Mirror, Mirror on the Wall--My Reflection

Technology in the Classroom has been very beneficial in my journey to teaching. I have learned about the different programs and resources that are used in today's schools. Having been absent from the school scene for several years, I was surprised by the increased use of technology. I knew computers were prevalent in schools but I had no idea of the grand scale in which schools have changed over the years. This class has shown me what is available to me as a teacher and how I can implement technology in my classroom.
It is important for me to remember to be a lifelong learner throughout my teaching career. I should keep up-to-date on advances in technology as well. As I continue through the Teacher Education Program, I will continue to use the technology programs and increase my knowledge of their uses. I also need to become familiar with new advances. This will benefit my classroom by ensuring that I do not get "stuck" in using one method. At this point in time, I would consider myself to be familiar with the programs from ED 350. It is now up to me to go past familiarization. The more I experiment with these programs, the better I will get at using them. I would not expect my students to become familiar with a topic and stop. I would want them to understand it on a deeper level. The same holds true in my education.
This course has taught me to not be afraid of my computer. In most cases, it is difficult to go so far astray that there is no return. Computers are pretty resilient. Fear of the unknown is what keeps teachers from branching out in their methods. I do not want to be that type of teacher. I am thankful for the knowledge I have gained from this class. I have compiled a list of resources that will add to the quality of my lessons. Technology will become more and more crucial to the operations of the classroom. It is my responsibility to stay informed in the current methods and incorporate them into my teaching.

My Quest to Excel at Excel

My husband was recently certified as a Microsoft Master by becoming an Excel expert. Therefore, I was terrified to attempt these exercises because I thought that there was NO way I could complete them. But, maybe he's not as smart as I thought he was!! Just kidding. Seriously, I was surprised at how simple Excel was to use. I used Excel in a job I had several years ago. Again, as I opened the spreadsheet, I was terrified by those multiple cells staring back at me. I never formatted a single cell. I just entered data and logged out ASAP. Excel will be a lifesaver in my classroom. Calculating data and scores will be much simpler. I remember my teachers calculating averages with pencil, paper, and chunky calculators. I love my computer!! Programs such as Excel are beneficial to teachers because they are accurate and fast. Ever-increasing focus on test scores, grades, and comparisons of the two force teachers to present data often. By using the spreadsheets in Excel, I can do this effectively. I can also produce charts with a push of a button. Through conquering Excel, I have succeeded in my Quest to Excel!!

I am a Web Master

Or at least I felt like one after completing the webpage projects. I must say that this was my biggest headache in the class. Not necessarily because it is difficult, but because I am extremely picky. After all, this website is a reflection of me; my work and my personality. I wanted it to be perfect. Being the novice that I am, I became frustrated when I could not find what I wanted in regards to backgrounds and images. Ultimately, I had to design my own background in paintshop to achieve my look. I refuse to be normal and use the standard colors and backgrounds. Again, a reflection of my personality. Through the webpage project, I was able to review and reflect on the teaching competencies of the university. We really haven't reviewed them in my classes. Now I know more about what is expected of me and where I should focus my attention. I took the time to reflect on how I "measure up" to these expectations and where I need improvement. The completion of the portfolio was both exhausting and rewarding. I acquired new skills while learning a few things about myself. I believe that my portfolio is a reflection of me. As I continue to add materials throughout my time at UAH, I only hope to further learn about the teacher I will become.

Oh-The Audacity!

As much as I hate my own voice, I love this program. It makes recording and editing sounds simple. I admit that I am completely inept when it comes to computers. I have only had a few years of experience in using a PC. I had a computer for over a year with an internet connection and never got online. I didn't know how. I felt lost and completely confused. That is what I like about the Audacity program. First of all, it's free-gotta love that. Second, it is user-friendly. Play, stop, cut, paste, and you have your audio file. I have needed a program to do this before and I am thankful to have found one that works for me. I even introduced it to my husband and he uses it all the time now. When I teach, I can use this program in presentations or for voice-overs in videos or other visual media.

United Streaming-Coolest Ever!!

I really enjoyed learning about the United Streaming website. Yet again, I had no idea it was out there. The information and tools on this site are incredibly useful for teachers. The vast library of videos can be used in the classroom to provide additional information on topics. I have already used this resource to aid my teaching. I had to teach a lesson in my strategies class this semester. I chose a video clip from United Streaming to use in my presentation. I was also able to create a fact sheet using questions from the generated quizzes. The more resources a teacher has, the better the lesson will be. Teachers need websites like United Streaming. It provides high quality examples for lessons. I know that as a teacher, I will remember this site and use it in my classroom.

My Thoughts on Word

Prior to taking ED 350, I only knew the basics of Microsoft Word. By the basics, I mean typing, spellcheck, and printing. It has been so useful this semester to use some of the tools to speed the writing process. I had no idea how to format tabs or align my text. I have used these in the completion of my papers for this semester and the process has become so much smoother. I am the kind of person that can follow directions to complete tasks and remember the steps to do so. The tutorials were great practice for this and helped me to remember the processes. Now, I feel that even though I don't know all the functions in Word, I can figure it out. My toolbar fear has subsided and I feel confident in using the program.

PowerPointless Presentations

OHH!! Don't get me started!! Over the past few years, I have seen PowerPoint become the "thing to do." I've seen the wonderful and ridiculous. I have seen PowerPoints that have made material come alive for me. Through the presentation, I was able to make stronger connections to the material through both the speaker's words and the ever-so-important visual stimulus we kids need today. I have witnessed more BAD PowerPoints than good. On one hand, there are the PowerPoints with ADHD. You know, those with animated graphics, letters, and anything else you can think of. Then, on the other hand, there are those coma producing PowerPoints that lull you into the best sleep you have ever had. I think copying notes off PowerPoint slides is as close to Hell as I care to get. I have had more of these experiences than I care to remember. Oh, wait, I can't remember!! And that's the entire point. PowerPoint presentations should ONLY be used to supplement a well-planned lesson. It should serve as bonus material not the feature presentation. PowerPoints can greatly enrich a lesson or presentation by providing extra features and outlines of topics. It allows the spectator to focus on the material and make visual and auditory connections. Overall, I am a fan of PowerPoint. When used correctly, it can truly benefit all involved.

Cooperative Learning Groups

In Block II of my education courses at UAH, I have learned extensively about cooperative learning groups and models for teaching. Due to the focus on cognitive processes of learning, cooperative learning develops schemas and promotes social interaction between students. The five elements listed in the article are important to the process of learning through a cooperative group.
Positive Interdependence is important because even though the students may be working in a group, each student has a specific task that they should contribute to the group.
Individual Accountability and Personal Responsibility are vital in a group setting because each student should participate. No one student should shoulder the burden for the entire group. Each member, through contributing information, fullfills their responsibility to the group.
Face-to-Face Promotive Interaction is key when working in a group. Because we do not all come from the same place and do not have the same background, we all have different perspectives to contribute. When students are working in small groups, they should be divided my mixed gender, ethnicity, and ability. This is because students tend to segregate themselves when choosing their own groups. Through mixing the groups, students are able to have conversations with other students. I know that as I have worked in cooperative groups, I have gained valuable knowledge from my classmates. They have thoughts and perspectives that never crossed my mind. This would not be achieved without face-to-face interactions.
Interpersonal and Small Group Skills are also important to cooperative learning. Throughout the student's entire life, he will need the tools to function in social settings. Learning how to best communicate feelings and ideas can be tricky without practice. By working with other students in cooperative groups, students can practice these skills and become more adept in social interactioons.
Group Processing is the final element in cooperative learning groups. It is the culmination of the entire group process. Students can reflect on the success of their group, discuss what changes should be made, and value their strengths. The group can take pride in their work as a team and this helps them to build strong bonds with their classmates.

Thoughts About WebQuests

Prior to this assignment, I had never heard of a webquest. The webquests are useful because they provide outlines and ideas for group lessons. The students are able to practice their critical thinking and problem solving skills in most examples of webquests. The students are usually separated into groups and given a topic that they must research and present to the class. These webquests are not only fun ways for students to learn, but they are also great time savers for teachers. I have heard over and over about how teachers are the biggest thieves in that they "steal" each others ideas. With such busy schedules, it is great that teachers have these resources. I think it is important to state that this doesn't mean that teachers should always use others ideas. It is important that the webquests supplement the lesson. Teachers do not need to use these as a crutch or an excuse not to plan and implement their own ideas.

Educational Weblogs

American society is obsessed with individualism. People strive to bring their own personal touch to everything they do. The use of weblogs is a savvy way to allow people to share their opinions and ideas. Most of the sites are completely customizable to aid with that ever-so-important personal touch. The incorporation of these weblogs into education has changed the way teachers can communicate with their students. Because of the customizable options, teachers can tailor their blog to their classroom. Information about lessons, homework, and events can be posted on the classroom blog site. Students and parents have access to information from their home. Teachers benefit from these blogs as well. By having information available to students with computers, they can ensure students are aware of classroom events and upcoming assignments. The class can also enjoy the personalization of the blog and they can take pride in it. It becomes for them and the place to visit while surfing the internet. As a teacher, I can use a weblog for the above reasons. I think the students would enjoy their own site. Parents would enjoy checking the site for information, homework assignments, and class going-ons. The educational weblogs are a positive use of technology in the classroom.