Using a class blog has really helped me to personally evaluate the projects and lesson plans I have created for my future classroom. I can reflect on what worked and what didn't work. These reflections help me to make my lesson plans and projects more effective and more interesting for the students. However, this reflection method isn't the only way I can implement blogs into my classroom.
I plan to use blogs for student feedback as well. Rather than having students turn in quizzes to check progress in novels or short stories, or having students write short essays in class about the stories we read or concepts we learn about, I can require them to blog about their progress or their thoughts about the assigned reading. Other students or I can also read and comment on the students' blog posts. This allows students to share their ideas and start an online discussion rather than having to hide their answers in a quiz environment.
Students could also use blogs to communicate with one another about their progress on a group project. For projects involving journals, blogs are a great alternative to paper journals, and as I said before, other students can view the journals and share ideas and feedback. There are endless possibilities for students to incorporate blogs into their projects, whether it be a mere means of communication or an actual component of their finished product.
Blogs are also a good way to communicate with parents. Instead of sending out flyers for every little notification for students to take home (which often don't actually make it to the parents), I can post notices and important reminders on my blog. I can blog about what we are doing in the classroom so that parents have an idea about what their student is learning in my classroom. Students who are home sick can also check the class blog to see what they missed in class that day.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
WebQuest Reflection
I had never heard of a WebQuest before this assignment was given. I had a lot of fun learning what a WebQuest is, how to use it effectively in the classroom, and how to use the WebQuest template at zunal.com. WebQuests are an awesome tool for any classroom. They integrate subject material with real-world problems and questions. They go way beyond mere fact regurgitation and actually require students to use critical thinking skills to come up with a solutions rather than just learning information and relaying it.
In my WebQuest, I required students, in groups, to create a defense for one of four books that were being hypothetically banned in our school district. This assignment required students to use the resources given to them, along with their own knowledge of the book, to effectively explain to the school board (other classmates) why students should be able to read the book. There were four books to choose from and no real limitations on how the students were to convince the school board (other than it had to be in presentation format). Each work the students would create for this assignment could be completely different and innovative.
I would have liked to give students a few more resources. If I actually use this in my classroom in the future, I will definitely do a bit more research and get a few more links per book for students to use. Also, I will probably change the choices of books students have to choose from. In an ideal situation, I will have taught all of the books required to complete this WebQuest prior to assigning the WebQuest. I would also pick which books I think would be the most interesting or challenging to defend for this assignment and make sure we get to reading those sometime during the semester.
This assignment was, by far, my favorite. I learned how to create an interactive assignment online for my students that could last from one week to half a semester (if I so choose). By using this technology I will be inspiring students to think beyond the text book and apply the skills they learn in my class to real world situations. I learned how to provide a safe environment for students to research topics and how to provide a fun and creative activity in which students can work in groups to use technology and create original, unique presentations.
In my WebQuest, I required students, in groups, to create a defense for one of four books that were being hypothetically banned in our school district. This assignment required students to use the resources given to them, along with their own knowledge of the book, to effectively explain to the school board (other classmates) why students should be able to read the book. There were four books to choose from and no real limitations on how the students were to convince the school board (other than it had to be in presentation format). Each work the students would create for this assignment could be completely different and innovative.
I would have liked to give students a few more resources. If I actually use this in my classroom in the future, I will definitely do a bit more research and get a few more links per book for students to use. Also, I will probably change the choices of books students have to choose from. In an ideal situation, I will have taught all of the books required to complete this WebQuest prior to assigning the WebQuest. I would also pick which books I think would be the most interesting or challenging to defend for this assignment and make sure we get to reading those sometime during the semester.
This assignment was, by far, my favorite. I learned how to create an interactive assignment online for my students that could last from one week to half a semester (if I so choose). By using this technology I will be inspiring students to think beyond the text book and apply the skills they learn in my class to real world situations. I learned how to provide a safe environment for students to research topics and how to provide a fun and creative activity in which students can work in groups to use technology and create original, unique presentations.
Professional Development Reflection
I had no idea that teachers were required to acquire a certain amount of credit hours in order to renew their teaching license. I am extremely glad that this fact was brought to my attention. Not only am I glad to know about this now, I'm glad that we spent time in class searching for possible resources with which to fill those credit hour requirements. There are online courses, courses offered through the universities, and conferences that can all be counted as credits. It makes sense that we, as teachers, would be required to make up these credit hours every five years. Education changes on a day-to-day basis. If our teachers aren't keeping up with those changes, the education system would be almost counterproductive.
I think I found quite a few good sites to help me when I'll need the credit hours in the future. I have at least ten websites that offer courses and conferences, some even for free. Some of these websites deal with technology, literacy, and even English (my subject area). I've got them all bookmarked and labeled so I can find them easily in the future.
I will have to, of course update some of these websites. I created the list fairly quickly, so I think it will be a good idea to filter through some of the sites to find out which are free and which require a fee, which have classes or seminars in my subject area, and to make sure that all of them will be accepted for credit.
This compilation of resources shows my interest in expanding my knowledge (even though it's required) even after I graduate. I have made a list of sites to visit that will ensure my continuation in education and that will help me create a better learning environment for my students. Because I saved the list on my delicious.com account, I will never lose these links and can modify, delete, or replace any links as I see fit in the future.
I think I found quite a few good sites to help me when I'll need the credit hours in the future. I have at least ten websites that offer courses and conferences, some even for free. Some of these websites deal with technology, literacy, and even English (my subject area). I've got them all bookmarked and labeled so I can find them easily in the future.
I will have to, of course update some of these websites. I created the list fairly quickly, so I think it will be a good idea to filter through some of the sites to find out which are free and which require a fee, which have classes or seminars in my subject area, and to make sure that all of them will be accepted for credit.
This compilation of resources shows my interest in expanding my knowledge (even though it's required) even after I graduate. I have made a list of sites to visit that will ensure my continuation in education and that will help me create a better learning environment for my students. Because I saved the list on my delicious.com account, I will never lose these links and can modify, delete, or replace any links as I see fit in the future.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Plagiarism/Copyright Reflection
I had never used or even heard of a "glog" before this assignment. I think this tool is absolutely amazing. Not only is it easy to use, it can be used for almost anything. I made two glogs, one about copyright laws and one about the dangers of plagiarism. edu.Glogster.com allowed me to create posters with images, videos, text, and links all on the web! It's much more effective than just making a tangible poster or flyer with the information. images on a poster can't move, and you certainly can't click on a link on a poster and be automatically transferred to that website. Students could use this for projects and still be able to use their creativity and imagination.
I think the glog was a really effective way to create an informative "poster" of sorts. Students can access the glog via URL, learn about the information I provided on the glog, and access any links they need for further information. I think my glogs were well organized and simple to use. I gave examples of copyright laws and examples of how to avoid plagiarism. Students can use the links I provided on each glog to read further about copyright laws and plagiarism. I also posted a humorous video about copyright laws I found on YouTube to increase the interest of the students.
The only thing I might have changed would be to add a few more links to outside sources. I think it's always great to give students the main idea of the knowledge you want to instill in them, and then provide them with other sources with which to read, learn, and further their knowledge on their own. Other than that, I think my glogs were successful.
Using these glogs shows my ability to use technology as a fun alternative to the typical poster, worksheet, or handout. I can use these glogs to provide information to my students or I can use edu.Glogster.com for assignments, requiring students to create their own glogs.
I think the glog was a really effective way to create an informative "poster" of sorts. Students can access the glog via URL, learn about the information I provided on the glog, and access any links they need for further information. I think my glogs were well organized and simple to use. I gave examples of copyright laws and examples of how to avoid plagiarism. Students can use the links I provided on each glog to read further about copyright laws and plagiarism. I also posted a humorous video about copyright laws I found on YouTube to increase the interest of the students.
The only thing I might have changed would be to add a few more links to outside sources. I think it's always great to give students the main idea of the knowledge you want to instill in them, and then provide them with other sources with which to read, learn, and further their knowledge on their own. Other than that, I think my glogs were successful.
Using these glogs shows my ability to use technology as a fun alternative to the typical poster, worksheet, or handout. I can use these glogs to provide information to my students or I can use edu.Glogster.com for assignments, requiring students to create their own glogs.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Excel Lesson Plan
Since we've already learned how to create lesson plans, this project wasn't so much about the lesson plan format as it was creating a lesson plan that involved spreadsheets. We learned how to do basic spreadsheets as well as interactive spreadsheets in class, so with this lesson plan I needed to create my own spreadsheet to incorporate into a lesson. I assigned a "Hero Cycle" assignment to the students that would require them to make their own cyclical timeline of the epic poem, Beowulf. I created an example for the students to follow that would be an example of a clean, simple, and effective hero cycle. This shows their understanding of both the plot of Beowulf as well as its correlation to the epic hero's cycle. The project could also be used for studying purposes, since it required students to provide the major plot points in the epic poem.
I really liked this lesson plan. I think it's extremely helpful for students to understand the plot points in relation to the epic hero's cycle and to use as a study tool. Rather than merely filling out a worksheet, the students are creating their own cycle. They can add as much or as little information as they feel necessary, they can use whatever graphics they feel are appropriate, and can have fun with the project.
I feel as though this project might take up a little more time and effort (from the students) than I'd probably like to spend on the epic hero's cycle, however. Sometimes we have to compromise innovation in the interest of time. Although, the project does make up for the time spent on it by they fact that it can be used for study purposes. I also think the rubric for this project could have provided a bit more information for the students. I will definitely have to revise the rubric for real in-class use.
By creating my own spreadsheet rather than following set directions to create a carefully laid-out, pre-made excel worksheet, I displayed my knowledge of the program and what it's capable of. My spreadsheet was organized and designed in a way that is easy to understand and fairly easy for students to replicate. I showed that I can incorporate spreadsheets into a lesson plan in which many teachers who haven't taken this Education Technology course would find difficult to do so.
I really liked this lesson plan. I think it's extremely helpful for students to understand the plot points in relation to the epic hero's cycle and to use as a study tool. Rather than merely filling out a worksheet, the students are creating their own cycle. They can add as much or as little information as they feel necessary, they can use whatever graphics they feel are appropriate, and can have fun with the project.
I feel as though this project might take up a little more time and effort (from the students) than I'd probably like to spend on the epic hero's cycle, however. Sometimes we have to compromise innovation in the interest of time. Although, the project does make up for the time spent on it by they fact that it can be used for study purposes. I also think the rubric for this project could have provided a bit more information for the students. I will definitely have to revise the rubric for real in-class use.
By creating my own spreadsheet rather than following set directions to create a carefully laid-out, pre-made excel worksheet, I displayed my knowledge of the program and what it's capable of. My spreadsheet was organized and designed in a way that is easy to understand and fairly easy for students to replicate. I showed that I can incorporate spreadsheets into a lesson plan in which many teachers who haven't taken this Education Technology course would find difficult to do so.
Monday, April 5, 2010
PPT Lesson Plan
This project was a learning experience for sure! I always knew that teachers worked really hard to put together lesson plans, but I was really surprised at how much it took to put this particular lesson plan together. I already learned how to put together a lesson plan, but this lesson plan incorporated a power point project. It was really great to be able to create a lesson the way I wanted to teach it that would serve as an effective studying tool for students.
I think this lesson worked really well. I created a lesson plan that reviews the literary devices we associate with every piece of literature we read. By having the students create a power point presentation defining and giving examples of ten literary devices, they learn the terms, learn how to apply them to the works we talked about in class, and they learn how to apply them to works they read in the future. It is a great way to not necessarily test, but encourage comprehension.
The only thing I am unhappy with, is that this project might not work well if students merely regurgitate what we discuss in class. It is possible for students to fulfill the assignment without really doing very much extra work. I would love for this assignment to engage students and encourage them to think, but I think that when I test their comprehension at a later time, I can get them to actually apply their knowledge to a slightly more challenging assignment.
This project definitely shows my growing skills in technology. I used word to create the lesson plan, incorporated internet resources, created a rubric for students to use, and created an example of the powerpoint I wanted students to create. The lesson plan urges students to use technology and also shows them my capabilities in the technology I'm asking them to use.
I think this lesson worked really well. I created a lesson plan that reviews the literary devices we associate with every piece of literature we read. By having the students create a power point presentation defining and giving examples of ten literary devices, they learn the terms, learn how to apply them to the works we talked about in class, and they learn how to apply them to works they read in the future. It is a great way to not necessarily test, but encourage comprehension.
The only thing I am unhappy with, is that this project might not work well if students merely regurgitate what we discuss in class. It is possible for students to fulfill the assignment without really doing very much extra work. I would love for this assignment to engage students and encourage them to think, but I think that when I test their comprehension at a later time, I can get them to actually apply their knowledge to a slightly more challenging assignment.
This project definitely shows my growing skills in technology. I used word to create the lesson plan, incorporated internet resources, created a rubric for students to use, and created an example of the powerpoint I wanted students to create. The lesson plan urges students to use technology and also shows them my capabilities in the technology I'm asking them to use.
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