Nakia's Blog for Teachers & Technology

Learning Environment Portfolio

2005-04-28T11:44:00.000-07:00

The purpose of our (Jovanna Ebanks and Nakia Quarles) Learning Portfoio Environment is to demonstrate our personal growth and knowledge of implementing technology while teaching Mathematics and Language Arts. This portfolio was designed for Professor Anne Davis' Technology for Teachers course (IT 3210) at Georgia State University. It demonstrates our competence and implementation of technology in our lessons to produce an effective and proper learning environment.

Link to: LEP

Thoughts on Weblogs

2005-04-21T10:11:00.000-07:00

I think weblogs are really good to post information about school activities and to get students writing their own ideas and sharing thoughts. For this class it was good that we were introduced to blogging and ways to produce effective ways to use it in the classroom. I will definitely use weblogs in my future classroom. I can use them to communicate to parents, teachers, and the community. Students can also use them to demonstrate their writing skills and learn new ideas from other students.

Final Reflection

2005-04-21T10:03:00.000-07:00

After taking this course, I feel much more confident with using technology in my future classroom. I have gained more skills on applications I have used in the past, like making web pages and Microsoft PowerPoint. I have also learned some new applications that I have never heard of like Microsoft Access and Inspiration. I feel as though I can implement technology in the classroom, for student use and my use as a teacher, in an effective way. Actually making personal projects with the many different applications discussed in this course have helped me to understand how I will use them in the classroom setting and what to do and not to do.
The level of technology resources available in a future school I will be employed will have a slight impact on my teaching. Not every school system will have new computers and computer projectors for the classroom. But it is my duty to figure what the school does have and to use that equipment to the best of my knowledge. I feel technology should never take the place of books, but it is a great supplement to teaching and providing vast information to students. It does in fact help teaching and learning. Using technology can make things more convenient for teachers as far as grading and record keeping. It is also convenient for students, in that it provides information in seconds.
Technology and teaching are similar in the fact that things are always changing. In technology, new software and hardware is always being made available to consumers. It is important as a teacher to understand that taking periodic courses to refresh and learn some new ideas in technology is a must. Just as with teaching, I will continue to recertify myself and learn new teaching techniques and theories. Learning is a life long process, with teaching and technology.

Software and Website I viewed

2005-04-14T10:30:00.000-07:00

The website that I viewed was www.education-world.com

This site had some really great lesson plans on it and there was a bulletin board where teachers could share ideas but this site was created by www.Edmin.com. Edmin claims to be the leading provider of learning management solutions, and they could possible be pushing their products on the website, because there were not other links to other sites except pop ups.

The software I reviewed was Study Works! Teaching Pro: Math and Science New Edition 2004

By providing educational games and activities this software boosts students' confidence level, because what they first thought was impossible to do, they now can do it while having an exciting learning adventure. I would recommend this software to anyone (even teachers) because it is very fun and informative. It was even interesting for me. It helped me to brush up on some of the skills that I haven't used in a while.

Digital Divide Network Article

2005-04-14T10:24:00.000-07:00

I read the article titled: When Kids Make Content: A Q & A With 'Blogevangelist' Will Richardson. I really agreed with what Will Richardson had to say. He believes that blog usage in classrooms is a great tool for students to increase literary skills. With in the interview, there were a couple of important questions that were presented and I believe Mr. Richardson had some great answers. For the question: "What's the biggest obstacle you face in organizing teachers and administrators to incorporate blogging in the classroom?" Mr. Richardson answered:

I think by and large, the transparency of blogs is very difficult for
educators to get used to. This is a disruptive technology in so many ways, and
along with letting the outside world in, it’s forcing us to rethink the way we
deliver curriculum and for all intents who owns all that content in the first
place. I think instinctively, educators feel the potential of what blogs can and
will do, but it’s a risk that I think many would rather not take.

I think blogs are great for teachers and students but we must moniter heavily and model psoitive usage for students.

Database Documentation

2005-04-07T10:09:00.000-07:00

Project Name: Classroom Library Database

Description of Learning Goals and Standards: Students will reflect on reading using descriptive language and personal ideas. Also students will learn how to input information and perform a query within Microsoft Access Database.

QCCs: Standard 43: Writes about self selected topics, Standard 48: Uses descriptive words and phrases , Standard 50: Uses available technology to assist in writing,

Rationale for Technology: Building and using a database for this project will allow students to see what others think about selected reading materials and also put all the books in an organized manner. This can also help the teacher to see what books are checked out of the classroom library.

Description of Lesson Implementation: The teacher will build a database for the classroom library. The database will include basic book information and a space for students to input a short personal review of what they thought of the book. Students will be required to read at least three books from the classroom library and perform one review for each of the books during the school year. In the students review they must tell of a part in the story that they really liked/disliked and why. I will have the students write out the review on paper and hand it in to be graded. The review should be at least three paragraphs. I will then allow the students to write a few sentences from their review for other students to read to see if they might be interested in reading that particular book. I will tell students not to give the book’s ending away in the database.

Assessment: Written Review (check for comprehension of book/punctuation)

What I Learned and What I would Improve it Next Time: I would have to designate a specific time when the students can input their reviews; I would probably have it during writing time.

Spreadsheet Documentation

2005-03-30T16:42:00.000-08:00

Project Name: Polygons Everywhere-4th grade- Math.

Description of Learning Goals and Standards: Students will be able to identify different polygons and also learn how to collect data and use a graph using Microsoft Excel. Students will be able to understand these shapes in real situations around them. Some QCCs for 4th grade are: Standard 8- identifies and distinguishes among planes and solid figures such as triangles, circles, rectangular prisms. Standard 25 – collects, reads interprets and compares data from charts, tables and graphs.

Rationale for Technology: Using Excel for this project allows the student to gather the information and input the data in an organized manner.

Description of Lesson Implementation: After having a lesson on polygons, this activity will be done just to reinforce what the shapes and names are and where they are in the students’ everyday life. I will have students work individually. They will investigate five locations (bulletin board, inside desk, inside bookbag, on bookbag, and on clothes) to tally up how many of the six polygons they find. This will be done a sheet of paper. After they are finished, we will go to the computer lab and they will enter in their results. I will have a pre made spreadsheet for them to use. When they are finished, I will instruct them on how to make a graph and pass out a fact sheet on how to do it. They will be required to make two different graphs, with one showing the total data and one which just highlights one particular polygon found in their data.

Assessment : Matching quiz of polygons
Other Places to Use this Solution: Spreadsheets can be used in a variety of ways and subjects. In science they are great for plotting data from experiments. They are also helpful for the teacher to plot attendance and grades.

What I Learned and What I would Improve it Next Time: I think this could be used for older students and I could not plug in the formulas but have them do it. Or have the students calculate to see if their totals match that of the spreadsheet.

References/Resources Used
http://www.mathleague.com/help/geometry/polygons.htm

Microsoft Publisher (Brochure) Documentation

2005-03-24T10:39:00.000-08:00

Project Name: Science Concepts in the Home – 6th Grade

Description of Learning Goals and Standards: Students will understand science concepts that have been discussed over the school year and understand how they are used in everyday life. Also students will learn how to make a brochure using Microsoft Publisher.

QCCs: Topic 20- Energy and its transformation: Electricity, Topic 22 – Energy and it transformation: Sound, Standard 20.4 – describes, stretches, and lists applications for a series and a parallel circuit, Standard 16 – Contrasts electromagnetic waves

Rationale for Technology: Microsoft Publisher has many templates that students and teachers can use to help show information in a different and creative way. Making a brochure can help the students review and they can also exchange them to see what others in the class have done.

Description of Lesson Implementation: I will show the students some basic ways to use Microsoft Publisher and also hand out a directions sheet on how to work with the brochure section of Publisher. I will have all students use one template that I have pre chosen. This project can be done alone or with a partner. The students will use their notes from class and other science books for information for their brochure. I will have them to write out what they want in the brochure before they type it on the computer. The students will need to pick three science concepts that we have covered in class and include them in the brochure. I will have the students use clipart and images from the internet, but only from pre approved sites that I will give to them. The children will get on the computer in intervals to make their brochures according to how long it takes each of them to gather their information and finish their hard copies. After making their brochures, they will share them with fellow students and also make a short multiple choice quiz that coincides with their brochure that another student will complete.

Assessment: Brochure

What I Learned and What I would Improve it Next Time: I assume that this project will take about a week. I hope that I am right.

Information in Bloom

2005-03-24T10:18:00.000-08:00

Knowledge: List 3 authors that have won the Caldecott Award.

Comprehension: Discuss how electromagnetic waves are in your everyday life.

Application: Experiment with series and parallel circuits.

Analysis: Explain how sound travels in the air.

Synthesis: Design a brochure showing how science is used in the home.

Evaluation: Recommend a book to class mate that has won a literary award.

Power Point Documentation

2005-03-24T10:02:00.000-08:00

Project Name: Caldecott Award Activity (Power Point) – 6th Grade – Language Arts/Art

Description of Learning Goals and Standards: Students will learn about the Caldecott Award. They will also learn about some authors who have won the award. They will be able to read award winning books. After reading selected, works they will study techniques used in illustrations of work. Some QCCs are: Standard 29 – Responds creatively to literature, Standard 9 – Critical analysis of an artwork

Rationale for Technology: The power point presentation will present the information as an alternative way other than a lecture. It will also be great for the students who learn better from visual aids. The links within the presentation will direct students to pre-approved sites by the teacher.

Description of Lesson Implementation: I will present the Caldecott Award power point to the students. Then I will have the students count off by fives. This will set up the five groups. Each number will have a pre chosen author who the students will read the award winning book from. The students will also be able to get on the internet to check the links within the power point presentation for biography information and award criteria. The students will decide after reading and studying the book why that book won the Caldecott award. They will describe what types of techniques the author used. Each group will hand in a small 2-3 page report of their findings.

Assessment: Formal: Group report Informal: Observation of groups

Other Places to Use this Solution: Power point presentations can be used by the teachers as well as the students in every subject!

What I Learned and What I would Improve it Next Time: After doing this project I learned that hyperlinks can be used in power points. It seems as if hyperlinks can be used in every computer application. What I would improve for next time is to try not to use so many words for one bullet. I want to put in so much information, but I don’t want to lost people’s attention at the same time. So I could put a few words in the slides and just elaborate more during the lecture.

References/Resources Used
http://www.ala.org/ALSCTemplate.cfm?Section=ALSC
http://www.bpib.com/lathrop.htm
http://www.lib.usm.edu/~degrum/keats/biography.html
http://www.bpib.com/l&dillon.htm
http://www.carolhurst.com/authors/alobel.html
http://www.harcourtschool.com/activity/trophies/author/g3young.html
http://www.ils.unc.edu/award/chome.html

Visual Literacy Activity

2005-03-17T10:34:00.000-08:00

After viewing Eduscapes.com, I learned that there are alot of great ways to use visual literacy in the classroom. The activity I chose has to do with making an activity for students to retell, identify, describe, explain, or critique a photo or illustration.

I went to the website www.adflip.com. Here I viewed an old Coke ad from 1941 . The questions I would ask would be: What do you feel when you look at this ad? Why do you think the man in the ad is wearing a suit? Do you think this is a good ad, why or why not?

Practice Power Point

2005-03-03T11:57:00.000-08:00

Today we did a power point presentation. It was All About Me!

Mid Term Reflection

2005-03-03T10:09:00.000-08:00

Before taking IT3210, I was sure that most of the information presented would be familiar to me and basically it would be a review course. Now, after being in the course for eight weeks, I really am surprised at all the new things I am learning. I have learned so many ideas on how to and why technology should be used in the classroom. My expectations have not changed, because everything that I wanted to learn about is being presented. There are so many more ideas that I have never even heard of that are being presented also.

I feel I have learned so much thus far. Before taking this class, I didn’t know about the conceptions that other teachers and administration can have upon the influence of technology integration. It is important to educate all parts of the school system, not just the teacher who will be using the technology in his/or her classroom.

As far as tackling challenges when it comes to technology, I eel we have just touched on the subject. I have learned some great ways why and how I can implement technology, but I don’t feel confident in ways to tackle problems that might arise. When it comes to using technology to teach lessons that cross the curriculum, I have learned a lot.

Now that I am taking this course, I am using technology more to help in other classes. For projects in other courses, I have made multi-media presentations instead of just writing papers. When doing these projects I felt confident in using the applications. For a science project, I used the template web page that we made in this course. I also fill more confident in helping my peers and showing peers new ideas I have learned in this IT course. Now when I use technology I know I am using it more efficiently.

I have taken a similar IT course about four years ago. Since technology is always changing, it was important for me to take this course. This class has updated me on applications I have used and new applications that I didn’t even know existed, like Inspiration. This course is very informative and important for preservice and current educators.

This class is very intensive. There is a lot to accomplish in a one day per week class. I think this course should be offered at least two days per week. Sometimes it seems as though we are covering so much information at once, that it does not have time to sink in.

Inspiration Activity

2005-03-02T14:08:00.000-08:00

Project Name: Insect Introduction
Sample : Praying Mantis

6^th Grade – Science and Language Arts

Description of Learning Goals and Standards

Students will improve ability to gather relevant information from expository texts. Students learn about insects and learn about their characteristics, environment and the way they are categorized. Students will also have to follow some instructions when using Inspiration to create their web.

Some QCCs for the 6^th grade include: Compares similarities and differences in animals. Follows multiple oral directions. Recognizes relevance of data.

Rationale for Technology

Using Inspiration for this lesson allows students to make a graphic web to represent concepts and relationships from the material they are reading. It will help them to think critically and comprehend the information better.

Description of Lesson Implementation

First I will put the students into groups. I will have different books on different insects. Each group will have one book that they will read and put together a graphic organizer using Inspiration. We will be in a computer lab with one computer per group. I will make a graphic organizer, step by step, in front of the students, before they do their own. The book I read for my web was titled, "Backyard Hunter: Praying Mantis," by Bianca Lavies. This will help them to see how it is done. I will give the students some categories that their webs should include, such as, what the insects eat, what they look like, and habitat. I will also tell the students to include another category that they think of on their own. Then after the groups are finished, I will have each group come in front of the class and present their webs on the projection device so the whole class can learn from what they did.

Assessment

After the groups are finished, I will have each student write a paragraph on the insect that they made their graphic organizer on. The students will have to include something interesting that they learned.

Other Places to Use this Solution

This activity could be used for younger students with the teacher making the organizer in front of the class. The students could take turns giving information for the teacher to include on the web.

What I Learned

Before doing this project, I have never heard of Inspiration. I really think this a great tool for teachers and students. It helps with organization and how to make an outline.

References/Resources Used

Lavis, Bianca. (1990). Backyard Hunter: Praying Mantis. New York: Dutton.

Webpage

2005-02-23T17:31:00.000-08:00

Project Name: Mars Webpage

http://www.student.gsu.edu/~nquarles/mars.html

Description of Learning Goals and Standards: This project is for the middle grades, 4, 5 and 6. It allows students to further study the planet Mars. Students will use skills in following directions and gathering information. This project will also give students skills in basic internet use. Some QCC’s are: illustrates the relative size and distance of planets in our solar system and compares characteristics (size, portion, composition) of celestial bodies.

Rational for Technology: This will give students a different way to gather information other than books. Students love to work with computers and this is a fun activity to get them motivated.

Description of Lesson Implementation: The student will access the website and follow the directions which include: clicking on links about Mars to answer four questions. When they are finished with that, they will answer the big question which uses the information they received and also their own creativity.

Assessment: This activity would be good to use before a test because it can prepare students for what information will be on the test. So after the students do this activity they will have a multiple choice test on Mars.

Other Places To Use This Solution: A webpage like this can be used throughout the curriculum, from Language Arts to Math. Students can investigate a learn how to use the internet at the same time.

What I Learned: Making this web page really showed how easy it is. I was proud of my finished product. I also learned that this is a fun way for students to gather information. I also learned some tips about web pages like making links, and adding horizontal lines.

Resources:

Mars – Place and Size In Our Solar System: http://longwood.cs.ucf.edu/%7EMidLink/Mars.html

Mars – Water – Yes or No?:

http://mars3.jpl.nasa.gov/follow/

Mars Features:

http://www.solarviews.com/eng/marsvolc.htm

Breaking Mars News:

http://www.solstation.com/stars/mars.htm

Chapter 6 - Scenario 1

2005-02-15T10:57:00.000-08:00

S1.1 – Mia could make changes to the scheduling. She should make specific dates and times for the student to search and take digital photos. This can leave more time for comparisons.

S1.2 – Mia could keep a journal of the daily process and also keep graphs of students achievement.

S1.3 – Give the students a questionnaire on what they thought about the project and also have discussions with them to see what actually happened.

S1.4 – This could be a good idea because it will give more time for the students to share what they learned with each other and the teacher could see if the students really learned something.

Chapter 10 Discussion

2005-02-10T10:33:00.000-08:00

After reading chapter 10 from M.D. Roblyer's book Educational Technology in Action, I learned some great ways how the internet can be used in the classroom. One of the scenarios in the chapter really stood out to me. Here is a quote from the scenario where a teacher is telling a parent about how web sites can help students with learning.

Look at this site the Chicago Art Institute just put up to show its collection of Iraqi art objects from 2500 B.C. We can't get to Chicago, of course, and the exhibit will be there only for a short time anyway, but the web site will be up for the rest of the year or longer.

This is wonderful for students because they can get a chance to experience something that they may not have a chance to do in real life. Web sites can take students around the world just by a click of the mouse. It is very important for teachers to review these sites before showing the students. This is just to make sure the sites are educational and appropriate for the age group which the site will be presented to.

Can you think of some other examples of how web sites can be used in the classroom?

Two Lesson Plans For 5th Grade

2005-02-08T17:34:00.001-08:00

Lesson Plan 1

Project Name: Vocabulary Review
URL: http://teachers.net/lessons/posts/50.html

Description: This lesson focuses on vocabulary. It can be used for all middle grades. This lesson will allow students to get extra practice with words that they may have trouble with at the closed of a unit. Two QCCS that are used in this lesson are "increasing vocabulary to reflect a growing range of interest and knowledge" and "follows multiple oral directions."

Rationale for Technology: Technology in this lesson makes it easier for students to see. The powerpoint presentation will be projected in the classroom so all the students can see excatly what is going on. Also having a powerpoint presentation allows the teacher to use images to give the students a better understanding of the words.

Description of Lesson Implementation: First make sure that the vocabulary words used are covered before this activity. For this activity it is not essential that everyone has a complete understanding of each term, but at least a few students have a good idea. Next pick six or seven terms that may be misunderstood by the class. Before class make a powerpoint presentation of the vocabulary words and their definitions. Try to include a slide that has a image of the vocabulary word after the definition so the child can see it for reinforcement. This will be really quick and easy to do. During class have each student get out a sheet of paper and tear it into eights and write their names on each. Start the game using the powerpoint presentation with the first vocabulary term and give the students one minute to write the definition down. IF SOMEONE DOES NOT KNOW THE TERM, ITS OKAY! Tell them to write a creative definition. When the students are done with their definitions, they may walk silently up to your desk and give it to you. At this point, you should be choosing four of the slips: three incorrect versions and one that is acceptable. Read all four definitions. Tell students that they are to vote for the ONE correct term. Let the voting commence and write the number of votes received on each slip. Have the kids tally their own points. Each student who votes correctly earns whatever amount of points you choose to assign. The authors of the four definitions get one point for each person who voted for the definition. You get to read some fairly hilarious definitions and score humor points with the kids. What a bonding experience. CAUTION!!!!: To be fair, make sure you pick a different four people each time you switch terms. Otherwise, you may have an angry mob scene.

Assessment: After the game I will have a multiple choice quiz to see if the students understood the vocabulary.

What I Learned: Teachers who use this must be a little familiar with powerpoint, but they can just use the auto content wizard and it will be a breeze to make the presentation.

Evaluation: I think this is a great activity because it is presented as a game, and students love to play games. This activity also makes all students participate. This activity can also be used to help students with vocabulary that is to come in a unit. It can also help students study for tests.

Lesson Plan 2 - Mathematics Lesson Plan

Project Name: The Geometry Dictionary

Description of Learning Goals and Standards: The Geometry Dictionary lesson is targeted for Grade 5 students and incorporates three subject areas involving many skills. This lesson plan is an excellent example of an integrated lesson mixing mathematics, language arts and technology. The main goal of this lesson is for students to construct a geometry dictionary using the PowerPoint program and Encarta dictionary using the various drawing tools to construct the geometric shapes. The students will be able to define and recognize points, rays, lines, line segments, angles as well as demonstrate using Power Point while learning geometry and enhancing their vocabulary.The QCC standards addressed in this lesson include:Determines line of symmetry and identifies geometric relations (e.g., parallel to, perpendicular to, intersect, horizontal, vertical, similar, congruent, flips, slides, and turns).Makes models of plane and solid figures and sorts and classifies these models according to characteristics such as number of sides, angles, vertices, faces, edges, tessellations, and lines of symmetry (include triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, circles, cones, cylinders, rectangular prisms, and pyramids). Increases existing sight vocabulary (instant recognition).Integrates language structure (syntax), meaning clues (semantics), phonetic strategies, and sight vocabulary when reading orally and silentlyOperates basic technology tools and applications.

Rational for Technology: Technology plays a very significant role in this lesson and shows students that all subjects are related and the use of technology can be very useful in more than one complicated subject area. This lesson is very interactive and is also a fun activity for the students. Children love using technology and this is a great and educational experience for them. The non-assessed QCC Standards include technology integration, which identify basic technology tools, demonstrates the understanding of basic technology and telecommunication tools. Also the non-assessed QCC standards demonstrate appropriate and effective care and use of the technology tools as well as operating the basic tools and technology applications. The main technology connection in this lesson is for the students to create a PowerPoint presentation of geometry terms.

Description of Lesson Implementation: First I would review the following geometric terms with the students: line, line segment, intersecting line, parallel line, ray, right angle, acute angle, and obtuse angle. This will help the students have a better understanding when creating the geometric dictionary because they will know what they are defining. Then utilizing a scan converter, I would then review the steps to using the PowerPoint program. I would also demonstrate how to two important steps: (1) locate the draw tool bar, and (2) draw using the draw tool bar. After this the students will construct a geometry dictionary using PowerPoint. On each slide, the students will illustrate the term, define the term, and use the term in a sentence. This will help the students recognize the words as well as assign meaning to the terms and also to know in what context the words can be used. The students will be able to use Encarta dictionary, their text, or Web sites to locate definitions and illustrations. I would then pair the students up with partners to later share their presentations with the class. The PowerPoint presentations would be saved for later reference in case the students wanted to reflect or study from their presentations.

Assessment: The students will save their presentation to a disk for assessment. I would also use a special assessment rubric to grade the students’ presentations.Other Places to Use This Solution: I would definitely recommend using this in the classroom for one and also maybe in an after school or tutoring session. It is a great and easy way for students to summarize their work and have easy access to it. This would also be great for teachers and parents to help organize their things and it would be beneficial to all.

What I Learned: I learned that in order to have a successful lesson with technology integration the teacher must be computer literate and comfortable with technology. It is also very important to make sure the websites and research materials online are book marked or reviewed first by the teacher.

Evaluation: The Geometry Dictionary lesson is an example of an integrated lesson. It is exceptionally structured and consists of all the important areas of a lesson. The lesson is clearly written and meets the criteria of the QCC standards. The Geometry Dictionary lesson is also extended for gifted students and can be modified for remedial students and accommodates students with exceptional needs. This lesson is very interactive and is also a fun activity for the students. Children love using technology and this is a great and educational experience for them.

New Ideas and Links

2005-02-03T10:49:00.000-08:00

Today we learned some important information on how to gather data using the World Wide Web. We also learned about the Big 6. The Big6™ is an information literacy model. Some people call it a metacognitive scaffold, or an information problem solving strategy. When you apply these stages, you have an essential framework to approach any information-based question.
I also learned about WebQuests, which are problem-based activities created for the web or non-web resources. There are some great examples on the link of WebQuests, where you can rate them for yourself to see if you agree with all the information presented and you can also see how others rated the site. On our IT website there are some great links to sites that prepare teachers to use technology. The topics range from Acceptable Use Policies to Technology management and everything in between.

Initial Learning Environment Idea

2005-01-31T11:29:00.000-08:00

Member(s) of the Design Team : Nakia Quarles, Jovanna Ebanks

Metaphor/Theme being used in the Learning Environment: Language Arts: Writing Center and Math: Geometric Shapes

Targeted grade level for the Learning Environment: 5th Grade

Initial idea of the overall goal for creating the Learning Environment : To build on mathematical vocabulary and practice personal writing and to learn about geometric shapes

Sample QCCs to be addressed in Learning Environment: Uses available technology to assist in writing, increases writing vocabulary, Geometry and Spatial Sense; Measurement, Determines line of symmetry and identifies geometric relations,

Initial ideas for activities: The students will construct a geometry dictionary using the PowerPoint program and Encarta dictionary using the various drawing tools to construct the geometric shapes. Also students will write about real life examples where they have seen or can find these geometrical shapes.

Bloglines.com

2005-01-27T11:14:00.000-08:00

Today we registered on to the website Bloglines. com. This site is a comprehensive, integrated service for searching, subscribing, publishing and sharing news feeds, blogs, and rich Web content. This site is great for educators because it is free and it has access to loads and loads of information.

http://www.bloglines.com/
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Intial Reflection Paper

2005-01-27T10:00:00.000-08:00

Nakia Quarles
Initial Reflection Paper
IT 3210

I would like to learn many different ways to incorporate technology in the classroom. I feel I am comfortable with basic applications on the computer, but there is always more that I can learn. I would like to learn ways to get the students involved in technology. I would also like to find numerous websites for teachers and students.
I use to teach a Pre-K class for a year and Illinois, and we had a computer lab. Once a week I would take my class to play learning games on the computer. I found that the children really enjoyed working on the computers and the software used was fun for them. As a student I have used power point for class presentations, but that is the extent of it.
As far as topics discussed within this course, I would like to cover different software used in schools. I would also like to have examples of some software that are excellent and some that should be avoided, and some guidelines in selecting software. I would also want to learn more about excel, since I have not used it in a long time.
I believe technology should be used in the classroom as a supplement to text books. I don’t think it should be the only way to teach different subjects. For instance, a teacher may use the internet to show the students pictures from what ever unit the class might be in at that moment. Or advanced technology could be used to have video conferences with classrooms in other states or across the world. I think technology is great to incorporate and it can make things easier for the teacher and more exciting for the students. Using technology in the classroom also prepares students for what is out in the world today. With most jobs relying on computers, it is good to get children familiar and comfortable, so they will not be behind later in life.

Students ideas for great teachers

2005-01-20T10:30:00.000-08:00

Today I looked at a web log that belonged to an IT class at an elementary school. All the students each had a post on what aspects they believed made a good teacher. After reading Marcos's post, I learned that having fun with the students and giving them breaks sometimes is very important. Also Marcos mentioned some activities that he does in his class that are both fun for the students and help them learn at the same time. I really will take Marcos's advice to heart when I start teaching.

My First Post

2005-01-13T13:11:00.000-08:00

This is my very first post on my very first blog. I hope to learn a lot from my IT 3210 class.