Final Post --- Reflection

Looking back on this semester, I realized I've learned dozens of new technology ideas and have learned helpful ways on how to incorporate them into my classroom. I've learned to be creative when it comes to technology. A website or device may be intended for one use, but you can find dozens of other uses for it! I've learned not to stress about incorporating technology into lessons -- it usually fits better than you'd expect. However, I think it's very important not to force technology use in lessons where it doesn't belong!

I've become attracted to the fact that modern entertainment technology can be used for educational purposes. For example, I love the idea of using Twitter in the classroom. It's a trendy tool, and can be used educationally. Not only that, but it's fun and interactive! I can definitely see myself using that in my own classroom. I can also see myself using a blog in the classroom, and maybe Google Docs, if I end up teaching higher grade levels. However, I do not see myself using Wikis or WebQuests. I feel like they are too time consuming, and I just didn't enjoy using them.

My thoughts about using technology in the classroom have changed. I thought "technology" meant researching on the web, using word processors, and maybe a video camera here and there. I learned that there are hundreds of ways to incorporate safe technology use into any curriculum.

In the future, I need to remind myself to keep up-to-date on the latest technology. There's always something cool out there to make use of, and it's important that students are familiar with this technology as well. I will also remind myself to NOT BE AFRAID to use technology!

Podcast!

So, since I'm sick, I was afraid that my voice was going to sound ridiculous in any sort of reading. However, I decided to read Shel Silverstein's poem entitled "Sick," so maybe my voice wouldn't sound so out-of-place.  I got all the sounds from FreeSound.org.

Exploring Google Earth...

I could literally spend HOURS on Google Earth! I think it is so interesting -- it's like being able to travel and get in-depth tours, right from your computer! I do, however, feel that it's important and valuable to actually travel. Regardless, Google Earth is a great tool that I would have loved as a student, and therefore, it's something I will try to incorporate into my own classroom.

One way I think it would be interesting to use is to retrace a character in a book's journey.. Or, to follow some of Lewis & Clark's Expedition in the current landscape!

...trying out audacity/internet archive

We're experimenting with Audacity and various sound programs (we're going to do a podcast). So this is my practice sound, and post: 

Twitter in the classroom...?

My initial thought about Twittering in the classroom was, "This has GOT to be a joke, right?" I couldn't even fathom mixing such a recreational activity with education. However, after reading some of the articles that suggest ways to use Twitter effectively (and educationally!) in the classroom, I've changed my mind. One suggestion, in particular, stood out to me: Tweet in the voice of Abraham Lincoln 5 minutes before giving the Gettysburg Address. How creative! It was this sort of activities that I loved as a student, so it always interests and excites me to get new ideas on how to integrate them into my own classroom someday. With Twitter, students can not only do this sort of role-playing activity to learn, but they can also provide each other with feedback, in which they learn from one another.

Some people may be concerned with security issues while using Twitter in a classroom, but Twittering can be safe! There are so many security options available to protect students, including making Tweets available only to other members in the class. Although it is important to encourage responsible usage and to monitor students' activities while using Twitter, we face the same challenges when using any sort of website or internet activity in the classroom. However, I believe it is equally important to incorporate modern technology into education.

Google Docs

When we first started using Google Docs, I was a little frustrated and discouraged. I thought it was going to be like the Wiki situation, in which collaboration was more difficult than helpful. However, I actually liked Google Docs! I appreciate that you have a live view of what users are working on the same file as you at the same time. I also like how you're able to create various types of files and are not restricted to the same ol' boring word document. The form creator is a different and innovative way to gather information -- it's my favorite! The only setback I found to Google Docs during our experimentation was with sharing files. There are ways to share for collaboration, and there are ways to share for viewing only, and I think this got a little confusing to some people. Regardless, I do like Google Docs, and hope to use it in the future for group projects, or even in my own classroom!

Wiki-whack!

We've been exploring Wikis in our class lately. I feel like Wikis could potentially be a great source for teachers -- they allow for quick and easy collaboration. I like the idea of not having to be in the same place at the same time to get my colleagues' input, and to create a group project. However, I do feel like this collaborate work isn't very efficient on the "public" setting. I don't want just some stranger editing my hard work! Additionally, the way we've been going about it in class is a little exasperating. Pages get edited as you're working on them, information gets lost, users get booted... it's all very confusing. If our groups were to be working on our Wikispaces at different times (convenient for ourselves -- not at the same time!), I feel it would be a much smoother experience.

Blogging so far...

I feel like the entire process of blogging and using blogs for both resources and supplements is going to take some getting used to. Knowing that thousands of people can access my blog and read my entries is sort of unnerving -- however, once I get past the initial shock of that, I think blogging will prove to be very useful. Students, parents and colleagues will be able to keep up on what is going on inside the classroom, and I appreciate that. If I do end up blogging in my classroom, that will probably be the purpose of my blog: to keep an up-to-date record of what we are currently doing in my classroom, and what I have planned in the near future!

Links!

I added a few additional links: The University of Montana website (for obvious reasons!), The Teacher's Corner, National Geographic for Kids Blog, and Bill Zimmerman's Writing Prompts blog.

I added the Teacher's Corner because it's a very helpful resource for teachers. The site includes lesson plans and ideas, teacher collaboration projects and much more. Additionally, Bill Zimmerman's Writing Prompt blog has great topic ideas for class blogs (for elementary students). The questions are simple, yet invoking and entertaining!

The National Geographic for Kids blog is a news blog with interesting information for elementary students. It also has numerous links within the blogs, which include extra information and activities. I feel like it would be a good supplement to lessons in various subjects. I really do encourage you to explore this blog -- it's got great entries, and lots of fun activities.

The Machine Is Us/ing Us

Photo Post

Highway sign from Arlee, Montana -- where I grew up!

Welcomeeee!

Well hello there. This is my first post for C&I 306.