This class has made me realize the importance of keeping up with technology. I’ve begun to understand how imperative it is for me to continue with my learning about technology. Though I don’t student teach for another four semesters, I can still keep up with educational technology.
I want to subscribe to a technology and teaching magazine to get some classroom ideas. I also look for conferences, workshops, and observation opportunities in areas of interest for teaching. I’ve decided to make an effort to research these opportunities with regards to technology. The MACUL program was the most interesting to me. I’m thinking about joining the association. I’m also probably going to go to the conference in Grand Rapids this spring.
I know that I must stay up with the technology in order to be an effective teacher. I’m strong in basic computer functions, but I feel weak with educational tools and software. Hopefully the things I mentioned earlier that I want to do will help me to achieve this.

Authority: There is no exact author given, but it is hosted by Stormfront.
Affliliation: I don’t believe that the site can be linked to any agencies or schools. The website cannnot be truncated.
Content: I think that the content is inappropriate for classroom use. None of the items have been backed-up or affirmed to be truth. The website is one-sided and attacks Martin Luther King, Jr.
Audience & Currency: This site is NOT acceptable for my students. Many of the links led to inapproriate comments about Martin Luther King. The date is not given.
Design: The site does load fast. Most of the links work, and work quickly. I was unable to download the flyers and the video.

I think this site is inapproriate for use in schools. It gives a very one-sided opinion on Martin Luther King, Jr. I think that it is someone’s website that is just against King. While reading it you can sense the tension and ill-feelings. Students can learn to be less trusting of the internet by seeing examples of bad websites. However, the teacher must be careful on the kind of websites that they are using as bad examples of ones to use. For example, I would not use this website, because I find it EXTREMEMLY unreliable, and inappropriate. They also should have the information about how to evaluate websites and web research. I used google to search, and the website came up 3rd on the list. I think that the website is so high on the list because it includes the exact words put in the search. The words are even in the correct order.

Constructivism is a big trend in education. It is an interactive way of learning, focusing on the whole. I think that Constructivism will work in my classroom one day, and I plan on using it as a main form of instruction. I’m going to teach elementary students with learning disabilites and I feel that this kind of instruction will be beneficial. The interaction, hands-on nature, and fun-learning environment are all positives for my future classroom. I’ve found that many learning disabled students like to figure things out themselves. They often don’t appreciate having things simplified or feeling like things are simplified for them. Using the Constructivist theory, you could do interactive learning, and this would be less intrustive for the students. The hands-on activities keep the learners engaged and often times are the main reason that the students benefit and succeed. I have seen the positive effects of using this kind of instruction with ADD and ADHD students. Giving an ADD or ADHD student the opportunity for group work and interaction will help them to channel their energy in positive ways. The Constructivist theory allows for this learning environment and will be the main source of learning for me.

I have enjoyed taking this class online. I feel that I am learning as much as I would during live sessions in the classroom. I benefit from the tutorials and online links for more learning. I don’t think that I would really change anything about this class. However, I do think that this class is good for online learning since it is a technology class. I also think that it is easier to keep up with since everything that is being learned is not only on the computer but through the computer. I like this online class, but I’m not sure I would take any other classes online. The only way I would is if they were also technology classes.

Educational Games-Starting in Kindergarten
Word Processing-Starting in 2nd grade
Drill-and-practice software-Starting in 2nd or 3rd grade
Presentation Software (basic)-Starting in 5th grade
Reference Software-Starting in 4th or 5th grade

I put the items in order of importance based on when they should be introduced and used. I think that it is important to start students in computer literacy early. I have seen the amazing and helpful effects of educational games with students as young as kindergarten. I think that this is a good way to start out with computers. The games help the students get accquainted with the baisc computer functions, but also assist in making learning a fun experience. This is vital in the beginning of school.
I then put word processing. This is important because it is one of the most used functions. I would think this shouldn’t really be introduced until around the 2nd grade. This is when students do more writing, and will most benefit from the processes and editing techniques.
Drill-and-practice software helps reinforce ideas that are important. Many students need this. It is beneficial to do this on the computer instead of in class with talks or worksheets. Many students will appreciate the hands-on experience. I would think this program can be used as early as 2nd or 3rd grade.
Presentation Software is good for students to be familiar with. Fifth grade is when most report and presentations start happening, so this is a good time to teach the basic functions and applications of the program.
Reference Software can be introduced in 4th or 5th grade. This will be helpful in reports and research. The software can also be for personal use for the students as well. It is important that the students properly know how to use and access the software and information therein.

I believe that it is important for classroom teachers to talk about tragedies. I think that it is important to talk about the issue, the feeling behind the issue, and coping ideas.
Students (especially elementary) look up to their teachers, and if a teacher is giving advice and coping mechinisms it is likely that the students will follow suit. If I were in this situation, I would first contact the school counselor and ask them questions on how to best reach the students. There may be a student in my class that is closely related to the tradegy and I want to make sure that I am careful about that. After that I would begin searching online, or in teaching publications for ideas on how to talk about the issues.
I think that these tragedies are good for teachable moments. It is important that clear, precise facts are given though. Many of these experiences are things that will happen once in a lifetime, but will most likely open one’s eyes up to what is really going on. Teachers need to embrace the chance (given by the tragedy) to teach students current events, and prevention for these issues to not repeat themselves.
Before sharing information, make sure the information is found in many sources. Usually when a specific idea or statement is in multiple texts, it is true. All information must be thoroughly read through to get rid of all biases.

Here I am trying out the week three posting to make sure I know how to do everything correctly. I don’t have anything really to say, but I’m tired and I have a 3 hour class tonight! YIKES!!!!

Just making sure that everything is working for me. I’m still trying to get my number discussion group to show up. I’m having trouble getting into my number (#3). Any suggestions? Thanks!