A Serenading Teacher...

Today was our final class of the course. Yeah! This is the first class I have taken at UVA where I feel I will usethe material in life. Even in my psych class, I feel at times it's just all memorization or concepts I won't use in the elementary classroom.

Tonight, we went over some things that technology does not suffice for in the classroom. For example, the teacher should be the greeter. Technology should not be used to read to children or play kickball (yet, I do think that would be interesting to observe). While technology is very useful, it should not be the main method used in the classroom. Technology should be a supplement to the objectives.

We went over how to create our Final Project CDs. Mine finally worked.

Then, our teacher decided to serenade us. Don't get your hopes up. The songs were about verbs, the 'number man', and, of course, picture day. While our teacher is not a hit crooner, his effort should be applauded. Perhaps, that's why we all go into education because children applaud us no matter what.

Good night.

Movie Night...better than a UVA football game!

Tonight was the night. The long awaited viewing of our digital stories. Everyone's worked and were awesome. Topics included trips around campus, childhood stories, adventures, true life issues, and even the kidnapping of Honey Mustard (yes, Honey Mustard).

Our teacher made up for his Halloween nightmare of not providing the students with candy by breaking the cardinal rule of computer labs--"No food or drink." Thanks!

It was very enjoyable seeing each other's perceptions and creativity. This class has allowed many of us to establish friendships which shall grow richer in the next three years.

Here's to movie night!

Last real class?

Good news...Today was 'technically' my last 'real' class. (clap, clap)

This week we discussed basic information that every teacher should know regarding software. First, there are many types of educational software including: drill & kill (tutorial), simulation, generative, diagnostic, teacher-productivity, and, of course, everyday applications. In class, we focused on drill & kill, simulation, and generative.

Drill & kill software reinforces basic skills. I found these programs to be either relatively inexpensive or expensive (maybe a difference in quantity purchased). However, these software need to be investigated before purchasing because some programs do not offer many varying patterns of material or meet the purpose of critical thinking. Many relate to mathematics. However, overall, they are great programs for reinforcing basic skills.

Simulation sofware intends for students to role play or experience/simulate processes. Most simulation software programs I observed related to the field of science. I was really impressed by the combination of concepts utilized in the programs. Furthermore, the programs are reasonably priced. The teacher in class mentioned a knee operation simulation on the internet. In fact, I had knee surgery in August. Before I had it, I used a simulation to prepare.

Generative software allows for the creation of projects and documents. There are some great generative software. While on average more expensive than the previous software, they do allow more creative input and offer more 'accessories.' For instance, some programs offer templates while others interpret. Obviously, these software usually relate to English and writing. Yet, they can be used for science reports and history projects.

Furthermore, we discussed what one should consider before purchasing sofware. They are the system requirements, whether the companies offers a trial version (bad if they don't), target audience, cost, and discount on bulk purchases.

This class was information packed.

Until next time...

Assistive technology...helpful?

This week, our teacher had an easy job; he made us do the teaching. Different groups presented on various assistive technology devices/concepts. Cognitive disability devices, AAC devices, interactive white boards, speech recognition software, and text-to-speech software were types of assistive technology the class discussed.

Cognitive disability devices help students access, process, or remember inforomation. Types of devices include: vibration technology, watches, and handheld computer devices. They increase in prices respectively. The most efficient device for an elementary student would be the watch. Vibration technology does not include reminders while the handheld devices are too advanced for the student. Yet, when a teacher recommends a device he or she must account for the individual needs of the student.

An AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) device makes it easier for students to communicate in class even if they have trouble speaking or are incapable of speaking. The AAC device affords the disabled an opportunity to express ideas and thoughts. AAC devices apply to the 'strategic learning' portion of UDL becuase they offer students another way of demonstrating competency in areas. There are many AAC devices ranging from a simple keyboard to ones that are portable and light. They are expensive, ranging in price from $3,000 to $10,000.

Interactive white boards are a common instrument in schools today. They allow a teacher to project the computer screen on to a large visual board. The teacher then can touch the board in order to act as a computer 'mouse' or to write. Children find using the board fun. Most manufacturers offer discounts for educational purposes.

Speech recognition software and text-to-speech software are essentially the same concept. The first software allows for one to talk, while the software recognizes and then peforms the command. The latter allows for text to be converted to speech. In-depth software for both is expensive. There is free software that is extremely less detailed. The disabled student is allowed to communicate becuase of this technology.

Overall, the class was informative and fun. Most groups gave interactive presentations.
Consequently, I learned that assistive technology is very valuable and should not be overlooked.

Until next time...

Class on Halloween, yet no treats?

This week, class fell on the spooky holiday of Halloween. However, class was not too spooky.

Are you inspired? Well, I am--especially after learning the software of Inspiration. It will be an awesome tool to use for preparation in the classroom and for use in the classroom. I learned that this brainstorming software makes diagramming easy. It is an interactive way of teaching outlining while technologically it is easily functional as it allows exports in various formats. Later in the semester, I will use the program to summarize the assistive technology presentations that my group is working on. As for those, my group met today before class to construct our presentation. We used ZohoWriter throughout the week to post our information we discovered.

Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science are subjects we have explored the use of technology in. Consequently, this week we learned how to effectively use technology in Social Studies. The most common uses in the classroom include: virtual field trips, Geographic Information Systems, and digital primary sources. Katherine and I had a lot of fun using Geographic Information Systems. (We found our apartments, our 'real' homes, and the White House.) These programs allow students to obtain more hands-on experience with the information. Also, it allows students to connect all information retaining to a concept.

I definitely will use Geographic Information Systems in my classroom. Although I find it a little creepy how accurate the program is, it will allow students to gain another perspective of their community and local. Furthermore, I believe I will use virtual field trips in my classroom. For example, my practicum this semester is in a first grade classroom. That class recently visited Luray Caverns. The teacher tried to prepare the students for their adventure but still remained nervous about their reactions. A cave virtual field trip would have helped in preparing the young students.

I have two questions this week. How am I going to balance all the technology I am learning in the classroom? I guess, I will just have to wait and gauge my students and the school environment. And, where were our Halloween treats? Getting out of class 15 minutes early does not count.

Until next time...

Science in the classroom...complicated?

In class this week, we discussed several topics including: science education, digital images in the science classroom, and simulations. We discussed exactly what is science education, as many fields ranging from zoology to botany compose science. (Here is an interesting video regarding the definiton of science.) There are various strands that are woven through Virginia's SOLs; I did not know this. Scientific investigation, force and energy, matter, life processes, and resources are some of the strands. Next, we discussed digital images. Science contains many processes that are unobservable to the naked eye; they are either too small or occur too fast or too slow. CameraScope is a tool that captures video and pictures making these processes observable. Furthermore, many processes are not concrete and change. Thus, simulations are a great educational application for students to manipulate and understand the abstract processes or cycles. Explore learning is a useful tool for simulations. Finally, we were given a project to present to the class. My group (Sara, Katherine, Erica, Christina, and myself) are going to present on the topic of Cognitive Disability Devices. We will need to integrate technology into the presentation.

In the classroom, the use of digital images for science education will be very important. I could take pictures of the same landscape every week and compile the pictures in a time elapsed manner. The resulting product would allow students to observe the seasons in their 'own backyard.' Furthermore, I believe simulations would be a great tool for the secondary science classroom--especially for biology and chemistry. The numerous cycles (such as Nitrogen) and the chemical compounds could be simulated allowing students to manipulate the different components. In the elementary classroom, simulations could be used for understanding the water cycle.

The question I am left with is whether there is a free download site for simulations?

And, I do not think science in the classroom will be complicated.

Until next time...

Embedding, not so fun...Playing, much fun...

In class today, we went over embedding the podcasts and digital photostories into our web pages. I am not going to lie, but it seems really complicated. I will have to follow the directions thoroughly. Then, we reviewed some websites that offer educational applications. We 'played' with websites, such as Starfall and Read, Write, Learn, geared towards Language Arts and Mathematics. Katherine, a fellow peer, and I looked through the websites of Starfall and Read, Write, Think and acknowledged the advantages and disadvantages of each. Starfall offers applications with audible phonetic sounding-out of words while Read, Write, Think has the advantage of creative, open-ended answers. Some disadvantages included that Starfall's homepage was somewhat cluttered while Read, Write, Think did not offer the option of saving one's work or the arranging of material by topic or level.

A couple thoughts I took from today's class were the whole notion of the internet is extremely abstract, that there are many resources for teachers through the internet, and that I will need to review the content of websites and plan accordingly before bringing my students into the computer lab.

I think the educational applications through the internet will be of great use in reinforcing material once it has been introduced. I really like the fact that with most of the applications the students controls the pace, so that the games are individualized and differentiated. On another note, I found many of the applications to be naturally fun and engaging. Computer lab time could be used as a reward for good behavior, class participation, etc. Consequently, the reward will be educational not unhealthy like food.

The question I am left with this week, is whether there are many programs for children with special needs?

Until next time...