End of the Semester Reflection

I have learned so much about technology this semester. I came from a private school with absolutely no technology in the classroom, besides one desktop computer, an old overhead projector, and a TV. Document cameras and SmartBoards were a marvel to me when I first discovered them. I am so glad I have finally learned how to use them. I have also learned about so many new web pages that I definitely plan on using in my classroom. 
Through this class and my technology project, I have made more progress on the NETS for teachers that I chose this year. By increasing my understanding of technology, I will be able to better "facilitate and inspire students learning and creativity". By learning about different ways to use technology, I can "design and develop digital-age learning experiences and assessments" for my future students. 

Technology Project

For this project students will learn how to write poetry. Students will write songs which is a form of poetry. Students will get into groups of 4-5 and write songs together on Word. Once the songs are written students will use garage band to record their songs. Then the songs will be imported to IMovie and students will create a movie with the lyrics and the song playing at the same time.

My final project: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPpuhQHfr60

NETS

Through this project, my students will fulfill the following NETS standards:

1.       Creativity and Innovation: Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovation products and processes using technology.

·         Students have the opportunity to work together, brainstorm creative ideas, and then write songs demonstrating their understanding of poetry. Songs will be written using the program Evernote. Each group’s song will then be recorded on Garageband and presented through an IMovie video. Students will have the opportunity to not only record songs but also edit their tracks in Garageband. Final projects will be presented to the class.

2.      Communication and Collaboration: Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others.

·         For this project, students will work in groups of 4-5 to write and record songs. Students will collaborate as they write, record, and edit their song. Groups will use Evernote to write songs. Evernote is a program that shares the class’s notebook between computers. Therefore, all groups will have the opportunity to view other groups’ songs.

3.      Technology Operations and Concepts: Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations.

·         Students will need to understand how to use Evernote, Garageband, and IMovie for this project.

Through this project, I will fulfill the following NETS standards:

1.        Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity: Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments.

·         For this project I will inspire students to use technology to develop their understanding of poetry. Over the past year I have really enjoyed working with Garageband and IMovie so I have a pretty good understanding of both programs.

2.      Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments: Teachers design, develop, and evaluate authentic learning experiences and assessment incorporating contemporary tools and resources to maximize content learning in context and to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes identified in the NETS.

·         For this project I am allowing students to use Mac software that they have never used before. Therefore students will encounter a new digital learning experience. Students will be assessed on their understanding of writing poetry (through songs) and their use of the new technology. 

Reflection #12

I think it is interesting that in the age of a technological revolution, my old high school still does not have updated technology. Upon leaving my school, every teacher still used overhead projectors and I almost positive that only half (if not less) of the teachers have transitioned to document cameras. Many of the teachers at my high school have been there for 20+ years and thus are digital immigrants. Once my high school begins using more technologically advanced equipment I wonder if these teachers will be apprehensive to use this equipment? I also wonder if the students' grades will improve? 

Reflection #11

I absolutely love using the program Evernote. I discovered it last year after I bought an IMac. The program syncs files from one computer to another. I think this program would be great to use in my future classroom when I assign group projects. Students can work on a "note" in class with their group members. When they go home each group member  can have access to this same "note" by logging in to Evernote. Great program that I will definitely use in my future classroom!

Reflection #10

I attended an evening reading for class last night. I thought it was interesting the number of people who brought technology to read their piece rather than printing their piece on a sheet of paper. This shows how much technology has influenced today's culture already. One day we will be living in a paperless society.

Blog #12 - The Future of Technology and Education

The Paperless School of the Future Is Here Now!


This article discusses the future paperless classroom. Teachers today average printing over 900 pages per year for students. Transitioning to a paperless classroom saves not only paper but time spent at the copy machines. School around the country have provided classrooms with PDA's. Teachers have found these very helpful for their ESL students still struggling to understand the English language. Some schools have also started using these PDAs for online examinations.


Classroom Technology for the Future

This article presents the various technology that will soon be seen in all classrooms across America. So far I have encountered computers, Smart Boards, and projectors. However I have never heard of "Elmos" which are a type of presentation system much like a projector.

Comments on Classmates' Blogs

1. Jodie
2. Camille
3. Chelsea
4. JoDee
5. Stephanie

Reflection #9

The little girl I currently babysit absolutely loves to bake. I find that every time I come over she has found a new recipe for us to try. The other day a recipe for lemon bunt cake asked for 1/4 cup of lemon juice. Now in the fridge there was no lemon juice only a lemon. At her house there was a fancy juicer in which all you had to do was put the lemon in and voila there was about a cup of lemon juice. However I found myself wanting to rather juice it by hand. Although I told the girl I didn't want the mess (which was sort of true), I found that I really just did not want to use technology I was not comfortable with. For the first time I understood what it was like to be a digital immigrant, apprehensive to use the new and improved technology.

Reflection #8

Throughout the semester during Instructional Design class we have been presenting lessons for class. I have had the opportunity to observe how the use of technology can be either beneficial or detrimental in a classroom setting. When preparing my own lessons I found myself wondering whether the material I was presenting on the internet was even beneficial to my students. However I realized that I should always try to include technology in my lessons. If I find that some technology can be distracting to my classroom, I can choose to not use that next time. However I should never completely eliminate technology from any lesson. 

Reflection #7

As a tutor/babysitter for and elementary school student, I am able to see first hand the effects of technology on his education and also on his daily lives. As I tutor him in math, I find that we can look up any math concepts he is struggling with on the computer. He has shared with me the technology used in his classroom and I believe that this new technology is improving his learning skills. I am excited to begin implementing this technology one day in my own classroom!

Blog #11 - Word, Excel, PowerPoint

Word: Word Art, Citation, Paper Writing, Spelling and Grammar, Clipart
PowerPoint: Slideshow, Pictures/Clip Art, Transitions
Excel: I never use Excel (however I probably should start using excel more often)

1. Students create a slideshow in PowerPoint to present pictures that tell a story from history.
2. Students research a topic of their choosing. They will use Word to record their research and will cite their sources using the references tab. Students will also be expected to use spell check.
3. Student will bring their favorite vocabulary words to class. Vocabulary will be typed into Word and changed to Word Art. Students will have the opportunity to format their Word Art to their liking. Once finished words will be printed out and hung on the class bulletin board.

Blog #10 - Robert Marzano

Using Games to Enhance Student Achievement


In his article, Marzano argues the importance of using games in education. Incorporating game show type assessments into the lesson can cause a "20 percentile point gain in student achievement". The use of games in a classroom also allows for a fun, non-stressful environment for testing. 
The smart board is one great way that you can implement games into education. As a teacher, I can create a Smart Board presentation that is in the form of Jeopardy. Students can click on a category on the Smart Board. The slide will then change to a specific question with the Jeopardy music playing in the background.  

Blog #9 - Educational Blog

It's Not All Flowers and Sausage
I found this blog on Scholastic's list of Top Educational Blogs. I really appreciated Mrs. Mimi's honesty in what she said. I think as an education major, I always hear the advantages of teaching, but I rarely hear the disadvantages. This teacher tells it how it is. Teaching is not always fine and dandy. There are definitely going to be those days when the class is out of control or things don't go exactly as planned.
I commented on her blog about technology (linked above). She discusses the input of technology in the school she used to teach at. However teachers were not properly taught how to use the technology provided for them. Other teachers commented on the advantages and disadvantages of the Smart Board in the classroom. My comment further added another educator's opinion about the Smart Board and technology in the classroom.
My comment has to be approved before it is posted to the blog, so below is the comment I added to this blog.
"I think the addition of Smart Boards in classrooms are great. However, how can teachers be expected to use the Smart Boards if the district does not provide teachers with training? The state is spending thousands of dollars on equipment that is only collecting cobwebs. There is a world of possibilities out there with all the new technological advances, but teachers are not provided with the proper resources to use them. Therefore, I believe that all teachers should be provided with training sessions for any new technology installed in classrooms."

Blog #8 - Bloom's Taxonomy

http://adamwaxler.articlealley.com/what-is-blooms-taxonomy-18775.html

When teaching a lesson, teachers find many challenges when trying to incorporate the higher levels of Bloom's Taxonomy into their lessons. By integrating technology into the lesson, students have the opportunity to apply (level 3) the knowledge they have have learned to a certain activity. Through the use of technology students can evaluate, synthesis, analyze, and apply the knowledge they have learned and comprehended. Students could be asked to write an essay on word or do an activity on the smart board in front of the class, or even create a group presentation. There are endless possibilities for higher level learning through technology. 

Technology Podcast

For this lesson students will learn how to write poetry. Students will write songs which is a form of poetry. Students will get into groups of 4-5 and write songs together on Word. Once the songs are written students will use garage band to record their songs. Then the songs will be imported to IMovie and students will create a movie with the lyrics and the song playing at the same time.

Subjects for this project:

a.      Writing

b.      Technology

c.       Communication

d.      Music

Tools for this Project:

a.      Word

b.      Garage band

c.       IMovie

Standards:

a.      Writing GLE 2.2.1 Demonstrates understanding of different purposes for writing.

b.      Music GLE 3.2.1 Creates music that communicates for a specific purpose.

c.       Communication GLE 3.2.1 Uses available technology and resources to support or enhance a presentation.

NETS:

For Teachers:

3. Model Digital-Age Work and Learning

Teachers exhibit knowledge, skills, and work processes representative of an innovation professional in a global and digital society.

For Students

1. Creativity and Innovation

Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology. 

Reflection #6

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_A-ZVCjfWf8

This video really inspires me every time I watch it. I love the cardboard confessional style in this video.What the students are saying on their white boards is so true of the American education system today. I think all  teachers that are leery of using technology in education should really watch this video. If teachers do not utilize the technology they are offered, how are they to engage a population of digital learners?

Blog #7 - Caught on Video

In today's society, technology has revolutionized the ways people live their everyday lives. Small portable video cameras allow for a new way that teachers can incorporate technology into education. Sprankle brings up a very good point when he suggests that students use the video cameras to record what they learned in class. This also allows students to look back later and review those concepts for a test or assignment.

Glogger

Week #8 - Reading and Writing

http://www.funenglishgames.com/writinggames.html
This site has 6 different writing games that children can use to improve their writing skills. I especially liked the letter writer and the story game. The letter writing game generates a letter for students after they fill out the requested information. The story generator is much like mad lib, however students can read the story they are creating as they are writing. These two lessons could serve as introductions to a writing lesson.

Reflection #5

We owe a lot of today's technological advances to Steve Jobs. Apple products have revolutionized the way that people live their lives. Almost everyone in the United States has been influenced by Steve Jobs' inventions. Although Steve Jobs has passed away the legacy that he has left behind will forever be remembered. Educators around America utilize Apple products to enhance their teaching. I look forward to using many old and new Apple products in my classroom.
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2394213,00.asp#fbid=ePB5JFdAVBs

Reflection #4

One of my biggest frustrations from my high school classes, were the teachers' NEED to play movies to "enchance" students' learning. During the normal school day I attended 4 classes. On some days 3 to 4 of my classes were spent watching movies that pertained to the information we were currently learning. However most of these films were not eduational documentaries or nonfiction movies. These were motion picture films. Some films were very beneficial to my learning, but many other films seemed rather unnecessary and rather served to save the teacher from the need to teach. Therefore as a future teacher, I will seek to minimize the number of unnecessary videos and films that I show in my classroom so that I do not waste precious teaching time. 

Reflection #3

For 16 years of my life, I attended a private Christian school that was not necessarily technologically advanced in the classroom. My senior year of high school was my first experience hearing about a document camera or even a smart board. And I only heard about these technological advances after I visited Northwest University for a Northwest Friday. At my high school, each classroom was equipped with a overhead projector, a desktop computer, and a TV with a DVD and VHS player. However the teachers at my school utilized the technology that they were provided with in the classroom. Class lectures consited of powerpoint presentations and overhead slides. When we had class time to work on a research project or paper, we took a class trip to the school library, which had enough computers for the whole class. Therefore, even if a school is not as technologically advanced as others, the teachers should make sure to utilize the resources they do have to optimize the students' learning experience.

Comments on Classmates' Blogs

1. Cassie (http://cassietheduke.blogspot.com/2011/09/week-5.html?showComment=1318110130977#c1367671577354807176)
2. Stephanie (http://stephaniesneezes.blogspot.com/2011/08/my-first-post.html?showComment=1318110488175#c3899847454338800671)
3. Kyle (http://tatro8.blogspot.com/2011/10/reflection-2-converting-classics-into.html?showComment=1318718872892#c2681363725952177998)
4. JoDee (http://teacherjodee.blogspot.com/2011/09/promothean-activboard.html?showComment=1318117066711#c3980376529930647671)
5. Jodie (http://jodiecastleberrythoughts.blogspot.com/2011/09/week-2-reflective-or-informative.html?showComment=1318117408374#c3411440406157267011)
6. Drew (http://drewjensen08-drew.blogspot.com/2011/09/digital-natites-digital-immigrants.html?showComment=1318118005184#c3615871096183384282)
7. Peter (http://pruiznuteched.blogspot.com/2011/10/reflection-4.html?showComment=1318718111684#c1596292590415864482)
8. Camille (http://camgasparini.blogspot.com/2011/08/my-first-blog.html?showComment=1318718360371#c3745939765200739137)
9. Beth (http://bethhascalltech.blogspot.com/2011/10/post-7.html?showComment=1318718489092#c8960848746031715403)
10. Chelsea (http://chelseamarie731.blogspot.com/2011/09/how-do-i-feel-about-technology.html?showComment=1318719228903#c8545158937449453047)

Week #7 - Blogs for Educators

I looked at Mr. Tepley's 5th grade classroom in Mulkiteo. I really liked the idea of posting a link to the math curriculum (Math Connects). Thus students have the opportunity to expand their math knowledge after class. The Math Connects website offers students virtual activities and games that test their knowledge. I also liked how the teacher posted math worksheets on the website which allows students to print them out for more practice.  

Reflection #2

I wish the professors at Northwest University were required to attend a seminar on technology in the classroom. All of my classes are equip with document cameras, computers, and smart boards. However only a few of my teachers utilize the resources that they are provided with. Class lectures would greatly benefit from the use of the Smart Boards but most professors do not know how to use them. Therefore Northwest should offer a mandatory technology seminar for all professors at the beginning of each school year.

Reflection #1

I currently work in the Bellevue School District as an AVID coach. The classroom I work in is equip with a desktop computer, a printer, a document camera, and a Smart Board. Over the past three weeks I have had the opportunity to observe the teacher utilize all of her resources in the classroom. The document camera allows for her to demonstrate how she expects her students to complete various assignments and forms. The students also had the opportunity to browse and print images for an in-class art assignment.Through my AVID class, I have had the opportunity to observe how the use of technology in the classroom can affect students' learning, and thus I want to strive to utilize all the resources in my future classroom.

Blog #6 - Generation IM

There are so many technological possibilities in today's classroom, and many teachers still do not utilize the resources that they have to optimize their students' learning. School districts should provide technology training programs for teachers, allowing teachers the time and opportunity to integrate technology in their classroom. I was amazed at how many different ways a teacher could integrate technology in a classroom setting. Classroom technology is no longer limited to Word, PowerPoint, and Google. Students can now create blogs, wikis, upload videos and explore a world of other opportunities with technology.


In order to incorporate technology into a science lesson, students could set up a blog for the whole year. Students would record all data and results from science labs. Each student in the district would  have a lab blog.  Students would have the opportunity to compare their results with students in different schools.

Assignment # 2 - Interactive White Board Lesson

1.     Link to the activity that you will use in your presentations:

• Your Beating Heart 

2.     List of SMART Board features you will use during your presentation.

·         Highlighter—to highlight key points

·         Moving the Heart to reveal another image

·         Pen to fill in the blanks

·         Arrow to track the movement of blood into and out of the heart

3.     List the specific NETS standards for Students & Teachers this activity covers (at least one for each) and discuss how this activity meets the standards. 

o   Creativity and Innovation—Use models and simulations to explore complex systems and issues

§  This lesson allows students to observe a model of how the heart functions. Students will be able to label the different parts of the heart on the Smart Board and observe in what direction the blood is pumped through the heart.

o   Technology Operations and Concepts—Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations. 

§  This lesson allows student to interact with the Smart Board and thus help them to develop a better understanding of how properly operate the Smart Board.

     NETS For Teachers

o   Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments—Provide students with multiple and varied formative and summative assessments aligned with content and technology standards and use resulting data to inform learning and teaching.

§  Throughout this lesson, the teacher will have the opportunity to assess the students learning. At the end of this lesson students will be asked to label on the Smart Board the different parts of the heart.

o   Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership—Participate in local and global learning communities to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning.

§  In order to effectively teach a lesson on the heart, I downloaded this lesson off of Smart Exchange, which is a community database that allows teachers to share their Smart Board lessons.

4.     Discuss how an interactive white board could improve student learning in your future classroom.

There are so many advantages of the interactive white board that can improve students' learning in the classroom. The interactive white board allows students a chance to interact with the lesson. I believe when students have the opportunity to get up in front of the class, they are more likely to retain the information learned. This also allows the teacher to assess each student's understanding of the lesson. Through the interactive white board I will also be able to accommodate the three different types of learners: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners. 

Blog # 5 - Promethean Active Board

New Classroom Tech: Interactive White Boards
The Scholastic website includes many testimonials of teachers explaining how they use Active Boards in the classroom and why they like the Active Boards. The various teachers believe that the Active Boards play a crucial role in enhancing a students learning. The interactive white board engages the students in the activity that is being presented to them. The Active Board also allows students to use all of their senses. One teachers notes that even the older teachers at her school were excited to use the Active Boards in their classrooms. 


Do some Active Boards allow multiple students to write on the Board at one time? If not what are ways teachers can keep the rest of the class focused while one student is working at the board? 

Blog #4 - Smart Board

This week I learned how to utilize all the materials and programs that the Smart Board offers, in order effectively teach a lesson in the classroom. Throughout my schooling I greatly enjoyed creating PowerPoint presentations for class projects, so I was very excited to learn that Smart Board technology allowed for a more interactive PowerPoint presentation.


How much should a teacher use the Smart Board in their lessons? Can the Smart Board cause a distraction for students that can be detrimental for the students' learning? What are the advantages and disadvantage of the Smart Board in the classroom?

Assignment # 1 - Demographics Write-Up

Classroom Demographics
Student Class Enrollment	Students: 27 Males:  14      Females: 13
Grade Level(s) in Your Class	5th grade
Subject(s) Taught	Math, Reading, Writing, Social Studies, Science, Technology
Parent Support	Due to the affluent suburban location of the school, parents are actively committed to helping their students in and outside of the classroom. The school has many parents willing to volunteer throughout the school year. At the beginning of the year parents are asked to sign-up (if their schedule allows) to help facilitate small group discussions in the classroom.
Available Technology	·   1 desktop computer           · 1 document camera          ·  30 minute lab time with IA
Classroom  Mobility *your classroom	__2__% of student turnover within the school year
Race/Ethnicity *your classroom	___7.9_% Black   __14.9__% Hispanic                                                        __53.2__% White                                                  ___0.7_% American Indian  ___9_% Asian/Pacific Islander   ___14.3_% Multiracial
Spoken Languages *your classroom	__75__% English as a first language  __4__% Fluent in English as a second language  __2__% English-language learner
Identified Special Student Needs *your classroom	1 student with reactive attachment disorder 4 pull out gifted students 3 students with vision impairments
School/Community Demographics:
School Location	___Urban     __X__ Suburban     ___Rural
School Socio-Economic Status	35.1 % of free and reduced lunch
Population	450 students K-6
Describe relevant aspects of your School & Community that influence and/or impact teaching & learning. (Examples: curriculum, reform models, school focus, community partnerships, community support level)	Out of the 27 teachers at my school many of them have been teaching for 13 or more years. Many other teachers are brand new to the school. This allows for a very diverse teacher population. Over half of the teachers at my school have also earned a master’s degree. Located in the heart of Edmonds, Washington many of the students come from upper to middle class homes. However there are also a number of lower income students that attend the school. My school has only started to update each classroom with the newest technology. Thus each classroom only has one document camera and one desktop computer. Students are sent outside of the classroom for 30 minutes per week to work with the IA in the computer lab. The school provides many services for its students including a gym, two playgrounds (one for younger students and one for older students), along with a library and a band room. There is currently no cafeteria in the school; instead students eat lunch in their classroom. The recently updated levy in the district seeks to provide support in technological advances within the school. The district also provides teachers with training programs to improve teaching within the classroom. As I mentioned above many of the parents in the school are eager to help their students succeed thus my school has a large number of parents who volunteer to help in the classroom during the week. My school is located in Edmonds and the districts spans the cities of Edmonds, Woodway, Mount Lake Terrace, and Lynwood. Many of the students come from middle to upper class families. However some areas in the district serve a much higher population of low income families.
Technology Standards	5th Grade ·         EALR 1—INTEGRATION: Students use technology within all content areas to collaborate, communicate, generate innovative ideas, investigate and solve problems. o   Component 1.1 Innovate: Demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge and develop innovative products and processes using technology. §  GLE 1.1.1 Generate ideas and create original works for personal and group expression using a variety of digital tools §  GLE 1.1.2 Use models and simulations to explore systems, identify trends and forecast possibilities. o   Component 1.2 Collaborate: Use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others. §  GLE 1.2.1 Communicate and collaborate to learn with others. §  GLE 1.2.2 Develop cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with learners of many cultures. o   Component 1.3 Investigate and Think Critically: Research, manage and evaluate information and solve problems using digital tools and resources. §  GLE 1.3.1 Identify and define authentic problems and significant questions for investigation and plan strategies to guide inquiry. §  GLE 1.3.2 Locate and organize information from a variety of sources and media. §  GLE 1.3.3 Analyze, synthesize and ethically use information to develop a solution, make informed decisions and report results. §  GLE 1.3.4 Use multiple processes and diverse perspectives to explore alternative solutions. ·         EARL 2—DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP: Students demonstrate a clear understanding of technology systems and operations and practice safe, legal and ethical behavior. o   Component 2.1 Practice Safety: Demonstrate safe, legal and ethical behavior in the use of information and technology. §  GLE 2.1.1 Practice personal safety. §  GLE 2.1.2 Practice ethical and respectful behavior. o   Component 2.2 Operate Systems: Understand technology systems and use hardware and networks to support learning. §  GLE 2.2.1 Develop skills to use technology effectively. §  GLE 2.2.2 Use a variety of hardware to support learning. o   Component 2.3 Select and Use Applications: Use productivity tools and common applications effectively and constructively. §  GLE 2.3.1 Select and use common applications. §  GLE 2.3.2 Select and use online applications.

*School demographics data was found off the OSPI State Report Card from a school in the area I grew up in. All EALRs and GLEs were copied from the OSPI website. All other data is fictionalized.*