EME 2040 Reflective Post

My experiences with EME 2040 online class have been amazing! I was extremely nervous to sign up for this class. I had no idea what I was getting myself into because this was my first teaching class and I just decided over last summer to purse my passion in the education industry. When I first bought my textbook I immediately felt overwhelmed because of all of the information listed inside, the thought ran through my mind how could I possibly learn everything thing in this book? Below I added a photo of what the book looks like.

 To calm myself of the nervousness I logged on to the canvas website and looked up our syllabus to see the exact layout of our class schedule. I've added a Photo below that shows you what the Class schedule looks like in our syllabus.

Before I even got to click on the syllabus a video on our home page caught my attention, In that video was our professor Mrs. Coleman and she was briefly herself as well as describing what we will be facing in this class. This video was great! It really helped calm my nerves because I got to see and learn about my professor, and her personality, and what to except from this class. I've taken online classes before where I have had no idea what my professor looks like or how their personalities are. Now for the syllabus, it really helped me because it broke down the assignments week by week which made the class assignments less overwhelming. My favorite assignments were: First the group activity called “lesson plan”, I really enjoyed this activity because it was nice working with my classmates and learning about their teaching experiences. I found their learning experiences to be very interesting mainly because I haven’t been lucky enough to experience it myself, so it was nice hearing their stories as well as working together in a group to complete our project together. The second assignment that I really enjoyed is called the “Digital Blog Post”. We were given these at least once a week, what I liked most about this assignment is that we had to speak about the three concepts from the chapter. Doing so really helped me learn what the chapters were about and then I got to express these concepts with some personal experiences through new technology called “GoogleBlogger”. I've never used any type of blogging tool so it was great learning how to. Overall I really enjoyed taking this class, I am so happy I started with this class as a first step towards my teaching career I would recommend this class to anyone interested in the teaching profession. 

Below I uploaded a short video which is a timeline of technology for teachers from YouTube:

Resources:

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

SMART, Technologies EMEA. (2011, 10 03).The history of technology in education. Retrieved 4 29, 2015, from you tube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFwWWsz_X9s

Verock, R.-E. A. (2015). Transforming Learning with New Technologies (2nd Edition). Retrieved 4 29, 2015, from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Transforming-Learning-New-Technologies-Edition/dp/0133155714

DIGITAL BLOG POST #L CHAPTER 12

For my first concept I found the idea of Inclusion and Infusion of Technology very interesting. “Inclusion means that computers and information technologies are used mainly for transferring information and practicing skills.” “Infusion, on the other hand, means that computers and other information technologies are ongoing features of teaching and learning in all academic subjects at all grades.” In other words the use of Inclusion technology would involve minimal uses of computer based teaching meaning while Infusion would infer to a maximal use computer based teaching. When I was in high school when had to do Inclusion, we had to go to the computer lab at least once a week. But now most high school students have to complete infusion where they must go to the computer lab every day. I've entered a short video below just to show you how simple inclusion is and how much it can change a life. 

For my second concept I chose One-to-One Laptop Computing. “One-to-One Laptop Computing means every student in a grade school, or district has her or his own computing device to use in school.” This gives student something of a digital binder for classes that can benefit both students and teachers. The laptops would make it easy for students to organize their digital binder categorized by subject and date to help students and teachers keep track of their school work. Unfortunately the students’ handwriting skill may decay and may not progress as it should. Being a college student and using my laptop for organization reason has really helped me out, I wish one-to-one laptop computing was aloud in high school because I know it could have helped me out a lot with staying organized especially taking eight classes.

My last concept is Developing a Technology-Leading Mindset. Teachers that have technology-leading mindset tend to have a more creative way of teaching. The world as we know it is becoming more technical by the years, so why wouldn’t teachers have this mindset. This mindset will fill teachers’ curiosity and perseverance that will allow teachers to keep search for technology which will assist with the student’s learning. For teachers this search is never ending, for there is always a new type of technology to assist them in teaching as well as learning for teachers. I have not personally dealt with siltation but from what I have read this technology sounds very impressive and useful.

In conclusion, my concepts were Inclusion and Infusion of Technology, One-to-One Laptop Computing, and Developing a Technology-Leading Mindset. Inclusion and infusion of technology infers to the minimal and maximal use of computing technology. One-to-one Laptop Computing would benefit students with the organizing task a student would usually face on his own. And Developing a Technology Leading Mindset is the future of education for future teachers to obtain to help students reach their academic potentials.  

Resources: 

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Urich, C. (2015, 4 16). your designs . Retrieved 4 16, 2015, from canva: https://www.canva.com/design/DABOYO0o84s/7bBo48d1BhHdU0tybummEQ/edit

colorincolorado. (2014, 12 14).Inclusion. Retrieved 4 16, 2015, from you tube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8TnKi_YblQ

DIGITAL BLOG POST #K Chapter 6

For my first concept I chose Using Social Bookmarking. Social bookmarking peaked my arousal due to the thought of having a project that is worth the majority of your grade can be stressful especially when you have to do the research. Thanks to social bookmarking the research is no longer a big deal. Students go online to research certain subjects for projects and regular class work but since there has already been a certain amount of students researching the same information social bookmarking allows the students to find information easier due to prior searches done by other students on the subject. I have personally used this method for some of my research papers through high school and college.

Now for my second concept I found Taking Virtual Field Trips to be very interesting because the thought of going around the world without taking a step off the United States boarder is amazing but doing it without taking a step outside of your class room is just unconceivable. Due to our technology student can travel to places of academic interest without from school. Imagine you have a project on Asian architect and being able to do that project without traveling to the other side of the planet. In my opinion it saves both time and money I just wish this technology came out a long time ago. I've uploaded a short nine minute virtual field trip video to the Amazon Rainforest. 

Finally for my last concept I picked Debates over Virtual School. There have been many arguments on whether students should have the option to do schooling online rather than going to schools instead. I believe this debate brings up both good and bad scenarios. The idea of not having to wake up early everyday to go to school can play less stress on students. Also the idea of working at your own pace and taking your time with a class assignment or completing a week’s work worth of assignments in one day and having a six day weekend would an excellent way to go through your school work. Unfortunately this would mean fewer students going to school making the demand for teachers very low causing most of them to lose their jobs. Some may also argue learning through a computer is not the same as learning from a person. Also there is really no way of knowing if the student is doing the work or if someone else is doing it for them.

In conclusion, my concepts were Social Bookmarking, Taking Virtual Field Trips, and Debates over Virtual Schools. Social Bookmarking is great for students who are searching certain websites for research purposes. Taking Virtual Field Trips are interesting due to the thought of exploring the world without leaving your classroom. And Debates over Virtual School can be both benefit and be an inconvenience to the students.   

Resources: 

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Urich, C. (2015, 4 7). your designs . Retrieved 4 9, 2015, from canva: https://www.canva.com/design/DABNnJHUErE/DzWv0ubKX8zzoi4uxY-0xA/edit

VirtualFieldTripsnet. (2014, 11 1). Virtual Field Trip - Amazon Rainforest. Retrieved 4 8, 2015, from you tube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEsV5rqbVNQ

DIGITAL BLOG POST #J Chapter 11

For my first concept I chose Democratic Schools and Classrooms. “Democratic schools and classrooms are places where students and teachers together make substantive decisions about important aspects of educational operations, from the academic curriculum to school climate and rules.” The benefit of implementing democracy in the education system can increase cooperation from students for they have a say in the rules and teaching methods. As well as happy teaching staff for they also have a say in the way they can teach their classes and go about their days. Unfortunately there is a downside to having a democratic school and classroom. If there are too many votes that which counter act each other the number of unhappy students and teachers will be high.I do not have any personal experiences with this topic but I can definitely see how they can counter act each other.

   

Now for my second concept I picked Online Surveys for Preassessment. “Online surveys are an effective way to activate prior knowledge and involve students in the Preassessment process.” “Preassessments occur before introducing a new lesson, topic, or unit as a way for teachers to determine what the students know or can already do in order to inform subsequent plans for teaching.” This technique can be used to assess the student knowledge on what they are and are not familiar with the curriculum. Teachers can use this to give themselves and idea on what the majority of the students need to sharpen up on to keep them caught up with the curriculum. In middle school I remember having to take about two or three preassements test, because I was going into high school and  they wanted to see where to place me in reading and math classes (intermediate, normal, or  advance).

Finally for my third concept I picked Preparing for High Stakes Tests. High stakes test, similar to the FCAT are required to pass in order for the student pass there grade level or even high school. Preparing for these test are critical for both teachers and students because students need to pass their grade levels and it’s the teacher’s duty for the student to pass. High stakes test usually consist certain subjects such as language arts, math, science or history and multiple choice question which give the students a 25% chance of getting the questions correct. I remember Back in high school having to take an entire elective class called "test prep" and it was just a class to help us get prepared for the FCAT and SAT, to me it was a complete waist of time but to others in seemed to really help.  I've uploaded this three minute video that informs you on some general information about high stakes testing.

In conclusion democratic schools and classrooms can have ups and downs either benefiting the teacher, students, both or even neither. Surveys for Preassessment help student in the learning process by showing teachers what is needed for the students to improve and stay on track with the curriculum. Preparing for high stakes test help student pass their grade and even high school. This is my conclusion to my concepts.

Resources: 
Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Prepworks2400. (2013, May 29) How to Prepare for SAT,ACT, and High-Stakes Test.

 Retrieved March 31, 2015.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTsxYXuZjtE

 Urich, C. (2015, March 31).DIGITAL BLOG POST #J Chapter 11. Retrieved March 20,2015. from https://tackk.com/drzknw

DIGITAL BLOG POST #I CHAPTER 4

My first concept is understanding by design also known as backward design which is used to develop a curriculum. By using a strategy called enduring understanding teachers can help teach students lessons that will last them a life time. Enduring understanding takes place when teachers implement ideas and information that stick to the minds of the students.

 

For my second concept I chose using technology in lesson planning, this technology includes resources such as the internet. The Internet provides teachers with numerous materials that can be used to teach students many subjects. The internet can also be used to help teacher develop their lesson planning. By using website and online application teachers can increase the students learning and decrease the duration it takes teacher to prepare lesson plans. I uploaded a short YouTube video that is about a student showing you how many uses there are for technology to help you create a lesson plan. 

 

Finally I picked test assessment for my third concept, teachers use tests to help determine the students progress in the teacher’s classroom. Teachers use different forms of testing such as Norm-referenced and criterion-referenced. Norm-referenced is often used for teachers to determine a student’s score rank by comparing the student’s test scores with their classmate’s scores. Criterion-referenced is used to determine the student’s performance by comparing the student’s present score with passed score within the same subject.

For my conclusion, understanding by design or backward design can be used to develop a curricular which uses a strategy known as enduring understanding. Using technology in lesson planning uses internet resources and online applications to help teachers provide their students learn various subjects. And test assessments are used by teachers to determine the student’s progress. 

 

Resources:
Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

steveleeignacio. (2011, August 14)  Technology Lesson Plans K-5 Computer Lab. Retrieved March 20, 2015. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1aCaiZyxwI

 Urich, C. (2015, March 20).DIGITAL BLOG POST #I Chapter 4. Retrieved March 20,2015. from Tackk:https://tackk.com/shfwwj

DIGITAL BLOG POST #H Chapter 9

My first concept is Youtube, handcrafted videos, and streaming video resources. The internet has many resourceful videos to help web surfers learn new skills. These step by step instructional videos teach any number of things from plumbing to building a computer. But in this situation these videos will help teachers with teaching their students in any subject from math to science and even history.

My next concept is Digital video cameras. Digital video cameras are useful for teachers as a learning instrument. They allow teacher to snap good quality pictures of learning moments and adjust the pictures to their liking. Adjustments or editing such as cropping, lighting, creating slideshows, etc. These functions combined with a teacher’s planning can help a teacher demonstrate a lesson or project with ease.

My last concept is Digital video and storytelling. Digital story telling is a great concept for subjects such as English and language arts. This concept can be used for group play projects and benefit the students by being able watch themselves as they play a part or a character. This concept also gives the students the ability to redo any acts or scenes the students may not be too proud of. Below I've uploaded a short Youtube video explaining what Digital story telling it.  

In conclusion, online video resources such as Youtube can benefit teacher and students because of the variety of instructional videos they have available to them. Digital cameras assist teacher with teaching by allowing teacher to edit photos and create educational slideshows to help students learn. And digital video and storytelling helps students are great for acting and play projects to allow students to view and possibly redo any acts or scenes that they may not be happy with. 

Resources:



Gratigny. (2009, September 1) What is Digital Storytelling? .. Retrieved March 09, 2015. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKZiXR5qUlQ

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Urich, C. (2015, March 09).DIGITAL BLOG POST #H Chapter 9. Retrieved March 11,2015. from Tackk:https://tackk.com/5m31nd

Digital Blog Post #G Chapter 10

My first concept in chapter 10 is assistive technology to reach diverse learning. I found this concept interesting because the concept of those who are hearing sight and mobility or cognitive impaired. From reading and comprehension to writing and spelling assistance. Though the program is helpful the program itself can have a negative affect as well. For example if the student becomes reliable on the program for it's spelling assistance.


For my next concept in chapter 10 I have chosen writing transformations with technology. I picked this concept because it's directed mostly for students from kindergarten to sixth grade. At these grade students are often pressured to spell words correctly, use correct punctuation, and even grammar. This can destroy any confidence or joy a student may obtain with writing. These programs are meant to keep the students interested and feel confident in their ability to write. Below I have entered a short video on how mind craft is helping third graders learn social studies.

Finally my last concept in chapter 10 is adaptations for classroom learning with technology. Teachers use this kind of program to help them plan the curriculum for the students and more. By using low, mid, and high tech accommodations teacher have many different setting and tools to plan. By adapting these programs into the classroom teacher could have the class schedule planned the night before.

For my conclusion, Assistive technology to reach diverse learning, transformation with technology, and adaptation for classroom learning with technology all make teaching students easy. By helping those who are hearing, sight, mobility impaired whether they are kindergartners or sixth graders all students now have equal learning opportunities. Though these programs help students improve in one aspect of their education the programs may leave the students dependent on the program for spelling, grammar check, or punctuation corrections rather than the students recognizing these errors on their own.

Resources:

Urich, C. (2015, 2 27). Adaptations for Classroom Learning with Technology. Retrieved 2 27, 2015, from Tackk: https://tackk.com/y7d847

EdTech. (2014, February 25) 

Minecraft in Education: Civics/Community Project (Technology Integration).. Retrieved February 23, 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKnkKwMcU_c

Maloy, R. W. (2014). Transforming Learning with New Technology. Upper Saddle River: Pearson .