had an idea that each of us can do a lesson plan on the artcile we read. However, there are only four lesson plans and five group members. We could have a lesson plan with two people working together? Any other ideas? Maybe we should begin by posting what the article we read was about? I read behaviorism and cognitivism. So I could do a lesson plan on either of these or work with another? Please post what the artcile you read was about so we can divide them up. I just thought this would be an easier way. Let me know what you think
Melanie,
Maybe you could do one and I could do the other?
I tried to figure out an even way to divide these up according to our previous readings. Let me know if I am correct and what you think about this.
Karen-Mind Tools
Stephanie-Constructivism
Myself-Behaviorism
Melanie-Cognitivism
Jill-Social Constructivism
I think Karen might have to choose someone to work with because I asked Dr. Wang a question and she replied that she will post four forums, one for each lesson plan. Mindtools is not one that she asked for. What ya wanna do Karen?
It's really whatever you want. Wow! That sounde real nice! It's like a tiny vacation just imagining that:)
The draft is due April 14 on our group space and then we comment on each others.
Thats a great idea. I didn't put that in the lesson plan because we do not have that. That's how I have to show it to my kids. I will add it in though.
Thanks.
I think this is very good and thorough. However, you may want to review the assignment posting from Dr. Wang about this. It is under the assignment tab. There are somethings that did not need to be included. However, you may want to keep them. There may be some things you did not include. Good beginning.
I checked and it is all Dr. Wang asked for. Looks nice. Good Work.
You might want to include technology in your course of study standards. Nice work.
Looks nice. You need to look back at Dr. Wang's seven things she wanted in this assignment like Alabama Course of Study standards. Just make sure you have all those seven things. Good beginning.
OK, I see now. I have just never seen the curriculum standards written into the objectives like that. I would personally, put them in a seperate section. Just an idea. I would hate for her to overlook it like I did. Another thing I did not notice is the grade level.
Monday, April 21, 2008
comments on learning theories
This reading was really great. Honestly! I think we should ALL read it because at the end it gives very specific examples for using the computer these ways. I think it could really help us out when we are working on our lesson plans!!!
Oh no. I thought your idea of splitting them up was great!!!! I'm just saying that this article would help out alot when we are working on lesson plans. I think you have done a SUPER AWESOME job as leader. :)
I think you just click behind the last word you typed to put your cursor there and then hit delete a few times. Have you tried that?
Oh no. I thought your idea of splitting them up was great!!!! I'm just saying that this article would help out alot when we are working on lesson plans. I think you have done a SUPER AWESOME job as leader. :)
I think you just click behind the last word you typed to put your cursor there and then hit delete a few times. Have you tried that?
Monday, March 31, 2008
April 1
The other class I am taking along with this one is Critical Pedagogy. I have learned so much in that class. I was reading our chapter for homework and it was discussing ....ta da...homework. It said that we should give students time in class and a safe environment to complete homework assignments. I feel this is true. However, I feel this is especially true with homework that has anything to do with technology. First, many families do not have access to computers or various software. Second, some families may not know how to use various technology. If we as teachers assign homework, we need to be sure that students are able to complete the assigned task. I teach Kindergarten and there really is not much homework we are required to use the computer for. But for older grades there is and should be. I know during black history month the students in fourth grade at my school have to research a famous black person. They are required to use technology in this assignment. I also know that many of the children where I work do not have computers at home. I was glad to find out that time is set aside for them to use the computers in the library. I know integrating technology into homework is important. However, we cannot ask children to do things that are not possible for them. We must make a way for them to be able to complete their homework in a safe environment and with the help of others.
Monday, March 24, 2008
comments about def. of learning
Mealnie,I found an article online about learning and memory. I believe what you are talking about is memory. Learning is different. Learning is how you acquire new information about the world and memory is how you store that information. Learning is more of a process. Learning is the ability to make sense of the environment and world and understanding the world around you. Learning is making sense. It involves taking knowledge and relating to other knoweldge and your world. I feel like it is easy to get the two confused. However, I feel we should concentrate on learning as a process. I'm just throwing out ideas here. I want to know what others think!
I agree with that! I LOVED her class. It was amazing!
Jill, I agree with this defintion becaus it focuses more on the process of learning and not jsut memory. I feel this is good!
agree with the first part but not so much the second. For example, I have learned ALOT in my graduate classes. I can pass the test and write the papers. However, alot I don't remember or apply to my life and my teaching. You can learn without it being in your memory. But you REALLY learn things that aplly to you and you know will be useful!
That is real learning. When you use it. However, you can learn something just long enough to be successful for the needed reason. I feel like there may be different levels of learning. There could be learning just to get by or please others. There is learning that is personal and meaningful and useful.
But learning definitely is a process. The storing away deals with memory. These two are seperate.
I agree. The statement I am trying to make is that there are many different ways and levels of learning. Also, learning is different than memory. Learning is a process!
Learning is a process and memory is a product. Do you not agree with that because that is only what I am saying. I am just saying that there is a thin line between a process, learning, and a product, memory. I do not think memory and learning as the same. I think they are different. I fthey were the same there would not be any thing such as unlearning or relearning. Do you not agree that there are many different levels and degrees of learning?
This is exaclty what I AM saying! I started all of this because the first few post were saying that learning is when you remember or memorize something and I was saying that is not tru. Learning and memory are different! That's all I was saying.
Learning and memory do go hane in hand. All I am saying is that remembering is not learning. That is not all there is to it.
I agree with all of this.
I enjoy this discussion. I think it is great to hear all the sides. However, we all agree that memorization is wrong. However, it is a way to learn. It is a product of learning. I mean think about all the memorization WE have done. "My Very Eager Mother Just Served Us Nine Pizzas" This is what I feel. 1.)Learning is a process. Depositing what we have learned into our brains for a period of time or memorizing is a product of learning. Learning and memory are not the same thing. 2.)There are many different levels of learning and memory. There are many different varied degrees of learning and memory. 3) Memorization is wrong but WE have all personally experienced it and still know and use it today. You have to. What about phone numbers? Faces? Websites? All of this we have memorized (stored in our memory). I feel like we are on the same team but we are misreading each other or something.Thank you for your discussion. I enjoy it!
I agree with that! I LOVED her class. It was amazing!
Jill, I agree with this defintion becaus it focuses more on the process of learning and not jsut memory. I feel this is good!
agree with the first part but not so much the second. For example, I have learned ALOT in my graduate classes. I can pass the test and write the papers. However, alot I don't remember or apply to my life and my teaching. You can learn without it being in your memory. But you REALLY learn things that aplly to you and you know will be useful!
That is real learning. When you use it. However, you can learn something just long enough to be successful for the needed reason. I feel like there may be different levels of learning. There could be learning just to get by or please others. There is learning that is personal and meaningful and useful.
But learning definitely is a process. The storing away deals with memory. These two are seperate.
I agree. The statement I am trying to make is that there are many different ways and levels of learning. Also, learning is different than memory. Learning is a process!
Learning is a process and memory is a product. Do you not agree with that because that is only what I am saying. I am just saying that there is a thin line between a process, learning, and a product, memory. I do not think memory and learning as the same. I think they are different. I fthey were the same there would not be any thing such as unlearning or relearning. Do you not agree that there are many different levels and degrees of learning?
This is exaclty what I AM saying! I started all of this because the first few post were saying that learning is when you remember or memorize something and I was saying that is not tru. Learning and memory are different! That's all I was saying.
Learning and memory do go hane in hand. All I am saying is that remembering is not learning. That is not all there is to it.
I agree with all of this.
I enjoy this discussion. I think it is great to hear all the sides. However, we all agree that memorization is wrong. However, it is a way to learn. It is a product of learning. I mean think about all the memorization WE have done. "My Very Eager Mother Just Served Us Nine Pizzas" This is what I feel. 1.)Learning is a process. Depositing what we have learned into our brains for a period of time or memorizing is a product of learning. Learning and memory are not the same thing. 2.)There are many different levels of learning and memory. There are many different varied degrees of learning and memory. 3) Memorization is wrong but WE have all personally experienced it and still know and use it today. You have to. What about phone numbers? Faces? Websites? All of this we have memorized (stored in our memory). I feel like we are on the same team but we are misreading each other or something.Thank you for your discussion. I enjoy it!
March 25
Chapter 7 is on distance learning. I chose to write about this because I feel there are different kinds of distance learning and various pros and cons. The pros are that it makes education available to many different people who may not have the time to go to class because of jobs or family. They may not have the money to attend face -to-face schools because some distance learning programs are cheaper than tradtional. You must personally be highly motivated to succeed in tradtional distance leraning. Russell says that students have the same achievement from distance leraning as they do from face-to-face instruction. However, earlier the book said there is NO substitute for a real teacher. I feel like Russell may be used incorrectly as a source here because they do not tell what age group he is talking about and exactly what type of distance learning he is discussing. By taking a short look at the faculty office page of blackboard, WE hve way more problems in this distance education class than we probably would fae-to-face. Luckily, we have a good instructor who answers all of our questions in a timely manner. However, that is not true for all distance learning classes. Personally, I feel that the traditional form of distance learning with no face-to-face, or very few, meetings is best for college and graduate students because t really takes a highly motivated individual to be successful at these. However, remember reading an artcile about a local High School participating in distance learning. However, they had a distance instructor as well as a classroom supervisor who was there to personally help them whenever they needed it. I thnk this type of distance learning is good for upper elementary, middle school and high school.
Monday, March 3, 2008
March 4
Redang chapter 7, abput introducing th Internet, made me think back to my lesson plan critique. I teach Kindergarten and I feel they are not too young to learn about the Internet. I feel like my lesson plan I critiqued would be a great way for them to learn more about the Internet. However, I would have to do it in whole group first, small groups, so I could help them better, and, finally, let them work on it individually. This basic outline could be used with whatever you are studying, however, my particular lesson plan was about bears. The goal of the lesson plan was to, eventaully, have the children find a present a fact that they learned, from the Internet, about their favorite bear. This woud be presented with a picture the found on the Internet. The first time they did this on a topic, it would take a while. Eventually this would take about a week. This simple lesson on bears could easily be used for learning about anything, which is basically what we use the Internet for. This is real world learning at it's best.
Friday, February 29, 2008
comments on categories of digital technologies
What about group 3? I think their categories were good. They were very thorough, but the graph was hard to read.
I liked group 5's the best overall. It had a clear, easy to read layout. The categories are clearly identified. Each technology is listed. I think it is a good overall outline of digital technologies.
Group 4 - Theirs was also easy to read and very straightforward.
HEre is a list of all of our comments. If you'd like to change or add, do so today. I'll post this before I leave work today at 2 p.m.
Group 2 –
I never thought about placing the items in a Venn diagram. I think that is a great idea! They were able to put the technology in more than one area.
I really like Group 2's idea of placing it in a Venn diagram. It was very easy to read and the technology that both students and teachers use was easily identified in this type of classification.
I thought that was interesting also. I also liked how she gave directions for making a Venn diagram using word. I thought the group who only used two categories did it simply. However, sometimes simplicity is the best. It never crossed my mine to categorize them simply as a teacher instead of as a student in this class.
Yea, I liked it to on the surface--but--if we are need to think in higher order, does it really accomplish that?
Group 3 –
I think their categories were good. They were very thorough, but the graph was hard to read.
It was very thorough. It did take a little longer to read through and follow across, but this is because they didn't combine to one cumulative list. Excellent job!
Group 4 –
Theirs was also easy to read and very straightforward.
Yea, but again, did it travel through the higher order thinking skills?
I think Group 4 tried to separate everything into specific categories, but I found it a little strange that they had a category for extra multi-media when they could have listed it together with their first listing. Also, I thought their distance learning unique. I would also think you could consider some software that was listed in another category that as well. I think it just goes to show us that we all think of technology a little differently.
Group 5 –
I liked group 5's the best overall. It had a clear, easy to read layout. The categories are clearly identified. Each technology is listed. I think it is a good overall outline of digital technologies.
Group #5 did a nice job as well. I really liked the classification of technology and then how they showed some technology in several categories. I think it was easy to understand and in very clear terms.
You are right about that. I think it also shows higher order thinking--more on the analysis side than the concrete.
I liked group 5's the best overall. It had a clear, easy to read layout. The categories are clearly identified. Each technology is listed. I think it is a good overall outline of digital technologies.
Group 4 - Theirs was also easy to read and very straightforward.
HEre is a list of all of our comments. If you'd like to change or add, do so today. I'll post this before I leave work today at 2 p.m.
Group 2 –
I never thought about placing the items in a Venn diagram. I think that is a great idea! They were able to put the technology in more than one area.
I really like Group 2's idea of placing it in a Venn diagram. It was very easy to read and the technology that both students and teachers use was easily identified in this type of classification.
I thought that was interesting also. I also liked how she gave directions for making a Venn diagram using word. I thought the group who only used two categories did it simply. However, sometimes simplicity is the best. It never crossed my mine to categorize them simply as a teacher instead of as a student in this class.
Yea, I liked it to on the surface--but--if we are need to think in higher order, does it really accomplish that?
Group 3 –
I think their categories were good. They were very thorough, but the graph was hard to read.
It was very thorough. It did take a little longer to read through and follow across, but this is because they didn't combine to one cumulative list. Excellent job!
Group 4 –
Theirs was also easy to read and very straightforward.
Yea, but again, did it travel through the higher order thinking skills?
I think Group 4 tried to separate everything into specific categories, but I found it a little strange that they had a category for extra multi-media when they could have listed it together with their first listing. Also, I thought their distance learning unique. I would also think you could consider some software that was listed in another category that as well. I think it just goes to show us that we all think of technology a little differently.
Group 5 –
I liked group 5's the best overall. It had a clear, easy to read layout. The categories are clearly identified. Each technology is listed. I think it is a good overall outline of digital technologies.
Group #5 did a nice job as well. I really liked the classification of technology and then how they showed some technology in several categories. I think it was easy to understand and in very clear terms.
You are right about that. I think it also shows higher order thinking--more on the analysis side than the concrete.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Feb. 26
For my critical pedagogy class we choose a book to read along with the class text. I choose "Teaching Passionately: What's Love Got To Do With It?".In the chapter I read last night it was talking about collaborative teaching. It had a section entiteled "Collaborative Learning in a Virtual Context". It discussed how easy it is to have long distance collaboration now days because of the internet. It also placed a emphasis about the only appropriate use of teechnology in the classroomis as a tool fro enhancing specific curriculum opportunities. It talked about a website, www.ks-connection.org/willage/village.html, where students can connect immediately with other students around the world. I found this very interesting. How neat would it be to have a pen pal on the other side of the world! It also talks about how the Internet encourages literary development. I agree with this because it makes assignments relevant and meaningful to the child.
I know that I use the Internet so much for my class. EVERYTHING we study about I search on the Internet for lessons, videos, etc. I really enjoy the freedom and ease the Internet provides me in my teaching. What did we do before the Internet?
I know that I use the Internet so much for my class. EVERYTHING we study about I search on the Internet for lessons, videos, etc. I really enjoy the freedom and ease the Internet provides me in my teaching. What did we do before the Internet?
comment
critique
I like how your critique was very thorough. You gave almost a paragraph answer to each question. I think it was very great for your first go at it. Have you thought about using online resources? I would google different technology components that are in the lesson or that you think should be in the lesson. Try googling "Powerpoint in education", "Blogs in education", or "internet in education". My lesson uses Kidspiration and I went to their website and found the main goal Kidspiration is used for and put that in my critique. Also, on the bullet about a good match between technology and ped. approaches, I think you might try to be mroe specific. Give specific examples about what you think could be done differently. It jsut seemed a little broad on this bullet. Excellent job overall. I hope this helps some!
I see where you are coming from. I battled with this thought myslef. However, because it does not say, outright, who is leading the research, I was led to make my own interpretation. Personally, I would use the internet in whole group to search for information. Especially with this age group. Therfore, I made my personal assumption on that was how th Internet would be used. Personally, I think the broadness of the lesson plan leads much to the decision of the individual teacher.
Thanks. Those are some great ideas. However, I would personally use your idea of finding a picture online and prinitng it off as part of a lesson. I guess that's just a personal opinion. But thanks for the ideas none the less. They were great.
I posted my lesson plan at the bottom of my critiques because Dr. Wang said, on another student's, to please attach lesson plan to the critique. It was hard for me as well. Copying theentire thing and pasting would not work. I had to do mine by individual sections. For example, I copied the heading "Outcomes" and pasted it then I copied the outcomed and pasted them. I had to do it step by step. You might want to try that. Thanks!!!!!
Karen,
Thanks for the input. this lesson plan is very vague. I also found alot of things I would personally do differently than the person that wrote this lesson plan. I will be sure to include your suggestions under the bullet about other technology affordances that could be used.
For the purpose of this lesson, the lesson's author seems to use Kidspiratio as a type of assessment. Kidspiration is a type of software that the teacher can use to, in a way, make your own computer "games". The teacher who wrote this lesson seems to use Kidspiration to make a "computer game" about matching the bears to their characteristics. Kidpiration is actaully downloaded onto the computers in the lab at UAB. If you are interested, you could always just play around with it on there.
Thanks for the input!!!
First, to answer your question about the references, I did both.
Second, Wow! Awesome job! I like how your answers were very thourough with good, specific examples. I especially love that you developed your own checklist.
I wish I could, but I can't find anything I would change!!!!
Excellent!
Good work. I like how your answers were specific. I only have a few minor things you could change. First, your second post did not have the lesson plan with it....I think you forgot to attach it. Second, midway through your critique your text changes from italics to regular font. My only suggestion would be about bullet one. You might want to discuss the specific affordances more. For example, if the internet is used oyu could say something like, "The Interent quickly allows the students to find accurate information."
Hope this helps!
Thanks alot. That is true about what might pop up!!!!
I like how your critique was very thorough. You gave almost a paragraph answer to each question. I think it was very great for your first go at it. Have you thought about using online resources? I would google different technology components that are in the lesson or that you think should be in the lesson. Try googling "Powerpoint in education", "Blogs in education", or "internet in education". My lesson uses Kidspiration and I went to their website and found the main goal Kidspiration is used for and put that in my critique. Also, on the bullet about a good match between technology and ped. approaches, I think you might try to be mroe specific. Give specific examples about what you think could be done differently. It jsut seemed a little broad on this bullet. Excellent job overall. I hope this helps some!
I see where you are coming from. I battled with this thought myslef. However, because it does not say, outright, who is leading the research, I was led to make my own interpretation. Personally, I would use the internet in whole group to search for information. Especially with this age group. Therfore, I made my personal assumption on that was how th Internet would be used. Personally, I think the broadness of the lesson plan leads much to the decision of the individual teacher.
Thanks. Those are some great ideas. However, I would personally use your idea of finding a picture online and prinitng it off as part of a lesson. I guess that's just a personal opinion. But thanks for the ideas none the less. They were great.
I posted my lesson plan at the bottom of my critiques because Dr. Wang said, on another student's, to please attach lesson plan to the critique. It was hard for me as well. Copying theentire thing and pasting would not work. I had to do mine by individual sections. For example, I copied the heading "Outcomes" and pasted it then I copied the outcomed and pasted them. I had to do it step by step. You might want to try that. Thanks!!!!!
Karen,
Thanks for the input. this lesson plan is very vague. I also found alot of things I would personally do differently than the person that wrote this lesson plan. I will be sure to include your suggestions under the bullet about other technology affordances that could be used.
For the purpose of this lesson, the lesson's author seems to use Kidspiratio as a type of assessment. Kidspiration is a type of software that the teacher can use to, in a way, make your own computer "games". The teacher who wrote this lesson seems to use Kidspiration to make a "computer game" about matching the bears to their characteristics. Kidpiration is actaully downloaded onto the computers in the lab at UAB. If you are interested, you could always just play around with it on there.
Thanks for the input!!!
First, to answer your question about the references, I did both.
Second, Wow! Awesome job! I like how your answers were very thourough with good, specific examples. I especially love that you developed your own checklist.
I wish I could, but I can't find anything I would change!!!!
Excellent!
Good work. I like how your answers were specific. I only have a few minor things you could change. First, your second post did not have the lesson plan with it....I think you forgot to attach it. Second, midway through your critique your text changes from italics to regular font. My only suggestion would be about bullet one. You might want to discuss the specific affordances more. For example, if the internet is used oyu could say something like, "The Interent quickly allows the students to find accurate information."
Hope this helps!
Thanks alot. That is true about what might pop up!!!!
Monday, February 18, 2008
lesson plan critique
Our assignment has really opened up my eyes about technology lesson plans. There are so many out there. Even for the lower grades! I found so many to choose from. By glancing over a few, I know they are not perfect. However, by taking some of the things I have learned in this class and using that to adapt those lesson plans I can make them "almost" perfect. I have convinced myself that a good thing to do would be to search different lesson plan sights and print out, or save in a file, any really great lesson plans I find. By doing this, when I beign to plan my lessons for the upcoming month I can look in my binder and see what fits in with our theme. This would also be great to do for Science and Socail Studies. I am only in my second year of teaching but I find myslef doing the same things over and over. By doing something as simple as this, I can assure myself a "database" of a variety of lessons that can be easily incoporated into our learning.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Comments
Digital Technology
-I think this is very good. We need to be thinking if we are going to keep all these categories, get rid of some or add some? However, I don't think we can really do this until we see what the other group member list.
-I have never even heard of Wiki until now. I would love NOT to be the leader on that one!
Comments on other's group lists
- thought that was interesting also. I also liked how she gave directions for making a venn diagram using word. I thought the group who only used two categories did it simply. However, sometimes simplicity is the best. It never crossed my mine to categorize them simply as a teacher instead of as a student in this class.
Technology Affordance
- So the top one should be a basic funciton? I still don't really understand. Can you give me an example so I can run with it?
Thanks for the help.
- Melanie,
Thanks so much for the constructive help. I think it was so hard for me because BOTH of mine are technology! Now I feel I have the idea and will work on it tomorrow.
Thanks!
- Stephanie,
I just found time to look at everyone's lists and try to offer some in put. I think yours looks great. The only thing I would think about changing is that paper and pencil can also be for journals and that was not written down. You might just want to add that one in. Thanks.
-Melanie,
I learned so much from reading your list! I love the ideas for the Wiki like the WOW words and the note taking. I had a few activities that you might want to add to your list though. Maybe they could use the Wiki for a collaborative project? You can include online games and online field trips under web page activities. You can also use search engines to find web pages and that is not the case with Wiki. by the way, thank you so much for all the help on mine. I sure needed it!
-Karen,
I just found time to reply to all of the postings about ou affordances and activities. I think yours is good. However, I am also seeing the font layered in the graph. I have a suggetion. You can add to the affordance of posters that they are inexpensive and supplies to make one are available to everyone, unlike power point. Just an idea.
Thanks!
-Yours seemed very good. The only thing I could think of to add would be that the internet has games and online field trips. The library also offers a physical meeting place for many activities. Just some more ideas!
Thanks!
-I think this is very good. We need to be thinking if we are going to keep all these categories, get rid of some or add some? However, I don't think we can really do this until we see what the other group member list.
-I have never even heard of Wiki until now. I would love NOT to be the leader on that one!
Comments on other's group lists
- thought that was interesting also. I also liked how she gave directions for making a venn diagram using word. I thought the group who only used two categories did it simply. However, sometimes simplicity is the best. It never crossed my mine to categorize them simply as a teacher instead of as a student in this class.
Technology Affordance
- So the top one should be a basic funciton? I still don't really understand. Can you give me an example so I can run with it?
Thanks for the help.
- Melanie,
Thanks so much for the constructive help. I think it was so hard for me because BOTH of mine are technology! Now I feel I have the idea and will work on it tomorrow.
Thanks!
- Stephanie,
I just found time to look at everyone's lists and try to offer some in put. I think yours looks great. The only thing I would think about changing is that paper and pencil can also be for journals and that was not written down. You might just want to add that one in. Thanks.
-Melanie,
I learned so much from reading your list! I love the ideas for the Wiki like the WOW words and the note taking. I had a few activities that you might want to add to your list though. Maybe they could use the Wiki for a collaborative project? You can include online games and online field trips under web page activities. You can also use search engines to find web pages and that is not the case with Wiki. by the way, thank you so much for all the help on mine. I sure needed it!
-Karen,
I just found time to reply to all of the postings about ou affordances and activities. I think yours is good. However, I am also seeing the font layered in the graph. I have a suggetion. You can add to the affordance of posters that they are inexpensive and supplies to make one are available to everyone, unlike power point. Just an idea.
Thanks!
-Yours seemed very good. The only thing I could think of to add would be that the internet has games and online field trips. The library also offers a physical meeting place for many activities. Just some more ideas!
Thanks!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Ch. 4-The Basic Three
Chapter 4 discusses the basic three software tools. These are word processing, spreadsheet and database program. These software tools improve productivity, improve appearnace, improve accuracy and support interaction. Becuase I teach Kindergarten we mostly use word processing. For the purpose of this blog, that is what I will focus on.
The book states a few reasons why teachers use word processing. Word processing saves time, enhances document appearance and allows sharing of documents. I use word processing almost daily. I send notes and reminders home that I used word processing to make. I use it for my lesson plans by having a skeleton lesson plan that I just fill in with what I am teachig to make it more exact. I can do this either at school or at home (where most of it gets done)!
There are many issues in debate abou word processing in classrooms. One, is the age that children should begin using this. many people agree that children should begin at as young as five or six. Personally, I agree and I allow my childre to use word processing in, about, the middle of the year, after we practice many computer skills. Many people debate over the effects word processing has on handwriting. I feel that it does have some effect. Mainly because people, including myslef, rely heavily on spell check and grammar check.
There are many ways children can use word processing in the classroom. First, it can offer support in learning the writing process. I allow students to use the computer to write spelling words and some can even use it to form sentences! Second, word processing can be used for a dynamic group approach. This would be great to assign small groups an activity such as writing peoms or short stories. Third, assigning individual assignments. As a teacher, you could assign chidlren their own individual computer work focusing on a variety of things that child needs to wrok on, such as combining sentences or punctuation. Last, word processing encourages writing through the curriculum. An example of this is usng word processing to form a report about something your class is studying in science, for example dinosaurs.
Page 128 has a very thorough, step-by-step, tip sheet for teaching word processing. I think it is aimed at higher grades but it would be fairly easy to change to activities fro younger grades.
Personally, I feel that word processing is one of the tools of technology that we use the most in my classroom. It is just very helpful, easy to teach and easy to adapt to the learning situation. It is easy to incorporate word processing in almost anything you do during the day.
The book states a few reasons why teachers use word processing. Word processing saves time, enhances document appearance and allows sharing of documents. I use word processing almost daily. I send notes and reminders home that I used word processing to make. I use it for my lesson plans by having a skeleton lesson plan that I just fill in with what I am teachig to make it more exact. I can do this either at school or at home (where most of it gets done)!
There are many issues in debate abou word processing in classrooms. One, is the age that children should begin using this. many people agree that children should begin at as young as five or six. Personally, I agree and I allow my childre to use word processing in, about, the middle of the year, after we practice many computer skills. Many people debate over the effects word processing has on handwriting. I feel that it does have some effect. Mainly because people, including myslef, rely heavily on spell check and grammar check.
There are many ways children can use word processing in the classroom. First, it can offer support in learning the writing process. I allow students to use the computer to write spelling words and some can even use it to form sentences! Second, word processing can be used for a dynamic group approach. This would be great to assign small groups an activity such as writing peoms or short stories. Third, assigning individual assignments. As a teacher, you could assign chidlren their own individual computer work focusing on a variety of things that child needs to wrok on, such as combining sentences or punctuation. Last, word processing encourages writing through the curriculum. An example of this is usng word processing to form a report about something your class is studying in science, for example dinosaurs.
Page 128 has a very thorough, step-by-step, tip sheet for teaching word processing. I think it is aimed at higher grades but it would be fairly easy to change to activities fro younger grades.
Personally, I feel that word processing is one of the tools of technology that we use the most in my classroom. It is just very helpful, easy to teach and easy to adapt to the learning situation. It is easy to incorporate word processing in almost anything you do during the day.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Freedom
The other class I am taking this semester is Critical Pedagogy. One of our assignments over the weekend was to write about critical theory and liberating humans. It made me think that teaching many forms of technology in our classrooms is liberating to our students. Technology is part of the world today. People are expected to know it and use it. We need to give children multiple opportunities throughout school to use technology. If we have the ability and do not, it is a type of injustice to these children. Today, understanding technology is as essential as understand letter sounds for reading or learning how to form words and sentences for writing. Technology is only getting more and more in depth. Teachers should be using it, modeling and allowing student to use it. In today’s world it is highly important for children to learn about technology. Technology is all around us and we are expected to know about it and use it. There are hardly any jobs that do not include some form of technology. In my class we have e-buddies where we e-mail another kindergarten class. We sit around the computer and discuss what to write and how to e-mail. They play learning games on the computer. They use word processing to type sight words, spelling words, sentences and stories. Personally, I feel it is important for children, even in kindergarten to have various hands on experiences with technology. Technology in itself gives humans more freedom.
Monday, January 28, 2008
"learning to learn"
Whie reading Chapter 2, a small section continued to sitck out in my mind. The beginning of the chapter talks about how education is changing and evolving so quickly that many educators believe education should focus on more general capabilities such as "learning to learn". That continued to get my attention throughout the chapter because a huge part of learning to learn has to do with technology. Just think about it! Think about how much we use technology in our daily lives! for instance, we want to go to the movies on Sunday but we don't know what time the shows are playing. What do we do? We go online to check and see the films, where they are playing and the movie times. My husband and I constantly get into little debates about various things, for example which state has the smallest population. I thought RI but, thanks to Google, he was able to prove me worng! This leads me to Figure 2.14. This chart shows various learning problems that arise in classrooms, the technology solution and the advantage that the technology solution offers. I teach Kindergarten and am on the constant search for different ways to involve technology in my classroom. There were some things on this chart that we do but there were also some great ideas. For example, it talks about using word processing instead of handwriting. We use Word to practice typing our sight words and spelling words. It also said to use instructional games. We do not do this as often as I would like. I am convinced that we are going to begin using the computer more for learning games. I really don't know why we haven't. Another thing we do was at the end of the chart where it says internet and email projects are great for quick access to information and people who are not locally available. For example, we were studying the ocean my kids got so into the giant octopus. I decided to Google it on my break and I found this amazing video of a giant octopus eating a shark! I showed it to them and they really enjoyed it. when we study insects we also go to this website where they have real time films of ant farms. When we study Lois Ehlert I found a website where it has an interview with her talking about her illustrations. I show it to the children and they just can't believe that is really her! I often Google any of our themes and try to find neat things to share with the chidlren.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
What is technology?
This question came up in our blackboard discussion. I thought now would be a good time for me to respond with my answer. Technology is modifications and inventions made by humans to meet their needs and wants. The majority of things refered to as technology was designed to simplify life by making many things faster and easier. I remember when I was in elemntaey school and we had pen pals. We would write to them and get responses only a few times a year. Why? Because it physically took alot of time for the post office to deliver the mail! Now, my class has e-pals with another kindergarten class. We sit around the computer and decide what to write and I model the proper way to write and send e-mails. The children love this! We were actually on a field trip to the pumpkin patch and we ran into our e-pals! It was so neat! When they learn to write we actually send things through the mail as well like Valentine cards. Another example that we do is STI for attendance. We used to take attendance each morning on a sheet of paper and have to send it to the office. Now, we just click on a child's picture on the computer if they are absent and it sends it straight to the main computer in the office. It is so much easier! What is technology? Inventions or modifications made my people to simplify their lives!
Friday, January 18, 2008
Week of Jan. 15-22
In response to our readings I chose to write about Ch.1. Mainly about the progress of technology. More specifically about wireless networks. Seeing as I am on a small vacation over the long holiday, writing this only because of the hotels wi-fi. Honestly, I was worried about not being able to complete this assignment because we are staying in a new hotel we have not stayed in before. I am so pleased that they have wireless and I do not have to miss anything. I feel that it is far away, if ever, that there will be an end to the progree and changes of technology. I can still remember when I didn't have a computer. Now I don't know where I would be without mine! As of checking in to the hotel I have; checked my email accounts, completes homework assignments, downloaded music and mapquested palces we are going tomorrow! My goodness, what would I have done without my laptop! I also think that wireless internet would be great for schools to have. this would allow students and teachers various places to access the internet throughout the school building, their desks, music for a performance in the gym, a powerpoint for a PTA meeting in the lunchroom. some schools that I have visited have wireless access. However, my school doesn't. I feel like wireless access in schools will in the future be like a Cd player; it is accessable to many classes.
We are supposed to add a photo and I already miss my dogs!!!!!!
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
January 8, 2008
Today we had to learn how to create a blog for our technology class. It was so much easier than I had aniticipated! It literally took me five minutes! We just googled free blogs and followed the simple steps. I am interested in seeing how my blog will transform as I use it more in depth as this class continues. My only complaint is that I wish they had a wider variety of templates to choose from. Oh well.
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