Grade Level: 8
Subject: Science
Assignment sheet and steps to complete for this project can be found at this link
Rubric can be found at this link
The final project should look somewhat similar to this
The NETS for the teacher that I am following for this project are:
Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter,
teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate
experiences that advance student learning,
creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face
and virtual environments.
a. Promote, support, and model creative
and innovative thinking and inventiveness
b. Engage students in exploring real-world issues
and solving authentic problems using digital tools
and resources
c. Promote student reflection using collaborative
tools to reveal and clarify students’ conceptual
understanding and thinking, planning, and
creative processes
The NETS for the students are:
Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct
knowledge, and develop innovative products and
processes using technology.
a. Apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas,
products, or processes
b. Create original works as a means of personal
or group expression
c. Use models and simulations to explore complex
systems and issues
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Technology Project
Here is an example of something I would have my future students do. I drew pictures of the cell division process, then took pictures of them and made a video with music out of the different phases. This incorporates the use of technology with education.
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Reflection 12
"Technology in the Classroom: Harmful or Helpful?" states several of the benefits of technology in the classroom, alongside some concerns. While there will always be concerns any time there is a shift in something so prominent in society, in this case education, it is hard to halt this change while looking at the major benefits. My favorite quote from this article was "Teachers remain the constant in an ever-changing classroom environment, which will continue to shift with the technological tides." I like this quote because it clearly states the job of teachers, to continue guiding their students as the education system changes.
Reflection 11
" Why Technology MUST Be Used in Education" is an article that brings up many fascinating points about how technology is no longer a "treat" in the classroom. It used to be if students finished their assignment they GOT to go use the computer in the back of the classroom. These days using computers is an essential part of learning and it should be incorporated into everyday lessons. There are multiple other reasons why technology is an absolute must in the classroom that are discussed in this article, I highly recommend you read it!
Reflection 10
This is a TED talk done by Salman Khan about how effectively videos coan be used to recreate the education system. He believes that videos are a powerful source for students to interact with at home, and that they can be essential in successful learning. His point is that videos should be used to teach students, and teacher should be there in class while they do homework to help clarify any unanswered questions students might have. I think this is an excellent video that shows how education is changing and the potential it has to continue changing in this direction.
Reflection 9
I remember in high school my classmates and I were not allowed to use our cell phones at all- even in the hallways.This article discusses the fact that students actually do use their cell phones for educational purposes. There are plenty of statistics in the post that show students who use cell phones to complete homework and do research. Often times it's easy to assume that students only use technology for purposes such as social media, however they also use to it to further their education, which is something I think needs to be taken into consideration.
Reflection 8
I got really excited after reading this article on using Pinterest in the classroom! Lisa Nielson gives five different ways that Pinterest can be incorporated into teaching. I think this is great because I know a lot of high school girls who spend the majority of their free time "pinning" so allowing them to use Pinterest for school work would not only give them motivation but probably cause them to enjoy doing their work. I recommend looking at this blog to get more creative ideas for how to connect with students on their turf to help them learn successfully.
Reflection 7
I really enjoyed this Youtube video by Sir Ken Robinson. He makes a good point that most of the people teaching did not grow up with technology and therefore do not think it is necesserily important to use inside of the classroom. Students are surrounded by technology and it has now become a large part of their everyday life. Teacher's need to keep up on technology or else they are causing a great divide between education and everyday life for students.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
I use Word on a daily basis, PowerPoint on a weekly basis, and Excel on occasion. Being an Education/English major, I am constantly using Word to write essay, create agendas etc. I use PowerPoint both for giving presentations but also for getting information from my teachers. Both of these are essential in my education. I used Excel less frequently but find it helpful when I need to make lists or create budgets and things. It is a great way to get organized!
I would have my students use these three tools for the following projects:
1. Word would be used for writing and revising essays given in class.
2. PowerPoint would be used to create a presentation based on a specific topic given out in class.
3. Excel could be used in a Science Class to help organize data.
NU Educators Panel
If I were to ask the NU Educators Panel members they would be the following:
1.How can technology be most effectively and appropriately used within the classroom?
2.Do you see potential problems with having technology so heavily integrated?
3.Why is technology so important to have in education?
Technology Project Plan
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My plan is to have students create a visual simulation of the process of cell division. They will use digital media to create this, and then make a video that shows each stage with explanation as to what is happening. After this, students will post their videos on their class blog to share with their classmates.
My plan is to have students create a visual simulation of the process of cell division. They will use digital media to create this, and then make a video that shows each stage with explanation as to what is happening. After this, students will post their videos on their class blog to share with their classmates.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
ThingLink
I just read an article about several different uses of technology in the classroom. One particular tool I learned about is called ThingLink which creates interactive images. Once an image is uploaded, students are able to pin other things such as videos or SoundCloud links to the image. ThinkLink caTn be used to draw diagrams and label images such as cells or maps.
There are several other tools that this article talks about that are very creative when it comes to using technology in the classroom. I highly recommend reading it!!
There are several other tools that this article talks about that are very creative when it comes to using technology in the classroom. I highly recommend reading it!!
Bloom's Taxonomy
After reading this article, I understand better what Bloom's Taxonomy is, how it holds our education system to a higher standard, and how it encourages the use of technology in the classroom. I just recently learned about coding and the importance of internet literacy in order to create websites. I automatically thought of technology and understanding how it works while looking through the 6 categories of Bloom's Taxonomy, most specifically "Analysis." The definition for analysis from this website is that it
"refers to the ability to break down material into its component parts so that its organizational structure may be understood. This may include the identification of the parts, analysis of the relationships between parts, and recognition of the organizational principles involved. Learning outcomes here represent a higher intellectual level than comprehension and application because they require an understanding of both the content and the structural form of the material."
I think that it's important for students to know how to analyze the technology that they use and become comfortable with using that part of their brain. Understanding the components of technology, how to use and build it, works the problem solving part of student's brains which is what the "Analyze" section Bloom's Taxonomy is all about.
"refers to the ability to break down material into its component parts so that its organizational structure may be understood. This may include the identification of the parts, analysis of the relationships between parts, and recognition of the organizational principles involved. Learning outcomes here represent a higher intellectual level than comprehension and application because they require an understanding of both the content and the structural form of the material."
I think that it's important for students to know how to analyze the technology that they use and become comfortable with using that part of their brain. Understanding the components of technology, how to use and build it, works the problem solving part of student's brains which is what the "Analyze" section Bloom's Taxonomy is all about.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Reflection 6
I remember in high school when I would have to collect data and draw it in pie charts or bar graphs. This was mostly used for math and science but sometimes with history as well, and I always thought it was boring and confusing. I read an article called "10 Fascinating Data Visualization Projects" and expected it to reflect something similar to what I had done in high school.....not even close!! I was honestly amazed at the amount of really interesting information I found, and the awesome visual effects. I am now searching where and how I can make these different types of graphs because of how effective they are. I have never been excited about data collecting until now, which is making me realize that if we are using technology correctly how much of a difference it can make in our future students lives.
Reflection 5
I read an article on free digital workshops that are used to help students from grade school all the way up to high school learn how to create apps and design robots. This article talked about how it's not only important for technology to be there, but for students to understand how and why it works. The process of learning how to create these apps is education in itself. This is a type of education that students are getting excited about, and it is important to look at this in a positive light. They have the ability to create whatever they like, whenever they like. I am really excited to learn more about this workshop program and where I could possibly learn how to design and create apps and robots! I think if we use technology the right way, education will go somewhere it has never gone before.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Reflection 4
Recently a friend and I watched a Youtube video about "coding." This was the first time I had ever realized that I could potentially learn how to create websites and apps. I was really interested in this so I began to research the topic, when I came across an article called "Kids Code the Darndest Things." This Article features several videos of young kids who have created apps, video games and websites. I was honestly blown away when I began watching these videos. These kids were standing in front of audiences speaking publicly about their passions for technology, the ways they got creative and how exactly they got involved. Their public speaking was far better than mine was even in high school, and the amount of knowledge and creativity was outstanding. The fact that they are able to think up such creative designs in their heads and transfer it onto a computer or some other form of technology is truly amazing. I think we need to encourage students to branch out and use technology to advance their creativity levels. This article has changed my perspective on technology and has made me realize why it is so essential that we use it to further our students education. Technology takes students' potentials to an entirely new level as it provides limitless creativity for them to explore.
Reflection 3
Another cause for concern when it comes to technology, is that social media is lessening students' abilities to read and write properly. This article is interesting as it is written by a writer himself who grew up before social media and is now watching as his children are constantly engaged with Twitter and Facebook. The author of this article makes the argument that social media may actually be helping in regards to reading and writing. One of his points is that these days we are reading more than ever. The whole basis of social media stems on our ability to read. The fact that Twitter also has a 140 character limit forces those tweeting to be concise and effective in their writing. What I really like about this article is that it points out the flaws, for example the lack of good grammar and spelling, but it also shows the positive aspects of technology. There are pros and cons to technology in education, but whether we like it or not this is where our generation is headed.
Internet Safety (Reflection 2)
One of the main concerns with the use of technology in schools, specifically with younger children, is that it can be dangerous. We are all familiar with the scams and viruses that are passed along through the internet. I came across this website that has given a solution to this issue which I think is a great resource. Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization that has created a "passport" for both students and teachers alike. CSM has partnered with Harvard's School of Education in an endeavor to teach students internet manners and ways to keep themselves safe. This passport has multiple games and videos that bring up different scenarios and situations that could happen via the internet, while providing the student with appropriate solutions in order to keep themselves safe. I think this is a really great tool because it makes learning important internet lessons fun for students and raises awareness about specific problems that can occur while online.
Twitter in the Classroom (Reflection 1)
I had never though about using twitter in the classroom until I stumbled across this website. The article discusses several different ways that twitter can be used as a benefit to the class for example, classroom development. In order to have a healthy classroom I think it is important for students to know each other on a personal level and having twitter aids that. Not only will students be more comfortable in class and sharing information with each other, they are exposed to multiple cultures and ways of life through learning who others are outside of the classroom. As far as a more educational purpose, Twitter can be used as a tool to connect students to their teachers outside of class, and because twitter is usually linked to a phone, feedback is more prompt than emails.
There are many other examples of ways that Twitter can be used to further education inside of the classroom and I really recommend people to click on the link above! It is interesting to see that social media is not just the distraction from class that many people think it is, it can also be used to promote learning.
There are many other examples of ways that Twitter can be used to further education inside of the classroom and I really recommend people to click on the link above! It is interesting to see that social media is not just the distraction from class that many people think it is, it can also be used to promote learning.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Generation IM
"Generation IM" was a great insight into how prevalent technology is in today's society. Teens spend an average of 6.5 hours a day using media, and even children between the ages of 0-6 are exposed at least two hours a day. Reading this article reminded me that kids these days are growing up in an environment that is almost completely reliant on technology to function. Whether or not it is good or bad doesn't matter because it is happening whether we like it or not. I was reminded how much information there is available, and how the advancement of technology has allowed children to begin to explore and create. Technology allows children to be limitless in their inventions and broadens the horizons of their minds when it comes to creation. I would use was I have learned from reading this article in a science lesson by having my students blog about what they learned in class and what questions they might still have. I might even post pod casts of that days lessons that would allow students to go back and hear again what was said during class. This would help them to recall what they are supposed to know and help with memory and further understanding.
SMART Boards
I learned a lot about the SMART Board in class. I think it is a great advancement in the world of education as it helps students with all sorts of learning styles. For example, students who are visual learners will be able to have their needs met solely by looking at the board. The SMART board is interactive which means that students who need to learn through physical activity can have their needs met by physically using the board. The SMART board plays sounds as well which helps students who learn aurally.
I still have questions about whether the board may be distracting to some students and how often it should be used? Should it be used for every class period or should other lessons be taught using the white board or using other methods as well?
I still have questions about whether the board may be distracting to some students and how often it should be used? Should it be used for every class period or should other lessons be taught using the white board or using other methods as well?
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Week 3
I found Marc Pensky's article on Digital Natives verses Digital Immigrants very interesting. . Growing up overseas and being considered an immigrant, I never knew what was going on. In this sense, I have a lot more compassion for the older generation that does not understand the great things about technology.
My grandfather was a teacher and we recently had a conversation about the use of technology in education. I told him I thought it was wonderful how much access to information students have today, but he did not agree. In his opinion, the most effective way to learn is from a physical book, with a notepad and pen.
After reading this article I understand better that his brain was programmed that way, which is why he has that preference. I also understand now that children's brains these days are wired completely different as they are constantly surrounded by technology. Technology is to today's children, what the book, pen and notepad were to the generation before, and I think it is important to accept that and use that information to help children learn today.
My grandfather was a teacher and we recently had a conversation about the use of technology in education. I told him I thought it was wonderful how much access to information students have today, but he did not agree. In his opinion, the most effective way to learn is from a physical book, with a notepad and pen.
After reading this article I understand better that his brain was programmed that way, which is why he has that preference. I also understand now that children's brains these days are wired completely different as they are constantly surrounded by technology. Technology is to today's children, what the book, pen and notepad were to the generation before, and I think it is important to accept that and use that information to help children learn today.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Assignment 2
In my lesson I plan to use both the pen, to circle important words and drag other words into the box for a game we will play. I will also use the highlighter to highlight specific sentences that will help students find the right answers.
I think that using a SMART board in class will help me as a future teacher if I learn how to use it correctly and effectively. Students these days are constantly using technology whether watching TV or playing games on an Ipad. Technology is everywhere and I think if we can make a connection between education and technology, it doesn't have to be a bad thing that rots children's brains, like many people believe. I am excited to learn more about what different tools can be used to help students learn better with the SMART Board.
Teacher NETS:
Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning
and Creativity
Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter,
teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate
experiences that advance student learning,
creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face
and virtual environments.
a. Promote, support, and model creative
and innovative thinking and inventiveness
b. Engage students in exploring real-world issues
and solving authentic problems using digital tools
and resources
c. Promote student reflection using collaborative
tools to reveal and clarify students’ conceptual
understanding and thinking, planning, and
creative processes
d. Model collaborative knowledge construction by
engaging in learning with students, colleagues,
and others in face-to-face and virtual environments
Student NETS:
Creativity and Innovation
Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct
knowledge, and develop innovative products and
processes using technology.
a. Apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas,
products, or processes
b. Create original works as a means of personal
or group expression
c. Use models and simulations to explore complex
systems and issues
d. Identify trends and forecast possibilities
I think that using a SMART board in class will help me as a future teacher if I learn how to use it correctly and effectively. Students these days are constantly using technology whether watching TV or playing games on an Ipad. Technology is everywhere and I think if we can make a connection between education and technology, it doesn't have to be a bad thing that rots children's brains, like many people believe. I am excited to learn more about what different tools can be used to help students learn better with the SMART Board.
Teacher NETS:
Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning
and Creativity
Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter,
teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate
experiences that advance student learning,
creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face
and virtual environments.
a. Promote, support, and model creative
and innovative thinking and inventiveness
b. Engage students in exploring real-world issues
and solving authentic problems using digital tools
and resources
c. Promote student reflection using collaborative
tools to reveal and clarify students’ conceptual
understanding and thinking, planning, and
creative processes
d. Model collaborative knowledge construction by
engaging in learning with students, colleagues,
and others in face-to-face and virtual environments
Student NETS:
Creativity and Innovation
Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct
knowledge, and develop innovative products and
processes using technology.
a. Apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas,
products, or processes
b. Create original works as a means of personal
or group expression
c. Use models and simulations to explore complex
systems and issues
d. Identify trends and forecast possibilities
Monday, January 21, 2013
Week One
There are multiple reasons why I want to become a teacher, but what really sparked my determination to pursue teaching was based on the fact that I knew it was the last thing anyone would ever expect of me.
I struggled a lot academically all through out my school years, but in high school there were a few teacher's that began helping me with my schoolwork outside of class and took the time to invest in me. Knowing that my teacher's believed in me and wanted to see me succeed gave me the motivation and confidence to become a better student. It is because of these specific teacher's that helped me and told me not to believe what other's said about me that I have succeeded this far, and now it is my passion to do that for future generations.
Technology is a great resource to have in the classroom and I am excited to learn how to use it better! Students these days are becoming more and more tech savvy, and I think that incorporating something they relate so well to in the classroom will get them more excited about learning. Having technology speeds up the learning process as information is so readily available which is another bonus to both students and teachers alike.
I struggled a lot academically all through out my school years, but in high school there were a few teacher's that began helping me with my schoolwork outside of class and took the time to invest in me. Knowing that my teacher's believed in me and wanted to see me succeed gave me the motivation and confidence to become a better student. It is because of these specific teacher's that helped me and told me not to believe what other's said about me that I have succeeded this far, and now it is my passion to do that for future generations.
Technology is a great resource to have in the classroom and I am excited to learn how to use it better! Students these days are becoming more and more tech savvy, and I think that incorporating something they relate so well to in the classroom will get them more excited about learning. Having technology speeds up the learning process as information is so readily available which is another bonus to both students and teachers alike.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Class Blogs
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