not helping the student or teh teacher to succeed. It is teaching the students how to take tests. What will happen to all these students when they graduate? will our world become like the movie "Idiocracy"? What are we giving these students by lowering the standards for them to achieve? All of this is so frustrating to me. I want to be a teacher but the political leaders are more or less taking it out of our hands.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
reflection #7
I'm putting my website together piece by piece. I am having alot of fun with it now that I sort of know what i'm doing. I'm putting my lesson plans and video's on my website so that i can get a good feel of how to do it. it is getting easier as i go on. i have a sense of accomplishment now that i have also posted my "history google" search engine to my site as well. I have even added a blog to my website, i have not had a chance to play around with it yet, but it looks like a great way to stay connected with my students and parents.
Mrs. Adiars classroom
It was a great experience learing how the active board works in a classroom. It was helpful that she showed us all the websites that have been helpful to her as a teacher. being able to see the board in action was a great experience. I think it's great that teachers post their lessons on line for other to use. teaching is a joint effort and i like that no one really cares about making their classroom like no one elses, you can't learn or teach as well if you are shut off to the outside world.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Assignment #3
I did my project individually for two reasons. I am the only secondary ed major in the class and most of my websites are secondary based. everyone kind of all ready had a partner and i didn't mind working by myself on this project. I decided to start a google search engine to store my 30 websites. I choose to learn more about the custom search engine when we all had to pick one or two technologies to explore and then present to the class. I choose to work on Twitter and google search engine. I did not present my findings about my google search engine experience because I was really unsure about what i was doing and i didn't have enough information to be able to present it to the class.
http://www.google.com/cse/home?cx=015369964674125843226:8ry1gb-wjjy&hl=en
this is a link to my search engine. I have one search engine with all of the sites on the one. there is not a specific reason to the way i organized it. google does have an option to add subcategories to the search engine but I'm still in the process of figuring out more about it.
some sites that i found useful to me was
http://www.k12.wa.us/
I'm sure that I'm not the only one in the class to have put this site down. this is going to be the place where we find our EARL's and GLE'S. all of the state information that we need is on this site.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industrial_Revolution
the Wiki site about the Industrial Revolution i found helpful because it is a great place to start researching your topic. It has some quick facts and even has resources. I will use this site to receive information about the industrial revolution
http://www.foxnews.com/
I will definitely use this site as a teacher. A news website is always important in social studies. it has current affairs, politics, weather, and the boys favorite...sports. this is a good way to stay connected with the world in a classroom. It puts history in perspective for students. I can "prove" what I'm talking about when i show them that it's on the news.
http://www.history.com/
this is the history channel. I think it is important to be able to find the same information that you are teaching and find it on an informative video. i don't plan on playing videos all the time but i think it is a good way to connect the material to the students especially if they can see for themselves that i'm not making up the informaiton. if they see it in a movie from the history channel it might be more real to them
http://www.google.com/cse/home?cx=015369964674125843226:8ry1gb-wjjy&hl=en
this is a link to my search engine. I have one search engine with all of the sites on the one. there is not a specific reason to the way i organized it. google does have an option to add subcategories to the search engine but I'm still in the process of figuring out more about it.
some sites that i found useful to me was
http://www.k12.wa.us/
I'm sure that I'm not the only one in the class to have put this site down. this is going to be the place where we find our EARL's and GLE'S. all of the state information that we need is on this site.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industrial_Revolution
the Wiki site about the Industrial Revolution i found helpful because it is a great place to start researching your topic. It has some quick facts and even has resources. I will use this site to receive information about the industrial revolution
http://www.foxnews.com/
I will definitely use this site as a teacher. A news website is always important in social studies. it has current affairs, politics, weather, and the boys favorite...sports. this is a good way to stay connected with the world in a classroom. It puts history in perspective for students. I can "prove" what I'm talking about when i show them that it's on the news.
http://www.history.com/
this is the history channel. I think it is important to be able to find the same information that you are teaching and find it on an informative video. i don't plan on playing videos all the time but i think it is a good way to connect the material to the students especially if they can see for themselves that i'm not making up the informaiton. if they see it in a movie from the history channel it might be more real to them
Sunday, October 25, 2009
active board and clickers
The training we received on the active board was an amazing experience. The man who came to train us was extremely helpful and was willing to answer all of my questions, even if they were small ones. I am really impressed with everything that the active boards are able to do. There are templates available for teachers and if you want to make your own you can do that also. the active board looked like a simple enough piece of technology that maybe even I could use it. the quick reference guide we received is very helpful. They really did a good job explaining things in the book. I really hope that I will have the benefit of using an active board in my classroom as a teacher.
Using the clickers was a very easy process. It give immediate feedback. it is a really easy way to assess and helps you to know where your students are. I like the variety of simplicity that comes along with the clickers. I like the idea that if you want to ask a question that you just thought of you are able to program it in without having to have the computer know what question you are going to ask. the clickers also allow every student to respond to your questions. that way they have to participate and it keeps everyone focused.
Using the clickers was a very easy process. It give immediate feedback. it is a really easy way to assess and helps you to know where your students are. I like the variety of simplicity that comes along with the clickers. I like the idea that if you want to ask a question that you just thought of you are able to program it in without having to have the computer know what question you are going to ask. the clickers also allow every student to respond to your questions. that way they have to participate and it keeps everyone focused.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Reflection #5
I'm really glad i waited to post this last reflection because tech ed class tonight was a great experience. A specialist came in to our class and taught us about the smart board. I think it was a great experience that will be very valuable. The information that was given tonight really encouraged me to want to use the smart board in class. The class I plan on teaching in next semester does not have access to a smart board. That is so discouraging after all of the training we recieved tonight. At any rate I plan on studying the smart board more, I would like to make some templates and us the smart board software to prepare lessons.
Reflection #4
I notice a challenge for digital immigrants when it comes to online resources. I suppose the problem could also arise with digital natives. Problem: when I have to research a project or want to know more information about something the problem comes up when I type in key words for the search engine to pick up. If I don't know much about the topic key words are hard to find. Depending on what I type in different things will come up in my searching. I am working on a research project on Calvin Coolidge and since I don't know much about him it is hard for me to know what I need to type in for those key words to find appropriate material. I remember having this problem back when i was in elementary school and I see that I haven't grown out of it yet. and maybe that's because I'm a digital immigrant
reflection #3
this was my favorite observation:
I observed a 6th grade class at Crosspoint Academy. This was my first observation at a Christian school. I immediately noticed how well the students behaved. My assumption was that these students came from well to do families who taught good morals and discipline. The teacher was very interested in talking with me and explaining what goes on in her classroom. Another interesting thing that I don’t think public schools do (or I have yet to notice) is that the main office has a very precise schedule of each class. The teacher, Carol Heinz, had very good classroom management skills. For example, she transitioned the students very well from one subject to another by giving them 30seconds to put all of their supplies away and to get out their supplies for the next subject. She counted backward from 30 and by the time she was done all the kids were sitting in their chairs with their materials out for English. It was amazing. I think to myself, could I get my high school students to listen that well? I did notice that the students were not able to think for themselves when it came to getting a drink of water. The students have to ask Mrs. Heinz for a drink of water. In this case I would let the students make up their own minds whether or not to get a drink of water. I would encourage them to make their decision based off of whether or not it would negatively affect anyone in the classroom.
I would say that this grade is unique because the students are going through a transition in their life. In elementary school they are the seniors and in junior high they are the low men on the totem pole. I also think they are unique because they go to a Christian school where they uphold Christian values. It prepares them for the world ahead of them.
I never had a chance to ask Carol how many years she has been teaching. From the looks of it she has been teaching for ten plus years.
I liked it because the teacher was the best teacher that i had observed/interviewed. She worked very well with the students, she was willing to show me around her classroom, and she loves what she does
I observed a 6th grade class at Crosspoint Academy. This was my first observation at a Christian school. I immediately noticed how well the students behaved. My assumption was that these students came from well to do families who taught good morals and discipline. The teacher was very interested in talking with me and explaining what goes on in her classroom. Another interesting thing that I don’t think public schools do (or I have yet to notice) is that the main office has a very precise schedule of each class. The teacher, Carol Heinz, had very good classroom management skills. For example, she transitioned the students very well from one subject to another by giving them 30seconds to put all of their supplies away and to get out their supplies for the next subject. She counted backward from 30 and by the time she was done all the kids were sitting in their chairs with their materials out for English. It was amazing. I think to myself, could I get my high school students to listen that well? I did notice that the students were not able to think for themselves when it came to getting a drink of water. The students have to ask Mrs. Heinz for a drink of water. In this case I would let the students make up their own minds whether or not to get a drink of water. I would encourage them to make their decision based off of whether or not it would negatively affect anyone in the classroom.
I would say that this grade is unique because the students are going through a transition in their life. In elementary school they are the seniors and in junior high they are the low men on the totem pole. I also think they are unique because they go to a Christian school where they uphold Christian values. It prepares them for the world ahead of them.
I never had a chance to ask Carol how many years she has been teaching. From the looks of it she has been teaching for ten plus years.
I liked it because the teacher was the best teacher that i had observed/interviewed. She worked very well with the students, she was willing to show me around her classroom, and she loves what she does
Monday, October 19, 2009
Reflection #2
In my Instructional design class we are working on lesson plans. I'm having a lot of fun with it because we have to tie our topic to at least 4 different subjects. well since technology is a subject I have been creative with finding ways to incorporate technology into my lessons. So far I have done a lesson that requires my students to go online, read a newspaper article, and post a review about the article. I'm kind of learning as I go since I don't have as much experience with technology as I wish I did.
Reflection #1
I went and observed a resource room class last Tuesday. During my observation I noticed that I felt the teacher go to personal with her life. There were something that she mentioned about her personal life that I don't think I would want to do as a teacher. She handled herself very well and I know that she could handle her students comments about her personal life, but I myself think I will stay away from that topic. I know that I will have to give my students some information about myself to gain a relationship with students.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Assignment #2
http://bensguide.gpo.gov/9-12/games/interactive.html
I found an interactive site that helps students with their U.S. geography and U.S. government.
ISTE for students: 4. c. critical thinking; collect and analyze data to identify solutions and or make informed decisions. The students will be able to make informed decisions based off of the lecture that was given and to be able to identify the specific state and to place them in their correct locations.
ISTE for teachers: 2. c. design and develop digital age learning experiences and assessments; customize and personalize learning activities to address student's diversity learing styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources. I'm addressing student's diversity by coming up with another way to teach them the states and government.
The smart board could improve student leaning in my future classroom because it provides an on hands experience to the material they learned or are about to learn. It is just one more way to make sure the kids will be able to pick up the new information that is learned in class. Since technology is such a part of the students lives I think it will be fun to let the students know that technology can also be used in the classroom
I found an interactive site that helps students with their U.S. geography and U.S. government.
ISTE for students: 4. c. critical thinking; collect and analyze data to identify solutions and or make informed decisions. The students will be able to make informed decisions based off of the lecture that was given and to be able to identify the specific state and to place them in their correct locations.
ISTE for teachers: 2. c. design and develop digital age learning experiences and assessments; customize and personalize learning activities to address student's diversity learing styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources. I'm addressing student's diversity by coming up with another way to teach them the states and government.
The smart board could improve student leaning in my future classroom because it provides an on hands experience to the material they learned or are about to learn. It is just one more way to make sure the kids will be able to pick up the new information that is learned in class. Since technology is such a part of the students lives I think it will be fun to let the students know that technology can also be used in the classroom
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
NETS standards
NETS for students: I want them to learn how to trouble shoot for themselves. As I'm learning how to create and do all of these wonderful things on line I'm also learning how to trouble shoot. Instead of being the first one to raise my hand in class to get help I have decided that I will first try an do it on my own. I believe that people learn best by doing. If I can do it on my own then I think I will be more successful at showing and teaching my students to do it on their own.
NET for teachers: I am currently emerging myself into dgital systems. I'm learning how to apply technology into the classroom, I'm learning what will be most effective and what I can do without.
NET for teachers: I am currently emerging myself into dgital systems. I'm learning how to apply technology into the classroom, I'm learning what will be most effective and what I can do without.
Monday, October 5, 2009
html & weebly
the html handout that we recieves was extremely helpful. There's something about creating something from nothing that gives me a scence of accomplishment. Seeing what I created when I pulled it up on my internet was really cool. I've never done anything like it before. I always see my brother in law creating things and I never knew how he did it...until now. I feel like I have something to brag about:) I'm just kidding, it's not like I even made anything worth talking about.
I created a weebly account and had a blast doing it! please take a look www.mrswelchsclassroom.weebly.com I likes all of the different options it gave me, it was also very clear and what and how I had to set up my page. I'm adding a little here and there at times so it's not like it's completely ready for when I get into the classroom.
I created a weebly account and had a blast doing it! please take a look www.mrswelchsclassroom.weebly.com I likes all of the different options it gave me, it was also very clear and what and how I had to set up my page. I'm adding a little here and there at times so it's not like it's completely ready for when I get into the classroom.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
why school's need websites
Not only should a school have a website but they should have a GOOD, well organized, operating, and up to date website. I beileve it is a good advertizement tool for the school. Some parents are not involved as much in their child's school activieties and I believe school websites help parents to keep up with what their child is doing in school. I think it is especially important to have a classroom website. Students have alot going on in their lives and it's hard for them to remember to do certian things. So, just like we have discovery I think that teachers should have their own way to communicate to the students what they are expected to do. It is also important to have information readily availible to parents who want to know more.
Monday, September 28, 2009
school website
I viewed Central Kitsap's website http://www-ckhs.cksd.wednet.edu/ I plan on student teaching at this school.
I consider myself a visual person so I realy enjoy seeing pictures on websites. As soon as I pulled up this site sure enough there was a picture of the front enterance of the school. On the web site was a link to the school calander which I think would be helpful to students and parents.
The web site had a list of contact information for each member on staff. I think they could have put it together a little better. For instance there was just a list of names and email addresses. As someone who is not familiar with the staff I would have to go back a page to make sure I am getting the right email address for the right position. A couple of teachers had a link attached to their name and when you click on their name it takes you to their own class website which I thought was very helpful especially for parents who might have questions about the class.
I'm not sure how long ago the website was updated but it had to be awhile ago because their were teachers who were missing from the list of faculty. I htink it would be wise to keep up on the website.
I consider myself a visual person so I realy enjoy seeing pictures on websites. As soon as I pulled up this site sure enough there was a picture of the front enterance of the school. On the web site was a link to the school calander which I think would be helpful to students and parents.
The web site had a list of contact information for each member on staff. I think they could have put it together a little better. For instance there was just a list of names and email addresses. As someone who is not familiar with the staff I would have to go back a page to make sure I am getting the right email address for the right position. A couple of teachers had a link attached to their name and when you click on their name it takes you to their own class website which I thought was very helpful especially for parents who might have questions about the class.
I'm not sure how long ago the website was updated but it had to be awhile ago because their were teachers who were missing from the list of faculty. I htink it would be wise to keep up on the website.
beginning of semester reflection
what is technology about? Obviously this is a loaded question. But I believe technology is about people interacting with a system to improve education and impact the future. Technology comes in MANY different shapes and sizes. Computers, engineering, dreeded alarm clocks, t.v., video games, radios, cell phone, and plenty more. Everywhere we look technology has already been.
What role should it have in a K-12 classroom and in your life as a teacher? Technology should be used in the classroom as a help to learning. Technology should not take over the classroom but I do think it should have a big part in education. Technology is not just about throwing on a video for the students. It's about engaging the students in something that they love to do, something that requires them to think for themselves and to interact as a community. Technology can help a student explore education in an "updated" way. We don't have to always use textbooks or work sheets, instead we can have the kids interact with education from areas all over the world perhaps. I want technology to be in my life as an educational tools. So far it has helped me to communicate to people, but more than that I would like to take time to learn more about the things I know nothing about. Through this class I believe I will be able to explore technology and find things useful in my life.
What role should it have in a K-12 classroom and in your life as a teacher? Technology should be used in the classroom as a help to learning. Technology should not take over the classroom but I do think it should have a big part in education. Technology is not just about throwing on a video for the students. It's about engaging the students in something that they love to do, something that requires them to think for themselves and to interact as a community. Technology can help a student explore education in an "updated" way. We don't have to always use textbooks or work sheets, instead we can have the kids interact with education from areas all over the world perhaps. I want technology to be in my life as an educational tools. So far it has helped me to communicate to people, but more than that I would like to take time to learn more about the things I know nothing about. Through this class I believe I will be able to explore technology and find things useful in my life.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
interactive white boards
Interactive white boards: Impacting Teaching and Learning. http://web.ebscohost.com.firma.northwestu.edu/ehost/pdf?vid=4&hid=12&sid=46d21fcd-df9d-4cce-8827-9a54849ed325%40sessionmgr14
What I learned about the smart board is that it can be used with other technologies. For example in this article it mentioned what the physics class does with a smart board. The students take pictures and then they take measurements using the tools on the smart board. They can also capture video. In English class the smart board can be used for student presentations. In math class assignments can be scanned on the smart board and then the teacher can write directly on the smart board to work out problems with the students. Just as a side note, an overhead projector can do the same thing and it might sound easier than scanning and pulling up the assignment. Also in the article, they mentioned how a smart board can be used in a biology class. What they do is access the internet to show simulations such as genetics. In language class the Spanish teacher uses the Spanish version of the smart board.
Smart boards really can be used in a lot of different ways. Even though history wasn’t mentioned in the article I think I would be able to take a little bit of information from each example and find something to work for my classroom. Interactive boards help students to apply school in a hands on way. They allow students to demonstrate thoughts and ideas. They help teachers get their point across using more than just words. The white boards have all five learning styles incorporated in it so I think all students would be a success in the classroom.
What I learned about the smart board is that it can be used with other technologies. For example in this article it mentioned what the physics class does with a smart board. The students take pictures and then they take measurements using the tools on the smart board. They can also capture video. In English class the smart board can be used for student presentations. In math class assignments can be scanned on the smart board and then the teacher can write directly on the smart board to work out problems with the students. Just as a side note, an overhead projector can do the same thing and it might sound easier than scanning and pulling up the assignment. Also in the article, they mentioned how a smart board can be used in a biology class. What they do is access the internet to show simulations such as genetics. In language class the Spanish teacher uses the Spanish version of the smart board.
Smart boards really can be used in a lot of different ways. Even though history wasn’t mentioned in the article I think I would be able to take a little bit of information from each example and find something to work for my classroom. Interactive boards help students to apply school in a hands on way. They allow students to demonstrate thoughts and ideas. They help teachers get their point across using more than just words. The white boards have all five learning styles incorporated in it so I think all students would be a success in the classroom.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
NETS: students
6. Technology operations and Concepts
c. troubleshoot systems and applications.
Discuss why this standard is important for hte students.
this standard is important because far too often when something goes wrong we call for help. Students need to learn to troubleshoot problems becasue it is a good part of problem solving. I believe it makes that students feel more capable as a person. Troubleshooting puts the responsibility back on the student and not the person trying to fix the problem. Often times things go wrong as a result of the person and not the system. If we know the most about what happened it doesn't seem logical to hand it over to someone else, instead we should fix the problem ourselves.
c. troubleshoot systems and applications.
Discuss why this standard is important for hte students.
this standard is important because far too often when something goes wrong we call for help. Students need to learn to troubleshoot problems becasue it is a good part of problem solving. I believe it makes that students feel more capable as a person. Troubleshooting puts the responsibility back on the student and not the person trying to fix the problem. Often times things go wrong as a result of the person and not the system. If we know the most about what happened it doesn't seem logical to hand it over to someone else, instead we should fix the problem ourselves.
NETS: teachers
3. Model Digital Age Work and Learing.
d. modle and facilitate effective use of current and emerging digital tools to locate, analyze, evaluate, and use information resources to support research and learning.
Why is this standard important to me as a teacher and for the students in my class?
This standard is important to me because I value technology in the classroom and I want my students to know that they don't have to be limited by a textbook and a classroom.
Create and share a plan for how I will imporve in the area this semester.
I will improve in this area this semester by using resources on the computer that are new to me. I want to be diverse in my understanding so that I will not limit my students or myself.
d. modle and facilitate effective use of current and emerging digital tools to locate, analyze, evaluate, and use information resources to support research and learning.
Why is this standard important to me as a teacher and for the students in my class?
This standard is important to me because I value technology in the classroom and I want my students to know that they don't have to be limited by a textbook and a classroom.
Create and share a plan for how I will imporve in the area this semester.
I will improve in this area this semester by using resources on the computer that are new to me. I want to be diverse in my understanding so that I will not limit my students or myself.
tech ed in a high school history classroom
This article compared using technology (Inspiration 6 software) with traditional textbooks. the author makes an statement that i thought was interesting "social studies textbooks assume students have a significant amount of background knowledge o important concepts." As i read that i placed myself back in my high school history class. i agree with that statement, it wouldn't be so bad but the teacher assumes you know the concepts as well. The article goes on to explain that computer increase students recall and comprehension in social studies.
The main section in this article was talking about the two groups that were tested. Both groups of students were taught one chapter of social studies. The cognitive organizers were the experimental group while the traditional textbook students were the control group. Using the Inspiration 6 software the teacher demonstrated how to insert text into the software and show the students how to work the system. After the lesson was over the students inserted their information on to the software. The teacher asked the students questions relating to the cognitive organizer and content material. The traditional textbook students completed a set of review questions.
The same method of scoring was used for both groups. The results showed that the students using the software performed much better than the students who worked with the traditional textbooks.
From this article I learned that technology can be used in the classroom, history included. The article did leave me with a question though. I was confused as to how the students with the software were actually graded. technology helps to expand students horizons. They don't have to be confined to a textbook. I can see how teachers would not be able to use technology in the classroom due to a lack of time but from this article anyone can see that the time and effort a teacher puts into learning and understanding computer software can be beneficial to you and your students.
Boon, Richard & Burke, Mack. "The Impact of Cognitive Organizers and technology-Based Practices in Student Success in Secondary Social Studies Classrooms." Journal of Special Education Technology, 2006. found on 9-15-09.
The main section in this article was talking about the two groups that were tested. Both groups of students were taught one chapter of social studies. The cognitive organizers were the experimental group while the traditional textbook students were the control group. Using the Inspiration 6 software the teacher demonstrated how to insert text into the software and show the students how to work the system. After the lesson was over the students inserted their information on to the software. The teacher asked the students questions relating to the cognitive organizer and content material. The traditional textbook students completed a set of review questions.
The same method of scoring was used for both groups. The results showed that the students using the software performed much better than the students who worked with the traditional textbooks.
From this article I learned that technology can be used in the classroom, history included. The article did leave me with a question though. I was confused as to how the students with the software were actually graded. technology helps to expand students horizons. They don't have to be confined to a textbook. I can see how teachers would not be able to use technology in the classroom due to a lack of time but from this article anyone can see that the time and effort a teacher puts into learning and understanding computer software can be beneficial to you and your students.
Boon, Richard & Burke, Mack. "The Impact of Cognitive Organizers and technology-Based Practices in Student Success in Secondary Social Studies Classrooms." Journal of Special Education Technology, 2006. found on 9-15-09.
Generation IM
to be honest with you...I'm surprised that only 55 % of kids, 13-17 are using facebook and myspace. I would think that number would be even higher. However, 67% of preschoolers are using the computer...now that's crazy. I have a 4 year old nephew who has never gone on his parents computer. I agree with the author when they state that "we simply cannot measure a child's knowledge through a fact driven isolated test." It seems like it is getting harder and harder to properly grade a student on the information they know.
I enjoyed reading about the ways to use tech in the classrooms. There were some good ideas and I think it is good motivation for teachers.
I enjoyed reading about the ways to use tech in the classrooms. There were some good ideas and I think it is good motivation for teachers.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
exploring the smart board
as i explored the smart board i found some really useful things for teachers. i enjoyed playing around with the interactive games. i learned how to create my own educational games as well. there were also carts that a teacher could use for vocabulary words, spelling, math, and others. some stuff would take some more looking in to. the smart board seems relatively easy to use.
Monday, September 14, 2009
my graduating students
some skills my students will need to know after graduating:
- writing a job resume
- how to budget properly
- how the real world operates
- how to read a newspaper
"Turning on the Lights"
As teachers we need to teach students how to find the information not spoon feed then the information. In the article a student mentioned how he had to "power down" to go to school. That is true on more than one level. Specifically, it's really sad that they would have to power down mentally. It is our jobs as teachers to stimulate their brains, we need to be actively engaging with their minds and everyday lives in order for them to feel like they don't have to power down. It was funny that the text mentions cursive writing…after I got out of elementary school none of my teachers required me to write cursive like they told me I would be in elementary school. I'm confused on how I would give students the opportunity to use technology in school. I guess I don't yet know how to apply much technology to the classroom.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
my life story
i decided to be a teacher because of my bad experiences in high school. i never had any memorable history teachers...it has inspired me to be the best teacher that i can be. i enjoy working with high school age kids and i have a passion to learn more about history so it seemed smart to combined the two i want to be able to engage my students in a very boring subject (according to most high schoolers) and i also want students to have fun with the subject as i do. i would like to teach high school history.
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