Classroom Reflection

kidspiration

Today in class we took a look at inspiration and kidspiration. I found the program very interesting and fun to play around on. I'm not sure how I can integrate the program into my classroom but I think that it would be a fun program to have kids practice using the computer.

I like the program!

Reflection #7

Today in class I took a small group of students who are advanced in math skills to play a math bingo game outside while the rest of the class worked on math skills. I thought it was going to be fun until my kids I was working with started getting bored with the bingo game we were playing. Its not their fault, they couldn't help themselves because it was "too easy" and the game was not exciting enough, so the kids did not take it seriously and started misbehaving. With all my heart I wished that I had a Smart Board so I could challenge the kids with more engaging games. I now have a new appreciation for technology, I want it by my side at all times.

OOps! I forgot to make a List of Microsoft Offce Features

I actually don not know that many features for Microsoft Office programs. I just use basic features that any one would know...even digital immigrants.

Word
- header and footer with automatic number
- inserting pictures
- spell check ad count
- undo and redo actions

Powerpoint
- add graphics

Excel
-sum up numbers
-inserting graphs
-merging cells

I don't know much...but thats why I'm in this class.

K-12 Conference: Oodles of Googles

I chose to listen to Oodles of Googles by Sharon Betts for my k-12 conference. I actually found the lecture very interesting because Betts's main purpose is to show how students can use Google to collaborate while doing a group project. Her key word she uses through the entire lesson is "collaboration." Specifically, she focuses on features that Google has that will be beneficial for group projects. She instructs that all the applications in Google the students need subscribe to them in order to use them, but they are all free. Some features that Betts highlights are notebook, presentation tool, and google groups. Notebook is perfect for storing information gathered in one place that everyone can access. Presentations tool is kind of like power point in that it allows groups to put information together formally in slides to present to class. Google groups is perfect for summations of projects. It is a way for groups and teachers to communicate openly throughout researching projects.

What I took out of the conference is that by having projects on Google it makes group projects equal and have more collaboration with the entire group. Instead of having one person do all the work of collecting the data and putting it all together in some fancy presentation, everyone has the ability to work on it equally because they can access google and the project as long as they have a computer. There is no excuse to not participate anymore. This is bad new for slackers.

Reflection #6

Everyday I feel more and more like a teacher, but sometimes I doubt my ability in being able to educate children because I get extremely nervous when I have to go in front of my peers and messed up. A teacher shouldn't be nervous like that..right? We aren't allowed to teach kids at this stage of the education program, but we do teach each other. I often feel as though I never do a stellar job when we have to do a "lesson" to my peers, but then I step into my observation class and I realize that teaching in front of my peers is nothing like teaching a class of eight year olds. I can connect with kids in away that I can't with my fellow future educators. Thats okay, I wasn't called to educate 21 year olds. I have to keep going and know that even if I don't compare with the people in my classes I will make an amazing teacher someday because I have a passion for children to learn. My strengths and weakness are more apparent to me now then ever before and I think that this process we go through in the program is meant to do that to us. I hate it and love it at the same time but I will keep going knowing that God is behind me guiding and sometimes pushing me in the right direction.

Assignment #4

Here is my complete Lesson Plan. By adding technology to my lesson I am able to enhance my students abilities to multiply, hopefully. I am also able to add more varitety into the lesson by giving students opportunities to use tools like the internet and Smart Board. By adding the need for computers it is my hope that all students will have access to a computer, but if thats not possible I can modify my first technology activity to have the class look up objects on the Smart Board. The Game that I will have the class play in the end will make multiplication fun and in my opinion that is the goal when incorporating technology.
By adding technology to interactive internet games in lessons, I think it takes the "chore" out of learning. Education can easily become monotonous for children which will make them disinterested in learning all together. As educators we should mix things up for the kids to make learning excited for what is to come next.
By adding the need for education there is a risk that the Smart Board and Internet will not work and then my lesson wouldn't run like I wanted to. As teachers we should be prepared for circumstances like this by having backup plans when we depend on technology.
The NETS that I will meet include....

1. Basic operations and concepts
   • Students demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature and operation of technology systems.
   • Students are proficient in the use of technology.
     
2. Social, ethical, and human issues
   • Students practice responsible use of technology systems, information, and software.
3. Technology productivity tools
   • Students use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity

Students meet the 1st and 2nd NETS standard by using the computer to quickly research objects effectively. They meet the second NETS standard by playing the Multiplication game at the end of the lesson to make the lesson fun and to test their understanding for factors of two.
In preparing for his lesson I realized how much work goes into preparing a lesson. A LOT!! I think by incorporating technology it takes some weight off of the teacher and gives students responsibility in their education. If they want to learn then they much participate in technology when he opportunity is given.

Smart Board and Teaching

Link to SMART Board activity

The SMART Board activity that I explored specifically covers over the NETS by...

• Basic operations and concepts
• Students demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature and operation of technology systems.

• Technology productivity tools
• Students use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity.

• Technology problem-solving and decision-making tools
• Students use technology resources for solving problems and making informed decisions

I chose to demonstrate for the class a 2nd-3rd grade level activity about vowels. The activity starts off having the children say the sounds for vowels by clicking on a die. Then, the students hear the sound of a vowel and write it out. The last portion has the students recognize the way vowels look. I will have the entire class participate in the very beginning by allowing them all to say the vowels sounds together. Then I will pick individuals to come up and participate with the board. Learning will be assessed by their willingness to participate and how accurate they are in engaging with all the activities. Personally, I will prepare for this activity by running through it several times and doing the activities myself. This way I can get a good feel for the program. I did not feel it was necessary to make any changes to the activities, so I left it the way it came.