Final Reflection

Three things that WOWed me.

I like the idea of kids teaching
their teachers how to use technology. It is no wonder that kids with access to
computers have not advanced like they should because the teachers do not understand how to effectively use this tool. I believe computersare a wonderful tool and should be used in the classrooms; however, I
think many good teachers don't know how to use the technology
effectively. I have discovered many great sites to help students learn
and I have also seen many sites kids like to play on which are not very
educational. Wouldn't it be great to make fun games that actually teach
students - something I would like to do. This semester I listened to several podcasts and read several articles about teaching with technology and the importance of challenging the students whild fully engaging the students and at tne same time entertaining the students. Why shouldn't a teacher use this tool to their advantage.

I also liked the idea of giving clues in a podcast to listeners about your location and letting the listeners try to figure out your location. Great idea to use with school kids and involve geography and history.

I really like the digital storybook idea and imovie. I can see students using this for numerous projects. Instead of doing powerpoints, I think digital storybooks and imovies are an awesome idea. Also, like imovies for students to go back and review information. I would have loved to had several imovies of my math class this semester, the second time listening and watching and filling in my notes would have been so beneficial.


6 student's sites

NIki's site is pleasing to the eye and attractive. I like the digitial storybook content, I would change the buttons and keep them all consistently located in the lower right corner of the page. I would separate lessons and projects and place on two separate pages.

Kerri, I really liked the colors and good feeling I got when looking at your website. Your website does a good job at highlighting your teaching.

Danny's website was very professional looking. I really liked the layout on several of the pages. Some of the pages had a lot of text.

Chris, I liked the background of his lessons page; however, I would sort out the lessons and projects. I would add to the first page - looks unfinished and uninviting.

Kiley, I liked the colors of the site and layout. I would add pictures and eliminate some of the text. I liked how some of the pictures in the digital storybook looked like children's artwork.

Kayla, I really liked her site. She did an awesome highlighting herself for the teaching profession. I also liked her kid's page. I liked the colors and everything on the site worked. I didn't see this much.

My site - will always be a work in progress. I really am thankful that I had to do this project, but it was very time consuming. I want to change and add several things. For starters, I will add my resume. I also like having a page for students and a page for parents when I am teaching. A page for a schedule of events. I really liked how Danny set up a couple of his pages - they look professional. I want to have a site that has a look of professionalism but is still educational and fun for my studnets. I would love to add a spinning wheel for my students so they would check the site daily for assignments and schedules. Not sure, what the spinning wheel would be used for? - credits ? I like my orbit project page the best - I like the colors and it looks inviting for middle school students. However, I know, I will change and so will my website.

Thanks for all your help.

Tech Learning

I firmly believe for technology to really work, the teacher must be educated in content area along with technology skills. However, if the teacher is computer sauve, I believe technology can be very beneficial. Each studednt having access to a computer and a well thought out lesson plan is awesome. One example given was learning the pythagorean theroem than applying it using the graphics program. Some of these programs are amazing and having them right there at each student's fingertips is beneficial. This semester, I have had the opportunity to use some of these programs and they do help; however, teachers must still use assessment to check student's understanding. I also had the opportunity to intern in a middle school math classroom with an awesome teacher; however, technology was rarely used because the mentor teacher is not comfortable using it.Sound familiar?

Tech kids article

This makes perfect sense. My daughter helps me with different computer applications all the time. I show her things and she shows me different things. She catches on much more quicker than I; however, we both learn. Kids are much more sauvy at computers than many teachers that have not grown up using computers. I think it is only natural that kids help teachers learn technology because, if not, I don't think teachers that are not accostumed to integrating technology will integrate it into their classes - of course, not techs 390 students - we will certainly integrate technology.