This is my final post for this portfolio. It is a Google Document that contains a brief review of this portfolio and how it meets the INTASC principles 4.13 and 6.35. I have used a variety of different tools and show a range of technology in this blog folio. It is a culmination of my work in an Education Technology class. It shows my ability to use, implement and consider a variety of multimedia and web tools to enhance learning and technological literacy in a classroom.
View this rubric by clicking on this link.
30 October 2009
27 October 2009
Multimedia Project - UStream
Natasha and I created an interview to display the use of UStream. The beginning process was relatively simple: we signed up, clicked start broadcast, start recording, recorded, stop recording, stop broadcast. Then we saved the video into the YOUR VIDEOS section. At the bottom was a link to embed. This was where we ran into some trouble. The code wasn't complete and Blogger could not read it. We asked around and finally found some help. A piece of code >/embed was missing, so the program did not know when to stop embedding. So, the recording was easy, embedding not so much. However, this is not indicative of all groups.
UStream is a cool way for students to record presentations, skits or speeches without the added fear of people watching. They can practice until they get it right, and the class still has the opportunity to view the presentation. One note of caution if you decide to use UStream with your students: the site contains age-inappropriate material with seemingly innocent titles, so you will need to teach and emphasize digital citizenship to your students and be ready to defend your decision to parents and administrators. It is an effective tool when used reliably because you don't have to worry about compatibility, students forgetting or not being able to acquire a TV with the right hook-ups, etc.
**It has come to my attention (through a very observant person) that the "hotline" number given is actually 1-555-MATH and NOT 1-800-MATH. I would just like to say, this is one of the not true items in this video. Thank you.
UStream is a cool way for students to record presentations, skits or speeches without the added fear of people watching. They can practice until they get it right, and the class still has the opportunity to view the presentation. One note of caution if you decide to use UStream with your students: the site contains age-inappropriate material with seemingly innocent titles, so you will need to teach and emphasize digital citizenship to your students and be ready to defend your decision to parents and administrators. It is an effective tool when used reliably because you don't have to worry about compatibility, students forgetting or not being able to acquire a TV with the right hook-ups, etc.
**It has come to my attention (through a very observant person) that the "hotline" number given is actually 1-555-MATH and NOT 1-800-MATH. I would just like to say, this is one of the not true items in this video. Thank you.
26 October 2009
New Tech Standards & Requirements
After reviewing the standards and requirements addressed in NET*S, NET*T, OETS, and the new OR diploma, I believe that the purpose of all of these lies in the recognition that technology is quickly becoming a part of the daily routine. Unless we choose to live in a cave or up in the Alaskan or Yukon wilderness, completely removed from civilization, technology will pervade our lives every day. The standards address this issue, and the overall goal is to prepare students to be able to function competently in this technological world. Since we are teachers, we must provide students the opportunity to grow as technological users and to experience technology as a useful tool for business (work/school) as well as for play (social).
So, as a Spanish (and math) teacher, what are some strategies I can use to help students achieve these standards?
*Creativity and Innovation - students can use tools like UStream to create presentations in Spanish. This eliminates the fear of acting in class in front of an audience and still provides students the opportunity to share presentations and to listen and give feedback to their peers. Students could also upload these presentations to a class blog so that they can view each others'.
*Communication & Collaboration - Presentations are another great use, especially if students develop them using tools like Google presentations. If students are not allowed their own email account, we can have a class email that allows all students access. Also, a class blog or website where students can start forums and discussions emphasizes group learning and teamwork. Students help each other and become more independent learners.
*Research & Information Fluency - Any research project, in either math or Spanish, would support this standard. Students are constantly challenged in foreign language to learn more culture and compare different traditions with their own. In math, research plays a large part in understanding concepts. Also, research and the ability to evaluate the validity of a site's information is a cross-curricular skill that all students need, especially as they turn away from books and toward the internet.
*Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, & Decision Making - This goes hand in hand with research projects. Students who do research on the internet or use technological tools must make decisions regarding the best tool to use for searching, analyzing and presenting information. There are many valuable sites in Spanish, like El Mundo, a Hispanic-world news site. There are also many many interactive tools that help show and explain high-level mathematics. Students can use these to explore projects and answer research questions.
*Digital Citizenship - This is a really important skill, and one that would be taught simultaneously in a class that allowed students to post to a class website or a class blog, access to a class email and/or collaboration on Web2.0 sheets like Google Docs, Google Presentations or Google Sheets. There is always opportunity for unethical behavior in any situation, and students need to understand how to work within those environments as a respectful citizen. Technology is no different, and using it in the classroom would definitely create the opportunity to teach/model this behavior.
*Technology Operations & Concepts - Starting with basic skills is most important, but as students learn more about technology and improve their skills, we have the opportunity to challenge them. For example, students know how to use basic processors like Word or Excel; then they apply that knowledge to Google Docs or Sheets. Students know how to type an email; we teach them to blog or to collaborate. Also, as we use technology, invariably problems will arise. We can take those moments and challenge students to become self-sufficient by trying to solve the problem. If they cannot solve it themselves, we can encourage collaboration with peers, and then help them out.
So, as a Spanish (and math) teacher, what are some strategies I can use to help students achieve these standards?
*Creativity and Innovation - students can use tools like UStream to create presentations in Spanish. This eliminates the fear of acting in class in front of an audience and still provides students the opportunity to share presentations and to listen and give feedback to their peers. Students could also upload these presentations to a class blog so that they can view each others'.
*Communication & Collaboration - Presentations are another great use, especially if students develop them using tools like Google presentations. If students are not allowed their own email account, we can have a class email that allows all students access. Also, a class blog or website where students can start forums and discussions emphasizes group learning and teamwork. Students help each other and become more independent learners.
*Research & Information Fluency - Any research project, in either math or Spanish, would support this standard. Students are constantly challenged in foreign language to learn more culture and compare different traditions with their own. In math, research plays a large part in understanding concepts. Also, research and the ability to evaluate the validity of a site's information is a cross-curricular skill that all students need, especially as they turn away from books and toward the internet.
*Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, & Decision Making - This goes hand in hand with research projects. Students who do research on the internet or use technological tools must make decisions regarding the best tool to use for searching, analyzing and presenting information. There are many valuable sites in Spanish, like El Mundo, a Hispanic-world news site. There are also many many interactive tools that help show and explain high-level mathematics. Students can use these to explore projects and answer research questions.
*Digital Citizenship - This is a really important skill, and one that would be taught simultaneously in a class that allowed students to post to a class website or a class blog, access to a class email and/or collaboration on Web2.0 sheets like Google Docs, Google Presentations or Google Sheets. There is always opportunity for unethical behavior in any situation, and students need to understand how to work within those environments as a respectful citizen. Technology is no different, and using it in the classroom would definitely create the opportunity to teach/model this behavior.
*Technology Operations & Concepts - Starting with basic skills is most important, but as students learn more about technology and improve their skills, we have the opportunity to challenge them. For example, students know how to use basic processors like Word or Excel; then they apply that knowledge to Google Docs or Sheets. Students know how to type an email; we teach them to blog or to collaborate. Also, as we use technology, invariably problems will arise. We can take those moments and challenge students to become self-sufficient by trying to solve the problem. If they cannot solve it themselves, we can encourage collaboration with peers, and then help them out.
22 October 2009
OTEN Conference
Well, this is my Yodio OTEN review. I went to 3 sessions: the keynote speaker, a class website session, and a Stellarium session. From the keynote speaker, I learned that it will be difficult to change students' preconceived ideas; however the TPaCK (technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge) are essential to good, effective teaching. From the website session, I learned that I do not want a blog for each class' website, but rather a blog to support a class website (on say, perhaps, Google Sites). From the Stellarium session, I learned that it's okay to let students struggle, to make their own conjectures and then discuss, evaluate and refine them. If I do this, though, closure will be key and it will need to be solid, so that students have a clear understanding of what they learned and how they were right/not right in their initial hypotheses. I am supposed to link this too, so either see below for my Yodio or click on this link to get to my Yodio site.
Yodio would be a great way for my math students to call in and record notes and thoughts about math presentations and/or movies that they see. Nearly every student has access to a cell phone, and if they come across something that excites them, it is a simple phone call away to record those thoughts. Then, the entire class can listen and get some ideas for math cultural ideas. Spanish students can call in and practice their audio speeches. this would be a great use in class; since we do a lot of audio activities, it would really enhance learning and participation to use the students own audio recordings for these activities.
Yodio would be a great way for my math students to call in and record notes and thoughts about math presentations and/or movies that they see. Nearly every student has access to a cell phone, and if they come across something that excites them, it is a simple phone call away to record those thoughts. Then, the entire class can listen and get some ideas for math cultural ideas. Spanish students can call in and practice their audio speeches. this would be a great use in class; since we do a lot of audio activities, it would really enhance learning and participation to use the students own audio recordings for these activities.
21 October 2009
Analyzing Student Data in a Spreadsheet
Google spreadsheets are very much like Excel in their usefulness to me. I have to admit, it is nice to have that autosave, so that I don't have to remember to do it. Also, the gadgets are pretty cool, although it does take some time and patience to figure them out and get them to show what you want. I did not find the gadget help page very helpful at all, but I rarely find help pages helpful. It was interesting to play around with this data, and I learned how to squeeze columns together to make them less visible but still there.
As a quick overview, my data showed me that although all the students have improved over the course of the 5 tests, their paths have been very different. Some improved linearly, one showed huge improvement followed by a slight regression and leveling off, and one student was pretty level although slightly improving. Some students improved much more than others overall. Also, the students did not all achieve the same final scoring level. A more detailed analysis is included in my document.
Here is a link to my actual Google sheet.
Spreadsheets would be a great way for students in a Spanish class to create vocabulary lists that they can access from any computer with internet by using the Foreign Language gadget. This would be a great way to do side by side comparisons. It could be used as a personal journal or record of all the things they have learned. In my math classes, Google Sheets is a great tool for students to work on projects in groups or to work on projects individually. Especially over the breaks (Spring break, Fall break and holiday break), when I don't have any meeting times with students, I can assign projects and be available to help them as they work on it. All they would need to do is share it with me.
As a quick overview, my data showed me that although all the students have improved over the course of the 5 tests, their paths have been very different. Some improved linearly, one showed huge improvement followed by a slight regression and leveling off, and one student was pretty level although slightly improving. Some students improved much more than others overall. Also, the students did not all achieve the same final scoring level. A more detailed analysis is included in my document.
Here is a link to my actual Google sheet.
Spreadsheets would be a great way for students in a Spanish class to create vocabulary lists that they can access from any computer with internet by using the Foreign Language gadget. This would be a great way to do side by side comparisons. It could be used as a personal journal or record of all the things they have learned. In my math classes, Google Sheets is a great tool for students to work on projects in groups or to work on projects individually. Especially over the breaks (Spring break, Fall break and holiday break), when I don't have any meeting times with students, I can assign projects and be available to help them as they work on it. All they would need to do is share it with me.
Skype Experience
I created an account, which went fairly well. To be honest, I am not a big fan of needing a Skype account. For one thing, I have an older computer right now that does not have a microphone or webcam. I will be replacing my computer in the next few years so I am not inclined to go by either one of these devices. This leaves me the ability to chat via IM, and I can do that with many of my same contacts using google chat. However, once I do get a new computer, I can see how this might be of value for my students. If they have Skype, and we are both on our computer, they can call me if they have questions. Now, I am not so sure how I feel about this. To me, it's like giving out my home phone number, and I don't know that I want to be reached all of the time. I like my own personal downtime too, so I think I would need to play with it and set some boundary lines were I to use this. I look forward to seeing how it plays out for me and its usefulness to me during this semester. One major benefit I can see is using it when I travel internationally to keep in touch with family and friends -- it is a much easier and cheaper way to stay in touch rather than trying to buy a cell phone or international phone plan. If I take students abroad, I will bring a computer, and allow students to contact their parents from Skype instead of calling. This will also be much easier and cheaper, especially for the student.
Web2.0 tool demo
For this project, I did a little digging around to see what Google Sites was all about. In fact, in order to see how to use Google Sites, I created a website. My website is a practice site for me until I build a class website. This Web2.0 tool would be of great use in the classroom. It's a one-stop shop for the teacher, the students and the parents. The class website can have announcements, calendars, students' work, lesson plans, homework, updated class information, forums, etc. It can link to a class blog page so that anyone may access see the blog. The best part about this free tool is that no html code is required; everything you need is just the click of a button and the push of some computer keys. *There is a slight disclaimer: a basic design is easy to do, but more sophisticated tasks may take more time and effort.
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