Emily's Podcast

Totally the best podcast ever yo. Most seriously. In fact, I might even go so far as to say mst srsly. Vowels are over rated.

The first lesson plan involving technology that I'd like to go over, is how to use it effectively. I'll incorporate some videos from BrainPOPs technology page like internet safety, plagiarism, cyber bullying, or social networking. Mainly I'll be focusing on how to use the internet safely. I'd like to come up with some physical games that help illustrate the points I'm trying to make as well. After having a discussion about it and watching the videos I want to quiz them on the rules of being safe.

I have two major concerns regarding the internet in my classroom. The first is that students will try to play games on sites like Neopets. Theoretically I'll be teaching 3rd grade and there are many sites with games that cater to that age group. While some of these games can be educational, I'd rather they didn't play games when they should be doing something else. The other concern is instead of playing games they'll be off on some forum like Gaiaonline giving away their personal information to some creepy stalker pedo. I don't want that on my hands.

Hmm, one tool I'd use? BrainPOP. I loved this site when I was in middle school and recently found out they have a BrainPop Jr for younger kids as well. It is a really good companion to a lot of lesson plans. Its a paid subscription though, but I believe it is totally worth it.

Blog Post #2

As a student I have used MSWord extensively, especially considering I went to a technology magnet high school. I took notes and wrote papers in word. I used it and Excel to organize information regarding Yearbook advertising. I also used it to review Yearbook copy. My teachers used MSWord to create assignment instructions and to "legally" (totally.) copy AP practice exams.

Two eleventh grade history and language arts teachers had their students use MSWord to create newspapers about the Industrial Revolution. They worked as a team to write stories, letters to the editor, and invent something then turn it into a front and back one page newsletter. I like this example because it is a crossover of two subjects into one project. I also like the fact that it was a group project. The use of word to make a newsletter front and back with various stories and pictures also gives the students a creative outlet.

I get the feeling that I will be using the tricks we've learned through having to make a newsletter of our own. I rather like the idea of sending home a monthly newsletter to the parents as I think it will encourage their involvement in their children's learning process.