End of Semester Reflection

I came into the class a little skeptical about technology being used in education.  I have never been into the latest gadgets or games, but this class has taught me that there are a lot of positive aspects of technology.  I have learned that there is a wide range of items that are considered technology.  It was really beneficial learning how to use the SMARTBoard and Activboards.  I used the SMARTBoard in another class to help with my lessons.  Learning about the different tools like Photostory, Storybook, and teacher websites will be helpful in my future classroom. 

For the NETS for Teachers, I focused on the 1. Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity.  Through out the semester, I learned how to use the SMARTBoard, Storyboard, and Photostory which I can have my students use in the classroom.  In my final project I created a project where students would use digital cameras and PowerPoint to create a story.  I've learned that there are so many ways that students can positively and creatively use technology in learning and students will love it!  

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Reflection #12

I was thinking back to when we were at Eastside Prep and talking about cell phones and inappropriate use of the internet while in class.  I have always thought that I wouldn't allow that in my class at all and listening to Mr. Adair talk about the way they handle those situations some what changed my mind. Of course it depends on the age level, but students should learn to use their time wisely and the Robot website (that manages the time spent on different websites) would be a great tool to share with older students.

Week 14

Word - I use it to write assignments, make lists, print pictures, copy information.  I use the different fonts, sizes, formating, spell check, backgrounds, footnotes, headers, page numbers, layout, etc.

Excel - I use this to make lists, schedules, budgeting, graphs. I use the formulations, graphs, insert pictures, different colors, backgrounds, etc.

Powerpoint - I use this to create slideshows and show pictures.  I use the different layouts, insert pictures, animations, effects, spell check, etc.

Projects -
Word - I could have my students write part of a story, but tell them they have to use at least five elements of Word.
Excel - Create a project budgeting a two week trip driving across the country. Use the formulas and graph it.
Powerpoint - Make a story by inserting your own pictures, wording, and animations.

Reflection #11

In chapel while I was following along with the speaker's notes I realized how helpful it is to have the screen to follow along. In chapel the projector allows us to follow along with speaker's notes, see pictures, watch videos, and sing.  While we sing it is helpful to have the song lyrics in case someone doesn't know the song or just to follow along.  A lot of people are visual learners and the projector helps them focus and learn the content better.  In my future class it will be important that there are all types of learners.

Reflection #10

A couple days ago, a friend and I were talking about "Giga Pets" that we had when we were in elementary school.  I remeber I thought mine was the coolest thing ever, every kid had to have one.  And what was it? Technology. It's amazing how many technological devices have developed in such a short time for children.  I don't know what form of technology is popular for kids right now, but it would be interesting to see the advancements and even how it will change when I am teaching.

Assignment #4 - Part 2

Project (PowerPoint) 
Project Outline for Students

Technology features:

• Digital Camera (Samsung SL420) - To take the photographs
• Kodak Program - To convert the pictures from a SIM card to a disc. I wanted all the pictures to be in one place to make them easy to find
• Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation - To make the story
• Microsoft Word - To make the project outline for the students
• Box.net - To upload the project

The problems I encountered with this project were
1. Figuring out the Kodak Program - I hadn't ever converted pictures from a SIM card to a disc.  A worker at Bartell's was able to help me understand the process. This will be a good resource in the future.
2. I haven't used Microsoft PowerPoint very often and in a long time.  I had to play around with PowerPoint for a while before I started the project.  I couldn't remember how to make the effects work, change the background, etc. I just had to play around with it some more.  It would be nice if in the feature they could add a voice recorder to the program as well (like PhotoStory).

Also, it takes a lot of time! This wasn't a problem, just something I noticed and will need to take into account in the classroom when the students are doing the project. I need to remember not to rush them too much because there are a lot of steps to making the photo story.

I really enjoyed this project because there is so much you can do with it.  It can be easily adapted for any grade level, subject, or unit.  It allows students to create their own project using their own pictures.  It also helps with writing skills, allows students to think on their own, and incorporates technology!  When I teach I'd like to use this project, but I would probably use another program like PhotoStory so the students can tell their story too.

Teacher NETS  

1. 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. Teachers: 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.

This project promotes student learning and creativity while using technology.  The teacher first has an example of the final project that the students are going to make to ignite their interest. This project allows the students to use technology (the digital camera and Microsoft PowerPoint (or other story making programs)) to make their own stories however they want.   The project fulfills the NET standard by allowing the students to use the technology to create their own story; they are both learning and being creative. 

Student NETS

1. Creativity and Innovation

	Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology. Students:
	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.

The students get to choose the pictures they want to take.  They can choose any style or features they want to use to make their stories.  The most important part is that the students are allowed to be as creative as they want.  The project fulfills the NET standard by allowing the students to be innovative and creative by creating their own digital story.