Final Project

It is already the end of the semester. In many ways, I am sad to see it go. I have enjoyed learning so many new tools for using technology in the classroom. One thing that I really enjoyed learning about was LiveBinder where I can keep all of my tools ready to use. I also enjoyed learning about the ReadWriteThink website. It is amazing where technology is heading for the near future. I think Agumented Reality will be very interesting to use with in classrooms around the country.

I will be using my blog in the future. I hope to continue my research to stay current on technology topics. I have found some very helpful websites which I can explore in the future and stay up-to-date. I hope to follow several of my coursemates' blogs as well. It is a neat way to keep in touch with coursemates throughout the time of being an online learner with United Tribes Technical College.

Bio Cube

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2tDSoIWU0LFX1g5M1JzMXV1eUE/view?usp=sharing

I created a bio cube using the website ReadWriteThink. This website is full of different activities to use in a classroom to help reinforce the lesson being taught. I will definitely be using this site again and again.

Digital Storytelling

I made my digital story using My StoryMaker.    One thing I did not like about this app is that I was unable to share a direct link to my story.  However, you can use this code:  SWL071  at http://www.carnegielibrary.org/kids/storymaker/embed.cfm   to read the story I created.  It is a role reversal between a cat named Felix and a girl stuck up in a tree. My daughter loves cats and I thought of her while creating this story.    If you can view it, I hope you enjoy!

Open Education Sites: Open Ed

The other open education site I checked out was Open Ed found at https://www.opened.io. This time I signed up as a teacher. The program was user friendly until it came time to actually set up the mastery chart. Then I began to get confused.

This program also awards points for completing lessons. The teacher can assign suggested resources for the lessons. Or teachers can assign lessons from the world's largest common core lesson plan library which is found on the site.

This site was listed as the ISTE 2014 Best of Show. After I went to the help section of the site, I decided to change over to a student and see what things looked like from that perspective. There were videos showing teachers how to set up their accounts step-by-step. It looked more complicated than it was. As a student I was unable to see what lessons looked like since I needed a code to sign in.

There are lessons available for grades K-12. They are personalized and completely aligned with Common Core Standards. Students can play videos or games with the lessons. Assessments look like they could be very helpful. Another pro is that students and teachers can access the program from any device. The lesson content comes from well known publishers.

From what I can tell at this point, this app would be helpful in an Elementary classroom; however, it would be more beneficial for older students. Right now, it does not seem to grasp younger students' attention.

Open Education Sites: Khan Academy

This week,, my challenge was to visit open education sites and critique them. The first one I chose was Khan Academy found at https://www.khanacademy.org.. First of all, it struck my interest because it includes courses for K-College. This means that I can touch up on my Algebra II and maybe work on some Trig over the summer since I enjoy math.

It is a fun site that includes videos of teaching about the subject. The math modules included hints. At the end of the lesson, the student earns points, new avatars, and badges. There are plenty of rewards to keep the students' interest. So far I have earned 500 points and have mastered 4 skills. I also earned a badge and a new avatar just for completing the assessment short quiz.

There are lots of subjects to choose from. I even had my 10th grade son interested in the history of art lessons.

Teachers become the coaches for the students working through the lessons. Lessons are 5-20 minutes long which help to keep students engaged. The videos are conversational style instead of lectures. The site seems to protect the privacy of students. Teachers can add their whole class to the program.

This open education site would be helpful to fill in the gaps in school for subjects not offered in the school system. It can be used to "flip the classroom" when teachers assign a video for homework and students work on the problems during class time. The program is self-paced, individualized, and mastery-based. It would be a good program to use with Elementary students.

The only con that I have found so far is using my netbook, I cannot always see the buttons to close pop-ups or pages. Otherwise it has been very user friendly.

Digital Footprints

I plan to teach my future students about their own digital footprint. One source that I will use will be http://www.21things4students.net/21/3-digital-footprint/. I found that this resource was made in a way to keep students' attention and help them enjoy the important lesson. It helped me to understand this concept better.

What is a digital footprint? It is basically a permanent record of anything you put online. It is like a tattoo. Anything you put online will forever be there, even if you take it down or delete it. I was a little surprised when I searched my name on pipl.com. Old phone numbers and addresses were listed; as well as my various social media accounts. We need to teach students how to stay safe online. We need to help protect their privacy. 

Why Should We Teach Students About Mind Mapping?

According to Inspiration.com, "mindmapping is a visual form of note taking. It is a visual tool to help learners find the central idea and sub-topics of the information. Students can comprehend the information, create new ideas, and build connections." How to Teach mind mapping and how to make a mind map

Some benefits of making mind maps includes the following according to Inspiration.com:

• Brainstorming
• Explore any idea, concept, or problem
• Help students understand relationships and connections between ideas and concepts
• Communicate new ideas and thought processes
• Students can easily recall information
• It is a visual form of taking notes and planning tasks
• Organize ideas and concepts

According to TeachThought.com, mind mapping will "engage students, encourage creativity, and teach students how to learn instead of memorizing content." 10 Mind Mapping Strategies for Teachers

Both websites were accessed on 4-20-15. Please visit the websites for more information. 

Mindmap Regarding Technology Implementation Issues in Schools

Create your own mind maps at MindMeister

DoppleMe

  I created this avatar using DoppleMe.
I wanted to show how I like to read.
A good reason for students to use an avatar instead of their real pics and information is for safety. Students should never put their addresses, phone numbers, or any personal information out on the web due to people who could be predators.
Students can use an avatar when setting up social media, blogs, and more.

My Blog Disclosure Policy

The Federal Trade Commission demands that I tell you the following:

This blog is for educational purposes. I created this blog as part of an assignment for my college degree. While I am new to the blogging world, I am enjoying adding my small piece of information out to the world. 

I have not reviewed any products or services and, therefore, have not been paid for an advertising at this time. 

I will be honest with my readers. If in the future I choose to be paid for advertising products or services, I will tell you. 

Copyright Help!!

As I read through my fellow coursemates' discussions, I noticed that they already picked the "good" sites to use in the classroom for the discussion of copyright laws. However, I heard from them that it was difficult to find information to use for students about this topic. 

Therefore, I have found two websites full of resources for us to use as teachers. Some of the links do not work, but most of them are full of information for us to use as we teach this topic. 

 

I feel it is important to use Pedagogical Content Knowledge as well as our Knowledge of the Content itself to teach this topic. Lecture alone will be confusing and boring for our students. 

 

Check out these resources:

 

http://www.schrockguide.net/intellectual-property.html

 

http://www.livebinders.com/play/play/%20%20%20241080%20%20?present=true

 

Pros: Full of information to use within your lesson planning.

          Idea starters for you to create your lessons. 

 

Cons: Not all of the links are active.

           Not a neat package of just one site to click on and go.  

 

 

I hope these are helpful for you,

Laura