Being a first time user, I found that this site to be a very helpful instrument for parents. I have tried many times to locate information on the Web that would allow me to access appropriate sites for the parents of my students. The Parent section of this document gives many ideas of places for adults to visit and access relevant information that will aid them in finding innovative ways to incorporate technology into their homes. Presently, I feel that parents lack hands-on applications for their children to access technology at home. Some feel that PlayStation, Nintendo, and other games represent quality technology for their children. This is not the case in most instances. Students need academically based technology available at home as well as the school environment.
I have a student this year who is terrified of the computer. When I mention the trip to the Computer Lab she bursts into tears. Our school participated in a program called Kids College that is an academically based sports game. She is so scared that she will cry rather than attempt to play the games. I have had to sit beside her and keep her calm just to get a score to report. This is a very sad situation. I mentioned this situation to her parents at our last conference. They said they did not have a computer in the house. They are planning on purchasing one in the near future, while in the meantime, this student is terrified to enter the room where the computers are housed.
I feel this site will be a perfect place to send the parents to help them find appropriate activities for their children to engage in. I plan on adding this site to the information that is given to my parents at the beginning of the year.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Friday, April 18, 2008
Comments on Learning Theories
Comments on Definition of Learning
• I was going to volunteer as well, so if you need any help, let me know! I will be glad to lend a hand. Lyn
• No you are not! I am just willing to help. Now it seems that I have let this one go. Sorry, I was working on a project
• I can add to this by saying that all children are capable of learning on some level. Each child may not learn at the same speed or rate as others, but it is our responsibility to find an appropriate way to teach each child. As educators, we should be constantly learning and striving to make our lessons meaningful and memorable.
• Meeting individual needs of each of the learners is important, as well. Addressing learning styles and taking into account the differing levels of the students needs to be mentioned in the definition.
• I was going to volunteer as well, so if you need any help, let me know! I will be glad to lend a hand. Lyn
• No you are not! I am just willing to help. Now it seems that I have let this one go. Sorry, I was working on a project
• I can add to this by saying that all children are capable of learning on some level. Each child may not learn at the same speed or rate as others, but it is our responsibility to find an appropriate way to teach each child. As educators, we should be constantly learning and striving to make our lessons meaningful and memorable.
• Meeting individual needs of each of the learners is important, as well. Addressing learning styles and taking into account the differing levels of the students needs to be mentioned in the definition.
Digital Photography Toys
I have recently become the proud "LOVEY" of a baby girl. Before she arrived, I spent my precious pennies on a great new camera. I also bought a photo printer. I have had the best time playing with my new toys. When I was a new mommy, I spent much time, energy and money taking pictures, driving to the store dropping off the film, waiting on it to be developed, and coming all the way back to get the pictures.( All of my family lived out of town, state or out of the country so all letters and pictures had to be done the old fashioned way.....snail mail!) With the new technology readily available and reasonably cheap, it is wonderful to share pictures with family members far away. I am no great photographer, but I can make the photos look better by cropping and blowing them up. The younger people have no idea how easy they have it at this point in time. Communicating with friends, emailing, texting, etc. makes life much easier. At this point in my life, I am still able to learn and adapt to the new ways of doing things. It makes me wonder what will be available in 10 or 15 years.
Comments on Learning Theories
*We need to decide how we are going to proceed so we can make the best use out of the time we have. Has anyone decided they want to be the group leader for this assignment? We need to maximize the time so we can minimize the work!
*Lindsay,
Sorry for the confusion. Your project is the discussion one that is due Apr 5.
We do not do parts or select topics for that one. Each person will have to
participate in discussions on all of the learning styles. I think there has
been some confusion between these two assignments. I apologize for that if it
was my fault. I am taking the lesson plan assignment where you guys will
construct a lesson and I will edit and make sure everything is covered that she
requested. Let me know if there are anymore concerns. I will post this on BB as
well so as to clarify.
* I like to think of The Project Approach when I think of social constructivism. Using topics and examples that are familiar to the students gives them a good bit of background knowledge. They are more comfortable with familiar topics and can link new knowledge to prior knowledge. We have learned that students should move form concrete to abstract and social constructivism is a perfect example of this.
* I wish there was more information on technology and Regio Emilio. That is a topic I will look into.
* After reading the assignment again, I agree with you. There is a tremendous amount of reading for this assignment! I, for one, will have to take a little while to read the selections and then be able to carry on an semi-intelligent discussion on the topics.
I feel like I may have caused the confusion because I did not volunteer to be the leader for the next assignment. I skipped one and went to the last one on the lesson plan. That is where some of the confusion may have come in.
* I agree, Aaryn, that we will have to all participate equally in the discussion. I feel that we may have gotten our hand slapped for not participating enough on the last one. At least that is what the comments she made on our grade sounded like. I dropped the ball on that one!
I will check back daily to see if someone has posted a comment to respond to while I am reading the mini-novel I downloaded! Wish me luck!
* I will NEVER do another class like this one! I have learned my lesson and will not need to be reminded!* Working together in discussion groups is definitely a goal for after Christmas. You would really need to teach the students how to be successful when working with others. Also, grouping the students is very important. Lower level students would need to be with students of higher levels. In my first grade class, the students work together well in small groups. They are able to assist each other and learn from each other's talents. It is a goal that we have been working on all year, though. Older students that have had previous practice would be masters at this. The longer they have been participating, the better they are!
* Since cognigivism can make good use of technology, can there be drawbacks due to funding?
I like your examples, they make it easy to understand and make connections to. So many of the activities we engage in in the classroom are cognitively based. Sight word lists, spelling words, etc. are examples of this. Making good use of technology can make it more interesting and inviting for the students.
* That is one way to get the parents involved. Bus some places are not as informative to the parents as they should be. It seems as if some places almost don't want the parents involved. It seems that if the parents are aware, they might have to provide more or work harder. It is sad isn't it!?
•Not my student, but the parents probably have no idea what the rights of their child are. The parents are given the papers and often do not even read them b/c they are so overwhelming to look at. Many times, the parents themselves have "issues" as well. At least that is the way it is in my school.
•I have used Skinner's theories again and again in my classroom in the past. Punishment and reward used to be a typical part of my behavior/classroom management plan. We have recently learned that the students should behave in an acceptable manner for their own sake not to get a reward or to escape punishment. Taking responsibility for their own behavior is a higher level skill and that is what we are striving for. I , too, at times, used computer time as a bribe for behavior. I would use that as a leverage and as an incentive for the students. I see now that there are many ways the computer time cal be used as an academic tool and that taking that time away is actually punishing the students in more ways than I had intended. Higher education is wonderful!
*Aaryn, you asked if there were any more ideas of lesson or activities that would center around behaviorism. I mentioned earlier that our school had been participating in Kid's College. That, in my opinion, is a perfect example of behaviorism. The students answer questions in a game format and get to play longer and harder game sequences according to the number of problems and the difficulty of the problems/questions posed to them. As an example, the students would fuss over having to complete a worksheet with 10 addition problems and word problems on it but if you give them the same problems on Kid's College, they beg for more. We are rewarding the students for getting correct answers by allowing them to play video games on the computer. They ask each day when we are going to go to the computer lab not realizing that they are completing skills that are on the Alabama Course of Study. Hence: behaviorism!
•It might be interesting to observe in this type of school, but I do not think I would be interested in teaching in that type of atmosphere. It seems depressing and somber to me. I enjoy praising children and recognizing that they enjoy having their accomplishments praised. I guess I am "old school" and feeling older by the minute!
•I thought it was a really good idea to put it in that format. It was easy to read and understand. I can tell you put a lot of work and thought into it. Good job! I will continue to add comments.
*Good Morning! I think this is the place to put the draft, but the final draft goes on tthe main discussion board on Saturday the 5th. I only read it really quickly this morning, but there is a typo in the social constructivism section. "Have" been to the zoo should be "has" been. Have a great day!
•It was that way on mine, too.
* Did you correct the spelling errors and grammar? Behaviorism is still misspelled on the heading. I'd like to look over the final draft beofre it is posted. I have logged in each day and been unsuccessful in finding new information on the Blackboard.
*Can you find the three errors in my own posting? Sorry, I am in a fog.
* In the first box under behaviorism is says (on the final doc,) teacher rewards children for..... and it does not go any further. Please correct
*Lindsay,
Sorry for the confusion. Your project is the discussion one that is due Apr 5.
We do not do parts or select topics for that one. Each person will have to
participate in discussions on all of the learning styles. I think there has
been some confusion between these two assignments. I apologize for that if it
was my fault. I am taking the lesson plan assignment where you guys will
construct a lesson and I will edit and make sure everything is covered that she
requested. Let me know if there are anymore concerns. I will post this on BB as
well so as to clarify.
* I like to think of The Project Approach when I think of social constructivism. Using topics and examples that are familiar to the students gives them a good bit of background knowledge. They are more comfortable with familiar topics and can link new knowledge to prior knowledge. We have learned that students should move form concrete to abstract and social constructivism is a perfect example of this.
* I wish there was more information on technology and Regio Emilio. That is a topic I will look into.
* After reading the assignment again, I agree with you. There is a tremendous amount of reading for this assignment! I, for one, will have to take a little while to read the selections and then be able to carry on an semi-intelligent discussion on the topics.
I feel like I may have caused the confusion because I did not volunteer to be the leader for the next assignment. I skipped one and went to the last one on the lesson plan. That is where some of the confusion may have come in.
* I agree, Aaryn, that we will have to all participate equally in the discussion. I feel that we may have gotten our hand slapped for not participating enough on the last one. At least that is what the comments she made on our grade sounded like. I dropped the ball on that one!
I will check back daily to see if someone has posted a comment to respond to while I am reading the mini-novel I downloaded! Wish me luck!
* I will NEVER do another class like this one! I have learned my lesson and will not need to be reminded!* Working together in discussion groups is definitely a goal for after Christmas. You would really need to teach the students how to be successful when working with others. Also, grouping the students is very important. Lower level students would need to be with students of higher levels. In my first grade class, the students work together well in small groups. They are able to assist each other and learn from each other's talents. It is a goal that we have been working on all year, though. Older students that have had previous practice would be masters at this. The longer they have been participating, the better they are!
* Since cognigivism can make good use of technology, can there be drawbacks due to funding?
I like your examples, they make it easy to understand and make connections to. So many of the activities we engage in in the classroom are cognitively based. Sight word lists, spelling words, etc. are examples of this. Making good use of technology can make it more interesting and inviting for the students.
* That is one way to get the parents involved. Bus some places are not as informative to the parents as they should be. It seems as if some places almost don't want the parents involved. It seems that if the parents are aware, they might have to provide more or work harder. It is sad isn't it!?
•Not my student, but the parents probably have no idea what the rights of their child are. The parents are given the papers and often do not even read them b/c they are so overwhelming to look at. Many times, the parents themselves have "issues" as well. At least that is the way it is in my school.
•I have used Skinner's theories again and again in my classroom in the past. Punishment and reward used to be a typical part of my behavior/classroom management plan. We have recently learned that the students should behave in an acceptable manner for their own sake not to get a reward or to escape punishment. Taking responsibility for their own behavior is a higher level skill and that is what we are striving for. I , too, at times, used computer time as a bribe for behavior. I would use that as a leverage and as an incentive for the students. I see now that there are many ways the computer time cal be used as an academic tool and that taking that time away is actually punishing the students in more ways than I had intended. Higher education is wonderful!
*Aaryn, you asked if there were any more ideas of lesson or activities that would center around behaviorism. I mentioned earlier that our school had been participating in Kid's College. That, in my opinion, is a perfect example of behaviorism. The students answer questions in a game format and get to play longer and harder game sequences according to the number of problems and the difficulty of the problems/questions posed to them. As an example, the students would fuss over having to complete a worksheet with 10 addition problems and word problems on it but if you give them the same problems on Kid's College, they beg for more. We are rewarding the students for getting correct answers by allowing them to play video games on the computer. They ask each day when we are going to go to the computer lab not realizing that they are completing skills that are on the Alabama Course of Study. Hence: behaviorism!
•It might be interesting to observe in this type of school, but I do not think I would be interested in teaching in that type of atmosphere. It seems depressing and somber to me. I enjoy praising children and recognizing that they enjoy having their accomplishments praised. I guess I am "old school" and feeling older by the minute!
•I thought it was a really good idea to put it in that format. It was easy to read and understand. I can tell you put a lot of work and thought into it. Good job! I will continue to add comments.
*Good Morning! I think this is the place to put the draft, but the final draft goes on tthe main discussion board on Saturday the 5th. I only read it really quickly this morning, but there is a typo in the social constructivism section. "Have" been to the zoo should be "has" been. Have a great day!
•It was that way on mine, too.
* Did you correct the spelling errors and grammar? Behaviorism is still misspelled on the heading. I'd like to look over the final draft beofre it is posted. I have logged in each day and been unsuccessful in finding new information on the Blackboard.
*Can you find the three errors in my own posting? Sorry, I am in a fog.
* In the first box under behaviorism is says (on the final doc,) teacher rewards children for..... and it does not go any further. Please correct
Comments on Lesson Plan Development
OK, here's what we have so far. I have to post things here since there is no
place to do it on Blackboard yet. I will see that it is all transferred to the right
place later. That way we will get credit for participating.
Aaryn has constructivism
Lindsay has behaviorism
Anna has social constructivism
Tom has cognitivism
I have looked at the plan for the assignment and I think the only way we can do it
is for each of you to take your chosen topic and let me be the coordinator to see
if every topic is covered thoroughly and make sure all the criteria are met. I can
sort of be the editor/checker/"get a move on girl"(schedule keeper). If anyone else
can see a different way to do this assignment, let me know....
Yeah, I didn't even look at the assignment. I guess I will just help the
leaders since both the remaining assignments have been claimed.
Paul
On Mon, Mar 24, 2008 at 6:15 PM, wrote:
We don't need a group leader for the third assignment. Look at the
assignment
again and see if you agree.
Hey, I have not been a leader yet on any of the projects. I need to be a
leader on 1 of the 3 we have remaining. I guess it will be the 3rd since
the
first 2 have been taken.
Paul
On Mon, Mar 24, 2008 at 11:46 AM, LYN HOPKINS wrote:
after looking at it again, it will not work that way. I will try to be
the
leader, but will need assistance!
Ok I think I have gotten all of the previous comments about the Lesson Plan assignment. If I have missed any, please either let me know or post it. Sorry if I did not do this the easiest way. I tend to make mountains out of molehills. I just want everyone to get credit for participating.
It looks good to me. I have not looked at the requirements yet but you have been thourough in your procedure and very explicit in your directions. On the rubric, when you are evaluating the group participation, do you ask the children about the participation or do you use personal observations?
I like the fact that you have been broad in the description. You can use the same lesson for any types of animal study. We do penguins, rain forest animals and nocturnal animals. this could be used for all of them.
I will look into the rest of the lesson this weekend. I want to be an efficient leader!
Does anyone need a reminder about what needs to be done for the lesson plan assignment? The sooner you guys get the plans to me, the sooner I can get the editing done and get it posted. My Spring Break is next week and I would LOVE to get this stuff done before then. Thanks in advance for all of your hard work. We are almost at the end and I want us to be proud of all of our hard work.
Aaryn, thanks for being so prompt in all of your assignments.
Thank you so much for the quick response! I will get right on it! We're half way there!
Thank you so much for the quick work. I am planning on beginning my part tonight. Have a great afternoon, L
This is great! Do we need to include the four types of volcanoes? And, would you tell me so I don't have to look it up on the internet? I am interested! This is an expensive project if each student is going to actually build his or her favorite volcano. You may want to consider letting the students decide if the one they researched is the one they want to work on and re-divide the students into small groups. That way you would only have 4 volcanoes to finance. Amazing!
I think that is really cool! Did you think of letting the students name their volcanoes....Mt. Hopkins sounds really awesome! Great idea!
I was going to get started on these things tonight. It's going to be good if I put them into one format and then just post all four lessons in here for you to critique. I will then compile the comments and corrections into the final draft, right. Does anyone have any better ideas of what to do? I will do the three that are here now and add the remaining one when it is posted.
Here are the three lesson plans I have as of tonight. Please take a minute to look over them critique them. I will leave them on here for several days to give everyone a chance to post some comments. I appreciate all of your hard work. Lyn
If you will be specific, I will add it.
If you guys will create the rubrics, I will add them to the final plans. I think that is a great idea.
The draft is due on the 14th. I am at the beach. I will check a couple of times a day to see if Lindsay has done her part then update the group's information as soon as she has. I will look for the rubrics as well.
The draft is due on the 14th. I am at the beach. I will check a couple of times a day to see if Lindsay has done her part then update the group's information as soon as she has. I will look for the rubrics as well.
Thank you. The others are including a rubric. Can you create one and submit it this afternoon?
Lindsay, Can you please submit a rubric for the group to include in the final draft of the lesson plans? I would really like to get this thing concluded. Thank you so much, Lyn
I still need a rubric for your lesson plan. The final draft is due tomorrow. Thanks!
Thank you so much for being so on top of things. I am having a great time at the beach. It is VERY cold down here. Just my luck!
Hey Guys,
Here is the draft of all four Lesson Plans. I still need rubrics from a couple of you. I will email a request to your email address. Please construct a rubric in the next couple of days so I can get it posted with the rest of the assignment. You guy have done a great job! Thanks for all of your hard work. Lyn
Please read carefully and make comments, corrections, additions, etc. THANKS LH
Thanks so much. I will attach it to the draft. Have a great day. Don't forget to read and comment on the draft
Thomas, while I was reading your great rubric, I noticed that you mentioned that the students showed one of the three types of volcanoes studied. In the lesson plan you mentioned four types. Which do you want to do the three or the four?
I will forward this to the appropriate person and have them come up with a solution. Maybe she has some specific ideas. Thanks for the input, Aaryn.
place to do it on Blackboard yet. I will see that it is all transferred to the right
place later. That way we will get credit for participating.
Aaryn has constructivism
Lindsay has behaviorism
Anna has social constructivism
Tom has cognitivism
I have looked at the plan for the assignment and I think the only way we can do it
is for each of you to take your chosen topic and let me be the coordinator to see
if every topic is covered thoroughly and make sure all the criteria are met. I can
sort of be the editor/checker/"get a move on girl"(schedule keeper). If anyone else
can see a different way to do this assignment, let me know....
Yeah, I didn't even look at the assignment. I guess I will just help the
leaders since both the remaining assignments have been claimed.
Paul
On Mon, Mar 24, 2008 at 6:15 PM,
We don't need a group leader for the third assignment. Look at the
assignment
again and see if you agree.
Hey, I have not been a leader yet on any of the projects. I need to be a
leader on 1 of the 3 we have remaining. I guess it will be the 3rd since
the
first 2 have been taken.
Paul
On Mon, Mar 24, 2008 at 11:46 AM, LYN HOPKINS
after looking at it again, it will not work that way. I will try to be
the
leader, but will need assistance!
Ok I think I have gotten all of the previous comments about the Lesson Plan assignment. If I have missed any, please either let me know or post it. Sorry if I did not do this the easiest way. I tend to make mountains out of molehills. I just want everyone to get credit for participating.
It looks good to me. I have not looked at the requirements yet but you have been thourough in your procedure and very explicit in your directions. On the rubric, when you are evaluating the group participation, do you ask the children about the participation or do you use personal observations?
I like the fact that you have been broad in the description. You can use the same lesson for any types of animal study. We do penguins, rain forest animals and nocturnal animals. this could be used for all of them.
I will look into the rest of the lesson this weekend. I want to be an efficient leader!
Does anyone need a reminder about what needs to be done for the lesson plan assignment? The sooner you guys get the plans to me, the sooner I can get the editing done and get it posted. My Spring Break is next week and I would LOVE to get this stuff done before then. Thanks in advance for all of your hard work. We are almost at the end and I want us to be proud of all of our hard work.
Aaryn, thanks for being so prompt in all of your assignments.
Thank you so much for the quick response! I will get right on it! We're half way there!
Thank you so much for the quick work. I am planning on beginning my part tonight. Have a great afternoon, L
This is great! Do we need to include the four types of volcanoes? And, would you tell me so I don't have to look it up on the internet? I am interested! This is an expensive project if each student is going to actually build his or her favorite volcano. You may want to consider letting the students decide if the one they researched is the one they want to work on and re-divide the students into small groups. That way you would only have 4 volcanoes to finance. Amazing!
I think that is really cool! Did you think of letting the students name their volcanoes....Mt. Hopkins sounds really awesome! Great idea!
I was going to get started on these things tonight. It's going to be good if I put them into one format and then just post all four lessons in here for you to critique. I will then compile the comments and corrections into the final draft, right. Does anyone have any better ideas of what to do? I will do the three that are here now and add the remaining one when it is posted.
Here are the three lesson plans I have as of tonight. Please take a minute to look over them critique them. I will leave them on here for several days to give everyone a chance to post some comments. I appreciate all of your hard work. Lyn
If you will be specific, I will add it.
If you guys will create the rubrics, I will add them to the final plans. I think that is a great idea.
The draft is due on the 14th. I am at the beach. I will check a couple of times a day to see if Lindsay has done her part then update the group's information as soon as she has. I will look for the rubrics as well.
The draft is due on the 14th. I am at the beach. I will check a couple of times a day to see if Lindsay has done her part then update the group's information as soon as she has. I will look for the rubrics as well.
Thank you. The others are including a rubric. Can you create one and submit it this afternoon?
Lindsay, Can you please submit a rubric for the group to include in the final draft of the lesson plans? I would really like to get this thing concluded. Thank you so much, Lyn
I still need a rubric for your lesson plan. The final draft is due tomorrow. Thanks!
Thank you so much for being so on top of things. I am having a great time at the beach. It is VERY cold down here. Just my luck!
Hey Guys,
Here is the draft of all four Lesson Plans. I still need rubrics from a couple of you. I will email a request to your email address. Please construct a rubric in the next couple of days so I can get it posted with the rest of the assignment. You guy have done a great job! Thanks for all of your hard work. Lyn
Please read carefully and make comments, corrections, additions, etc. THANKS LH
Thanks so much. I will attach it to the draft. Have a great day. Don't forget to read and comment on the draft
Thomas, while I was reading your great rubric, I noticed that you mentioned that the students showed one of the three types of volcanoes studied. In the lesson plan you mentioned four types. Which do you want to do the three or the four?
I will forward this to the appropriate person and have them come up with a solution. Maybe she has some specific ideas. Thanks for the input, Aaryn.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Groups of students
This class has taught me something that I really needed a lesson in. I am struggling to learn to work together in a group of students who I do not know. We are assigned to work together in this group to complete projects, with people that we have never met and have no idea of what their schedules, work values and/or performance ideals, etc. are. I see myself as a person that is on time and hates being late with meetings, assignments, papers, and other obligatins. When placed in a group where there are other people that do not feel that same way, I get very frustrated. I feel that deadlines are the last possible moment to turn things in; others feel that the deadline is the time the assignment is due. I feel myslef pushing, getting nervous and anxious when assignments are not turned in early. Anyway, I really feel that the entire group's grade should not be based on the same product. So if I have learned anything from this class, I have learned that I do not work well in cooperative groups. I would rather be responsible for my own grade. If I make a "B" on my own, so be it. I do not want someone else's actions to make my grade low.
Another issue that I have is resenting being ignored. The concept of this class is to read and comment on the work that others are producing for the group. This, in essence, means that one is responsible for reading the comments posted and making corrections when necessary. This is not being done in all cases. When one is in a group, and has the responsibility for posting a GROUP project, it should be the work of the group and not just one individual. Comments should be made and integrated into the group's project.
All in all, I feel that this type of class is not for me.
Another issue that I have is resenting being ignored. The concept of this class is to read and comment on the work that others are producing for the group. This, in essence, means that one is responsible for reading the comments posted and making corrections when necessary. This is not being done in all cases. When one is in a group, and has the responsibility for posting a GROUP project, it should be the work of the group and not just one individual. Comments should be made and integrated into the group's project.
All in all, I feel that this type of class is not for me.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Technology for our School
Leeds Elementary School is getting back into the tech stream! For years, our school was one of the top schools providing computer and technology access to our students. We had a state of the art computer lab, networking tools, computers in every room that had internet access, computer and academic video games and many other exciting offerings. It seems that lately our focus has shifted back to technology. Our technology committee just purchased projectors for each grade level and carts to make them easily transportable. We will receive training on the specifics of working these new projectors for the benefit of the children. We are also planning to get Computers On Wheels (COW) that we will have access to in our classrooms. It is exciting to see that we are continuing to focus on technology and instill computer literacy and comfort in the students. As I said beofre, the first graders have enjoyed having computer time this year. I was one of the teachers that knew technology was important, but had to make the best use of my time by instructing my students in reading, math, science and social studies, myself. I did not encourage computer time because I felt that the students were really playing instead of building skills. I now know that I can make wonderful use of my instructional time allowing the students to enjoy and benefit from the computer age! I am extremely excited to make use of the new tools that are available in our school.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Kid's College
Our school has been the recipient of a grant for a program the children call Kid's College. (I will remind you that I was lacking in the classroom tech field. However, I have made tremendous gains this year. As I have said before, my technology included tape players, CDs, overheads, and anything else that was plugged into the wall!) Our weekly trips to the computer lab have been so successful! The students have learned many basic computer skills including keyboarding, logging into sites, gaming, computer etiquette, sharing limited space, etc. I have a few computers in my classroom but only one is online and the others do not have sound cards. (It is not much fun to try do an activity on a computer that does not have a sound card!)
The activities that the students do on the computer are centered on Reading and Math and it is in a sports format. The more correct answers they get, the longer they get to play. I believe they have increased their personal speed on math facts and raised their scores on state mandated tests as well. It is important that students are exposed to technology, early, in the classroom and begin to gain confidence in this area. As an adult, computers terrified me. In the beginning, I was led to believe that I would erase the entire planets bank accounts, personal information, credit scores, etc., if I ever logged onto a computer and hit the wrong button. Now I know that every mistake that is made can certainly be corrected and that I am not all powerful on the computer. I am determined to see that the students of today are given more opportunities to learn at an early age and not be afraid to try and increase their knowledge in the technology field. I personally believe that video games, ipods, and other "toys" have allowed this generation to be very comfortable and confident with current technology.
The activities that the students do on the computer are centered on Reading and Math and it is in a sports format. The more correct answers they get, the longer they get to play. I believe they have increased their personal speed on math facts and raised their scores on state mandated tests as well. It is important that students are exposed to technology, early, in the classroom and begin to gain confidence in this area. As an adult, computers terrified me. In the beginning, I was led to believe that I would erase the entire planets bank accounts, personal information, credit scores, etc., if I ever logged onto a computer and hit the wrong button. Now I know that every mistake that is made can certainly be corrected and that I am not all powerful on the computer. I am determined to see that the students of today are given more opportunities to learn at an early age and not be afraid to try and increase their knowledge in the technology field. I personally believe that video games, ipods, and other "toys" have allowed this generation to be very comfortable and confident with current technology.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Another "Take" on Distance Learning
Recently, while working on a project with my first grade class, we viewed a National Geographic special called March of the Penguins. It was an spectacular movie showing a year in the life of the Emperor Penguin. The scientists actually lived among the penguins observing their lives, habits, mating, hatching and many other occurances including their amazing ability to weather terrible blizzards and winter storms.
What caught my attention was the technological equipment the scientists used to enhance their study. Among the cameras and video equipment was a device that had invented called a "Critter Cam". This is a scientific tool that is harnessed on an animal. It records audio, video and environmental data that allows scientists to gather information that has never been collected before. The camera attaches to animals with straps and buckles and is able to record the activities of not only the “host” but the other animals in the area. One part of the apparatus is the TDR (Time, Depth Recorder). It is able to now give insight to eating habits, swimming and hunting habits of predators as well.
This is a new way of looking at Distance Learning, in my opinion. With Critter Cams now being used, we are able to gain insight into the lives and habits of many different types of animals that we may not have had the opportunity to study before. This same type of technological tool is being utilized with the meerkats that are so popular on television.
When I was a small child, we would sit as a family and watch TV together on Sunday nights. At some point during the year, Disney would host Jacques Cousteau and his shows on animals. We would sit and see the amazing footage of fish that was taken by human photographers and videographers. I am certain that the shows would have been much more interesting if the Critter Cam had been used. The wildlife would have not been disturbed as much as when the humans were interacting with the animals.
My point is that with devices being utilized, like the Critter Cam, we are able to now see much more, and observe more closely, the previously secret or “distant” lives of animals. We are able to use this footage to instruct our students and have actual pictures and film from which they can learn first hand. We can now teach using equipment that can take us a further distance.
What caught my attention was the technological equipment the scientists used to enhance their study. Among the cameras and video equipment was a device that had invented called a "Critter Cam". This is a scientific tool that is harnessed on an animal. It records audio, video and environmental data that allows scientists to gather information that has never been collected before. The camera attaches to animals with straps and buckles and is able to record the activities of not only the “host” but the other animals in the area. One part of the apparatus is the TDR (Time, Depth Recorder). It is able to now give insight to eating habits, swimming and hunting habits of predators as well.
This is a new way of looking at Distance Learning, in my opinion. With Critter Cams now being used, we are able to gain insight into the lives and habits of many different types of animals that we may not have had the opportunity to study before. This same type of technological tool is being utilized with the meerkats that are so popular on television.
When I was a small child, we would sit as a family and watch TV together on Sunday nights. At some point during the year, Disney would host Jacques Cousteau and his shows on animals. We would sit and see the amazing footage of fish that was taken by human photographers and videographers. I am certain that the shows would have been much more interesting if the Critter Cam had been used. The wildlife would have not been disturbed as much as when the humans were interacting with the animals.
My point is that with devices being utilized, like the Critter Cam, we are able to now see much more, and observe more closely, the previously secret or “distant” lives of animals. We are able to use this footage to instruct our students and have actual pictures and film from which they can learn first hand. We can now teach using equipment that can take us a further distance.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Distance Learning
While reading the text assignment on Distance Learning and pondering all the different ways I have been impacted by this subject, I realized that I was in the midst of a DL class at this very minute. This tech class is a perfect example of DL. The definition is "the acquisition of knowledge and skills through mediated information and instruction, encompassing all technologies and other forms of learning at a distance." If this is not DL, then I am not understanding the definition!
I can see that distance learning has its advantages, but if you are a novice in need of constant or even minimal assistance, DL can be hazardous to your health.
Although internet and technology have the advantages of ready access to people and resources, if you are in an emergency situation; say trying to meet deadlines and you cannot get the help you need, you may be in a pickle.
I am all for technology and the conveniences it affords. I can see that DL is a great tool if you are in the situation where you can teach yourself when the time calls for it. There is still the need for qualified educators to immediately meet the individual needs of the students in their charge.
Internet is not the only mode of DL, in fact, traditional mail, in the form of correspondence courses was used and highly popular in the past. Can you imagine the amount of stress in dealing with that type of course? I am certainly pleased that I do not have to wait the weeks and weeks it used to take to communicate with my teachers.
Many advances have been made in the development of DL. There are positives and negatives in all situations. I think DL is a wonderful way to get knowledge to students who live far away or in a “special needs” situation. This is a great way to get students involved in communication with other students around the world. Communication and DL make the world a smaller place and bridge the distance gaps.
I can see that distance learning has its advantages, but if you are a novice in need of constant or even minimal assistance, DL can be hazardous to your health.
Although internet and technology have the advantages of ready access to people and resources, if you are in an emergency situation; say trying to meet deadlines and you cannot get the help you need, you may be in a pickle.
I am all for technology and the conveniences it affords. I can see that DL is a great tool if you are in the situation where you can teach yourself when the time calls for it. There is still the need for qualified educators to immediately meet the individual needs of the students in their charge.
Internet is not the only mode of DL, in fact, traditional mail, in the form of correspondence courses was used and highly popular in the past. Can you imagine the amount of stress in dealing with that type of course? I am certainly pleased that I do not have to wait the weeks and weeks it used to take to communicate with my teachers.
Many advances have been made in the development of DL. There are positives and negatives in all situations. I think DL is a wonderful way to get knowledge to students who live far away or in a “special needs” situation. This is a great way to get students involved in communication with other students around the world. Communication and DL make the world a smaller place and bridge the distance gaps.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Lesson Plan Critique
Tonight I did a first! I located a lesson plan on the ALEX website! I had never been to that particular website before. I was working on the assignment for class (Late because I went out of town) and just pulled that site right up! What a great place to look and find new ideas to use in my classroom. I only spent a few minutes looking up that one particular activity, but I plan to go there and visit often. Isn't it wonderful that we have resources available to help us out with lesson planning! And to think, I have been sitting up nights all by myself to come up with original lessons for my students. This is a very sad statement.
I took this class because it was a requirement to get my degree. I have been kicking and screaming the whole time. I need to have an attitude adjustment and just relax and go with the flow. If I quit putting up such a fuss, I may actually learn something that I can take back to my class and use. There is certainly lots of useful information out there for me to find. I just have to take the time to look around on the internet and find it. I have to get over the "time" thing. I need to stop thinking of time spent in front of the computer as wasted time. The more I make use if the internet, the more comfortable I will become. No wonder all of these young teachers have such great ideas! They just know where to go look for them!
I took this class because it was a requirement to get my degree. I have been kicking and screaming the whole time. I need to have an attitude adjustment and just relax and go with the flow. If I quit putting up such a fuss, I may actually learn something that I can take back to my class and use. There is certainly lots of useful information out there for me to find. I just have to take the time to look around on the internet and find it. I have to get over the "time" thing. I need to stop thinking of time spent in front of the computer as wasted time. The more I make use if the internet, the more comfortable I will become. No wonder all of these young teachers have such great ideas! They just know where to go look for them!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Computers for Students
Today in the Birmingham News, there was an article about the students in Birmingham City receiving computers through a grant provided by the One Laptop Per Child Foundation. According to the article, each student will receive a laptop to use. Each laptop will cost $200. The remaining amount not spent on the actual computers will be spent on the training, upkeep and support. I think this is a great opportunity for the students of Birmingham City Schools. By having these computers, the students will have access to technology. I don't believe all students have internet access in the home, so they will be putting wireless internet in all schools. This is great for the students during school hours, but will it help with homework? I wonder if the "powers that be" have thought about the problems with theft, and vandalism? What happens if these problems pop up? Maybe since there will be so many computers around, no one will be interested in stealing them. As a teacher, I would love to have the opportunity to purchase a $200 computer for myself. Is there such a thing as One Laptop Per Teacher? I know I could keep up with my computer and take good care of it!
I want to vent about a problem I has making corrections on Blackboard a couple of nights ago. Early last week, I posted the affordance assignment. I posted a rough draft, knowing that I was going to change the looks when my peers commented on the contents. Before the 2nd deadline, I went in to clean it up and when I did, I deleted the original entry. I knew as soon as I did it that I had hit the wrong button, but of course, by then, it was gone. Now I have no proof that I posted the thing early, had comments and made the corrections. This is one major issue I have with technology. Sometimes you know just enough to be dangerous and you end up getting yourself into a big mess. Hopefully, my cohorts will back me up if there is a problem woth the grade, but I keep thinking, it would be so nice just to get the paper out of the trashcan and uncrumple it! I guess the studetns with the new computers in Birmihgham will get to use with the homework excuse, "I hit the wrong button and my homework is out there in cyberspace."
I want to vent about a problem I has making corrections on Blackboard a couple of nights ago. Early last week, I posted the affordance assignment. I posted a rough draft, knowing that I was going to change the looks when my peers commented on the contents. Before the 2nd deadline, I went in to clean it up and when I did, I deleted the original entry. I knew as soon as I did it that I had hit the wrong button, but of course, by then, it was gone. Now I have no proof that I posted the thing early, had comments and made the corrections. This is one major issue I have with technology. Sometimes you know just enough to be dangerous and you end up getting yourself into a big mess. Hopefully, my cohorts will back me up if there is a problem woth the grade, but I keep thinking, it would be so nice just to get the paper out of the trashcan and uncrumple it! I guess the studetns with the new computers in Birmihgham will get to use with the homework excuse, "I hit the wrong button and my homework is out there in cyberspace."
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Technology in 2008
While reading about the many types of technology that are available for our students to use, I was impressed with the sheer number of various tools there are now. For our students to be competent in the future, we will need to begin now to allow them to use as many different types as there are available. While looking at the comparisons on our last assignment, it fascinated me that there was virtually something for everyone. While I, myself, am becoming more comfortable with allowing my students to use technology in the classroom, it seems that more and more teachers have already begun. I use, what I call technology (...internet, games, email, blogs, research, etc.) at home more often than I do in the classroom. I assign projects for the students to complete at home with the help of their families. They are given instructions to use the internet to assist them with their research. They must type their projects and use a printer to produce their work. The students learn how to insert pictures. They use Google and other search engines to assist in their research. At the end of the project, they must share their findings with the class. This year, I will suggest that a slideshow or PowerPoint may help them with their presentation. This is a wonderful way for the parents to help the students. In class, I pull up references online and do activities large group with the students, but do not have the resources in the classroom for the students to use these tools at will. I look forward to the day when I can make assignments and allow the students to go to the computer station and browse the internet for help with their projects. Technology must become a top priority in the education of today's students. I am willing to learn but still need the technical support of the system to make this a reality.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Productivity and Administrative Educational Techology Systems
While reading through the text, I noticed the section on software written to perform various types of educational applications. I remembered several years ago when our faculty was introduced to STI. The office personnel and administrators had to go to numerous inservices and training sessions to learn how to implement this in our school. Without getting into all the specifics of the program, STI is designed to manage tasks such as enrollment, attendance, lunch counts, student profiles, behavior and grades.
The teacher has access to a gradebook, classroom attendance, lunch count information, lesson plans, progress reports and report cards. It all seems to be a great plan and a very handy tool to use. Grades and behavior documentation are at our fingertips and readily available for our use. This is all well and good until the system crashes or we have a power failure. In our area, this happens a lot. Grades will need to be posted, progress reports or report cards will need to be printed out and the famous words "STI is down!", will come over the intercom. These are the times when we all pull out the calculators and paper grade books and thank the Lord that we did the double work to write the grades in that cute little gradebook and post them on STI.
I am certain that in the future the bugs will be removed and all of the glitches corrected. Until then, I will continue to do the double work to please myself and the administration at my school.
The teacher has access to a gradebook, classroom attendance, lunch count information, lesson plans, progress reports and report cards. It all seems to be a great plan and a very handy tool to use. Grades and behavior documentation are at our fingertips and readily available for our use. This is all well and good until the system crashes or we have a power failure. In our area, this happens a lot. Grades will need to be posted, progress reports or report cards will need to be printed out and the famous words "STI is down!", will come over the intercom. These are the times when we all pull out the calculators and paper grade books and thank the Lord that we did the double work to write the grades in that cute little gradebook and post them on STI.
I am certain that in the future the bugs will be removed and all of the glitches corrected. Until then, I will continue to do the double work to please myself and the administration at my school.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Cruise picture
Since the last one was so successful, I thought I would do another one. This really would have come in handy on the trip. I could have blogged and let my students see some of the sights in Mexico. Last time, I took Flat Stanley on the trip and documented his journey with pictures. Next time, I will have Flat Stanley have a go at blogging.Latest technological feat
I absolutley cannot believe I have got this done! Thank you Aaryn. You are so tech savvy! Here is one of the first pictures of Sophia Ellison Hopkins (Sophie). I hope to be able to get comfortable with this craft, as any good gramma should. Just call me Lovey!
Please forgive the tardiness of the picture posting. Things have been a little hectic around the Hopkins household. Watch for news of our little one coning soon.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Cruise to Mexico!
I have just returned from a seven day cruise to Cozumel and Playa De Carmen, Mexico. I attempted to retrieve the assignments before I left on the cruise and nothing had been posted at that time. Upon returning, I found the assignments and posted one response. This is my second attempt at blogging. I hope to get more comfortable with practice.
I did not attempt to use the internet access on the cruise ship. I now know that I should have tried just for the experience. The cost was a factor and I had no idea how long it would have taken me to figure out the procedures. I think it was about $30.00 for an hour of internet time. We knew that there would be "internet cafes" in Mexico and I thought I might give that a try. Turns out that in the internet cafe there was international telephone access. The cost for that type of technology was $.40 a minute. That sounded like a much quicker solution to our communication issues. By the way, an internet cafe has nothing to do with a quaint little cafe with coffee, danish and clean computers.
I think it would have been a great idea to be able to email and post blogs for my students at home. Hopefully, this expereince with blogging will get me prepared for my next trip and I will be able to teach them how to post their own. Technology is a wonderful thing if you are ready and well trained for the task.
At this time, I am on the way to a doctor appointment to see if it is time for Sophie to come. She is such a good little girl! She waited for Lovey and Pop to come home to make her appearance! I will keep you posted.
I did not attempt to use the internet access on the cruise ship. I now know that I should have tried just for the experience. The cost was a factor and I had no idea how long it would have taken me to figure out the procedures. I think it was about $30.00 for an hour of internet time. We knew that there would be "internet cafes" in Mexico and I thought I might give that a try. Turns out that in the internet cafe there was international telephone access. The cost for that type of technology was $.40 a minute. That sounded like a much quicker solution to our communication issues. By the way, an internet cafe has nothing to do with a quaint little cafe with coffee, danish and clean computers.
I think it would have been a great idea to be able to email and post blogs for my students at home. Hopefully, this expereince with blogging will get me prepared for my next trip and I will be able to teach them how to post their own. Technology is a wonderful thing if you are ready and well trained for the task.
At this time, I am on the way to a doctor appointment to see if it is time for Sophie to come. She is such a good little girl! She waited for Lovey and Pop to come home to make her appearance! I will keep you posted.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Experiences of learning how to creat a blog
This is my first experience in a technology class. I have learned how to create a blog but feel I need more practice before I am comfortable with this new skill. I am very grateful for my friends that are helping me through this new experience. I have no confidence and am afraid I will not be successful. Next, we will be learning the art of WIKI. I am terrified! I wonder if blogging is a skill my children would enjoy. If the internet would stay up for any extended period, I would like to try it.
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