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.