Learning Journal
Journal #1
a.Technology should be incorporated into education. Technology can help make a lesson more understandable.
b.Technology has had an impact on my education because it has provided access to many resources that are beneficial to my educational career.
c.I plan to use technology in the classroom by incorporating multimedia presentations, worksheets from online, and using digital books.
b.Technology has had an impact on my education because it has provided access to many resources that are beneficial to my educational career.
c.I plan to use technology in the classroom by incorporating multimedia presentations, worksheets from online, and using digital books.
Technology Badge #1
Journal #2
Digital Citizenship and Web Literacy
Digital citizenship is defined as the norms of suitable and appropriate use of technology. A digital citizen is someone who can use the Internet on a regular basis and is efficient with technology. Digital citizenship is composed of nine elements. The elements are digital access, commerce, communication, literacy, etiquette, law, responsibility and rights, health and wellness, and security. Web literacy is a skills map that is used for exploring, developing, and engaging online. The group that presented this topic shared a website where you can go on and take a web literary test. The test lets the user know in what area they might need help. It is important to learn web literacy skills to be able to use it in the classroom. This is why future educators should understand how to navigate the web and become familiar with it, so it can be incorporated in your daily lessons.
Copyright Law and Fair use for Educators
The first copyright law was introduced in the late 1700’s. The copyright law protects original creation of an author. The purpose of the copyright law is to ensure a person’s original work is protected. Under this law the author is able to decide whether or not his/her work can be used, and if it can be used the author can choose how it can be used. It is necessary to educate students about the copyright law so they can understand that if they use someone’s work without permission or citing it there can be consequences. There are a few guidelines that are used to practices fair use. Fair use gives a person some rights of what he/she can borrow from an author. Fair use is borrowing copyrighted creations and only using a limited portion. For example a textbook, someone can only copy one chapter from the book. The presenters shared helpful websites that can guide us into how and what material we can use in the classroom.
TPacK and SAMR Model
Technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPacK) is a teacher understanding of how to effectively use pedagogical practice with technology in the classroom. The content is modeled using Shulman’s pedagogical content knowledge. TPacK compares and contrasts pedagogy, content and technology and is a demonstration of how to this model can be helpful in a classroom. This is why it is important for teachers and future teachers to study the model. This model can help how to effectively incorporate technology in the classroom. Substitution augmentation modification redefinition model (SAMR) is a model used to show how technology may have a positive influence on learning. It is used to replace “physical” assignments with technology. For example the if the assignment is to write and easy, generally students would write it using paper and pencil, the SAMR model suggests that students should use a computer to complete the assignment. I think there should be assignments that are done with technology but also traditional physical assignments.
Digital citizenship is defined as the norms of suitable and appropriate use of technology. A digital citizen is someone who can use the Internet on a regular basis and is efficient with technology. Digital citizenship is composed of nine elements. The elements are digital access, commerce, communication, literacy, etiquette, law, responsibility and rights, health and wellness, and security. Web literacy is a skills map that is used for exploring, developing, and engaging online. The group that presented this topic shared a website where you can go on and take a web literary test. The test lets the user know in what area they might need help. It is important to learn web literacy skills to be able to use it in the classroom. This is why future educators should understand how to navigate the web and become familiar with it, so it can be incorporated in your daily lessons.
Copyright Law and Fair use for Educators
The first copyright law was introduced in the late 1700’s. The copyright law protects original creation of an author. The purpose of the copyright law is to ensure a person’s original work is protected. Under this law the author is able to decide whether or not his/her work can be used, and if it can be used the author can choose how it can be used. It is necessary to educate students about the copyright law so they can understand that if they use someone’s work without permission or citing it there can be consequences. There are a few guidelines that are used to practices fair use. Fair use gives a person some rights of what he/she can borrow from an author. Fair use is borrowing copyrighted creations and only using a limited portion. For example a textbook, someone can only copy one chapter from the book. The presenters shared helpful websites that can guide us into how and what material we can use in the classroom.
TPacK and SAMR Model
Technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPacK) is a teacher understanding of how to effectively use pedagogical practice with technology in the classroom. The content is modeled using Shulman’s pedagogical content knowledge. TPacK compares and contrasts pedagogy, content and technology and is a demonstration of how to this model can be helpful in a classroom. This is why it is important for teachers and future teachers to study the model. This model can help how to effectively incorporate technology in the classroom. Substitution augmentation modification redefinition model (SAMR) is a model used to show how technology may have a positive influence on learning. It is used to replace “physical” assignments with technology. For example the if the assignment is to write and easy, generally students would write it using paper and pencil, the SAMR model suggests that students should use a computer to complete the assignment. I think there should be assignments that are done with technology but also traditional physical assignments.
Journal #3
Inquiry- Based Learning
Inquiry based learning is a method that uses questioning to find an answer rather than just give the answer. The presenters included a process chart of how inquiry learning works. It begins by asking, investigating, creating, discussing, and reflecting. Inquiry based learning should be included in a teachers daily lesson because it helps the student think and understand the topic that is presented.
Project-Based Learning
Project- based learning is a method that requires that student’s spend a long period on seeking an explanation for questions and obstacles they may come across. It helps guide students to a better path that later will lead them to a higher quality lifestyle. Project and inquiry based learning should both be incorporated into the classroom because it seems like it can be beneficial for the students and the method motivates them to think outside the box.
Digital Bloom’s Taxonomy
Digital Bloom’s taxonomy is a domain that categorizes according to skills and goals. The domains are composed of remember, understand, apply, analyze, evaluate and create. Bloom’s taxonomy helps students develop superior thinking skills.
Performance-Based Assessment
A performance-based assessment is used to measure a student’s capacity to integrate what they have learned to obstacles the may face. Unlike traditional tests that are made of multiple-choice questions, performance based assessments are composed of open-ended questions. Therefore students are required to demonstrate their knowledge by giving and explanation rather than just choosing an answer.
Thematic Unit and WebQuest
Thematic Unit is an instructional method that uses the same theme for teaching different lessons. This method is helpful for students because they can make connections between all the subjects they are taking. This approach can facilitate the learning process for students because they can connect their knowledge about each course to the theme. WebQuest follows the inquiry based learning lesson approach. This method requires that students expand their knowledge by asking questions. I believe that students should have the option of choosing which theme they would like, this would help them become more engaged in the assignments.
Inquiry based learning is a method that uses questioning to find an answer rather than just give the answer. The presenters included a process chart of how inquiry learning works. It begins by asking, investigating, creating, discussing, and reflecting. Inquiry based learning should be included in a teachers daily lesson because it helps the student think and understand the topic that is presented.
Project-Based Learning
Project- based learning is a method that requires that student’s spend a long period on seeking an explanation for questions and obstacles they may come across. It helps guide students to a better path that later will lead them to a higher quality lifestyle. Project and inquiry based learning should both be incorporated into the classroom because it seems like it can be beneficial for the students and the method motivates them to think outside the box.
Digital Bloom’s Taxonomy
Digital Bloom’s taxonomy is a domain that categorizes according to skills and goals. The domains are composed of remember, understand, apply, analyze, evaluate and create. Bloom’s taxonomy helps students develop superior thinking skills.
Performance-Based Assessment
A performance-based assessment is used to measure a student’s capacity to integrate what they have learned to obstacles the may face. Unlike traditional tests that are made of multiple-choice questions, performance based assessments are composed of open-ended questions. Therefore students are required to demonstrate their knowledge by giving and explanation rather than just choosing an answer.
Thematic Unit and WebQuest
Thematic Unit is an instructional method that uses the same theme for teaching different lessons. This method is helpful for students because they can make connections between all the subjects they are taking. This approach can facilitate the learning process for students because they can connect their knowledge about each course to the theme. WebQuest follows the inquiry based learning lesson approach. This method requires that students expand their knowledge by asking questions. I believe that students should have the option of choosing which theme they would like, this would help them become more engaged in the assignments.
Journal #4
Newsletter
I used a template from Microsoft Word to create my two-page newsletter. I made a back to school newsletter that included classroom rules, supplies, contact information and important dates. As a future teacher it is important to learn how to create a newsletter because you can benefit from it. A newsletter can be used for an open house, businesses, projects and many more. Students can also create newsletters for school assignments. For example a student can have a social studies assignment about Spain, the student can create a brochure about important facts about Spain.
Spreadsheet
I learned how to save a whole lot of time when completing the spreadsheet activity. As a future teacher I can benefit from using a spreadsheet. A spreadsheet can be used to record student’s grades, and their grades can be averaged out with a simple formula. This feature also does everything at once, for example averaging out a students grade can be done all at once instead of averaging each student at a time. A spreadsheet can also be used to create graphs using the information entered in the cells. Spreadsheets can be used to compare and organize data.
Timeline
Timetoast is used to create interactive timelines online. I liked using timetoast to create a timeline because it is simple to use and it looks visually more organized. Using timelines in class is essential for students because they can understand the chronological order of events. Timelines can be used for any subject and with timetoast pictures can be included as well, which can be helpful for students to connect an image with a date. Teachers can use timetoast for a lesson and students can also use it for homework and projects.
I used a template from Microsoft Word to create my two-page newsletter. I made a back to school newsletter that included classroom rules, supplies, contact information and important dates. As a future teacher it is important to learn how to create a newsletter because you can benefit from it. A newsletter can be used for an open house, businesses, projects and many more. Students can also create newsletters for school assignments. For example a student can have a social studies assignment about Spain, the student can create a brochure about important facts about Spain.
Spreadsheet
I learned how to save a whole lot of time when completing the spreadsheet activity. As a future teacher I can benefit from using a spreadsheet. A spreadsheet can be used to record student’s grades, and their grades can be averaged out with a simple formula. This feature also does everything at once, for example averaging out a students grade can be done all at once instead of averaging each student at a time. A spreadsheet can also be used to create graphs using the information entered in the cells. Spreadsheets can be used to compare and organize data.
Timeline
Timetoast is used to create interactive timelines online. I liked using timetoast to create a timeline because it is simple to use and it looks visually more organized. Using timelines in class is essential for students because they can understand the chronological order of events. Timelines can be used for any subject and with timetoast pictures can be included as well, which can be helpful for students to connect an image with a date. Teachers can use timetoast for a lesson and students can also use it for homework and projects.
Journal #5
Multimedia Poster
Glogster is used to create multimedia posters and it overs many templates to choose from. Multimedia posters can be used in the classroom for any lesson. I made my poster about the history of Texas using Glogster. Teachers can create a multimedia poster to hang in the classroom with important information. Students can be given a topic and create a poster about it, then students can share their poster with the class and compare all the different posters.
Specific Tools:
Google Form
I created a math quiz for first graders using Google Form. I was unaware of all the neat tools that Google offers. One of them being Google form, this feature can be very convenient for teachers because it can be used to create quizzes and surveys. It can be used to create unique assessments for your classroom. A teacher can create a survey to determine where students would like to go on a field trip.
Word Cloud
I chose twenty-five words that described an article I read to create a word cloud using Tagxedo. The word cloud website offers many different shapes and colors that you can choose from to create a word cloud. Word clouds can be used in the classroom to display vocabulary words or for comparing two texts. Students can incorporate word clouds to projects. For example if a students has to make a science project they can create a word cloud using words that describe the hypothesis.
Mind Map
I created a virtual bubble map using bubbl. With bubbl you can make a bubble map look more clean and organized. This website also has different options for the color, size and shape of the bubble map. I made a mind map about the planets distance from the sun and the number of moons each one has. Mind mapping can be used in the classroom to help students connect and organize ideas. Students can use a mind map as an outline for an essay they have to write.
Glogster is used to create multimedia posters and it overs many templates to choose from. Multimedia posters can be used in the classroom for any lesson. I made my poster about the history of Texas using Glogster. Teachers can create a multimedia poster to hang in the classroom with important information. Students can be given a topic and create a poster about it, then students can share their poster with the class and compare all the different posters.
Specific Tools:
Google Form
I created a math quiz for first graders using Google Form. I was unaware of all the neat tools that Google offers. One of them being Google form, this feature can be very convenient for teachers because it can be used to create quizzes and surveys. It can be used to create unique assessments for your classroom. A teacher can create a survey to determine where students would like to go on a field trip.
Word Cloud
I chose twenty-five words that described an article I read to create a word cloud using Tagxedo. The word cloud website offers many different shapes and colors that you can choose from to create a word cloud. Word clouds can be used in the classroom to display vocabulary words or for comparing two texts. Students can incorporate word clouds to projects. For example if a students has to make a science project they can create a word cloud using words that describe the hypothesis.
Mind Map
I created a virtual bubble map using bubbl. With bubbl you can make a bubble map look more clean and organized. This website also has different options for the color, size and shape of the bubble map. I made a mind map about the planets distance from the sun and the number of moons each one has. Mind mapping can be used in the classroom to help students connect and organize ideas. Students can use a mind map as an outline for an essay they have to write.
Journal #6
Digital Storybook
My group and I used Storybird to make our digital storybook. Storybird provides the illustrations for your story, after choosing the artwork you can choose what kind of book you will create. Storybird gives you the option to make a picture book, poem or chapter book. Therefore this website can be utilized by any age group. I had not heard about this website before taking this course and it was entertaining looking through all the different types of stories you can create. This website also let’s you publish your story and you can also read stories people around the world have created. Creating a digital story lets the author use their imagination to create a unique story. This website can help students use their creativity and writing skills. A teacher can create a storybook to incorporate into a lesson to make it more appealing to the students. A digital storybook can also be created to make an assignment more comprehensible. A digital storybook is also useful because it can be used for any subject. According to storybird students who have created books during the year have increased their reading level. A digital storybird can be useful for a teacher and the students; I plan to incorporate digital storybooks in lessons and assignments.
My group and I used Storybird to make our digital storybook. Storybird provides the illustrations for your story, after choosing the artwork you can choose what kind of book you will create. Storybird gives you the option to make a picture book, poem or chapter book. Therefore this website can be utilized by any age group. I had not heard about this website before taking this course and it was entertaining looking through all the different types of stories you can create. This website also let’s you publish your story and you can also read stories people around the world have created. Creating a digital story lets the author use their imagination to create a unique story. This website can help students use their creativity and writing skills. A teacher can create a storybook to incorporate into a lesson to make it more appealing to the students. A digital storybook can also be created to make an assignment more comprehensible. A digital storybook is also useful because it can be used for any subject. According to storybird students who have created books during the year have increased their reading level. A digital storybird can be useful for a teacher and the students; I plan to incorporate digital storybooks in lessons and assignments.
Journal #7
Smartboard
My group and I created a mini lesson plan integrating the smartboard. Our mini lesson was made for first grade social studies. We created a PowerPoint using Google drive with images of a different state in the United States. Each slide identified which state had to be labeled and a student would have to go up to the smart board and identify the state by writing the name on the image. Using the smartboard motivates the student to participate because he/she gets the opportunity to get up and write on the board. I thought that the smart board was very similar to the overhead projector. Its very interesting to see how technology evolves throughout the years, the projector displays the image onto a wall and with a special pen you can write on the wall digitally. Incorporating the smartboard in the classroom can be enjoyable for the students. The smartboard can be integrated in a lesson plan for any grade. The smartboard doesn’t have to necessarily be used to write on it, it can also be used for other types of activities. Incorporating the smartboard into a lesson can engage the students more.
My group and I created a mini lesson plan integrating the smartboard. Our mini lesson was made for first grade social studies. We created a PowerPoint using Google drive with images of a different state in the United States. Each slide identified which state had to be labeled and a student would have to go up to the smart board and identify the state by writing the name on the image. Using the smartboard motivates the student to participate because he/she gets the opportunity to get up and write on the board. I thought that the smart board was very similar to the overhead projector. Its very interesting to see how technology evolves throughout the years, the projector displays the image onto a wall and with a special pen you can write on the wall digitally. Incorporating the smartboard in the classroom can be enjoyable for the students. The smartboard can be integrated in a lesson plan for any grade. The smartboard doesn’t have to necessarily be used to write on it, it can also be used for other types of activities. Incorporating the smartboard into a lesson can engage the students more.
Journal #8
Technology Integrated Thematic Unit
A thematic unit is a method of integrating a theme to all curriculums. All the subjects like math, science, social studies and language arts use the same theme for the lesson plans. Thematic unit can be beneficial for students because they can make connections between the different subjects, so they can comprehend the lesson better. I think that the students should be able to choose the theme for the thematic unit because if they are given the opportunity to choose they will be more interested in learning. If student's are not given the opportunity to choose the theme then the teacher should select an engaging theme. The theme for my thematic unit is the five senses. The theme is appropriate for first grade students who are learning about the human body and their uses. The five senses can in be incorporated into a math, reading, health, and science lesson. Students can be introduced to the five senses in health class, the number of the senses can be used for a math activity, students can read a book about the five senses and the students can learn how to protect their senses in science class. Making connections between all the subjects can facilitate a student's ability to acquire new information.
A thematic unit is a method of integrating a theme to all curriculums. All the subjects like math, science, social studies and language arts use the same theme for the lesson plans. Thematic unit can be beneficial for students because they can make connections between the different subjects, so they can comprehend the lesson better. I think that the students should be able to choose the theme for the thematic unit because if they are given the opportunity to choose they will be more interested in learning. If student's are not given the opportunity to choose the theme then the teacher should select an engaging theme. The theme for my thematic unit is the five senses. The theme is appropriate for first grade students who are learning about the human body and their uses. The five senses can in be incorporated into a math, reading, health, and science lesson. Students can be introduced to the five senses in health class, the number of the senses can be used for a math activity, students can read a book about the five senses and the students can learn how to protect their senses in science class. Making connections between all the subjects can facilitate a student's ability to acquire new information.
Journal #9
Webquest
Webquest is a lesson format in which students learn and complete activities using the web. Webquest is made up of six components, introduction, task, process, resources, evaluation and conclusion. The purpose of webquest is to develop higher thinking skills. Webquest provides open ended questions to get the child to crtically think about what is being asked rather than a standardized question. After completing the thematic unit, it was easier to complete the webquest because I already had the information and it just had to be put together into a lesson. My thematic unit was on the five senses therefore my webquest was focused on the five senses. An online lesson is much more organized and clear when it it is done online. I was very pleased with my completed webquest. At first I thought it would be difficult to complete but having the thematic unit made the webquest process clear. I definitely plan to use webquest in the future. Creating my webquest was a pleasing experience, I like that the lesson plan is coordinated, clear and informative.
Webquest is a lesson format in which students learn and complete activities using the web. Webquest is made up of six components, introduction, task, process, resources, evaluation and conclusion. The purpose of webquest is to develop higher thinking skills. Webquest provides open ended questions to get the child to crtically think about what is being asked rather than a standardized question. After completing the thematic unit, it was easier to complete the webquest because I already had the information and it just had to be put together into a lesson. My thematic unit was on the five senses therefore my webquest was focused on the five senses. An online lesson is much more organized and clear when it it is done online. I was very pleased with my completed webquest. At first I thought it would be difficult to complete but having the thematic unit made the webquest process clear. I definitely plan to use webquest in the future. Creating my webquest was a pleasing experience, I like that the lesson plan is coordinated, clear and informative.
Journal #10
a. How have your ideas about using technology changed over the semester?
My ideas about using technology have changed completely after taking this course. When I I first started the semester I considered that technology would be too difficult to integrate into the classroom. I think I found it more challenging because I was unaware of all the activities and lessons that can be used with technology. I am a lot more comfortable with integrating technology in a classroom after completing the hands on activities.
b. What questions or challenges do you still have regarding technology integration?
The only challenge I still have is using spreadsheets. I still have to learn formulas to enter into the cells to make the process shorter. Although there are many ways to incorporate technology. I also find it the most difficult to integrate technology into a math lesson.
c. What is your plan for continuing to learn about integrating technology in your teaching more effectively?
After completing the course I have learned about different programs that can be used to teach a lesson. I think that all the hands on activities that we completed can be used in my future classroom. Now that I have completed the hands on activities I plan to integrate all the activities I completed through out the semester. There are many different activites found in the web that can be used for all courses. I thought that the activities would be difficult to complete, but now I feel comfortable enough to use them in mu future classroom.
My ideas about using technology have changed completely after taking this course. When I I first started the semester I considered that technology would be too difficult to integrate into the classroom. I think I found it more challenging because I was unaware of all the activities and lessons that can be used with technology. I am a lot more comfortable with integrating technology in a classroom after completing the hands on activities.
b. What questions or challenges do you still have regarding technology integration?
The only challenge I still have is using spreadsheets. I still have to learn formulas to enter into the cells to make the process shorter. Although there are many ways to incorporate technology. I also find it the most difficult to integrate technology into a math lesson.
c. What is your plan for continuing to learn about integrating technology in your teaching more effectively?
After completing the course I have learned about different programs that can be used to teach a lesson. I think that all the hands on activities that we completed can be used in my future classroom. Now that I have completed the hands on activities I plan to integrate all the activities I completed through out the semester. There are many different activites found in the web that can be used for all courses. I thought that the activities would be difficult to complete, but now I feel comfortable enough to use them in mu future classroom.