My WebQuest

Creating my WebQuest wasn't really a challenge. I am a quick learner so I figured out the format fast and was able to do everything I was supposed to do. The problem that I had was figuring out what my WebQuest would be about. After some thinking, a lot of thinking, I came up with teaching the 3rd graders about the Civil War. I was told that this subject was too advanced for them but the teacher of the class let me do it. American history isn't taught in the third grade, which I don't think should be the case.
The students were historians who had to tell a man from another country all about the Civil War. After they found out, they had to draw pictures that described what happened. I provided a YouTube video and questions to help them along their way. The first day I went was just to introduce them to the subject. I asked basic questions like "What is a Civil War?", "When did the Civil War happen?", "Why did it happen?", and "Who fought in the Civil War?". They had good ideas but they didn't know what I was talking about. Their task was to research information and watch the video I provided to learn everything they needed to know so they would be able to inform the man. They were split into 3 groups and I gave them a week to complete everything.
I enjoyed having the experience of teaching this WebQuest. It was fun and exciting to stand in front of the class, ask questions, and see children get excited about answering questions. It reminded me of how I was in school. When I went to get the final papers, I was very pleased. All of the students did a great job and I knew they did their research because when i asked the same questions I asked the first day, they all were able to answer them correctly. I feel good about picking a subject they never learned about because I am responsible for teaching them something totally new. Now, because of me, when they get to the 4th grade they will know what the Civil War was about before the teacher could tell them. Creating this WebQuest was fun and I look forward to creating more in the future.

Chapter 15- Assessing and Evaluating, Including Portfolios

The main point of teaching a lesson is to make sure that at the end the students grasped what you were teaching. Assessment is very important because it lets the teacher know whether or not they can move on to another subject. Some students may need extra help understanding what is going on but without a quiz or a paper the teacher won’t know that. The same way a traditional lesson is assessed is the same way a technology rich lesson should be. Of course there will be differences, like making sure the technology was used efficiently and if the student was supposed to learn how to use technology as part of the lesson that it was learned.
As a student, I like to see rubric’s before I start an assignment because it helps me complete it. I am aware of what the teacher is looking for in an exemplary completion so I can do it without wondering if I’m doing the right thing. When I presented my WebQuest to the 3rd grade class I told them what will get them a bad grade and what will get them a good grade. All of the students did a nice job but I don’t think that would have happened if I didn’t explain the rubric.
As far as testing goes, I like taking tests on a computer depending on the subject. The information is clear, I don’t have to worry about understanding the teachers hand writing, and I may get immediate responses to my answers. For something like writing an essay I would prefer to write it out on paper but for early childhood students, this may not be the best choice. Of course students still must learn traditionally even though technology is everywhere, but using the computer is very important. Some children may have illegible handwriting and I may not understand everything they write but on a computer I am able to understand every word. Giving a test on a computer that gives immediate feedback which gives the teacher more time to plan other things. I remember in public school when we were supposed to have a quiz back on a certain day but it didn’t happen because the teacher said she was overwhelmed with work. That can be eliminated if more tests were given on the computer. Another thing that happened was the teacher would grade so many papers that after a while they began to mark right answers wrong and vice versa. That won’t happen on a computer.
Spreadsheets are an excellent way to keep records of students and grades. It’s neater and it does all the work for you, all you have to do is type a name or number and it goes in its place. This saves so much time and headaches. You don’t have to worry about forgetting the book at home or somebody taking it. Portfolios are great too. If a teacher starts a portfolio on a student when they first enter school, it will be beneficial in the evaluation of that student in their last year of school. Portfolios can be passed on so each teacher can add on to it. They also can be read by a new teacher so they can get a sense of who the student is. Books can get lost or damaged but portfolios and spreadsheets have a better chance of staying in good shape.
E-Portfolios allow children to be creative, just like multimedia presentations. This can be the one place they are free to be themselves. It is also an assessment tool because a student can look at what they did in their e-portfolio 2 years ago and notice the change. I like working on e-portfolio. I've heard about it before but never accessed it until this class. I have full control over what people can see and what I want to put on there. I like that I make the tabs and I don't have to be told what to put on my e-portfolio. Any form of technology can be useful to both teachers and students if it is used properly.

Chapters 12 and 14- Simulations and Data Analysis and Producing and Presenting Presentations

Data analysis and simulations are excellent ways to incorporate technology in math lessons. Students can keep track of numbers such as money, time, and whatever else they may need to keep records of. Simulations allow students to mix school with their real life experiences. Children do things at home like sell lemonade and have yard sales, which all require keeping track of sales and money. Keeping records will teach them how to be responsible and as adults they will need to keep track of their finances. Everything students learn in school can be applied to real life and data analysis and simulations let them bring the two together. They will no longer need their parents to keep track of the money they made at their lemonade stand because they will be able to do it on their own. I was never a fan of math but I enjoyed doing assignments that required me keeping count of something I did. That helped me learn how to solve equations without realizing I was doing it.
Multimedia presentations were always fun and interesting to me. I like to see who has the most creative pictures or text. Students have fun creating these because they get to use their imaginations and think of how they want to present, as opposed to the teacher telling them what pictures to use or what to write. Drawing pictures and using different colors and images allows students to be creative and think on their own. While they are learning about a subject, they are also learning how to utilize different aspects of technology. Sometimes when they don’t understand something they try it out until they get it. There have been plenty of times a student knows how to use the computer or set something up that the teacher has no clue about.
I never used it before but I like the idea of recording my voice and using it in my presentation. I think this will help students who have trouble speaking in front of a group of people feel relaxed because they won’t have to say much. Children will enjoy this because their whole presentation can represent them and not what the teacher or their parents wanted them to say.
As always, teachers must be aware of all of the different problems that can occur. We must first learn about it on our own to the best of our abilities so we can teach the students and so our lessons will be effective. Another thing to keep in mind is the kind of presentation you want the students to present and which forms of technology you want them to use. I wouldn’t want my students to forget what the original lesson is so I may set restrictions on what they can use. Overall, presentations, data analysis and simulations keep students’ interest and are good ways to assess the students knowledge of the lesson learned.

Chapter 7- Planning and Developing Technology- Rich Instruction

A technology enhanced lesson requires a lot of planning and thought. A teacher has to fully understand and be aware of the kind of technology they want to incorporate into a lesson. Incorporate is the word I chose because technology has to be a part of the lesson, not just an add on. Technology is a powerful tool and can be used for many things. An effective technology enhanced lesson can do multiple things such as teach a student how to browse the web while they are learning about a war.
When I was in public school the only time we used computers was in computer class. Our lessons didn’t include technology and if it did, which was rare, we had to type our papers. Now mostly every classroom that I’ve visited in a public school has at least two computers. These computers aren’t sitting there for just any reason. They have to be implemented in some way in the lessons and it is important that teachers take the time out to learn and use them. I just went to a school where the teacher didn’t agree with the curriculum that was given by the district. She took it upon herself to buy software for her class that she thought would help them and they love it. This is an example of why teachers should be included in some of the decisions that are made, especially when it comes to teaching students. A teacher knows their students and they know what is best for them. For this reason, teachers should know how to implement all types of technology in their lessons because what worked for your class last year may not work for your class this year.

Chapter 6- Learning and Teaching with Technology

Technology is a wonderful thing that has been introduced to everybody because it makes things easier and better. It is essential that technology is introduced to students in the classroom because school is supposed to be the place you learn about everything you will need in life. Children spend most of their time in school so learning how to use technology from their teachers helps them advance with the rest of the world. They will eventually become able to live comfortably in a technological world.
Computers assist in all of the learning theories such as constructivism, constructionism, engaged learning and scaffolding. Even if a student is working alone on a computer, they are getting instant feedback and can play games with and against the computer, which will teach them how to think on their own and give them the ability to critically think. Working on the computer is like working with someone who is teaching you. Even when I am typing a paper the computer is telling me my errors, just as a teacher would.
Technology just can’t be tacked on because it’s available. Teachers must know how and when to use technology and which type of technology will work best at that time. Teachers have to help other teachers and share information they know. Not only are they educating students, but they are also learning for themselves.
There are some people who think technology isn’t such a good thing to be used in the classroom. They think the students will become so engaged in the technology that is being used rather than getting the information. This is where the teachers discretion comes in place. Technology isn’t supposed to be thrown in every lesson, it isn’t supposed to be the only part of the lesson, and it is always supposed to serve a purpose i.e. getting information about insects so they can write about them. Times are changing at a fast pace and that effects the everyday lives of everybody. Technology in classrooms is important so the students can grow up and be able to live comfortably in a fast paced society.

Chapters 4 and 5- Advancing Technology and Its Issues

Reading this chapter was amusing because it predicted technologies that are going to happen in the future, which when this book was written means now. Everything they say is true; the small computers, the speech recognition devices, graphics on the computer that will hold students’ attention. Technology has come a long way and is advancing everyday. There is no longer a need for a PC because smart phones are capable of doing just about everything it does. Because of my smart phone I am able to receive and send emails, text messages, voice messages, listen to music, store pictures, and visit websites such as Google and Facebook. This is important because people who are always on the move, like myself, don’t always have time to sit at a computer to do all of the things we can do while were walking or working with our phone. Nowadays there is barely anybody who stays home all the time. Men and women work and go to school, have kids, and have to do other things like pay bills. Technology has become so advanced that I am able to pay my bill from my bank account by just clicking a button on my phone! How convenient is that?
Technology is great at helping all people and people with disabilities are able to fit in much more now with the general public. Deaf people and hearing impaired are able to hear and communicate with people, thanks to listening and alerting devices. People who are visually impaired can read because of large print on the computer and in books and they can enjoy the same books everybody else enjoys because of talking books.
The integration of technology is an excellent idea for classrooms because students with disabilities can feel like they are part of the general ed population instead of being isolated. There is no longer a need for bifocal glasses, or the big hearing aids that make children embarrassed and reluctant to learn with others. In the Special Education course that I was in last semester, the teacher taught about a lot of these devices and how useful they are. Without these devices, the inclusion classes wouldn’t be as productive as they are.
Technology is a great source of education in the classroom but can also be dangerous and illegal. If it weren’t for software that allows parents and teachers to keep track of what children do on the internet, there would be way more bad things happening, like abductions. More parents and teachers need to be aware of these software’s so they can protect their children.
The internet is very helpful but also very dangerous. I can’t even begin to count how many hundreds of spam email’s I receive every week. I don’t even open them but there are people who do. That’s when identity theft and other things come in. I’ve even received several emails from websites that I’ve visited that say they’ve been hacked and my information may have been given away without permission. It is so important that teachers and parents become educated about the mishaps of the internet so they can teach the children and keep them away from the negative things that can happen on the computer.

March 17 Reflection- Technology

We discussed various types of technology that can be used in the classroom. Ipods (which amazed me), internet games, video games, simulations, and virtual reality games are some ways that students can be involved with their learning. They all can be used for different reasons.Video games are great for getting a student to form ideas and strategies which call for critical thinking. Simulations are an effective way for students to experience something that can really happen. The simple games on the internet can teach them their lesson while letting them have fun, like a math game that compliments them when they are correct. Although these are all effective, there is a time for each of these. For example, I won't let my 2nd grade students play a virtual reality game if I'm teaching them Amelia Bedelia. For that, a simple game on the internet that makes them put the story in order will be just fine. It is up to the teacher to know when, where, and how to assimilate the different kinds of technology in their classroom's.

March 10 Reflection- The Use and Effectiveness of Games and Simulations

As I stated in my previous blog, I really enjoy games and think they are a great way to teach students and get them to learn on their own. Something is classified as a game as long as there is competition, rules, and winning and losing. Games are fun, which is an important factor for children. As a teacher, I want to make every lesson as interesting as possible and a game will certainly do that. The rules will let students see that in order to get from point A to point B, they have to follow the rules. This can be applied to their everyday lives because in life even adults have to follow rules and if we don't there are consequences, just like in the games. Winning is very important to students, like passing a test, so they will learn from the games that in order to win, or pass the test, they have to follow the rules, or study. Game playing can be applied to everyday life and can be very effective if introduced properly.

Simulations recreate real world experiences. Teachers can use simulations in the classroom to show students what they should do and what will really happen if they don't. River City is a great simulation that is also virtual reality. It lets the children learn about recycling and caring for the environment. When they see what happens when an area is polluted it may make them start caring more about their environment.

The good thing about games and simulations is they can be redone. Students learn from their mistakes and can try again which makes them form different ideas by experimenting. This soon will make them able to teach others who aren't experienced. This is the same process experts had to go through to get where they are. I believe games should be played by all students because not only are they having fun but they are developing critical thinking skills and ideas which they need in the real world.

March 3 Reflection- Assignment 1

For assignment 1, students were required to find websites that provided lessons to teachers and learning materials for teachers and students. This exercise was helpful, especially because it was the first assignment. This allowed me to actually see that there are many websites that I can use in a classroom to teach and/or assist in my teaching on any lesson. Some of the websites provided information on all lessons and grades, such as funbrain.com, and some were for a particular grade and lesson. Some were made by students for students which was very interesting. Those websites will inspire students to learn and let them see that they can do it too. Some of the websites provided games that can be played, like http://t4.jordan.k12.ut.us/professional_development/Interactive/Interact.html, which allows students to learn while having fun. I believe one of the best ways to learn is not realizing you are learning so I would utilize games in my classroom as much as possible.

Feb. 24 Reflection- Constructivism and Constructionism

Constructivism and constructionism are two separate ideas that have some similarities and some differences. Constructivists believe a person never learns anything from scratch. They believe ideas are built on already existing ideas, but where did the original idea come from? Are they saying we are born with ideas? This is where constructionism comes in. This is the idea that when technology is assimilated with constructivism, students learn new ways of thinking. Computers assist in the development and thinking of students. The four sub-categories of constructionism; learning by designing within a community, technological tools for learning, powerful ideas and wonderful ideas, and learning about learning with technology explain the different aspects of constructionism.

Personally, I think both ideas are applicable. Constructivists believe no ideas are new ideas, that they are old ideas that are built upon. I think this is possible. Lets take language for example. Linguist Noam Chomsky proposed that every human has an innate knowledge of language. We already have the rules in our head at birth and we build on the grammar as we develop and are exposed to language. This is the same idea of constructivism. Another example would be the way humans care for their young. All mammals have this natural ability to care for their children, whether its a human or a lion. We grow on that ability and learn as we go along.

I also believe in constructionism. Sometimes I learn something that I never knew or never would think of on my own. Constructionism and constructivism go hand in hand even though they may seem separate because without the belief that ideas are built upon, students who are collaborating on a project, which constructionism is based on, won't be able to gain knowledge and form their own ideas from what they've heard from their peers. Working in pairs or groups is a great way for children to learn, especially early childhood, because it allows them to feed off of each other and learn how to think of their own ideas.

Chapter 10- Games in the Classroom

     Video games are often thought of as a waste of time, nonconstructive and not a form of exercise. Since technology is becoming something that is taking over and is seen everywhere, it only makes sense that video games are used as an educational tool. Not all video games are educational, for example the ones with killing and shooting like Grand Theft Auto, but then there are some that may help develop life long skills, like SIMS. Bringing video game technology will be a benefit to the students, especially the ones who can't leave their house without their hand held system and some extra video games.
     One day not too long ago I was in the nail salon and a lady came in with her son who was about 9 years old and her new born baby. I never saw her sons eyes because he was looking down at his game the whole entire time. He was able to multitask while playing also. While his mom was getting her nails done, she told him to give the baby her bottle. He took one hand, reached into the bag, and put the bottle in the baby's mouth; all while never stopping to look at anything but his game. Everybody was looking and laughing and the mother said that's what he does all day. Now wouldn't it be great if he was playing something that would enhance his education? I think so.
     I went on one of the websites that is listed in the book www.evgschool.org/Language.html. There are links to games that can be played to enhance vocabulary skills, there are dictionaries, crossword puzzles and you can click on a specific grade from kindergarten to 6th grade to get games. I am going to be an English/Language Arts teacher so I enjoyed this website. The pictures make sounds and are animated, things that will make children want more. In my class, I will integrate these computer games by assigning them to the students who need help. The fact that there's nobody helping them to complain or laugh when they get something wrong, which may happen if a student was helping, will encourage them to keep trying. Since most children play video games at home on the computer anyway this won't necessarily be a new thing to them.

Chapter 9- Technology Intergration

     This chapter broke down every subject and ways to integrate technology in the classroom while teaching these subjects. Math, science, social studies, and language arts all all important subjects and one may wonder how they can incorporate technology into their lesson plans. Even though there are many websites and programs that can be used for all subjects, math teachers have great ways to use computers in their classrooms because computers are great with numbers and giving feedback. They're never wrong so using computers for statistics, tallying scores, percentages, and anything else will have a more accurate outcome than adding numbers using your head or a calculator. What I like about using technology is the students won't even realize the different ways they are using technology. Everything will be fun for them, especially younger children.
     While I was reading this chapter I noticed that spreadsheets are the most used type of technology for every subject. It is important that students learn how to use a spreadsheet because that is how numbers are figured out for everything, from how much money a bank made to the population of a country. My concentration is english so I wanted an idea on how to use technology while teaching the subject. I love the lesson plan "Write a Story." When I was in elementary school I loved writing stories. I had to write mine by hand but I would've loved it even more if I could've illustrated my stories and made them come to life. Having all of the students have input on the story not only uses technology but teaches them at an early age how to work as a team. This will also enhance their spelling skills without them actually sitting in a boring spelling class because microsoft word, if used, lets the user know when a word is misspelled. In my classroom I will have my students write a story together then write one on their own. That is great assessment because I will be able to tell who learned what from working in a group. Another way I would have my students use the computer is make them look up different kinds of stories and read them online. They will learn how to do research and learn that if they can't find a hardcover copy of a book they may be able to read it online. On days when they are home and can't go to the library because of a snowstorm or something they can find a book on the computer. 
     A teacher may have a tough time trying to figure out how to incorporate technology in their special education classroom because they may think using computers will be too hard for their students but in fact it's the total opposite. When dealing with children who have special needs, patience is the number one rule. I know how it is to lose patience with someone who may not be learning as fast as you want them to. When you lose patience with them they get discouraged and their view on learning changes negatively. The lovely ting about computers is they don't talk back. They can't tell the student they won't help them anymore, they can't scream, and no matter how many times they go back to the same program it will be right there waiting for them when they're ready. Those things are exactly what special education students need. Playing educational games like the one described in the book about drawing a web does multiple things for students. It teaches them to have patience with themselves, encourages them to keep going once they see they can do it, makes them want to show their friends what they did which is collaboration, especially if they can compete against each other for the highest score, all while teaching them how to use computers.
       To me every lesson plan is multidisciplinary because there is always more than one thing being learned/taught. For instance, while doing a math lesson students use spreadsheets, have to do research for their information which may require them to use the world wide web, they may be collaborating with classmates which teaches them team work, and if they have to write a report they have to use microsoft word, which teaches them how to use a keyboard and to spell. Students and teachers benefit because the teachers get to teach more than one thing at a time while the students get to learn.

Texbook Chapters 1-3

       Computer technology has come a long way since it was first introduced in the late 1930's. They used to be these big, heavy, heat producing machines that cost a lot of money and weren't good for much. When I see old movies with these kind of computers I can't imagine them being used now. The very first computer creators probably wouldn't believe what the computer as evolved into. They went from being as big as or bigger than humans to being able to fit in your coat pocket. Now computers are used for everything from watching movies to communicating with perfect strangers around the world. It is crucial that schools educate students and teachers about computers and technology because computers are slowly taking over everything. Teachers need to know how to navigate computers in order to be able to use them in their classrooms. With all of the new programs that are coming out, it may be impossible to keep up with everything.
        Teachers should at least know the basics like word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and powerpoint because they will be able to teach their students and they will be able to use them to teach their lessons. I am not computer savvy but I do have some basic knowledge about them. I've taken computer classes before but a lot of what I know comes from just using the computer a lot. Social networks, sending emails, writing papers, making online purchases, searching for information and making presentations for my classes have forced me to learn things without even knowing. Computers have become such a big part of life that people who don't know how to use them get left behind.
         Letting students send emails, blog, and video chat with peers, with supervision, will allow them to be a part of the technological world. Everywhere you look, people are sending emails from their phone, having conferences, and meetings and never have to actually meet. It's fast, convenient and can be done at any pace. Teaching students how to blog and send emails and even instant message is convenient for them as well. There's a group assignment that is due on Monday and you and three of your classmates were supposed to meet at the library on Saturday. When you woke up, you saw 20 inches of snow on the ground. What were you going to do? All you have to do is contact your classmates and complete the assignment online via email, weblog, or video chat. How convenient is that?!? As a teacher, I plan to teach the old school manual way but I also intend to incorporate computers in my lessons. That will save me time when I'm grading or just keeping attendance and it will encourage my students to learn more and do more group work. Computers can be fun so when it is time to complete an assignment, they will want to do it.

Course Packet- Section 4

I found this reading very interesting. There are many ways to incorporate technology into every single lesson. I also like that there are multiple websites to help teachers with the technology. I remember making KWHL Charts when I was in elementary school and they're still being used today, just on the computer. I like that the charts can be made on the computer because they can be more organized. I also like that everything that a student does on the computer can be emailed to their parents. This is like open school night for every lesson. Every parent doesn't have the time to always go to their child's school but checking emails can be done on their time. Kidspiration and Inspiration allow students to be in charge of their education which can be very beneficial. I remember being in school listening to the teacher blab about things more than half of the class knew about already. If we were able to put our ideas down on something like Kidspiration and Inspiration, the teacher would've knew that she could have used that valuable class time to teach something else. These templates also make students become active learners by looking for information themselves because the "How will you find out" column will prompt them to do their own research. And of course there's blogging and emails. I am new to blogging but this is a great way for students to interact outside of the classroom. Sometimes a student might think of something to say about a discussion that took place in class but by the time they get to class the next day, they forgot what they wanted to say. With the blogs available, students can go online anytime and post their thoughts. Emails can be read anytime and most importantly they save a lot of paper.