Presentations

The 2nd presentation I really found useful because it taught me more ways to incorporate technology in the classroom. I think I will definitely be using their scavenger hunt exercise, it is a great way to help with search engines.

The 3rd presentation was helpful as well because it used technology to teach the teacher what type of learner the student is. That what you can find ways & exercises to help the student learn to their greatest potential.

I liked the last one a lot because of the video they added, I need to learn how to add a full screen video like that. It catches the students attention & therefore they learn and have fun from it!

Microsoft Publisher

- Please tell me how thing went and how you felt about the activities. Please feel free to give suggestions.
I really enjoyed using Microsoft Publisher, it was actually a lot easier than i had expected it to be. I could see myself really using this in the classroom or the work force.
- How did you feel about creating a brochure this week?
I would definitely use something like this for "Meet the Teacher" nights, or first day of class activities.
- Is there any muddy point that you need to review?
I just used a template, I didn't get too creative.
- How do you feel about Desktop Publishing? We have created a brochure and a resume. What else do you think we can do with Desktop Publishing? If you have to create one thing for your classroom, what would you create by using Publishing and why?
I really like Desktop Publishing, I would like to use it more and become more familiar with it. The projects you could make on Publisher are endless. I really like the idea of making an introduction into the classroom brochure.

PPT project

Our PPT project is going very well. Our topic is Technology in the classroom. Emily & I work well together, and it is very helpful because we are both English majors. Having a partner is very useful, because its nice to share ideas.

Current technology in the classroom

I think it can be very effective if teachers can apply everyday technology that students enjoy to the classroom. I wouldn't say have a PS3 & wii in the classroom, but maybe have video ipods with learning games on them.

Video chats & IMs are a great way to incorporate technology in the classroom, because it's something the students are comfortable with and they can still be monitored. It is also an up-to-date tool, so it will keep the students from becoming bored with the same 'ol, same 'ol.

Asynchronous communication could definitely be more convenient that synchronous situations. Who wouldn't mind going to class in the comfort of your own home & in your PJs!?!?

Using podcasts with students can enhance learning and is a new version of delivering the same information. Education shouldn't be hindered from keeping up with the times either... I mean do you usually see 8-tracks in the classroom? No, time changes & so can education.

Personally, I have never experienced video gaming to help my studying habits, but I have seen the effects it has had on my younger brother & sister. They both grew up using "LeapFrog" and entered the classroom with confidence and a head start! I see the article's point of view, but I think anything can be ruined if it is not used wisely, so it's basically all about moderation.

Wikis

Wikis are kind of confusing to me at first, but they are very useful and helpful in the classroom. I would definitely use them in my classroom. I actually have a professor this semester who uses one frequently. He teaches a class on teaching grammar and writing in the classroom. He also uploads aides, websites, and articles for our class to view on his wiki.

I do believe that learning by conversing is much more effective than handing out worksheets or just assigning busy work. Then more hands on you are, then more learning someone can absorb from any given experience. The busy work assigned in the classroom is only stored in their short term memories, when a class is active the test scores may be higher, but more than anything, the students will feel experienced and confident in the subjects taught.

No student is the same, therefore they all learn differently. It is wise to have unique teaching tricks and styles when teaching. That test is an odd way to motive students, it can give them an identity, and can inspire them to want to learn more.

Excel

At first I was severely confused by the Spreadsheet application. Now that I actually know how to use it, it is incredibly useful! I can definitely see myself using this in the classroom to make worksheets, do my grade book, and so on.

As a teacher, using a Spreadsheet is an easy way to keep all your data organized. The Spreadsheet completely makes a calculator absolutely useless, but it would be wise to check the grades periodically.

The textbook lists three great examples that Spreadsheet is capable of doing, but literally the possiblilities are endless.

My thoughts on blogging...

To be quite frank, I still have not caught on to this whole blogging thing... but I will admit, it is very convenient to be away from the classroom and still accomplish tasks that are usually done there.