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.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Rubric Creation Reflection
In the Rubric Creation project, I learned how to make those oh-so-helpful rubrics using a super simple website, rubistar.com! I have always loved rubrics. They made doing projects in school so organized! They left no questions to be asked, and they are great for checking to make sure all the requirements of the assignment have been met. They are also great for teachers to make grading faster and simpler. I was extremely pleased to find that making these rubrics could be as easy as they are.
I think my rubric is clear about the requirements of the assignment. The students were assigned to make a reproduction of a scene in Shakespeare's Hamlet. My rubric provides the time students have to do the presentation, their participation in the group, as well as an explanation that staying in character is important! My rubric is easy to read and I feel as though my students would be able to be well prepared for their presentation with this rubric.
I might have included that each group should act out only one scene from Hamlet, but since I would explain this in class, I'm not too concerned with this. Other than that, I think it worked well!
I'm excited to add this information to my list of technology skills. Making rubrics, especially with this easy tool, will make my life as a teacher so much easier!
I think my rubric is clear about the requirements of the assignment. The students were assigned to make a reproduction of a scene in Shakespeare's Hamlet. My rubric provides the time students have to do the presentation, their participation in the group, as well as an explanation that staying in character is important! My rubric is easy to read and I feel as though my students would be able to be well prepared for their presentation with this rubric.
I might have included that each group should act out only one scene from Hamlet, but since I would explain this in class, I'm not too concerned with this. Other than that, I think it worked well!
I'm excited to add this information to my list of technology skills. Making rubrics, especially with this easy tool, will make my life as a teacher so much easier!
RSS Reader Reflection
Before this project, I had always heard of people updating/filtering through/deleting their RSS feeds, but I never really knew what it meant. I think this project was extremely helpful and I feel as though I have a lot more resources for my classroom now that I have subscriptions to all of these great blogs and websites.
I think I found some great pages to subscribe to. I especially love the teacher blogs. They give a real glimpse into my future career (both the trials AND tribulations!). I can find great lesson plan ideas, compare my classroom to those of other teachers, and share my ideas all because of one fantastic website!
The only think I'm frustrated with is not being able to find that PERFECT subscription. I found a lot of teacher blogs, but I haven't found many sites that focus solely on English or Literature in the classroom, at least not at the secondary level. However, I'm sure a bit more time surfing will fix that problem in no time.
This new information definitely shows my growing skills in technology because I am utilizing this great resource to my advantage. I am connecting myself to teachers across the country, and even across the world, sharing information and stories.
I think I found some great pages to subscribe to. I especially love the teacher blogs. They give a real glimpse into my future career (both the trials AND tribulations!). I can find great lesson plan ideas, compare my classroom to those of other teachers, and share my ideas all because of one fantastic website!
The only think I'm frustrated with is not being able to find that PERFECT subscription. I found a lot of teacher blogs, but I haven't found many sites that focus solely on English or Literature in the classroom, at least not at the secondary level. However, I'm sure a bit more time surfing will fix that problem in no time.
This new information definitely shows my growing skills in technology because I am utilizing this great resource to my advantage. I am connecting myself to teachers across the country, and even across the world, sharing information and stories.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Assistive Technologies Reflection
This project opened my eyes to all the different resources available to teachers who have students with various disabilities. It was also an exploration of Google Docs for me, as I had never used it before. I'm glad I can maintain access to this document for future use. I know I'll probably forget about it, but when I really need it, I'll be glad it's there.
It's great to have started this list of assistive technologies available to me as a teacher. I can also add to the document if I stumble upon or am told about any other resources that could "level the playing field" for students with disabilities. Most of the resources I have listed are those already available to students who have either mac os or windows.
I don't think I found as many resources as I could have, however. I definitely need to add to my list if I want to have a really successful list of resources. I also think it could be a bit more organized, but as I said before, I can always add to and modify this list.
This project shows my knowledge of the problems facing students with cognitive, physical, hearing, and visual disabilities and the technology available to help them succeed in the classroom and beyond. It shows my ability to use technology to my advantage to help my students and myself in making my class a comfortable place to learn for everyone.
It's great to have started this list of assistive technologies available to me as a teacher. I can also add to the document if I stumble upon or am told about any other resources that could "level the playing field" for students with disabilities. Most of the resources I have listed are those already available to students who have either mac os or windows.
I don't think I found as many resources as I could have, however. I definitely need to add to my list if I want to have a really successful list of resources. I also think it could be a bit more organized, but as I said before, I can always add to and modify this list.
This project shows my knowledge of the problems facing students with cognitive, physical, hearing, and visual disabilities and the technology available to help them succeed in the classroom and beyond. It shows my ability to use technology to my advantage to help my students and myself in making my class a comfortable place to learn for everyone.
Technology Supported Lesson Plan Reflection
I have never made one before, so making a technology-supported lesson plan was definitely a learning experience for me. I knew that teachers needed lesson plans to keep their schedule organized and to make sure to stay on task within a lesson, but I didn't know that lesson plans act as proof for the teachers' implementation of the ISTE standards and the State Education standards. I also learned that lesson plan templates are a huge help in organizing the lesson plans. Teachers already have enough work on their plate just trying to figure out how to create a successful lesson that meets all the standards and is interesting to the students without having to create the format of the lesson plan.
I think I got all of the ISTE and Idaho standards I needed for this lesson plan. I love Heart of Darkness, so it was fairly simple for me to think of a lesson plan involving the novella. I made sure we had an in-class discussion about the knowledge I wanted the students to have for their projects. The students were then asked to use technology by posting a video speech to their blogs. I think it was a pretty good integration of technology into a lesson plan in which I normally wouldn't have thought to use as much technology.
I would definitely have to adjust a few things after applying this lesson into an actual classroom. I'm not sure if the school in which I teach will have access to webcams, or will even have enough computers for my students to use. If the majority of my students don't have access to webcams outside of school, this lesson plan will probably have to be modified even more. Christine suggested the use of podcasts as an alternative to video speeches. I like this idea, and will have to research podcasts further (or just wait until we learn about them in class!).
This project shows that I know how to integrate the technology we are learning about into an actual classroom setting. I feel the actual application of these tools is the whole reason for taking this class, and I feel as though I've successfully executed this.
I think I got all of the ISTE and Idaho standards I needed for this lesson plan. I love Heart of Darkness, so it was fairly simple for me to think of a lesson plan involving the novella. I made sure we had an in-class discussion about the knowledge I wanted the students to have for their projects. The students were then asked to use technology by posting a video speech to their blogs. I think it was a pretty good integration of technology into a lesson plan in which I normally wouldn't have thought to use as much technology.
I would definitely have to adjust a few things after applying this lesson into an actual classroom. I'm not sure if the school in which I teach will have access to webcams, or will even have enough computers for my students to use. If the majority of my students don't have access to webcams outside of school, this lesson plan will probably have to be modified even more. Christine suggested the use of podcasts as an alternative to video speeches. I like this idea, and will have to research podcasts further (or just wait until we learn about them in class!).
This project shows that I know how to integrate the technology we are learning about into an actual classroom setting. I feel the actual application of these tools is the whole reason for taking this class, and I feel as though I've successfully executed this.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Back to School PowerPoint Reflection
The Back to School PowerPoint is a great tool to welcome students back to school and to your classroom. With this assignment, I learned how to incorporate a fun, exciting theme, a teacher introduction, and an overview of the class into an interactive PowerPoint. I also learned how to format pictures in PowerPoint. I never knew you could make photos any shape you want! Now my teacher introduction photo matches the rest of my PowerPoint theme, how great!
I love my overall layout, as well as the theme I chose for my PowerPoint. It's so bright and cheery! I think I gave ample information about what to expect in class as well. I give a description of what to expect while reading each work and after we finish each work. This PowerPoint is to be given in-class so that I could fill in the specific information regarding the class overview. I would also email the students or their parents a copy of the PowerPoint to use as a reference at home. The note to the parents at the end invites parents to contact me for any reason. It's always good to let parents know you're available.
While I think I covered a good deal about what to expect in the class, I feel as though it was maybe a bit too vague. As I said before in a previous reflection, I have never actually taught a class, so I have no reference to work off of. I didn't give any examples of works we would cover. I also plan on having students complete a major project to accompany their final exam and final essay. I didn't include that in the class overview, but I should add it in. I left it slightly blank so I could change material if necessary. I would give examples of works we would cover while giving the in-class presentation of this PowerPoint. However, I still find it a bit lacking.
This Back to School PowerPoint shows my ability, once again, to create an effective presentation using PowerPoint. I haven't included everything I plan to cover in class on the slides, avoiding confusion and boredom. I included a sound, a photo, external links, a variation of text angles, and an overall theme to the PowerPoint to show my abilities with this program. I feel extremely comfortable using PowerPoint, more-so than I ever have, and will definitely use it in my professional career for a multitude of projects.
I love my overall layout, as well as the theme I chose for my PowerPoint. It's so bright and cheery! I think I gave ample information about what to expect in class as well. I give a description of what to expect while reading each work and after we finish each work. This PowerPoint is to be given in-class so that I could fill in the specific information regarding the class overview. I would also email the students or their parents a copy of the PowerPoint to use as a reference at home. The note to the parents at the end invites parents to contact me for any reason. It's always good to let parents know you're available.
While I think I covered a good deal about what to expect in the class, I feel as though it was maybe a bit too vague. As I said before in a previous reflection, I have never actually taught a class, so I have no reference to work off of. I didn't give any examples of works we would cover. I also plan on having students complete a major project to accompany their final exam and final essay. I didn't include that in the class overview, but I should add it in. I left it slightly blank so I could change material if necessary. I would give examples of works we would cover while giving the in-class presentation of this PowerPoint. However, I still find it a bit lacking.
This Back to School PowerPoint shows my ability, once again, to create an effective presentation using PowerPoint. I haven't included everything I plan to cover in class on the slides, avoiding confusion and boredom. I included a sound, a photo, external links, a variation of text angles, and an overall theme to the PowerPoint to show my abilities with this program. I feel extremely comfortable using PowerPoint, more-so than I ever have, and will definitely use it in my professional career for a multitude of projects.
Internet Safety & Classroom Rules Reflection
In making the Netiquette Flyer and the Classroom Rules PowerPoint I learned to incorporate two different methods of communication classroom and state guidelines to students and their parents/guardians. The netiquette flyer served to notify students and parents of the guidelines to be followed while using the internet in the classroom, while the classroom rules ppt was more of an interactive, in-class guide that could also be accessed by students and parents at home. Most rules in any setting arise from a problem. Since I don't have a class, or problems (yet!), I had to draw my rules from what I experienced in high school, and make some up I thought would come in handy. I learned that communication of these rules, especially the netiquette rules, is extremely important for students to feel and act safe and for parents to feel rest-assured.
I think the way I communicated the rules of my class via PowerPoint worked well. I used a humorous theme (which was also a reference to the most popular piece of literature, The Bible) to get students' attention and I felt that the rules I provided were appropriate for the grade level and subject. I even offered a solution to the plagiarism problem by attaching a link to an MLA guide website. In the netiquette flyer I directed towards the parents, I provided links to sites I believe would be helpful if any parent should have concerns not covered in my letter regarding internet safety. I also provided them with my phone number and email address. I think these elements worked rather well.
While I feel as though my creations were overall effective, I believe some elements didn't work as well as I had planned. In my classroom rules ppt, I provided a link to the OWL @ Purdue. I think this site is a great resource for students (I use it as a reference for nearly every paper I write). I only wish I had found more sites to give students to use as great resources. I could have offered alternative research sites to Wikipedia or I could have showed them the numerous "plagiarism-check" sites to which teachers have access. I feel as though there was more information I could have provided for my students. On my netiquette flyer, I don't think many elements worked against me. The only problem I have with this document is the overall layout. I think my spacing is off and I have an extra page I just can't seem to get rid of! I'm concerned that if I tried to print the page, it might not turn out right. This is all a matter of tweaking and improving my Word skills, however.
In these documents I showed my ability to use different programs for communicating class rules and guidelines. My PowerPoint contains an external link, slide themes, transitions, and images. My netiquette flyer incorporates images, borders, lines, and different texts/text boxes.
I think the way I communicated the rules of my class via PowerPoint worked well. I used a humorous theme (which was also a reference to the most popular piece of literature, The Bible) to get students' attention and I felt that the rules I provided were appropriate for the grade level and subject. I even offered a solution to the plagiarism problem by attaching a link to an MLA guide website. In the netiquette flyer I directed towards the parents, I provided links to sites I believe would be helpful if any parent should have concerns not covered in my letter regarding internet safety. I also provided them with my phone number and email address. I think these elements worked rather well.
While I feel as though my creations were overall effective, I believe some elements didn't work as well as I had planned. In my classroom rules ppt, I provided a link to the OWL @ Purdue. I think this site is a great resource for students (I use it as a reference for nearly every paper I write). I only wish I had found more sites to give students to use as great resources. I could have offered alternative research sites to Wikipedia or I could have showed them the numerous "plagiarism-check" sites to which teachers have access. I feel as though there was more information I could have provided for my students. On my netiquette flyer, I don't think many elements worked against me. The only problem I have with this document is the overall layout. I think my spacing is off and I have an extra page I just can't seem to get rid of! I'm concerned that if I tried to print the page, it might not turn out right. This is all a matter of tweaking and improving my Word skills, however.
In these documents I showed my ability to use different programs for communicating class rules and guidelines. My PowerPoint contains an external link, slide themes, transitions, and images. My netiquette flyer incorporates images, borders, lines, and different texts/text boxes.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Back to School Brochure Reflection
In my 'Back to School' Brochure, I gave students the information they need in order to be successful in my classroom. I gave a brief overview of classroom rules and expectations, as well as a semester overview. This brochure is meant to be supplemental to the first day of class. I would be going over the brochure with the students in-class, as well as answering any of their questions and going over more specific information regarding the class.
This project taught me that it's extremely difficult to prepare for a class you've never taught before. I tried to create a feasible semester overview and reasonable expectations for my classroom, but found it difficult having had no experience. I also learned the importance of notifying parents what happens within the classroom. While my course is geared towards 12th grade, parent involvement is still important.
I think the overall layout and the announcement to parents works really well. I made sure to let parents know they can participate in the class on any field trips we might take or by suggesting material to cover. I also made them feel comfortable to contact me about anything concerning the class. I think it's difficult to reach all parents when their children are in 12th grade. Many students feel pretty independent, and some are already legally adults. I think that by going over the flyer in-class and then having them take it home for their parents to review is the best strategy. That way, I'm not overlooking either party.
While I feel as though the method of presentation and the announcement to parents went well, I thin the whole flyer is a bit vague. Like I said, I've never actually taught this class, so, more than it ever will be, this is a work in progress and a learn-as-you-go sort of endeavor. In the semester overview, I described the method of assessment, but never really told students any content they'd be learning. If we had covered the Idaho Education Standards in class, this may not be the case, but I feel as though I'd be lacking some content information either way. The rules and expectations of the class also seem a little vague to me. I don't know what rules to lay down because I don't quite know what to expect. However, I think I did a pretty good job without having any experience.
I'm glad we did this project. It definitely prepared me for what I'll have to do during my career as an educator. By doing this I've proved (as much to myself as anyone) that I can use Word to create an effective Back to School flyer for students and teachers to refer to throughout the semester. While it needs some adjustments, I feel as though I've done a good job with the task and information given to me.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Welcome, Class and Parents!
Welcome back to school, parents and students! If I may, I have a few words I'd like to share about my new technology policy.
I have a lot of great things in store for us this semester and I'm excited to share what I have planned for you all! This semester, I will be implementing various aspects of technology in this class, in order to make each area we cover more interesting, interactive, and impressionable.
I believe using technology (computers, cellphones, & mp3 players) to our advantage will make book reports, critiques, and collaborative projects much easier and more enjoyable. We will waste less paper doing homework assignments, as some assignments will be turned in electronically.
Parents, this adoption of technology in my class room will also affect the way you and I keep in touch with each other about your son's or daughter's homework and grades, as well as any other important information pertaining to your daughter or son.
The use of technology in a classroom setting does bring about the question of appropriate usage and the violation of such. In my classroom, there are strict guidelines to the usage of technology, especially concerning activity on the internet. We will not EVER use first and last names while online, nor will we EVER be entering information such at phone numbers, addresses, etc. We will, however, be using the utmost caution with information, while still accessing the internet as a tool for information and communication within the classroom. I will also be closely monitoring student activity on the internet. Social networking sites such as facebook or myspace will not be allowed for personal use in the classroom, neither will any unapproved gaming or entertainment. "Over 18" sites will NOT be allowed within my class.
I hope you are all as excited for this semester as I, and I know I'm looking forward to exploring the classics in prose and poetry with each of you with the help of technology!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Welcome!
Welcome to my blog, I hope you enjoy (and I hope I'll be posting much longer posts in the future)!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)