Thursday, July 26, 2012

Reflecting on What I Know Chapter 12

1.  What can I do to "get ready" for a lesson in which my students use computers?

There are many different ways I can get ready for using computers in a lesson.  I must first take into consideration the number of computers I have access to in my classroom.  I must then decide the best way that computer use will impact the learning of the particular lesson being taught.  Will they be used for information searching or aid as a way to organize the information found or both?  I them decide if the class will work in groups and if so, what size groups.  There are many factors for me to take into consideration when incorporating computers into my lessons.

2.  Where does the "computer part" come when I am teaching a lesson?

The computer part of a lesson will depend on how the computer is being used in the lesson. If it is being used to gather information, organize information or for present information, it will be used during the particular parts of the lesson it is needed.  If it is to be used for all parts of the lesson then it be used for most of the lesson.  This could be the case when each student has access to their own person computer.

3.  How do you ensure equal access for all students with only three computers?


This can be done when you set your lesson to have the students break off into groups.  Each group is to rotate their computer time and the students should also be in a rotation.  This can be clearly stated in a Lesson Handout that is distributed at the beginning of the assignment.

Reflecting on What I Know Chapter 10

1.  How do you know that students understand a concept?


One way to know if my students understand a concept is to introduce a Graphic Organizer into my lesson.  The graphic organizer will let me know what they know as well as help them better understand the concepts being taught.  Graphic organizers do so by helping students visualize their knowledge and organize the information.


2.  How can you depict student misconceptions of key information?


One way to determine student misconceptions when learning the new material is to have them generate a graphic organizer and then give their input on the material.  Another way to determine student misconceptions can be during the After Computer Use time as well as assessment.   


3.   How can students capture and transfer brainstorming ideas into written thought?


While reinforcing the lesson objectives, I would initiate my students in a brainstorming activity to begin their thought process and organizing their thoughts into a graphic organizer.  This graphic organizer not only jump starts their thought process but also will help with further written thought: outline, paragraph and even paper writing.  Understanding the given material is the first step to having true knowledge.

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Reflecting on What I Know Chapter 11

1.  What are the benefits of using problem-solving or educational software?


There are many benefits to using problem solving and educational software in the classroom.  Not only does it increase student attention and motivation but it also gives individual immediate feedback.  


2.  How do I choose the correct software?


There are several software criteria to follow when deciding on which software to incorporate into the classroom. If following these key criteria guidelines you should be able to do it successfully.  

  • Effective in meeting instructional objectives
  • Assessment of learning
  • Ease of use
  • Content accuracy
  • Research-Based instructional strategies
3.  When I integrate problem-solving or educational software into a lesson, what changes will be needed?

There needs to be careful consideration done to make sure that the software being incorporated is evaluated properly.  There are six key components of the NTeQ to be incorporated into the lesson plan to insure it is successful: computer function, research, analysis, results presentation, and activities during, before and after computer use.  


Reflecting on What I know Chapter 9

1.  How can my students use multimedia for their projects?

My students can use multimedia for their classroom projects in many different ways.  They can create something as in-depth as a Power Point Presentation or as simple as making a video.  Both of these multimedia tools can be incorporated to increase their involvement in the learning process and therefore will grasp a better understanding of the material.

2.  What applications are available for creating a multimedia presentation? 

The applications available for various multimedia presentations can vary depending on what is available in each schools system.   Typically you can find Power Point presentations and digital video software in today's classrooms.

3.  Should I place limits on how my students use multimedia?

The overuse of too many distracting details on a presentation can be an overkill and therefore become distracting. The presentation can incorporate some of these elements to enhance the presentation but should not be a focus.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Chapter 6 Reflecting on What I Know

1.  Now that I have access to the web, how can I use it effectively?  
Having access to the World Wide Web is like having access to ANYTHING I need to know at the touch of a computer key.  I am pretty sure not a day goes by that I do not Google something.  It can expand the knowledge base of any subject I am teaching or learning.  Knowing how to properly search for information can help me perform a more effective search.  This is something I am glad to have learned from chapter 6 and I plan to teach my students how to do this as well.


2.  How do I manage students use of the Web in my class?  
I think by guiding students in the right direction, as well as teaching them more effective strategies for searching for information on the Web, will only increase students effectiveness with the web.  I also think the placement of their desks as well as mine in the classroom will help with my monitoring.  By having my desk in the back of the classroom I can easily see what each student is looking at on their computers.


3.  Which features of the Web do I use?
Not only do I use the Web for gathering information, but I will also plan to continue the use of sites like Delicious to keep all of my gathered internet information organized.  I also think the using the Web to keep the communication lines open for my students as well as their parents in a great resources.  Communication is key to being an effective teacher.  



Chapter 4 Reflecting on What I know

1.  There are so many types of software; how do I know which ones to include in my lessons?


Planning a lesson and deciding which technology to integrate into the lesson plan takes a lot of thought.  The many types of software available perform different tasks.  I will take into consideration what my lesson is focusing on and then decide what software to incorporate.  For instance, when planning a math lesson I will most likely have the students work on a spreadsheet for some part of the lesson.   Math can be enhanced by the many functions of a spreadsheet.


2.  I understand why students should use educational software and the internet, but why should my forth grade students learn to use spreadsheets, database, or video editing software?


Having students learn productivity software only demonstrates their understanding and knowledge of the learning objectives.  Students work more effectively, when using the technology in the classroom.  


3.  How can student use of different types of software improve scores on state tests? 


The testing software available for students "ranges from targeting very specific content to grade-level subject areas" (p.119).  The students can works and be tested on their level and test on independent reading practice, therefor giving student and teachers individual  feedback.  


Morrison, Gary R.  Lowther, Deborah L.  (2010)  Integrating Computer Technology into           the Classroom Skills for the 21st Century.

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Delicious

Wow, what a great way to organize the many websites I come across all of the time!  Delicious.com is a great tool for anyone to use for organizing the chaos of the World Wide Web. Delicious.com organizes the sea of information available.



  • How difficult was it to find good sites?
It was not too challenging for me to find good sites to bookmark.  I have already been using many of these sites resources/tools for school projects while being a student.  I am so excited to learn about Delicious.com because I can now organize these "go to" sites and not worry about loosing them.

  • Were there many sites claiming to be educational that were only trying to sell a product?
I did ran into this situation a few times during my site search.  For example, when looking for Assistive Technology sites, I would find the websites seeming to be educational but in fact were selling a product.

  • Did you find many sites that were not valuable as a resource?
I did not find many sites that were not valuable as a resource.  However, I did find a few that were not active sites anymore. 

  • What did you think of some of the Web 2.0 sites?
I think the web 2.0 sites are a great resource for connecting people and being interactive.  I am excited to learn more about their capabilities.  I can not even imagine what Web 3.0 is going to offer.  This is the wave of the future!

  • Did you follow any of the same sites as the students you were following in Delicious?
I have not yet followed any of the sites of the other students.  I look forward to doing so and bookmarking their sites to my page.  I will explore their sites after a few more students have posted.

  • What did you like about the 15 sites you selected?
I like that the 15 sites I collected are all so different by ranging from educational to entertaining.  I also like that I explored all 15 and am aware of  what they offer.  I look forward to adding many more and controlling the chaos of the www for my information.  








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