Blog 10

I am very glad that I took this class. I have learned so much valuable material. Learning all the shortcuts and techniques to each program will definitely help me in the future with teaching. I had no idea the things you could do using Excel and PowerPoint. I can't wait to apply them to my future career as an educator.

I am very confident about my group's project. We met up with the teacher and know exactly what she would like done with this project. We have a very strong sense of where we see this project heading. I have a feeling that we are going to do well. The material is there, we just have to create!

Where am I to begin with how I will use what I learned in the classroom? Perhaps the three that I will use most often is MS Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. MS Word will allow me to create the tests, assignment, reminders, letters, and bulletins. PowerPoint will probably provide the bulk of my lesson presentations. I will be sure to use the animated stories and Jeopardy! Excel is going to be what keeps me organized. I know I will keep lists and grades in order using that program.

I have found that a lot of my classmates and I share the same overall ideas about the classroom. Also, how the technology will primarily be used in the classroom. There was an overall agreement on the uses of Excel and MS Word and PowerPoint, it seemed.

Blog 9

I am very excited with this project! My group has chosen to do the parts of speech lesson, which is right up my alley. I am really enjoying helping my group create the lesson plans. It makes me feel that I am that much closer to reaching my degree by actually creating a lesson.

During the previous week, my group decided that our lesson was going to consist of three main parts: a PowerPoint explaining the lesson, review activities over each specific part of speech, and an overall review Jeopardy game. My group kind of broke the parts up and we are each working on one specifically, then we will bring them together and rework to make them flow. I was given the task of the Jeopardy game. I am having a lot of fun creating the questions! There is a lot of room for creativity with pictures and sound effects that go along with the questions.

Over the past week, I have really learned how to use Wiki. I know we were taught how to use the program a few weeks ago, but I had forgotten everything! :( But now, after having to collaborate with my group members, I am recalling the information that was taught to me and it is becoming easier and easier to navigate.

Blog 8

There are many ways that i can adopt WebQuest into my classroom. I will be teaching middle school level Language Arts. There are so many different subtopics in my area that would be good for webquesting. One example would be learning the parts of speech.
I found this link to a grammar WebQuest that helps the students learn the different parts of speech and apply them. http://fisd.us/middle/teachers/lmartinez/grammar%20quest.htm This particular WebQuest could take place over a series of days.

Learning how to use Wiki will definitely be beneficial to my future teaching career. This program will help me to collaborate with other teachers. We can use this program instead of the endless emails. Also, my students can use it to do group work. I cold possibly make it a requirement for long term projects. I can also use Wiki to monitor my students with blogs and class wide group projects. Wiki is just so much more organized than email when communicating with more than one person.

Blog 7

I found a cool site at funbrain.com that specifically focuses on grammar and sentence structure. If there is free time, I could go to this site and have students answer the questions. The site keeps the score of the students' answers. This is a good way for positive competition as well as a review.

I have found that Excel is an extremely useful program. I know, without a doubt, that I will use it in my classroom for various reasons. For example, making a list for a field trip or homework that have been turned in, creating charts that the students can use, and documenting the grades of my students. When doing book reports with my middle school language arts students, there will be times where they have to read books that I have chosen for them to read. I will make a list of the books with a spot for me to fill out their names and the dates that they took the books and returned them. I will use it for basic organization purposes.

For any project in which data is collected and stored, Excel would be a great tool for all students to use. It is simple to navigate and it allows each student to express their creativity in charts and graphs.

Blog 6

The PowerPoint that I created was based on the topic of fragment sentences. I had fun creating this PowerPoint. But, when looking back at it, I realize that there are some things that I could have done better. For example, some of the graphics to not relate to the topics. It is better to have graphics that relate to the topic for easy recollection. The one on this page is a bit hard to read as well. Also, some of the backgrounds were a bit distracting. I for some slides, it would have probably been better if I would have chosen to stick with a solid color.

There are endless possibilities when integrating peripherals and non-computer audio-visual technologies in the classroom. As I have surly mentioned before, I am planning on teaching middle school language arts. When reading books and doing reports on them, I intend to also show the movie, if there is one and is appropriate, after reading the book. Then we will compare the book and film and its pros and cons. I would also incorporate a camera with a project that each student will do at the beginning of the year and end of the year. I will take 4 different pictures of each student. In those 4 pictures they must have four different expressions which show who they are. They must also write a 100 word justification that supports the expression. I will then take those justifications and pictures and incorporate them into a PowerPoint presentation. We will then play a game where the student guess who the people are based on the descriptions. This activity has a double side to it. It challenges each student to really think and evaluate their photos and write down those evaluations, as well as, help each student to get to know one another.

I found the creation of the Jeopardy game to be incredibly helpful to me now. I think it will be a great tool for me to use in my classroom as a review game. There will be many times in which I will conduct review games and using PowerPoint will be very helpful. Just learning how to use the hyperlinks and connecting slides was awesome. Also, the shortcuts to the ribbon were helpful. Now, making PowerPoints is incredibly easy and takes hardly no time at all.

Blog 5

The site that I have chosen to evaluate is the homepage for my personal blackboard. I am sure most of you are familiar with this site. I have found that this site is easy to navigate. It adheres to most of the rules presented in Chapter 6. For example, the color scheme is consistent and the style is consistent. The words are easy to read and the links are easy to follow. The colors are dull, but precise. The links that are offered are simply written. A person who had never been to this site before could easily navigate their way around using the links that are given.

Presentation software has its advantages as well as disadvantages in the classroom. When used properly, they can liven up a lesson. There are endless ways that the presentation software can be used in a classroom. It can be used as the lesson, a review, or a reinforce. But, when not used properly, they may not be beneficial to the classroom at all. For instance, if relied on to do all the teaching, the students may not be accustomed to learning different ways. Also, it is easy to over do them; if they are too boring or, on the opposite end, too distracting, they can not fulfill the task that they were intended to do.

There are 5 knowledge dimensions that should be Incorporated when teaching a lesson. An example of a lesson in which I would incorporate those dimensions would be through a PowerPoint. I would begin by going over the material on the first slide with a flow chart. I will connect key words with images so that the students can make connections. The next few slides would be simple explanations of the information that are more detailed than the flow chart, but relate. I would then lead the students in a series of examples of the material that they just learned. Finally, there would be a final review for understanding using a Jeopardy game through PowerPoint. Hopefully this lesson will be interesting to the student because of the various formats that I am using.

A paragraph on how you might use PowerPoint to support student learning at each knowledge dimension in a particular lesson. Be explicit in your example! Use Chapter 5 for ideas.

example concept map

Oh, the Wonders of Idea Maps, Outlines, and Storyboards

When writing anything from a story to a report, it is benifical to use certain programs or concepts to help with the writing of those items. For example, outlines, map ideas, and storyboards. There are several programs that could aid students with the creation of these writing and thinking tools. An outline can be created using MS Word. Or, students can organize their ideas using a map, or a web. The program Inspiration can help students create all of these concepts.

I am planning to begin teaching middle school level students English and Language Arts. A large portion of the class grade will be writing assignements. In theory, it sounds boring, but once I can nurish my students' creativity, I am hoping they will gain a lot of knowledge and have fun. To make these writing activities more interesting and easier, I will explain to the students just what exactly an outline, idea map, and story board are. They will use at least two of these concepts every time they have a major writing assignment. I want them to enjoy brainstorming by making word maps using Inspiration. I also want them to gain knowledge about how to use different aspects of MS Word by creating outlines that will help them with writing their papers.

Last week we learned about Google, and I have to say, I think that lesson will be of most use to me in the near future. As an English Ed. major, I will be doing a lot of researching and writing. Learning how to narrow down the searches and go into more depth with specific information will definately come in handy. Also, the Wave program that show the errors for each site will be of great use when giving assignments to students, especially if they have disabilities.

The First Podcast I Have Ever Made

Totally exciting...my first podcast...listen if you want!

blog 3

As the years have passed, I have thought long and hard about various lesson plans and projects that I could in my future classroom. One specifically comes to mind, but the use of various technologies will be crucial. This lesson plan will teach help my students understand the basics of a short story. They will demonstrate this by partnering up and making up a short story and illustrate the story using power point. I will present the introduction to the lesson with an example of one that I did using power point. Then I will hand out an instruction sheet that I made using MS Word. This paper will explain what the requirements as well as the grading system. They will brainstorm ideas using the program Inspiration (we will learn about that program in a few weeks). They will need to print out their webs and write a story. They will need to print a hard copy of the story using MS Word. Once I approve the story and ensure that all of the elements that are required are in the story, they can create their power point illustrations. When the projects are due, each group will present their stories in front of the class. To do this project, technology is extremely important.

After I receive my degree and become certified, the plan is to begin teaching middle school level English. Technology will be an important part of my curriculum, but I do have some concerns when it comes to monitoring the students using the technologies. My biggest concern is the Internet. I plan to use the Internet and its vast resources to spice up my lesson plans. With today's society, illegal sites, including porn and other harmful sites, may pop up on my students' screens either accidentally or intentionally. Luckily there are programs that block those sites, but there are always loop holes that students try to find.

There are many tools on the Internet that can help our students to learn in a more creative manner. I found a site that has various word games that I will allow mys students to play during free or spare time. The site is http://www.theproblemsite.com/word_games.asp. Vocabulary, grammar, and spelling are three vital components to my curriculum. Therefore, these games will give my students the knowledge they need, but have fun while acquiring it.

My Best Friend in the World of Computer Software #2

Endless papers....I remember in high school and middle school having to write several papers on all sorts of subjects. From the economy in the depression to the revolution of fashion. I do not think I would have ever had them all written if I had to do them by paper and pencil. Microsoft Word was one of the best of my computer software friends...still is actually. As and English Education major, I know I will be doing a lot of writing.

Looking back at how my teachers used Word, I realize it is a program they relied on very much as well. All tests were created using Word, as well as, vocabulary sheets, class notes, letters, worksheets, tests....you name it, and they probably used Word to create it.

While reading the Chapter 9 in the textbooks, I came across an example of creatively using MS Word...a newspaper. This is a marvelous idea because while the students are learning how to use word by experimenting with font and form, they are also allowing their creativity to flow while maintaining an academic edge. The students are given a topic in which they must research. Then they take their findings and twist them into a various "newspaper articles". By doing so, the learn how to take the information they gathered and be creative about how they present it. MS Word will then aid the students with displaying their researched "articles" in a neat and logical way. It is a fantastic opportunity for students to learn not only how to navigate Word, but how to research, document the information, and then use it in a manor that best fits the assignment they are completing.

While thinking about the newspaper project, I couldn't help but recall some of the information I was taught last class about Word. To be honest, I have already changed my background color on Word from that boring blue to a soothing and sophisticated black. I have also experimented with the changing the bullet pictures. I know simple act of creativity could make an assignment with multiple steps look a bit less frightening for my future students. Also, learning the various shortcuts like adjusting the ribbon to what I want it to be and the key board shortcuts will really save me time when making tests, quizzes, and handouts in the future. I look forward to advancing my skills further.

Thanks for reading, Ariel

The Adorable Blogger Blob

YUMMMMM

The Sun Will Come Out on a Dreary Day

School Days, School Days... #1

When I was in Kindergarten, I remember being so excited to go to the library, because we were able to get onto the computers and explore. There were a number of educational programs and games that allowed us to become more acquainted with the computer. We were allowed to express our creativity by being able to print the paint drawings we created or the color pages we made using Crayola. We also learned how to type correctly with a program that was really fun and interactive. It was something myself, as well as the rest of my 5K class looked forward to every week. Revisiting my childhood school memories, I began to realize how important the computers were to our curriculum...and that was 12 years ago. Now, it seems, computers are even more integrated into the classroom. Using computers allowed us to explore the World Wide Web to do research and collect information that could never have been possible to find in our small library. We were able to create creative projects that allowed us to express ourselves in a neat and scholarly way.

Computers and modern software are very important, in my opinion, to modern day curriculum. There are so many more opportunities that will allow students to think and explore outside the "box". The Internet and search engines allows students to participate in research that would otherwise overwhelm students. Students can also explore resources to find other resources. Once the students have obtained the information needed, they can then display the information using programs such as Microsoft Word, Power Point, Inspiration, Excel, and the list continues.

While the technology and resources are for the students, my only concern is that they will take advantage of their time using the computers. Email is fine, as long as it is appropriate and educational, and should only be accessed during free time. Also, the Internet is full of inappropriate sites. Even with software that prohibits access to these sites, it is still possible to get on them. In high school, it was an endless quest to access Facebook. There are so many proxy sites. Even with these issues in mind, computer use in the classroom is still important to the curriculum, as well as, preparing students for life after school.

Referring back to my endless "school days" memories, I recall many teachers not knowing how to use the computers effectively. For the us, as the students, it was difficult to figure out programs because the teachers knew just about as much as we did. In this class, I hope to learn enough about computers where I can be the one teaching the students, not vise versa. I hope to complete this course with a new found knowledge for programs that I previously shied away from. Interesting tricks and short cuts will help me to be able to teach my class more efficiently in the future. In addition, I would simply like to become more aware of the programs on my computer.

If you have any suggestions for me or opinions about my blogs, please do not hesitate to post them. I will be sure to answer back as quickly as possible.

Thanks, Ariel.

A Look into my Technological Past #0

What can I say, what can I say...? Using technology has been a major part of my education, especially over the last four years. Programs, such as Word, PowerPoint and Excel have been my best friends. I have never had any actual courses on how to use the programs, most of it has been trial and error...mostly error, however, I learned. I may not know everything there is to know about them, but I am fairly comfortable using them. I like to be extremely creative, I think that is how I learned some of the hidden secretes of PowerPoint. By trying to jazz up every presentation to catch my audience's eye, I would spend hours working on it until I found what I was looking for. I have also experimented with other programs, like Windows Movie Maker. I found this and immediately fell in love with it. I am now able to take home videos and/or pictures and create a DVD with them. It is a perfect program for my siblings and my short film making adventures.

Over the past years, I have learned a lot of information, but this year I hope to learn even more. I would like to become more comfortable with Excel. I feel that Excel is an extremely important program that can be used in a multitude of ways, from home financing or a simple list. I believe that knowing how to use the program efficiently would greatly benefit. I would also like to learn the more detailed information about Microsoft Word. I am comfortable with the basics, as well as some of the more detailed information, however, not all of the hidden secretes that would make difficult tasks simpler.

My learning style was all over the board. The only area that I was balanced was the sequiential and global areas. I have learned that I am an active learner. I retain information better by doing something with it. I like to do activities and projects on infromation I have learned. For the next category, the quiz determined me as intuitive. I have discovered that this is very true, because am not a fan of boring repetition, or excessive memorization, I prefer to have my specific facts written down and then speak freely about them. I am also a visual learner. Things tend to "click" quicker when I have something to look at such as a diagram or a picture. for the last specification on the quiz I found that I am fairly balanced between the two.