Design - Infographic ILP

I designed an infographic for my second ILP using a site called canva.com. The website is very similar to the Weebly site that we used to create our class webpages a few weeks ago. Many of the design options are drag-and-drop, and teachers can quickly customize the infographic with information from their lesson(s). The templates and customization aspects are very user friendly and easy to learn. The created infographics can be made public and/or shared directly via social media and email.

Infographics should be a great tool to use in social studies to create quick-look study guides and to deliver new content. The unique designs of infographics give the students something more to look at than typical study guides. What do you think about the infographic below? Do you think students would enjoy using something like this to compliment the traditional note taking and lecturing associated with history classes?

Football Games

https://fsu.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_29PX7x5H3fSr9CR

10 - The Finish Line

Data collection tools can be very useful for me to use in the future as a high school history teacher. I think it is a good idea to survey the students before each lesson to discover what concepts they're already comfortable with. These surveys can help me adapt the lesson plans to be more effective by not wasting time on ideas that the students already know and instead developing on new ideas and concepts. Data collection results can also help me determine what resources the students found to be the most useful. Again, receiving feedback from the students can help me adjust and continue to increase the efficiency of my teaching methods.

The aspect that I found most interesting from reviewing classmates' blogs was the assignment screen shots and descriptions. I feel that I lack some of the creativity that others have, and I was able to view different techniques and options that others chose throughout the semester. I also found it interesting that we were all able to find different resources online. The fact that we were all able to find unique resources shows the vast amount of options online. The blog assignments were actually a lot more useful than I thought they were going to be because of the different points of view that we brought to the posts. I think a similar blog or discussion board will be useful in my future classroom for students to share ideas, designs, and websites like we did.

The technology related skill that I wish to continue developing is webpage creation. Students are very comfortable online and a well designed class webpage may help increase student interaction and motivation. More specifically, I hope to work on creating videos and recordings to post as resources online. Since I plan to teach history, I believe that videos and interactive aspects of a class webpage would help increase interest in a traditionally "boring" subject.

I hope to attend seminars and conferences in order to achieve my future educational technology goals. Learning from other teachers may be one of the best ways to implement new technology in an effective way. Furthermore, I will definitely be using lynda.com to view tutorials and learn about creative ways to increase technology use in my lesson plans. There seem to be countless ways to use technology in the classroom and we'll all need to continue to learn in order to not be left behind.

9 - Flipped Classroom

The flipped classroom originated with teachers Aaron Sams and Jonathan Bergman. According to chapter 10, the teachers would assign lectured content as the homework rather than lecturing in class. Students would need access to online resources outside of the classroom for this delivery method. The teachers can then build upon the ideas introduced during the prerecorded lectures that were viewed the night before. The book also mentions that there are many ways to apply the flipped classroom. I think that this method is similar to our class when we listen to informational podcasts and then apply the new knowledge to assignments in class. Please click here for an example of an instructional video for a flipped social studies classroom

A useful online resource that I found for teacher professional development is teachervision.com. The website has lesson plans, articles, educational material, and videos that teachers can use to improve themselves and their classrooms. Teachers can even select their specific grade level and subject to find relevant resources quickly. I plan to use the site in the future for ideas and support as I develop my lesson plans and teaching skills.

The thing I liked most about the PowerPoint Interaction assignment was the customization aspect. My partner and I used a template to start the project, but we adjusted the layout to fit the needs of our game. There was much trail and error applied to the creation of the assignment. I learned a lot of new PowerPoint capabilities just as disabling the linear navigation and utilizing action buttons to support the organization of the slides. I had already planned to use games and interactive activities in my future history classes, and now I have the skills to develop those resources with confidence. 

8 - Digital Divide and PowerPoint

Of the technologies described in chapter 12, I believe augmented reality holds the biggest promise for education. The text discusses the association between augmented reality and virtual reality. Both technologies allow the user to interact with the environment. This aspect alone would enhance user participation and allow students to elaborate on new information. Students can have more control over what they learn and guide the curriculum to subjects that interest them. The technology also continues to progress and prices are becoming more affordable for schools.

After listening to the "Digital Divide" podcast, I know that I am on the side with abundant computer access. I have had a computer with internet access in my home since I was very young. I do find that it is easier to use some software, like Microsoft Office, by staying at one of our school's computer labs, but overall I have never struggled to stay connected. In my future classroom I plan to be aware of the divide and to address the needs of all of my students. I will adjust lesson plans to give students time in class to work on any computer-based assignments. I will avoid giving homework that may cause some students to put at a disadvantage. Computers are becoming more and more ubiquitous, but there will always be some students that don't have the same resources at home. I will also push for school budgets to address the computer and technology needs of my classroom.

The main skill that I learned during the PowerPoint for Information Dissemination assignment was the voice-over capability. I have used PowerPoint for many school assignments in the past, but I had never created a complete presentation with the narration included. I also used the SmartArt function for the first time. These tools help make the presentation more interesting and efficient. The complete show with audio included allows teachers and students to post and share the presentation online. I plan to use the new PowerPoint skills to post notes and reviews for my students on class webpages.

7 - Bloom's Taxonomy and Web Page

The use of PowerPoint can be applied to each level of Bloom's Taxonomy. An American History class scenario will be used for the examples. The first step of the taxonomy is "remembering", for which PowerPoint can be used to list important terms, names, and dates for the particular section of American history. Students can recite the list and copy the information down for use later in the lesson.  For the "understanding" level, definitions and simple concepts can be displayed on the slides. Graphics may also add to the understanding of main ideas. Next, the multimedia aspect of PowerPoint can be used for the "applying" level. Maps and videos can be included on the slides to add to the concepts of the lesson. Students can then apply dates and key terms to what they're seeing. Progressive maps that show military movements during the Revolutionary War would also lead students into the "analyzing" level. Students would begin to see more complex concepts and analyze the cause and effect of battles throughout the war. For the "evaluating" level, questions and activities can be included in PowerPoint to allow students to make judgements based on how the war progresses. Students may also develop ideas of what military action may have been more or less effective in hindsight. Finally, PowerPoint can easily be used by students for the "creating" level. Students can make their own presentations to elaborate on a particular event or battle. The information gathered throughout the lesson can be applied to the slide creation as students develop upon the material.

Adaptive technologies are important for students with disabilities. The podcast explains that adaptive technologies are used to modify input and output options for students based on their computing needs and capabilities. One example would be voice recognition software for students that may be unable to type. The technology would be adjusted to the particular student as the software begins to recognize that students speech patterns. I have never seen this type of adaptive technology used in the classroom, but I must assume that it may have associated challenges. For example, if the class is expected to complete essay questions on a computer-based exam, the student using voice recognition software would have to take the test in a separate location so that the other students don't hear his/her answers. Chapter 4 of the text also mentions a potentially distracting addition to the classroom. Screen readers may be great for visually impaired students, but the software may cause issues with focus. Either the entire class will hear the screen reader as it performs or the impaired student will wear headphones and potentially miss out on other verbal instruction.

I learned a lot of new skills while working on the Web Page assignment. The software was fairly user friendly and I am now aware of how easy it is for teachers to include webpages for their teaching effectiveness. I like the use of a class webpage to disseminate news and deadlines to students and parents. I will need to work on the creative aspect of webpage design in order to build a site that is both aesthetic and practical. I plan to use feedback from parents and students to tweak the layout and information to fit their needs and wants. You can check out my website in the screenshots below or by clicking here.

ILP Participation - "Teacher Tips" (Lynda)

The lynda.com tutorial titled "Teacher Tips" by Aaron Quigley is a great tool for all teacher types. New teachers can learn about ways to use technology to improve their efficiency and effectiveness in the classroom. Experienced teachers can also use the tutorial to modify their existing lesson plans.

 

The tutorial covers many different online tools such as Prezi, Edmodo, Evernote, and others. However, what I found more interesting were the tips for realistically applying technology to the classroom. The tutorial includes segments like "Funding Classroom Projects" and several tips for finding and sharing lesson plans. Overall, the tutorial has a broad array of topics that users can view and apply in their classroom. Educators can also use the tutorial to guide their students for safe and successful activity online.

The tutorial was especially useful for situations that teachers may not think of until they occur. For example, one section had a walk through for building a class website similar to the assignment we completed in class two weeks ago. The lesson then continues by showcasing a use for the tool such as posting assignments for students to view and complete over Winter Break. The tips for how to utilize the tools in the classroom captured my attention and made the tutorial very effective.

Check it Out

Slide Share

I really liked this slideshow because I struggle with creativity. Simple improvements like using abnormal backgrounds (slides 14-16) can really spruce up a slideshow and make it more aesthetic. Matching font colors and backgrounds can be tricky, so creators will need to be cognizant of the overall look. I also like the idea of hand drawn shapes or "doodles" to make a presentation more unique than standard slideshows.

Creative Presentation Slides Design Making from Peter Zvirinsky

6 - Wiki

Jefferson Middle School in San Gabriel, CA includes 'class pages' on their school's website. Sticking with my subject of interest, I chose the 8th grade Honors History class. The class page contains the teacher's contact information and links to history resources. The supply list for the 2015-16 school year is also still available for parents to see. The 'Announcements' section may contain more information for students and parents, but not much is shown without logging in to the school's site. These specific class sites would be very useful for updates throughout the year, similar to the blackboard sites we use at FSU.

When it comes to teacher productivity and efficiency, both the podcast and the textbook reference word processing and spreadsheets as useful tools. A suite like Microsoft Office is very useful because of the different applications included. Chapter 7 of the text lists organization and the use of formulas as two descriptors of electronic spreadsheets. I plan to use spreadsheets to further analyze test scores and averages. The data displayed on the spreadsheets should give me a quick and organized idea of median grades and associated trends. I can use this information to adjust my teaching methods as needed. The other applications, like word processing, can then be used to change lesson plans or to take notes on my observations. As the podcast states, having these digital tools allows for teachers to easily share data and compare their findings.

I learned a lot from the wiki assignment this week. The software on the website was new to me and learning the shortcuts and techniques took some time. However, after understanding the concepts and embracing the link functions, I was able to assemble the wiki with my group members and utilize our newly made Website Evaluation Form. While the site we used may not be the most user friendly application, the group was able to work together because of the 'share' feature. With more practice we may have been able to improve the aesthetics of the wiki. I can see how designing a wiki for my future class(es) could be useful for sharing information and links.

5 - Web 2.0 and Concept Map

Podcast: class blog, diigo - share resources and comment online similar to a discussion board, twitter

Find a 2.0 tool and post a link. Don't use something that we have used in class.

I learned a lot during the concept mapping assignment because I had never created nor used a concept map in the past. At first, I was frustrated because I was new to the software. I became more familiar with the options on the mapping website as the week went on and I believe I ended up with a good product. Concept mapping can be a useful tool for my students and me in the future. I may choose to create such maps for study guides just like the assignment described. The maps are useful for seeing the main ideas and connecting certain concepts.

I have had experience with collaborating online before. Instant messaging or shared documents can be a great way to work together on an assignment or project. I have even used a type of conference software that allows all of the participants to talk out loud to each other while collaborating on a product. These tools can be useful for students during group assignments like what we experience in this class.

Let me know what you think of our map!

4 - Hunting the Web

The resource that I chose for my imaginary students falls under the classification of Educational Games. While teaching social studies, I would like to incorporate both adventure games as well as educational arcade games. The link I'm providing today is for an arcade game. The game consists of a puzzle in which students will need to place states and capitals in the correct location on the map. This type of activity will help students visualize the proper locations and should increase motivation toward the subject. As our text implies, the game may seem like a type of reward for the students, but will continue to support the learning objective.

The state alignment game can be found at http://yourchildlearns.com/mappuzzle/us-puzzle.html. This puzzle and other educational games would help students with the social studies standard in 5th Grade. This full standard is "SS.5.G.1.6 Locate and identify states, capitals, and United States Territories on a map." Again, Chapter 8 in our text lists the educational games as a useful resource in the classroom.

Before listening to this week's podcast, I suppose a used a version of the ABCDT technique without knowing it. I am always cognizant of certain site details like the domain type. I have always found that .gov and .org sites are usually trustworthy and informative. Other information sites may have suspicious content or unfriendly designs. I have always based my resource selection on the structure and content of the sites that I search. In the future, I will pay more attention to any bias or perspective in the information that I use.

Lastly, I did learn a few things while completing the Web Hunt assignment. I had never used Google Scholar before and I found the resource to be very useful for published articles and papers. I also got some insight as to how many teaching aids there are on the web. It is nice to know that a simple Google search can return a long list of resources that teachers can use in their classrooms. I will be researching some of the online resources, such as graphic generators and videos, as I write my future lesson plans.

Now I have a couple of web hunting challenges for you...

1. You are teaching your students about the European explorers and their experiences in the "New World". Can you find an online game or trivia activity on the subject?

2. You're discussing the creation of different national flags. You ask your students to list ten different countries that have three stripes on their nation's flag. What website can the students use to see a list of countries with their associated flag?



 

3 - Teaching Tech and Newsletter

When I am a teacher in the future, I'd like to incorporate many of the technology resources found in Ch. 9 of our text. I would like to teach high school level and above, so I expect my digital native students to already have a basic understanding of the web and common software applications. Students and parents will be able to email me for any questions or concerns. I may also want my students to post entries online in a blog or discussion board. I'll need to reinforce digital citizenship standards in order to ensure that the students use the resources correctly. Concepts such as citing work, professional and encouraging posts to other students, and avoiding plagiarism will all be constantly held in high regard. Applications and online resources are always evolving and it will be interesting to see what is available as my career progresses. 

ELA technology standards include online resources and presentation tools. I feel comfortable in teaching students about online discussion boards and online interaction. I’ve used these resources in the past and I believe that I can teach my students about their proper uses. However, I need to investigate other resources further before sharing them with my students. There are websites and applications, like Prezi, that I am not as familiar with. I wouldn’t be able to teach the options and opportunities with such online tools because I am not well practiced with them myself. 

The ELA Standard "RHST.7 Multimedia: History/Social Studies" is the standard that I would feel most comfortable teaching. I would be confident in using videos, maps, and online resources to further emphasize certain aspects of my History class. The specific standard that I would struggle with the most would be W/WHST.2 “Write to explain/inform”. I am not familiar with teaching students to write and get their own ideas across to an audience. I would need to practice my writing instruction techniques.

Lastly, I'm not going to lie -- I didn't enjoy the newsletter assignment on Word. As I was completing the assignment, I kept thinking about how much easier it is to arrange things on Powerpoint and other applications. I did, however, learn more about changing columns on Word. I learned that I can go back and forth and change the number of columns throughout the document with the "more columns" feature and the associated options window. Despite my hesitations, I think everything worked out with my newsletter… Even if it’s not quite “Best in Show” quality.

2 - Word play

Good ol' Microsoft Word. The platform on which I have written countless essays and assignments. Without its familiar design and layout, I have trouble completing assignments. For example, I am writing this from an IMac computer that does not have Microsoft Office installed. Yet google has designed this blog software to be similar to the layout of Word. I believe most people are most comfortable with Microsoft Word to create documents and the like.

In the past, my teachers have used Word to create tests and other documents like the syllabus. Teachers have also used Word to create tables and other diagrams, but I do not favor the table functions in Word. Maybe I'll learn more in this Ed Tech class and become more comfortable with the table features.

                                                     Mueller, A. (n.d.). Retrieved January 24, 2016, from http://www.memes.com/img/712830

My experience with copyright neglected the citation of images like the one above. Normally I am not taking an image and then re-posting it online as my own, but I still failed to attribute the credit to the original source. I don't believe it was common practice for other students in my classes to properly cite images that they borrowed from the web either. As a teacher, I will be sure to inform my students about copyright and fair use of materials. No student of mine will be able to claim ignorance I have in this post. I will include the proper citation of images in my grading rubrics so that my students are aware of the importance of its inclusion.

Finally, after beginning the Twitter and personal learning assignment, I have learned how quickly I can network and find information on Twitter. I began to receive followers on my new Twitter account that are associated with the subjects that I was interested in. The interconnected social media sites are a great way to branch out into a field of interest and find all sorts of useful tools and information. I will use social media to look for job openings when the time comes. I will also continue to use Twitter and other online networks to find new tools and techniques to use as a teacher. I know that my future students will be involved with social media and I want to stay on par with the resources online.

1 - Digital Natives

Computers are an important part of the educational experience because they assist in so many areas. Almost every teacher has a computer to aid in administrative and teaching tasks. Computers make recording attendance, grades, and progress simpler and more accurate. The technology also increases student interaction and reinforces what is being taught. The text includes some concerns such as the financial aspect associated with technology, allotting time for technology use, and adapting the use of tech based on the school's culture. 

I agree that every school will have a different plan for how technology will be used. Not every school can afford computers in all classrooms and their focus may not be on the inclusion of technology. Teachers also need to take the time to research and practice new and different resources before implementing them into their lesson plans. 

ISTE standards for students create a overall picture of effective technology use. The standard that stands out to me is Digital Citizenship. Many online applications create an environment for students to interact with other people. Ethical decisions and positive attitudes should be the focal point of technology use. It is easy for many people to use the distant communication as a defense to "troll" or attack the views of others. Students should also actively avoid plagiarism and use technology to strengthen their ideas rather than simply taking information.

An ISTE standard that may fall outside my current abilities is Technology Operations and Skill Sets. This standard implies the progression and use of new technology and the understanding of what applications to use for your goal or lesson. I, like many others, am sometimes hesitant to try to technology and I generally stick to what processes I am comfortable with. However, there may be better and more efficient ways for me to accomplish tasks if I branch out and increase my understanding of new systems and hardware. 

Today's youth can be accurately labeled as 'digital natives". Students are comfortable with a technology-led environment and are able apply technology to most daily tasks. It is rare to see a student without some type of technology in their hands (ie cell phones, tablets, laptops, etc). This may cause a problem for teachers that are not as technologically inclined as the students they are trying to connect with. 

I have seen many teachers in the past struggle with including technology in their classrooms. It is sometimes painful to watch a teacher try to load a video on YouTube or utilize the newest versions of Microsoft Office. Students will sit there frustrated as they try to help and guide the instructor to the goal. Teachers must continue to develop their use of technology so to not fall behind the world that their students know. 

In the future, I anticipate having to find a balance with the use of technology in the classroom. As a history teacher, there will be times when I need the students' focus rather than directing them to computers. Smart phones already cause a distraction in classrooms and other forms of technology will have to be used to ensure that students are staying on topic. I use the same technology in my personal life and I will continue to ask students about new applications so that I stay on par and relate to their abilities. I predict learning just as much about current technology from my future students as they learn from me.   

0 - Blog Rookie

     My prior experiences using technology include my time as a meteorologist in the Air Force. Most of my shifts included working on the computer to forecast the weather and create products for my customers. I would also create briefings and training materials on Powerpoint and Word documents. Social media and messaging programs have also helped with typing and key stroke commands in the past. Like most students, I am on my computer or other electronic device most of each day.

     In this class I hope to learn how to further utilize technology in the classroom. My goal is to teach high school and college history courses and I would like to include technology in my future lesson plans. History can be a boring subject for some students, so videos, slideshows, pictures, and other media may be able to maintain students' attention better. I hope to learn more about the education technology options that I will have because I already have a general understanding of Microsoft Office.

     My learning style results match what I expected from the questionnaire. I am fairly neutral between an action and a reflective learner. Sometimes I prefer to think things through, but other times I like to jump right in and get things done. I am also a sensing, visual, and sequential learner. I tend to remember images better than words on a screen, but I also like things in order. I have no trouble remembering timelines or ordered steps if I am able to hear a story or see an image/video to associate with the information.