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Post #3

My idea for a lesson plan using technology would be incorporating what we are learning in my (make believe) 5th grade class in history. I would split the students up into groups of 4-5 kids and give them a time period. They would then research that time period using the internet to find information such as what life was like, important people, and significant dates. I would have them use a word processor to take notes on what they read. The students would have to compile the information they wrote down into a creative power point project with each slide having different information on it. I would like them to include clip art for pictures and to use word art for the titles of the slides. They are allowed to be as creative as they like with added effects. This is a good project because it involves many different aspects of computers.

It is hard to supervise your students on the computer at all times because you cannot be in two places at once. Students can be very sneaky and know how to minimize things as you walk by. I am elementary education, so I do not think I will have as much trouble with inappropriate things as high school or middle school teachers would have. However I think I will still be faced with them being on sites that are not necessarily inappropriate, but maybe playing games and not doing their work. I think the biggest way to keep them focused is to not give them too much time to use the internet. Keep the time limit short so they do not have time to goof off and instead are focused on getting their work done on time. I will also be sure to walk around the room as much as possible and keep an eye open for the kids who are quick to minimize things when my presence is near.

This website has educational video games for the students to work on math skills with. I think this is a good idea because most kids like to play games, especially on the computer and it will help keep their attention, but at the same time they will be refining and learning new skills.

Post #2

As a student I use Microsoft Word more than any other program on my computer. In fact, I am using it right now to write this blog! I use it to write papers because it is really easy to format my paper according to what I need to do. I can use bullets and numbered lists for outlines, and tables to organize information. Sometimes I even use clip art throughout my assignments to make them more creative. I also enjoy the use of spell check to help me proof read my papers, however I do not rely on it solely because it does not always catch all my mistakes. My teachers use Microsoft Word to type up their syllabuses. They even use them for creating rubrics and explaining assignments. Without Word and other processors, we would be left with a lot of messy handwritten papers!

I think the newspaper idea is a great way to use the processor in a school setting. My mother is a middle school teacher and she has her students create a newspaper for one of their social studies projects. They have to do a time period from history and create a newspaper with events that would be relevant from that time period. They use Word to type up all their information and make it look professionally done. The students can be creative and use different font types and colors, and can use spell check to help them proof read their work. I like this project because not only are the students researching information to create their paper, but they can use their creative side of the brain and make something they are really proud of.

I learned how to set up and use an online blog. I had never done that before and like the idea of having my students create their own where they can submit their work online. That way, we save paper and the kids can read each other’s work and comment on it. This would be a good thing to use if teaching a creative writing class or also an English class.

Blog #1

Technology can provide new and exciting ways to present information to help keep hold of your audience, also known as your students. You can use the computer as a teacher for you students with software that matches your curriculum. One can appropriately use programs that help the students practice math problems over and over that can check their work for them or work specifically on what they are having trouble with. The computer also provides different ways to present information. The internet is also a useful tool for students to use when gathering not only text information, but video and audio as well. However teachers need to be careful they do not rely solely on computers to teach their students for them. Teachers need to be there to oversee and to answer questions that the students may have. Computers also have the tendency to make people lazy, especially when it comes to correct grammar and punctuation. Many word processor programs offer spell check, which unfortunately does not allow the student to look up and learn how to spell words- it does it automatically for them. I agree that it is important for teachers to help their students learn about computers and technology to prepare them for the real world in which they will be faced, and maybe even expected to know how to do certain things.

In my classroom I would like to use computers to present the information to my students. I think Microsoft Power Point is a good program to use with subjects like social studies and science because they can break down paragraphs of information into small sections to help the students understand the details as well as the big concepts. I also like the idea of using computers to help solidify material learned in math. Math is best learned by repetition, and I think a software program that allows each student to work one on one with math problems that they specifically need help with, and that also gives them immediate results as to whether or not they are doing the problem correctly. In this class I would like to learn about the different programs available to use with my students, and also different websites that can help them make the most out of learning.

I have always wanted to be a teacher, but the closer I'm getting to accomplishing my goal the more I am realizing that I am not sure if this is all I want to do. I can definitely see myself teaching for awhile, but I think eventually I would like to go into Family and Marriage counseling. I am excited to teach and know I will enjoy it; I love kids and have been looking forward to doing this my entire life, however I am also trying not to narrow my options just because it is something I have always had my mind set on doing. I am glad to be taking this class because there is definitely a lot more I can learn about computers and the different things offered with technology these days, and I hope to remember all I learn so that I can apply it to my classroom someday.

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Blog Journal #0

I wish I could say I am technology savvy, however I do not have a whole lot of experience with technology. In my high school I used the smart board and many of my teachers used document cameras but other than that it was pretty basic. For school I am familiar with Word and power point and am able to perform necessary tasks to complete projects and papers, but the computer is not a place where I spend a lot of time (besides Facebook). My dad works for IBM and usually helps me with whatever problems I have regarding software, so over the years I have learned a few tricks of the trade. However the last computer class I took was in Middle school so I'm pretty sure there is much for me to learn.

In this class I would like to become more comfortable with computers and learn new ways to present information. I am also excited to learn about new programs and ways to make learning more interesting not only for me but for my future students as well. I hope to get caught up with all the new technology and learn as much as I can about the different software programs and websites made to make our lives easier. I also hope I will retain the information I learn so that I can use it even when i am not in this class. In turn I hope this class will motivate me to stay more in tune with what is out there technology-wise and to keep up with the new programs as they are invented.

I have always known I am more of a mix of learning styles. I know that I remember things better when I have to explain it to someone and that once I am able to do so, I will most likely not forget that piece of information or concept for a very long time. I enjoy group work but tend to get frustrated with people who do not put in as much effort as I do. I am a careful worker and can be relatively slow at times if I do not know the information very well. I am good at memorizing and sometimes have trouble with complex concepts. I am a visual learner and absolutely love order. My study technique is to make a list, memorize it, and refer back to my list to answer questions. I tend to get confused unless things are ordered and follow along logically.