Wrapping Up!

Well this is the second to last class of the summer and I am to finish up my blogging days. At least for this particular blog. I must say that I have really enjoyed this class. I think I mentioned this before, but I purposely put off this class till my last undergrad semester. I wanted to get the most up-to-date information in technology for the classroom as possible, since it is every changing at a rapid pace. I think that it was the best decision not only for that reason, but also because all of these resources are fresh on my mind going into my internship year in a few weeks. I am very excited about that! Some of my favorite things this semester were: Wordle, Picnik, Blogger, Wikis, iGoogle, and Google docs. I also loved creating the iMovie! It was a lot of fun! I hope I can remember all of these great ideas when I am in the classroom on my own. There are so many great resources out there for young students today. I can see so many benefits for my students and myself, from incorporating technology into my classroom!
Thanks for a great semester!

Websites!

Currently, I am working on my website for this class. With out the teacher's guidance, I do not think that I would be able to figure out all of the neat links and what nots that make personal web pages work so great. I love the idea of creating a space for students, parents, and other teachers, and I think that google sites is a fantastic place to do that. It is something that you would have to play around with to get all of the connections right. I found myself wishing I was creating another wiki for this assignment instead of a google site, because I have already made one and find it easier to work. I think that with practice I will get better at the google site program and like it just as well if not better than wikis.

I think that students could make their own website with this resource and it could apply the work to all content areas. Students could create a business, develop a biography of some sort on a person, or create a book report. They could work in groups or alone. These are just some ideas!

https://sites.google.com/site/mswhitakersclassroom/

iMovie!

I had a lot of fun with this activity! I could for sure see myself using this in the classroom for lessons and student creations! I am unfamiliar with mac computers and at first I was worried it would be too difficult, but after playing around with the program, I was able to navigate and create my very first iMovie. This project was the one I have spent the most time on this semester, but I also enjoyed doing it the most. Students could use photos taken from a field trip to create a story, we can use illustrations from the class to create a book, and teachers can use it as an attention getter for students before a lesson. It would also be neat if all students created one as a "Get to know me" activity!

Half way there!

I am nearing the end of my crazy summer extravaganza and I must say, that for being in school in the summer, I couldn't have picked better classes. I have really enjoyed this class along with my others. I am learning so much about using technology in the classroom and going into my internship this fall, I am for sure look forward to tying it out. I made a Wiki for another my Reading Ed. class this summer, and really had fun.

My concern is the little amount of technology available in classrooms. These ideas are great in theory or in a technology room but I can see myself having a hard time making time for everyone to use the 5 computers in the class. I also think that there is SO MUCH out there, its kind of nerve racking just skimming the surface.

I knew I had to take two undergrad classes this summer and I am so glad I wait till the end to take this one because I am able to learn about the newest version of the programs to this date. If I had taken two years ago, and with technology changing as fast as it does, I would be behind going into this internship year.

Spreadsheet Assessment

I had no idea that Microsoft spreadsheets could be used for this sort of thing! I love the idea of creating worksheets in here. I have had little experience with excel before last class. I did find the formulas frustrating at first, but worth it when they work out. I would really like to use this in my classroom, my only concern is the limited computers in a class. If my entire class needs to take a test on the spreadsheet I made, it would take a long time.

Inspiration

Inspiration is a great source for students to consolidate and represent information. I actually used this program in my Special Ed. class. In order to get through the numerous court cases that go along with the education of students with special needs, we were split into groups, given a case, and told to find the main points for a inspiration web. After a short time we all took 2-3 minutes and presented our case. It was a terrific visual and got the job done in a short period of time. I really enjoyed it.

Coming from a neat freak perspective, I can see some drawbacks to this program. I spent alot of time in this class just making my web look the way I wanted, in a visually pleasing way. I would totally understand the kid who had to have it "just so" and my class would probably spend longer actually creating the webs than finding and sorting the information. I can also see myself wanted to change my student's webs to be organized and neat. Inspiration is something that I am willing to try, but can see being more time consuming that it is worth in the long run. I do really like the outline feature though.

Classrooms Going Digital!

I had never really thought about using photos in the classroom other than framed pictures or a class directory book. I love all of the ideas we have been getting this week.

Picnik is a great way for teacher to create classroom labels, name tags, and edit class pictures. It is also a good way for students to create projects from getting to know the school to field trip expeditions. There are several options that are not available unless you are a paying subscriber, which can be annoying and confusing for kids, but overall its a good source.

Gloggster is wonderful for designing an interactive scrapbook page. It can be for the students and include books read, math tips, or science investigations. For teachers, it can be an online newsletter for parents or a tip sheep for students.

Smilebox, is by far my favorite source. It can be used in so many ways for teachers and students. Its so easy to navigate, and well worth the expense of becoming a member. I can really see students enjoying using this site to document projects over poster board and glue any day!