Saturday, December 5, 2009
Today's Class
Todays class was awesome. My husband said that today was a creative and great way to end the program. I really enjoyed it. I did not know that it would turn at so great! Good luck to all of you!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Thanksgiving Break
I enjoyed some of my, but not thoroughly enjoyed. I worked on classwork Monday thru Wednesday, took a break on Thursday and Friday and got back to business Saturday night and some of Sunday. Christmas break will be better. So will the rest of them, because I am only taking one class until gradution. I feel as if I am overloaded with work. However, its almost over. I have to hang in their for a few more days.
Research Project
The school I work at has been chosen to be a particpant in a research project. The experience is great. I have received six new computers in my class donated by the district for the study. My question is if the district has more computers then why didn't I get them in the first place. Either way, the research project is computer based and I am now able to have eight kids on the computer at one time. Thats almost half the class. The students are really engaged while they are on the computer. I often hear them singing are saying "hey look at this." Kids think it is a priveldge getting on the computer and sometimes ask if they can use the computer when their work is finished. I am excited. The program also collects data for the teacher and allows for easier differentiated instruction. It also has a lot of work tailored to each individual child's need that is printable. I hope my students continue to have success in the study and keep enjoying it as much as I am.
Large Scale Initiatives
http://infotech.aicpa.org/Resources/Top+Technology+Initiatives/2009+Top+Technology+Initiatives+and+Honorable+Mentions.htm
The AICPA Information Technology Center present the top 2009 technology initiatives
One that I found was the Information Security Management. This tool helps with protecting information, minimizes threats and minimizes the chance of information being stolen.
Another initiative by this research center is mobile and remote computing. This initiative proposes the idea of people working from where ever at any time of day. It allows individuals to collaborate on various digitized documents from anywhere.
Training and competency is another initiative discussed at theis center. Instead of poeple coming to train others businesses are using computer based training such as vodcast, podcast and etc. to train staff.
The AICPA Information Technology Center present the top 2009 technology initiatives
One that I found was the Information Security Management. This tool helps with protecting information, minimizes threats and minimizes the chance of information being stolen.
Another initiative by this research center is mobile and remote computing. This initiative proposes the idea of people working from where ever at any time of day. It allows individuals to collaborate on various digitized documents from anywhere.
Training and competency is another initiative discussed at theis center. Instead of poeple coming to train others businesses are using computer based training such as vodcast, podcast and etc. to train staff.
Mentor
I have been blessed to have had a great mentor. My mentor was a third grade reading and language arts teacher. I was her student teacher and she was my cooperating teacher. She had previously been teacher of the year and she was the team leader. When I was working with her I was pregnant with my son. Before I left she brought me a bag of things for my baby and an office set. The set included a stapler, staple puller, staples, tape and etc. She even came to visit me in the hospital and brought more gifts for my son.
She influenced me greatly in the way I teach. She gave me pointers in different lessons and always reported positively about my teaching experiences. The first year that I taught I would visit her in her room and ask her various questions. I still use the reading advice and materials she has given me today. Her students were successful and mine have been successful also.
She has had the greatest impact on me as a teacher. I learned a lot in college, but the experiences with her taught me a great deal also. Today people come to my class room and ask about my materials and want copies and want to know about some of my teaching strategies. I learned alot of information from teaching at a Reading First school. My professor asked me if I had previously been a reading coach because of my knowledge of teaching reading. Some of the strategies that I learned came from my mentor and some came from trial and error. Thankfully there wasn't much error.
She influenced me greatly in the way I teach. She gave me pointers in different lessons and always reported positively about my teaching experiences. The first year that I taught I would visit her in her room and ask her various questions. I still use the reading advice and materials she has given me today. Her students were successful and mine have been successful also.
She has had the greatest impact on me as a teacher. I learned a lot in college, but the experiences with her taught me a great deal also. Today people come to my class room and ask about my materials and want copies and want to know about some of my teaching strategies. I learned alot of information from teaching at a Reading First school. My professor asked me if I had previously been a reading coach because of my knowledge of teaching reading. Some of the strategies that I learned came from my mentor and some came from trial and error. Thankfully there wasn't much error.
Essays or blogs?
I like doing blogs so much better than essays. They seem more informal and they allow personality to flow. In all four of my MTT classes I have had to write a paper. I heard that they do not have to in the first MTT classes now. Not fair! However, I can't complain I have become a better writer, but with a lot of hard work. Oh well, no use of crying over spilled milk.
Running out of what to say
I really do not know what to say anymore. This is almost my last blog and I have run out of things to say. If I do not get to tell you all on Saturday that I wish you all success, then I am telling you know. Also have a Merry Christmas. Oh my gosh it is right around the corner. I have not had a chance to do much Christmas shopping. After my last final on December 15, malls better beware. Does anyone know when the final is for this class?
Saturday
I am excited about seeing my poster tomorrow and about class on Saturday. I think I'm going to get my husband to come. Not sure if he will because he's already seen most if not all of my creations. He can just come for support. I am curious to see how it all turns out. I think it will be great.
Black Friday
I read Beth's blog about shopping on Black Friday. I was out of town visiting inlaws and a lot of the stores I shop at aren't located down there. Darn, she got such great deals and I missed out. However, I did find my son lots of clothes for a great deal. I went to one of my favorite places to shop which is JCPenney. I wanted to shop for appliances but did not get the chance. Oh well, better luck next time.
National Educational Technology Standards
These resources are great tools. I'm not sure why I am just now hearing about them I would like to have been using them.
One of the recommendations I like is Pixie 2. It seems to be very interactive. I was reading some of the reviews and one talked about how children’s ideas come to life. I also like the idea of podcasts and creating online story books. These could both be used in my classroom.
Intel Assessing Projects is also a good suggestion for the classroom. I am a fan of quick and easy assessments. The district I work for also requires teachers to use rubrics. I can use the Assessing Projects tool to create quick assessments and create rubrics.
I love the TechYes- Student Technology Literacy Certification! This would have been a good resource for my multimedia paper. I am an advocate of peer teaching. Students are often times untapped resources. To choose students and train them to become technology tutors would be excellent. TechYes is primarily for grades 6-9. However, this idea can be implemented in my classroom. I believe that some first graders are intelligent enough to receive training and become technology tutors also. It would have to be at a much lower scale. Maybe future MTT students can complete an assignment where they train a student and video that student teaching a lesson or mentoring peers.
The Designing Effective Projects is also a good resource. It provides various lessons that integrate technology. The best thing about it is that the lessons are designed by teachers. I can use this resource to help me continue to integrated technology in the classroom.
Frames is a resource that will benefit my students. With Frame you can create digital storytelling, animation and etc. I really like the idea of digital storytelling and will use this in my classroom. I’m curious to see how it works. This software is also used for claymation. I am curious to know what that is.
One of the recommendations I like is Pixie 2. It seems to be very interactive. I was reading some of the reviews and one talked about how children’s ideas come to life. I also like the idea of podcasts and creating online story books. These could both be used in my classroom.
Intel Assessing Projects is also a good suggestion for the classroom. I am a fan of quick and easy assessments. The district I work for also requires teachers to use rubrics. I can use the Assessing Projects tool to create quick assessments and create rubrics.
I love the TechYes- Student Technology Literacy Certification! This would have been a good resource for my multimedia paper. I am an advocate of peer teaching. Students are often times untapped resources. To choose students and train them to become technology tutors would be excellent. TechYes is primarily for grades 6-9. However, this idea can be implemented in my classroom. I believe that some first graders are intelligent enough to receive training and become technology tutors also. It would have to be at a much lower scale. Maybe future MTT students can complete an assignment where they train a student and video that student teaching a lesson or mentoring peers.
The Designing Effective Projects is also a good resource. It provides various lessons that integrate technology. The best thing about it is that the lessons are designed by teachers. I can use this resource to help me continue to integrated technology in the classroom.
Frames is a resource that will benefit my students. With Frame you can create digital storytelling, animation and etc. I really like the idea of digital storytelling and will use this in my classroom. I’m curious to see how it works. This software is also used for claymation. I am curious to know what that is.
Last Day
This is the last day to turn things in and I am soo excited. I look forward to finishing the entire M. Ed program now all I have left are reading class and some core. However, I love the first reading class that I am taking and even received the opportunity to participate in a research project. Just a little longer to go until this semester is history!!!!!! I will thoroughly enjoy my Christmas break. I am excited about not having to read any text books over the break. Well it been an interesting journey filled with knowlegde and road blocks.See you all Saturday!
Reading staff develpment
My principal asked me to speak about a reading response to intervention called DRA2.I briefly trained the teachers on how to use this program. I have to admit that I was a little nervous. Not completely sure why. I see these people daily. I probably used the term "um" a number of times'
I know I'll do better as time goes on. Next time I will probably use note cards instead of a tablet to write down ideas. I look forward to doing more professional developments on reading topics. I love to learn about new ways of promoting reading in children.
I would like to train teachers on various strategies to use with struggling readers. I receive numerous compliments from coworkers and peers about my ability to teach children to read. I think when you love to do something you will excel in it. Being a k-2 reading specialist is a job that I think I would love. I now also have more experience about how to integrate technology into learning.
I know I'll do better as time goes on. Next time I will probably use note cards instead of a tablet to write down ideas. I look forward to doing more professional developments on reading topics. I love to learn about new ways of promoting reading in children.
I would like to train teachers on various strategies to use with struggling readers. I receive numerous compliments from coworkers and peers about my ability to teach children to read. I think when you love to do something you will excel in it. Being a k-2 reading specialist is a job that I think I would love. I now also have more experience about how to integrate technology into learning.
Exercises 6.1 and 6.2
Identifying Sources of Ideas for Education and Training Programs Exercise 6.1
1. I have recently completed technology professional developments. This took a while and I have to finish the last training. I had to break these trainings into six parts each training being forty five minutes long. I planned a staff training for Smart board, Audacity, Database, Movie Maker, Power Point, and Word.
2. I trained 4 other teachers on my first grade team. I used survey monkey to find out what the teachers needed help on and I also used the Caffarella book to help plan the assessment.
3. First I created an assessment in survey monkey to determine the training needs of the teachers. Second I conducted an informal survey with the teachers to establish exactly what they needed to know about each technology tool. For example, with Smart board should we begin with how to turn the Smart board on, or how to connect it to the infocus machine and computer, or should we start with different lessons that are useful with Smart board and etc. Thirdly, I trained the teachers on what they needed to know and incorporated a question and answer session so the teachers can ask questions and attain more information.
Exercise 6.2
1. I am involved in the OHI committee at my school. This committee focuses on how to get the school to improve the way staff feels about different situations that occur during the school day.
2. The committee discusses different issues and how those issues can be resolved. We could provide a training demonstrating the correct way to state and address a problem. This would be beneficial because sometimes teachers complain to other teachers and nothing gets solved. Basically, the only technique we use to solve problems is discussion.
3. We chose to openly discuss certain issues so that everybody would have a chance to chime in on the discussion. It’s informing to hear what other teachers have to say about situations instead of just hearing the principal’s suggestions.
4. When people discuss everybody have a chance to give suggestions instead of the discussion being controlled by a dictator.
1. I have recently completed technology professional developments. This took a while and I have to finish the last training. I had to break these trainings into six parts each training being forty five minutes long. I planned a staff training for Smart board, Audacity, Database, Movie Maker, Power Point, and Word.
2. I trained 4 other teachers on my first grade team. I used survey monkey to find out what the teachers needed help on and I also used the Caffarella book to help plan the assessment.
3. First I created an assessment in survey monkey to determine the training needs of the teachers. Second I conducted an informal survey with the teachers to establish exactly what they needed to know about each technology tool. For example, with Smart board should we begin with how to turn the Smart board on, or how to connect it to the infocus machine and computer, or should we start with different lessons that are useful with Smart board and etc. Thirdly, I trained the teachers on what they needed to know and incorporated a question and answer session so the teachers can ask questions and attain more information.
Exercise 6.2
1. I am involved in the OHI committee at my school. This committee focuses on how to get the school to improve the way staff feels about different situations that occur during the school day.
2. The committee discusses different issues and how those issues can be resolved. We could provide a training demonstrating the correct way to state and address a problem. This would be beneficial because sometimes teachers complain to other teachers and nothing gets solved. Basically, the only technique we use to solve problems is discussion.
3. We chose to openly discuss certain issues so that everybody would have a chance to chime in on the discussion. It’s informing to hear what other teachers have to say about situations instead of just hearing the principal’s suggestions.
4. When people discuss everybody have a chance to give suggestions instead of the discussion being controlled by a dictator.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Reflection
I was viewing my goals from the first class. I remember when I took a quiz on Atomic Learning and noted that I didn’t have any knowledge of how to do anything concerning editing and creating a movie. Now I know how to create movies, how to input movie effects and transitions, rolling credits , and how to edit movies.
I have also learned how to use Database. Now I can send individualized letters home with student’s with their specific data. At the beginning of the MTT program I did not know much about a number of technology applications. Now I am mentoring others about how to use various software and programs. Audacity has helped me create books on tape. That is important because the school that I am currently employed in does not have much money. Also a large majority of the students are reading below grade level. Books on tape can help them improve their fluency. I have also learned how to create graphs in Excel. That was another area that I experienced problems with at the beginning of the program.
I am excited that at the end of the program I have reached the goals that I set in the beginning. I am looking forward to applying more of my knowledge of technology into my own classroom. I am also excited about sharing this knowledge with others.
I have also learned how to use Database. Now I can send individualized letters home with student’s with their specific data. At the beginning of the MTT program I did not know much about a number of technology applications. Now I am mentoring others about how to use various software and programs. Audacity has helped me create books on tape. That is important because the school that I am currently employed in does not have much money. Also a large majority of the students are reading below grade level. Books on tape can help them improve their fluency. I have also learned how to create graphs in Excel. That was another area that I experienced problems with at the beginning of the program.
I am excited that at the end of the program I have reached the goals that I set in the beginning. I am looking forward to applying more of my knowledge of technology into my own classroom. I am also excited about sharing this knowledge with others.
Goals
My personal goals are to graduate from Southern Methodist University in 2010 and obtain my Masters in Education with a specialization in reading and technology. I am very interested in teaching children to read and have learned a great deal in my reading classes. Integrating technology in the class room is also an interest of mine. I think it is important to introduce children to technology. For some children at school is the only time they will be able to use technology.
Over the next few years I will work at achieving my goal of becoming an online professor. While living in this technolgy era learning to teach online will be an asset to my aspirations later in life. I would like to do something in administration and believe that my various experience will help me get there.
I believe that the degree received from Southern Methodist University will help me achieve these goals. Until then I will continue to be a mentor to novice teachers. Integrating technology into learning is essential for student learning and engagement. Our student’s will be the leaders of the future and they will need to know how to use technology and most importantly know how to read.
Over the next few years I will work at achieving my goal of becoming an online professor. While living in this technolgy era learning to teach online will be an asset to my aspirations later in life. I would like to do something in administration and believe that my various experience will help me get there.
I believe that the degree received from Southern Methodist University will help me achieve these goals. Until then I will continue to be a mentor to novice teachers. Integrating technology into learning is essential for student learning and engagement. Our student’s will be the leaders of the future and they will need to know how to use technology and most importantly know how to read.
Almost Over
This is my last technology class and the semester is almost over. I am very excited. I think from here on out I will only take one class. I have alot going on and two classes are a bit much for me. I have learned so much in these project based learning classes. However, some things were so much trial and error that I can't remember the correct way to do them.
For instance, I had to relearn how to do Database. Using Database was an assignment we had to do in our first class. I did so much trial and error that I could not remember how to do it. Trial and error can be good for somethings, but for this assignment I would have preferred an in class example.
I am ready to start using my knowledge of technology in the classroom and to help others. The mentoring experience was also a learning experience as well. You learn something more in depth when you teach it. I enjoyed mentoring others.
For instance, I had to relearn how to do Database. Using Database was an assignment we had to do in our first class. I did so much trial and error that I could not remember how to do it. Trial and error can be good for somethings, but for this assignment I would have preferred an in class example.
I am ready to start using my knowledge of technology in the classroom and to help others. The mentoring experience was also a learning experience as well. You learn something more in depth when you teach it. I enjoyed mentoring others.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Fixed my Eportfolio
I figured out how to fix my eportfolio. It was all created on Power Point and figured out how to get everything working on a DVD. Yes! At first I was going to create it the web, but I did not want to pay for a page and I did not want to lose the information after the trial period. Also some web pages did not have enough storage. I tried saving it to a cd as well, but they were not large enough. Alot of trial and error, but I finally got it!
Mentor project
My mentoring project was very interesting. I enjoyed my experience with helping someone become more knowledgable about technology. I have posted my journal below.
Mentoring Journal
All training sessions were conducted on Tuesday’s from 3:05 to 4:05. They were all informal.
Week 1: Tuesday October 6, 2009- Today the individual wanted to know how to create a spread sheet with names on it in Excel. She was trying to create a sign in sheet for an organization that she was a part of. We also focused on how to format each cell correctly and how to get the final project to print with the grid lines showing.
Week 2: Tuesday October 13, 2009- Today we focused on how to create graphs in Excel. She wanted to graph her students TPRI results for the Beginning of the Year (BOY) and compare them with the upcoming Middle of the Year (MOY) results.
Week 3: Tuesday October 20, 2009- Today we created a homework grid for each child. For this she only needed minimal assistance. I refreshed her memory on how to bold all lines so that they would appear when the document is printed and assisted her with inputting names. We also talked about the next mentoring section. She wanted me to assist her in setting up her room so that all students would be able to view the projector screen for the future Power Point lessons.
Week 4: Tuesday October 27, 2009- For the next three weeks we are going to focus on Power Point. Today we went over the basics of Power Point such as how to select slide design and color. Also we focused on how to insert bullets and animation and how to delete or change the location of a slide.
Week 5: November 3, 2009- Today we created a Power Point over drawing conclusions for her second grade class. I assisted her in inserting pictures to help the students visualize the written text. I also refreshed her memory about how to add animation.
Week 6: November 10, 2009- With the last session she wanted to know how to make a podcast. With the winter months coming she figured she might get sick and having a podcast to fall back on would be a good idea. I assisted her with inserting the image of a worksheet on a Power Point slide and how to record her voice. She thought the idea with being able to record her voice on Power Point was really great and had no idea it could be done.
Mentoring Journal
All training sessions were conducted on Tuesday’s from 3:05 to 4:05. They were all informal.
Week 1: Tuesday October 6, 2009- Today the individual wanted to know how to create a spread sheet with names on it in Excel. She was trying to create a sign in sheet for an organization that she was a part of. We also focused on how to format each cell correctly and how to get the final project to print with the grid lines showing.
Week 2: Tuesday October 13, 2009- Today we focused on how to create graphs in Excel. She wanted to graph her students TPRI results for the Beginning of the Year (BOY) and compare them with the upcoming Middle of the Year (MOY) results.
Week 3: Tuesday October 20, 2009- Today we created a homework grid for each child. For this she only needed minimal assistance. I refreshed her memory on how to bold all lines so that they would appear when the document is printed and assisted her with inputting names. We also talked about the next mentoring section. She wanted me to assist her in setting up her room so that all students would be able to view the projector screen for the future Power Point lessons.
Week 4: Tuesday October 27, 2009- For the next three weeks we are going to focus on Power Point. Today we went over the basics of Power Point such as how to select slide design and color. Also we focused on how to insert bullets and animation and how to delete or change the location of a slide.
Week 5: November 3, 2009- Today we created a Power Point over drawing conclusions for her second grade class. I assisted her in inserting pictures to help the students visualize the written text. I also refreshed her memory about how to add animation.
Week 6: November 10, 2009- With the last session she wanted to know how to make a podcast. With the winter months coming she figured she might get sick and having a podcast to fall back on would be a good idea. I assisted her with inserting the image of a worksheet on a Power Point slide and how to record her voice. She thought the idea with being able to record her voice on Power Point was really great and had no idea it could be done.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Digital portfolio
Developing a digital portfolio was more difficult than I thought it would be. I tried to find a website big enough to store all of my files without having to pay, but I was unsuccessful at doing so. I have created it using Power Point, with links but now I am having trouble saving everything to a disk even after I published it and packaged it to cd everything did not transfer. Live and learn.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Train the Trainer
I thought this program contained a wealth of information. I learned that alot of things concerning databases are already created and there is no need to reinvent the wheel. Instructional handouts and evaluations are already done for you.This is helpful because teachers do not have alot of time. The trainings are also asynchronous which also is a great for on the go teachers. There are also free trainings offered monthly. I now have to delete things out of my folders because I had to save the information to view it. I think there should be a way to view the information without saving it. I think this waste time.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Reflecting on Education and Organizations
Exercise 1.2 Reflecting on Education and Training Program
I am currently a member of two organizations. One of the organizations is OHI- Organizational Health Institute. The other is Soul Harvest Choir. OHI is made up of a select group of teachers. My role in OHI is to attend meetings about the organizational health at my school. As a team we try to identify reasons for various complaints made by faculty and or staff. Then we create solutions for the different concerns. In Soul Harvest choir my role is to attend rehearsals and sing in the choir. The choir sings ever Sunday at church and every third Saturday. I have planned an event concerning a fundraiser, but have not yet planned a training program.
Program planning Wish List
I hope to plan training programs for parents at my school to show them how to perform basic computer skills such as checking their email and using search engines. I would also like to show them how to use Microsoft Word and other Microsoft programs to help parents become more computer literate
Also I would like to plan a professional development demonstrating how various programs such as Microsoft Database and Excel could save time while analyzing test results. I believe it is important for teachers to know different affordable software that will help them in planning and implementing instruction. Therefore planning a training that identifies different software, tools and programs and how to use them during instruction would be beneficial to teachers. For example, the funds for supplies at my school are low, so instead of ordering books on tape the teachers could download Audacity and read a book, then upload the audacity file to Media Fire or burn file to a cd. Performing these tasks will allow teachers to have instant access to “free” books on tape.
Exercise 1.3 Defining the purpose of education and training programs
Within the framework below, list examples of educational programs I have participated in and/or planned within the last two or three years
To encourage continuous growth and development of individuals- I have attended various professional developments with focal points such as analyzing TEKS, making science and social studies lessons more interesting, and different trainings demonstrating how to be a more effective reading and math teacher.
To assist people in responding to practical problems and issues of adult life- Depending on your views someone could say that singing in the choir would assist people with issues of adult life. Music helps with stress and the answer to some problems can be solved by listening to the words of song.
To prepare people for current and future work opportunities and To assist in achieving desired results and adapting to change- Attending the various professional developments such as those listed above which focused on different subject areas such as reading, math, science and social studies. The professional development I attended this summer would fit into this category. We had to view and analyze the newly adopted TEKS during training. I also attending trainings on how to become a more effective teacher in science helped me to achieve the results I wanted from my students.
To provide opportunities to examine and foster change related to societal and global issues- none
2. Highlight the positive point of these experiences as either participant and/or planner and indicated what problems or disappointment you encountered. In the various professional developments that I have attended I have learned valuable information and received good instructional materials such as alphabet arcs. I also have learned new techniques from other teachers. However, one disappointment is that the way the instruction was delivered did not capture my attention. I do not like to sit and listen to lectures. The instructor did require us to get up at times, but I think the training would have gone better if the instructor used some sort of attention grabber at the beginning.
I am currently a member of two organizations. One of the organizations is OHI- Organizational Health Institute. The other is Soul Harvest Choir. OHI is made up of a select group of teachers. My role in OHI is to attend meetings about the organizational health at my school. As a team we try to identify reasons for various complaints made by faculty and or staff. Then we create solutions for the different concerns. In Soul Harvest choir my role is to attend rehearsals and sing in the choir. The choir sings ever Sunday at church and every third Saturday. I have planned an event concerning a fundraiser, but have not yet planned a training program.
Program planning Wish List
I hope to plan training programs for parents at my school to show them how to perform basic computer skills such as checking their email and using search engines. I would also like to show them how to use Microsoft Word and other Microsoft programs to help parents become more computer literate
Also I would like to plan a professional development demonstrating how various programs such as Microsoft Database and Excel could save time while analyzing test results. I believe it is important for teachers to know different affordable software that will help them in planning and implementing instruction. Therefore planning a training that identifies different software, tools and programs and how to use them during instruction would be beneficial to teachers. For example, the funds for supplies at my school are low, so instead of ordering books on tape the teachers could download Audacity and read a book, then upload the audacity file to Media Fire or burn file to a cd. Performing these tasks will allow teachers to have instant access to “free” books on tape.
Exercise 1.3 Defining the purpose of education and training programs
Within the framework below, list examples of educational programs I have participated in and/or planned within the last two or three years
To encourage continuous growth and development of individuals- I have attended various professional developments with focal points such as analyzing TEKS, making science and social studies lessons more interesting, and different trainings demonstrating how to be a more effective reading and math teacher.
To assist people in responding to practical problems and issues of adult life- Depending on your views someone could say that singing in the choir would assist people with issues of adult life. Music helps with stress and the answer to some problems can be solved by listening to the words of song.
To prepare people for current and future work opportunities and To assist in achieving desired results and adapting to change- Attending the various professional developments such as those listed above which focused on different subject areas such as reading, math, science and social studies. The professional development I attended this summer would fit into this category. We had to view and analyze the newly adopted TEKS during training. I also attending trainings on how to become a more effective teacher in science helped me to achieve the results I wanted from my students.
To provide opportunities to examine and foster change related to societal and global issues- none
2. Highlight the positive point of these experiences as either participant and/or planner and indicated what problems or disappointment you encountered. In the various professional developments that I have attended I have learned valuable information and received good instructional materials such as alphabet arcs. I also have learned new techniques from other teachers. However, one disappointment is that the way the instruction was delivered did not capture my attention. I do not like to sit and listen to lectures. The instructor did require us to get up at times, but I think the training would have gone better if the instructor used some sort of attention grabber at the beginning.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Video 2 production
In this video I will be rcording different successful African Americans. The purpose of this video is to share success stories with my students. Every year we do an assignment titled "When I grow up" and students are to tell what they want to be when they grow up. However, alot of my students have does not have big dreams. They want to work at grocery or food stores as a cashier instead of owning one. Hopefully this video will encourage them to aspire to do more.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
District Data Strategies
Road blocksI have been trying to complete this assignment and have run into some road blocks. I have talked to about seven different departments. I called the data analysis dept. which did not answer. Then I call district wide records and management who told me to call the main number and ask for tech. I called the main number and they told me to to speak with communication and communications transfered me technology and technology dept transferred me to network svcs. and network svcs. transfered me to technical assistance. I spoke with one lady whose name I will not mention and she told me to talk to another guy in network svcs. So I called network scvs. again and they did not answer. Nobody seems to know who to talk to. I know how I store data in
How I save Documents: my classroom- I save things in folders and in documents and on the desktop. I learned that I should have a backup device, but I do not. The way we keep up with grades in grades 2-5 is through a system called Gradebook. I use a regular paper gradebook because pre-k-1st is not loaded into the gradebook system because we do not give numerical grades. Our grading scale consists of E,S, or N.
District- Also the district has a system called my data portal that tracks students test grade and progress. This system may be view by the teacher, but a password is required.
Attendance- Our CRC keeps up with this information. I am not sure which data management system she uses. Teachers attendance is kept in a program called Oracle that can be accessed by the teacher and is password protected
Questions: What data management backup system does DISD use to keep track of all the information- student records, teacher and student attendance?
What department handles student data?
Is prek-1st ever going to get away from paper gradebooks?
Can someone create a nemerical scale for E, S, N such as 90-100= E; 80-89 =S+; an70-79= S- and below 70 is a N. Maybe if a numerical value was attached to our grades we could use computerized gradebooks.
How I save Documents: my classroom- I save things in folders and in documents and on the desktop. I learned that I should have a backup device, but I do not. The way we keep up with grades in grades 2-5 is through a system called Gradebook. I use a regular paper gradebook because pre-k-1st is not loaded into the gradebook system because we do not give numerical grades. Our grading scale consists of E,S, or N.
District- Also the district has a system called my data portal that tracks students test grade and progress. This system may be view by the teacher, but a password is required.
Attendance- Our CRC keeps up with this information. I am not sure which data management system she uses. Teachers attendance is kept in a program called Oracle that can be accessed by the teacher and is password protected
Questions: What data management backup system does DISD use to keep track of all the information- student records, teacher and student attendance?
What department handles student data?
Is prek-1st ever going to get away from paper gradebooks?
Can someone create a nemerical scale for E, S, N such as 90-100= E; 80-89 =S+; an70-79= S- and below 70 is a N. Maybe if a numerical value was attached to our grades we could use computerized gradebooks.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Content Video
My video is going to be about successful African Americans and Hispanics. At the beginning of the year we always do an assignment entitled "When I Grow Up." The children write about what they want to be when they grow up. However, some students choose things such as working at Kroger instead of owning a Kroger Food Chain. I try to get them to think higher and outside of their box. I believe that if they saw more successful people who looks like them then they would become more motivated and maybe achieve greater things in life. I am excited to see their responses after watching this video.
Graphic Organizer
KidPix is a great tool. I used it to create a graphic organizer about coins and their attributes. I really like the fact that KidPix have a tool that reads what is on the page. This would be great for first graders since most of them come to class not knowing how to read. It would be nice if we had this at our school.
Excited
The classes are almost over. We have a few more assignments and a test. I am so happy. I plan to enjoy the rest of my summer. Does anybody have any exciting plans?Image retrieved from http://www.crossdaily.com/pictures/130/M/row_of_excited_people_130000450.jpg
Multimedia Project
I am finally through with my multimedia projet. I used softchalk and ended up with about 12 different pages. I think it is really good, but when I view it as a webpage the spacing in some of my pages gets misconstrued. I have been working at this and have not found a way to fix it. I hope this problem gets resolved on Thursday when we meet. I had to make changes and the problem was fixed on Thursday. My peers and I reviewed it and thought it great.
Ladies of America
Have any body heard of a gym called l Ladies of America? Is it pretty good? I was thinking about joining.
Juggling- Does it Get Easier?
I have a son and I work full time (though not in the summer) and I have a husband. I hear about women juggling all this and they seem fine. Does it get easier or are they naturals? My son demands my attention and so does housework it seems. Also my family perfers my cooking over my husbands and over going out to eat- so do I . Anybody with experience have any tips to help me out?
Podcasts Creation
Creating my podcast was pretty simple. I used audacity again- I really like this tool. I recorded a lesson about the importance of being able to count money. I also included a worksheet for my graphic. The worksheet had different images concerning reasons we should be able to count money such as a receipt, coupons, and a price tag. The students were suppose to look at the examples and tell me three additional reasons why learning to count money is important.
A little about Me
I am currently taking six hours online and have occassionally been stressed. I think it would have been easier if I were in face-to-face classes in the summer. However my technology courses have been interesting so far but I do not think I would do summer school again unless I have to. I am learning alot in this multimedia class. I really like all the new things I 've learned.
Audio and Animation
The audio file was quite simple. However it would have been easier if I used audacity first. I can't remeber the name of the recording media I first tried, but a voice kept cutting in saying demo. So throughout my lesson the lady is saying this is a demo. Audacity is much better. I recorded a book on tape using audacity. I really like that program. However, I am not exactly sure how to use its editing devices.
The animation was fun. PowerPoint is a great tool to design an animation. I created a graphic that allowed coin amounts to find their way to the correct coin. I also was working on a jeopardy template for a money game. However that is time consuming instead I am going to find one on Google.
The animation was fun. PowerPoint is a great tool to design an animation. I created a graphic that allowed coin amounts to find their way to the correct coin. I also was working on a jeopardy template for a money game. However that is time consuming instead I am going to find one on Google.
LakeShore
I have this really great product that would help teachers. I want to present the idea to LakeShore. I am sure they would buy the idea. Anybody know what to do?
Video Production
The worst experience I have had in this class was with the video production. I already have a video camera so I gathered up my actors and shot the video. Well, I tried to hook my camera up to the video and realized that it did not work. I went to different electronic stores and finally found what I thought I needed at Fry's. However that was not the case. My video camera only had a fireport and not a USB port. So I bought the fireport, but my computer does not have a port for a fireport so that did not work. Then I bought something that was suppose to convert video tapes to cd's and all I needed was the equipment and three cords so I tried this. That did not work. I think Vista is too new for the hardware. I called SMU and asked if they let students check out equipment. The answer was no it is only for faculty. I'd had enough by this point. I finally had to go and buy another video camera with a USB cord and reshoot the entire video. After that the rest was pretty simple. For me getting started was the hard part. Moviemaker is really neat I had no idea about all the technology that is right at my fingertips-literally. I think I will continue to use moviemaker for other events.
Burn Out
I heard it was not good to do a lot of work during the summer because teachers need their breaks and can get burnt out. I feel like that is true. I am glad that I am getting these hours out of the way, but this is a lot.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Classroom of the future
The classroom of the future would not be anything like the room I have now. It would have surround sound. I like this idea because it would help preserve my voice. The class of the future would be technology rich. Teachers would utilize smart boards, activotes, Quicktionary reading pens, computers and etc. Not only would teachers utilize the material, but there would be enough materials for every student. Now at my school we don't have enough of anything-not even books sometimes. In the classroom of the future paper and pencil would be used primarily for handwriting purposes instead of the main source for students work. This room would not just have regular computers, but the computers would be up to date, software would be plenteous and the computers would be touch screens. The classroom of the future would use technology everyday and teachers would realize that if it can be done on pen and paper then it could be better using technology. Future classrooms would be big enough to have a lab in them with enough computers for every student. Space would not be an issue. My room would be internet equipped with more than one internet outlet.
In the classroom of the future money would not be an issue. Whenever I need something my principal always say we do not have the money. Therefore I am limited to the technology that I could receive. In the classroom of the future technology would be viewed as highly important in every grade (not just third and up). The budget for technology would be plenteous allowing teachers to have all of their technological needs met.
Also there would be no need for technology teachers. However a tech person would be needed to help with any computer malfunctioning. All of the classrooms teachers would be very knowledgeable concerning technology and professional development in this area would be ongoing.Saturday, June 27, 2009
lesson accelerators
I really liked the idea of creating an "About Me" poster with Microsoft Publisher for the kids at school. Usually I instruct my students to write about themselves on a template shaped liked a face. We also talk about their interest and goals in the class. Also we discuss which subject we like the least and the best and why. However their is a problem with this activity. The lesson instructs the students to have digital pictures of themselves saved on a cd or memory cards. The student is then suppose to bring those photos to school. The collection of photos should include their interest such as photos of cars, doll collections or dinosaurs as well as a photo of themselves. However, I work at a low income school in an urban area. My students do not own digital cameras. I would adapt this lesson to fit the needs of my students by allowing each parent to check out cameras from the school to take pictures of their child and his/her interests. Then I would upload those pictures into a folder. All this should be done the first week of class. Also during that first week the student would continue to fill out the about me template. After all the posters have been created I would attach their writing (or drawing if student can not yet write) samples on their posters. This activity could be presented in a staff development meeting by showing teachers how you can incorporate technology into an ordinary "About Me" assignment.
Another lesson that I thought was really neat was entitled "Family Connections." I liked this lesson because it is a way to digitally create a family tree. Every year teachers have their students' to create a family tree or bring something that related to your cultural history. This way the students can gain experience from powerpoint to create a digital family tree. This assignment example was very well organized. For each person of the family their was a picture on a button. When this button was clicked it brought up different information about that person, such as their name, date of birth and a historical event that happened the year or the date that person was born. This lesson is perfect for my class. My students will create this activity in the computer lab for a major social studies project grade. This also could be used for a staff development to show how to incorporate technology into social studies. I am happily getting away from traditional paper and pencil assignments!
Another lesson that I thought was really neat was entitled "Family Connections." I liked this lesson because it is a way to digitally create a family tree. Every year teachers have their students' to create a family tree or bring something that related to your cultural history. This way the students can gain experience from powerpoint to create a digital family tree. This assignment example was very well organized. For each person of the family their was a picture on a button. When this button was clicked it brought up different information about that person, such as their name, date of birth and a historical event that happened the year or the date that person was born. This lesson is perfect for my class. My students will create this activity in the computer lab for a major social studies project grade. This also could be used for a staff development to show how to incorporate technology into social studies. I am happily getting away from traditional paper and pencil assignments!
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