I personally enjoyed the assignment because I enjoy putting presentations together and using creativity over plain knowledge every once in a while. It took me a while to find a flyer template that I liked, and I really do not like the one I chose that much but I figured I was wasting time so I just chose one. The powerpoint presentation was the most fun for me because you can play with animation, sound, and pictures to make the presentation appropriate for the audience, which in our case, was a class of 6th graders. While doing my undergraduate coursework, I had to put together several powerpoint presentations together and was not able to make them fun because they were supposed to be "professional" and serious since most of my presenations consisted of scientific research such as studies of certain nutrients and their relationship with cancer.
The only problem that I ran into during this portion of the assignment was creating a chart from the data that I plugged into Excel. I spend a great deal of time trying to figure this out. I tried to look at tutorials through MyLabSchool.com and did not even figure out how to work the website. I also went on google and tried to find a tutorial that way. In the end, what I ended up doing was I went into Excel and ended up playing around to figure it out. It probably still did not turn out quite like it was supposed to, but at least I ended up with two charts and I know how to explain them if I were in a meeting with a parent.
Overall, this assignment was fun and definitely incorporated the technology that I will be using in the classroom as a teacher.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
Week 5, Ch. 5 & 6, Question 1
What is productivity software? How can it be adapted to benefit teaching and learning? What are the advantages and features of electronic spreadsheets? How do you see them as a benefit in an educational environment?
Productivity software is typically generic business-application software that educators can use and adapt for the administrative and professional tasks they must address. The four major types of productivity software found in most business environments are word processors, electronic spreadsheets, database management systems, and presentation software. This software is easy to use, with each application performing a specific function for the user.
Productivity software can be adapted to benefit teaching and learning in a sense that they enable educators to do their jobs more effectively productively. Some examples of how this software can be used are listed below.
- Word Processing: transparencies used for lecture, activity sheets, posters, study guides, and class notes are a few of the things that can be produced through word processing.
- Electronic Spreadsheets: Provide students with a method for tracking and analyzing data and creating charts from it; support student research such as tracking stock market data
- Database Management Systems: Organize and provide easy access to lists of academic resources or extract and report targeted summaries of content or resources to address student needs
- Presentation Software: Class lecture support, audio and visual elements with special effects; produce transparency masters; create student worksheets to accompany class lectures
The advantages and features of electronic spreadsheets include: Providing students with a method for tracking and analyzing data and creating charts from it; it can also be used to support student research such as tracking stock market data.
I see productivity software as an advantage in the educational environment because it makes research more accessible. This type of software also enables people to be able to finish projects more quickly and exact than they would if this software was not available. I have used this type of software ever since I can remember doing homework and projects. It makes researching and putting together work or a project so much easier.
Productivity software is typically generic business-application software that educators can use and adapt for the administrative and professional tasks they must address. The four major types of productivity software found in most business environments are word processors, electronic spreadsheets, database management systems, and presentation software. This software is easy to use, with each application performing a specific function for the user.
Productivity software can be adapted to benefit teaching and learning in a sense that they enable educators to do their jobs more effectively productively. Some examples of how this software can be used are listed below.
- Word Processing: transparencies used for lecture, activity sheets, posters, study guides, and class notes are a few of the things that can be produced through word processing.
- Electronic Spreadsheets: Provide students with a method for tracking and analyzing data and creating charts from it; support student research such as tracking stock market data
- Database Management Systems: Organize and provide easy access to lists of academic resources or extract and report targeted summaries of content or resources to address student needs
- Presentation Software: Class lecture support, audio and visual elements with special effects; produce transparency masters; create student worksheets to accompany class lectures
The advantages and features of electronic spreadsheets include: Providing students with a method for tracking and analyzing data and creating charts from it; it can also be used to support student research such as tracking stock market data.
I see productivity software as an advantage in the educational environment because it makes research more accessible. This type of software also enables people to be able to finish projects more quickly and exact than they would if this software was not available. I have used this type of software ever since I can remember doing homework and projects. It makes researching and putting together work or a project so much easier.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Week 4, Ch. 3 & 4, Question 3
How do increasing computer power, decreasing size, and wireless communications make technology-enhanced classrooms more flexible? What is a virtual environment? What potential does it hold for education?
Increasing computer power, decreasing size, and wireless communications make technology-enhanced classrooms more flexible. With more powerful technology such as Wi-Fi, a student and/or teacher can access the internet inside or outside throughout the campus. This means the student or teacher can have internet access on his/her computer in any building on the campus grounds as well as the outside area. With a size decrease of a student/teacher's computer, the device in which internet access is available is more portable and can be carried easily throughout the campus.
A virtual environment involves a combination of hardware and software to create a digital environment with which you can interact. Virtual reality software can be used for class projects, classroom tours, virtual fieldtrips and more.
The potential a virtual environment holds so much potential for the classroom. As I mentioned earlier, the class can take virtual fieldtrips without ever having to leave the room, take classroom tours, explore visual museums. With virtual reality software, there is no limit to what the teacher can allow the student to explore.
Increasing computer power, decreasing size, and wireless communications make technology-enhanced classrooms more flexible. With more powerful technology such as Wi-Fi, a student and/or teacher can access the internet inside or outside throughout the campus. This means the student or teacher can have internet access on his/her computer in any building on the campus grounds as well as the outside area. With a size decrease of a student/teacher's computer, the device in which internet access is available is more portable and can be carried easily throughout the campus.
A virtual environment involves a combination of hardware and software to create a digital environment with which you can interact. Virtual reality software can be used for class projects, classroom tours, virtual fieldtrips and more.
The potential a virtual environment holds so much potential for the classroom. As I mentioned earlier, the class can take virtual fieldtrips without ever having to leave the room, take classroom tours, explore visual museums. With virtual reality software, there is no limit to what the teacher can allow the student to explore.
Week 3, Chapter 2, Reflection Question 2
What is the difference between formative feedback and summative feedback?
Formative feedback occurs during an event or process. This feedback is given continuously during the event or process so to ensure that everything can run smoothly and a continuous flow of information takes place. For example, say you were a Biology teacher teaching a lesson on cells. To ensure that the students are learning what you are teaching, a teacher may do various things to check for understanding. He or she may ask the students verbally during the process of teaching a lesson if they have any specific questions on the function of an organelle in the cell, hand out a short answer worksheet to check for specific things that he or she should recap on during the next lecture, etc... Within the DID model, formative feedback is gathered while the process unfolds so that midcourse corrections can be made.
Summative feedback is built into the DID process and occurs at the end of a process. The summative feedback is a way to review the process after the event has already occurred. This basically means the summative feedback is a final check after all of the steps of the process are completed.
Formative feedback occurs during an event or process. This feedback is given continuously during the event or process so to ensure that everything can run smoothly and a continuous flow of information takes place. For example, say you were a Biology teacher teaching a lesson on cells. To ensure that the students are learning what you are teaching, a teacher may do various things to check for understanding. He or she may ask the students verbally during the process of teaching a lesson if they have any specific questions on the function of an organelle in the cell, hand out a short answer worksheet to check for specific things that he or she should recap on during the next lecture, etc... Within the DID model, formative feedback is gathered while the process unfolds so that midcourse corrections can be made.
Summative feedback is built into the DID process and occurs at the end of a process. The summative feedback is a way to review the process after the event has already occurred. This basically means the summative feedback is a final check after all of the steps of the process are completed.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Blog Reflection Week 2, Chapter 1
Educational technology is basically all media that can be used for instruction in the classroom. It is any technology used by educators in support of the teaching and learning process. Educational technology's relationship with the teaching and learning process is crucial today. Students today are being brought up in a technological world and they use technology in their everyday lives to communicate, play games, investigate what is going on in the world they live in, etc... Due to the numerous forms of technology available to teachers and students, most student's learning styles are compatible with one form or another of technology that can be used in the classroom. For instance, a visual learner may benefit from a PowerPoint presentation or video used to demonstrate a lesson being taught. A hands on learner may benefit from a lesson in the form of a computer. Since students today are already familiar with several forms of technology, using this technology in the classroom may be a better form of engagement for the students.
Knowing the learning styles of the students in your classroom can be a key factor in the success of these students. Say you notice that one student in particular is struggling greatly throughout the school year. By simply talking to the student and finding out the best way in which they learn can be key in the success of that particular student. Some students learn best by listening. Therefore, lectures should be used. Others may learn best through visual learning. With these students, demonstrating a concept may allow them to learn best. Hands on learning is also the way many students learn best. With these students, projects and computers would be a possibility in allowing these students to succeed. As a teacher, touching on each style of learning will guarantee success in students' perfomance.
I definitely believe that being technology savvy is important in the success of a teacher. This comes fairly easy for new teachers going into the field today, but may be a challenge for those who have been teaching for several years. I believe technology makes touching on all different learning styles easier for a teacher.
Knowing the learning styles of the students in your classroom can be a key factor in the success of these students. Say you notice that one student in particular is struggling greatly throughout the school year. By simply talking to the student and finding out the best way in which they learn can be key in the success of that particular student. Some students learn best by listening. Therefore, lectures should be used. Others may learn best through visual learning. With these students, demonstrating a concept may allow them to learn best. Hands on learning is also the way many students learn best. With these students, projects and computers would be a possibility in allowing these students to succeed. As a teacher, touching on each style of learning will guarantee success in students' perfomance.
I definitely believe that being technology savvy is important in the success of a teacher. This comes fairly easy for new teachers going into the field today, but may be a challenge for those who have been teaching for several years. I believe technology makes touching on all different learning styles easier for a teacher.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Introduction
Hi-
My name is Whitney Salley and I am a Master of Arts in Teaching student. I am 22 years old and got my BS in Nutrition in May of 2009. I decided to take what I learned in the course of my undergraduate degree and put it to use as a high school or middle school Science (Biology, Anatomy & Physiology) or Math (Pre-Algebra, Algebra) teacher.
I work at a boutique here in Hattiesburg and am currently engaged and getting married in May 2010. We are in the process of building a house and planning a wedding. This is a very exciting time for us! I am excited to continue my coursework in the MAT program here at USM.
Now that I have read all of the direction to the first blog I can finish what I was supposed to write about.
I have taken several classes online and am very familiar with Blackboard. I enjoy the freedom of online classes as compared with those that meet face-to-face because I feel like people have such hectic schedules these days that it is difficult to get on a schefule that allows you to block out the same amount of time daily for class. I say this because my schedule is all over the place.
I am familiar with Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Access somewhat. During my undergraduate coursework we developed several presentations which makes me familiar with the above software. However, I am not too familiar with blogging and podcasts. I am a facebook user, which is a form of blogging I suppose, but I have never participated in any other forms of blogging.
I have good expectations of my performance in this class because I enjoy learning about technology since it has become the primary form of communication in today's busy world.
My name is Whitney Salley and I am a Master of Arts in Teaching student. I am 22 years old and got my BS in Nutrition in May of 2009. I decided to take what I learned in the course of my undergraduate degree and put it to use as a high school or middle school Science (Biology, Anatomy & Physiology) or Math (Pre-Algebra, Algebra) teacher.
I work at a boutique here in Hattiesburg and am currently engaged and getting married in May 2010. We are in the process of building a house and planning a wedding. This is a very exciting time for us! I am excited to continue my coursework in the MAT program here at USM.
Now that I have read all of the direction to the first blog I can finish what I was supposed to write about.
I have taken several classes online and am very familiar with Blackboard. I enjoy the freedom of online classes as compared with those that meet face-to-face because I feel like people have such hectic schedules these days that it is difficult to get on a schefule that allows you to block out the same amount of time daily for class. I say this because my schedule is all over the place.
I am familiar with Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Access somewhat. During my undergraduate coursework we developed several presentations which makes me familiar with the above software. However, I am not too familiar with blogging and podcasts. I am a facebook user, which is a form of blogging I suppose, but I have never participated in any other forms of blogging.
I have good expectations of my performance in this class because I enjoy learning about technology since it has become the primary form of communication in today's busy world.
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