Microsoft Features

Microsoft Word- I honestly only use this program to write papers and never really took the time to check out all of its features. I looked through some of the features and I found:

text direction
watermark
columns
auto summarize
graph paper

Excel- I took a class in high school about this program and I don't remember any of it. I think that this program is most useful for business majors or office jobs. The features that I played around with are:

calculator
flag for follow up
hide
sample documents

Power Point- I really like using this program especially for class presentations. I've used it for almost every class. Here are some features:

record narration
set up show
slide transition
duplicate slide
guides
comment
insert sounds

I realize that all of these programs have an infinite number of tools and features that can be used. I'm looking forward to learning about more tools.

Technology Standards I Would Like to Work On

There are many, many things that I need to work on. I want to become more comfortable with the SMART Board, but that is only the beginning. I am a new Mac user and am just beginning to realize all of the cool things that is has to offer. I can make my own videos, record music, and much more. I want to work this semester on using my Mac to its full potential.

SMART Board Presentation

Phases of the Moon- SMART Board Activity Link

NETS
2. Communication and Collaboration
b. communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media and formats
4. Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving & Decision-Making
c. collect and analyze data to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions.
d. use multiple processes and diverse perspectives to explore alternative solutions.
5. Digital Citizenship
b. exhibit a positive attitude toward using technology that supports collaboration, learning, and productivity.
c. demonstrate personal responsibility for lifelong learning.

NETS- Student Profiles Grades 3-5/ Ages 8-11
7. Conceptualize, guide, and manage individual or group learning projects using digital planning tools with teacher support. (4,6)
10. Apply previous knowledge of digital technology operations to analyze and solve current hardware and software problems. (4,6)

This activity would directly follow a unit on the moon and its phases. Because this SMART Board interactive activity requires prior knowledge of the phases of the moon- this would be great to use to check for students’ understanding and to reiterate what has just been taught. The activity provides helpful teaching hints and worksheets that can be printed out to be done individually or can be done as a class on the SMART Board. This interactive activity is short but covers the phases of the moon and tests students’ knowledge about the position of the moon. The preparation for this activity would simply be to ensure that students understand the phases of the moon. I would use this activity after teaching the students about the moon and allow one student to come up to the SMART Board and lead the class as they work on the activity provided. That way, I could check to see if they comprehend the subject matter while allowing them to interact with technology and with one another. This activity would also be great to use before a test, as a review of what the test will cover. I also think these types of technological activities make the subject matter more exciting for students and encourages their participation. Learning would be assessed by a follow up quiz or test that checks to see if students understand what has been taught previously and re-taught by the SMART Board interaction.

Blogs for Educators

I decided to focus on The Tech Savvy Educator and specifically the topic of Kidpedia. I'm really interested in preparing myself to incorporate technology into my classroom. Also, I want to encourage student interaction with different facets of technology. This topic is discussing a wiki created by a teacher and her 5th grade class. Something that I noticed right away was the fact the website (although not completed... coming this February) has a "pledge." Their pledge is to keep the website safe and appropriate and also "report abuse by bullies." This caught my attention in light of the fact of how online bullying has caused suicides in many school situations. Although this website was not completed, I think that it would be fun to do a class project and have students design a class wiki maybe concentrating on a certain subject or topic. This way students can show their parents, grandparents, guardians, or whoever, what they are doing at school. This will allow them to develop a positive relationship with technology early on.

Class Reflection #5

I always thought that I wanted to teach Kindergarten... but after working in a second grade class, I've discovered that I really enjoy working with kids that age. They all know how to read, and understand the basics of education, and are excited about learning more. They are in control of their behavior, for the most part, and have an immense respect for their teacher. I would like to observe different classes to see what I like the best. As for now, I really love working with the second grade class.

Class Reflection #4

Today was my favorite day in the classroom by far. All of the students were so excited because of their Valentine's Day party later in the afternoon. I wasn't expecting to receive any Valentine's but to my surprise most of the students had made me special Valentine's. It was one of the most amazing feelings I have ever experienced. I know it sounds odd, but I felt that had finally made a connection with the students. Today I also had an opportunity to sit back and watch the students as they interacted with their teacher. I started picking out unique characteristics that the students have. I realize how different each student is and understand why our teachers are constantly telling us to get to know our students. By doing this, I believe we can become more affective as teachers. Just a few of my thoughts!

Class Reflection #3

Something that I've noticed as I've been in the classroom is that Miss Hill, my cooperating teacher, does not talk down to the second grade class. She doesn't baby talk to them or act like they aren't able to comprehend certain language. Miss Hill doesn't talk above or below her students, but right at their level. I know that is something that I struggle with, especially as I nanny. As a teacher, I want to encourage my students to work on their communication skills and strive toward improving their language.

I love this...

My mom, who was a fifth grade teacher sent this to me... it was really encouraging... hope you guys enjoy!....

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?"

He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers: "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach." To stress his point he said to another guest; "You're a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest. What do you make?"

Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, "You want to know what I make? (She paused for a second, then began...)

"Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.

I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor winner.

I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 without an I Pod, Game Cube, or movie rental.

You want to know what I make? (She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table.)

I make kids wonder. I make them question.

I make them apologize and mean it.

I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.

I teach them to write and then I make them write. Keyboarding isn't everything.

I make them read, read, read.

I make them show all their work in math. They use their God given brain, not the man-made calculator.

I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know about English while preserving their unique cultural identity.

I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.

I make my students stand, placing their hand over their heart to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, One Nation Under God, because we live in the United States of America.

Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life.

(Bonnie paused one last time and then continued.)

Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, with me knowing money isn't everything, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant. You want to know what I make? I MAKE A DIFFERENCE. What do you make, Mr. CEO?"

Class Reflection #2

I've noticed that my classroom does not do a lot with technology. Since it is a private Christian school, I'm sure that there is not a lot of funding for technology tools. While the classroom has a TV/VCR combo, the only other piece of technology is a computer on the teachers desk. I have seen the computer lab, and they do have very nice computers in there. However, I wish that the classroom I am in could have more technology tools. I think the students would love to have a tool such as the SMART Board.

Class Reflection #1

Going into this whole student teaching experience, I was extremely nervous but excited. I knew that this was the beginning of something great, but was still apprehensive. Walking into my school, they already had a name tag ready for me, a phone list, and other essential information that I would eventually need. I honestly felt so much better because they were excited to see me and invited me into their school. The second grade class that I am in has 19 amazingly smart kids who all appear to be excited to be at school. The room is decorated with bulletin boards, posters, and artwork by students. I am really excited to see what the future holds while I am here at Northshore Christian Academy!

Web 2.0 Tools Application

I never realized that there were so many resources available to anyone who is just willing to take the time to look. It's overwhelming at first. I really like the idea of podcasting. Although it could be very time consuming, it would be a helpful tool- especially for students who missed a day of class or need a little extra help. It would also be fun to use some of the online picture tools to post pictures of class work online for parents and students to view. The image generators are really cool also, especially for use on class websites and the like. I'm really excited about getting acquainted with these new tools!

Assignment #2

1) Online Student Learning...
I think that it is really important for students to be using a computer in and out of the classroom. However, there are a lot of things on the Internet that are not appropriate or valid. That is why I think it is really important for teachers to be aware of what is online and provide a list of websites for their students. Teachers can provide students with websites that have educational games, poetry, activities, and the like. For example, websites like Students of the World provide great activities for students. Students can sign up for a pen pal from a different part of the world or study about the different countries of the world. There are games and even blogs that the students can use. Another great website that I found has tons and tons of online games. It is a safe website and has games that test students on their reading, math, science, and life skills. I feel that websites like Primary Games are so great for students because they can play games while learning new things.
2) Student Resources: Social Studies...
It is important for students who need to do research to be provided with resources that are teacher approved. Students need to know how to do research online but a lot of the sources that they may come upon may not be valid. Websites like Social Studies Sources and Social Studies Online provide accurate information for students and easy to use websites. A great project to have students do would be to give them a notable person from history and have them write a short research report on that individual. They would have to find online sources and then successfully cite the sources that they do use. This way students will learn to utilize one of the best resources and tools that is available- the Internet.
3) Student Resources: Reading...
Reading is one of my favorite things to do. However, I realize that for many students reading can be a frustrating activity. Being able to use sources online may change that fact for many students. Children like to use computers, and now with sources such as Awesome Library students can find almost any book that they want online. Another great source that I found online is TumbleBooks, they have animated, taking picture books that can be viewed. However, you have to have a membership to view this site. A great way to use these types of sources would be if you had a SMART Board. The teacher could pull the book up onto the screen and the students could read from it together. I think this would be a great way to utilize available technology and to get students interested in reading.
4) Student Resources: Art...
I think art projects are really fun to do in the classroom. A lot of students are artistic and do not get an opportunity to work on their art in school. School should be fun and not just concentrate on math, science, and history, but should include art as well. Art for Kids is an interactive art website that has art games, art history, and art galleries for students to explore. This website even has lesson plans for teachers as well. Artsonia is an online art museum for kids. I really liked this website because schools can actually post art from their classrooms on this website. I think that would be so great- not only can their art hang on the walls of their classroom but can be viewed online as well.
5) Helpful Resources for Teachers...
Since technology is becoming such a huge part of society, it only makes sense that teachers utilize it to the best of its ability. There are so many great resources online for teachers that no one even really knows about. Elementary Homeroom is one of those helpful resources. This site has links to hundreds of other sites for teachers. They have lesson plans and ideas for every aspect of the curriculum. They even have an online museum and online library. Another site that I found is Teacher's TV.com. They have tons of clips and videos for teachers and for students. I found videos about domestic violence and other issues that students may be dealing with. Since many teachers don't have time to read a lot of articles on these types of things, they can stay aware of issues by watching short movie clips online for free.

I think it is such a good idea for teachers to be aware of what the Internet has to offer. Sometimes teachers need inspiration and there are so many great ideas that can be found online. Students should also be taught how to use the Internet and should be made aware of all the fun things that are available.