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.

What?

Blog Post #1

I believe that computers and new technologies are important parts of the educational experience because they play a major role in most if not all occupations. Teaching young children about computers and other technologies will prepare them for the rest of their time in the classroom as well as their future careers. This is not to mention the aid that technology can give to learning. When used appropriately students will learn more quickly with the help of computers by turning the lessons into games. I do not believe that technology alone is enough to teach a subject however. As a teacher, you can not just sit behind a desk and let the computer do the work. Technology should be used for practice and reinforcement but not to actually teach concepts. When bringing technology into the classroom it is essential to go over ethics with your students. Depending on the age group this discussion will be more detailed. For younger children you should warn them about giving out personal information on the internet but don't have to worry too much about them buying essays online when they're in the 2nd grade anyway. Older students need to know the difference between referencing and plagiarism and need to see examples. I actually know of a middle schooler that broke into the schools computer network and messed around so this should also be discouraged throughly, though I wonder if that would only give them the idea.

I plan to use technology in the classroom by allowing students to play educational games on the computers. I'm thinking old school games like Treasure Mountain.



However, I'm sure there are more recently developed games that will work just as well. I also would like to start teaching the children to type, though I suppose that depends on their age level as I'm not sure it will be easy enough for a second grader to learn. I will personally use technology quite frequently as I plan to keep contact with parents through both letters home and emails. I will use presentation software to assist in teaching subjects like social studies and science.

Honestly, I don't know what I feel like sharing with my classmates. I'd like to teach elementary school and I loved playing awesomely crappy DOS computer games when I was a kid, i.e. Treasure Mountain and Lemmings. I sat there and watched all of that Treasure Mountain video and will probably try to find a ROM to play it on when I finish this assignment. Now that I think of it I will look for DuckTales: The Quest for Gold too. I feel nostalgic.

practice

Ninja cat is stalking its prey.

Blog Journal #0

I have a lot of prior experience using technology as I attended a high school with an IT focus. I have been familiar with computers since I was very young, learned to type in 6th grade, and my original goal was to become a hardware technician--though I decided to change after failing my A+ exam by one question. (D:< but I'm not bitter...)

In high school we were required to take several classes similar to this one in that we will learn about the functions of Microsoft software. However, I suppose I'm interested to see how this class will present information given that it is aimed at those who wish to use technology to educate others. I am fully expecting equal parts of things I heard all through high school and new information regarding how specifically to use certain programs in classrooms. I would also love to learn about the newest technology made specifically for the classroom.

Based on the activity today my learning style appears to be quite balanced. I agree with this as I typically don't have a problem learning in any environment, except of course those environments involving too much math. (math, bleh.) I learn by doing and watching. I'm like a small child but without the mandatory nap-time after lunch period. Apparently I prefer theory to fact but only by a bit. This makes sense I suppose. I am a global learner meaning I can figure stuff out but couldn't for the life of me explain how I did so. I'm quite thankful that I'm so even across the board. I like the fact that environment doesn't affect my learning capabilities.