Cara's Thoughts

LEP

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

Everyone should BLOG!

2005-04-21T10:17:00.000-07:00

Over the course of this semester we have used weblogs throughout our meetings. I found that weblogging is something that I will use outside of this classroom as well. I was introduced to weblogs in this course, and wish I had heard about weblogs earlier. We created our own weblogs as well as comment on our peers entries. We also were given the oppertunity to communicate with younger students who were first learning how to blog as well.
I enjoyed learning how to weblog because I think it will be very beneficial to me as well any my students in my future. Weblog is a great tool to use for communicating as well as posting an opinion about something.

Final Reflection Paper

2005-04-21T09:36:00.000-07:00

Cara Streger

April 21, 2005

Final Reflection Paper

I was rereading the reflection papers I created from the beginning of the semester to the middle of the semester, and I saw a slight difference in the way I felt about technology in the classroom. But now that the semester is coming to an end, I feel that I have been exposed to a whole new world of technology in just 16 weeks.
If I were to walk into a classroom tomorrow and was told that I could teach students about anything I wanted, I would choose a topic that I could incorporate technology in it. Throughout this semester my comfort level of using technology in the classroom grew immensely to point where I think I would be able to handle it. We have been taught a numerous amount of ways to integrate technology in the classroom. I now feel that I would be completely comfortable and prepared in sharing my knowledge with others.
I think what might help me to put what I’ve learned in this class to use in the classroom is the experience I got from creating lesson plans that integrated technology. If I were not to use the same activities I researched, I would use something very close to it. Creating lesson plans that were based on selected software allowed me to expand my mind and see that computers have other software besides Microsoft Word! (That’s my favorite). The skills I learned through this course are skills that I don’t think will ever leave me. My level of experience has increased and I feel that with a little bit of motivation and more experience that I think that I could definitely be able to put out all that I put in.
The impact of the level of technology resources in my future school of employment will lead me to become a better teacher. I feel that as time passes by, technology increases. I know that I will take everything I learned in this course and allow that to be my base of what’s to come. Since I can now say I am familiar with more programs then I ever thought I would be familiar with, I have a head start on what is in the future. The level of technology resources in my future school may seem intimidating at first, but I will take it head on and embrace it with an open mind. On the other hand, some schools are not as fortunate to have a great level of technology resources, and if that is the case, I plan to try my best to encourage technology integration with any school I teach at.
In my opinion, technology can help teaching and learning because it is a whole other way of learning. With a simple use of technology, students become more engaged in what is being taught. I wouldn’t say incorporate technology into your every day curriculum, but definitely allow the students to become familiar with it. Technology can be used to enable old models of teaching and learning. Students can be "plugged into computers" to do drill and practice that is not so different from workbooks. Teachers can use multimedia technology to give more colorful, stimulating lectures. In my opinion, technology can help teaching and learning in a very positive way.
As I move through my teaching career, I plan to keep up with technology changes by “drill and practice” with myself. Before you teach and integrate material, you have to know what you are teaching. Technology is something that advances daily, and I will have to make it my priority to keep up with the updates. Technology is very interesting to me and grabs my attention immediately. I am fascinated by what computers can now do, and what software’s can now include. I will keep up with technology as my careers travels by introducing myself to software and knowledge that I know will be important and useful.
I entered this class never thinking that I would leave with such great appreciation of what I have learned. I know that at any level of education, technology can be integrated some how. Whether it is just using paint art with the little kids, or making excel spreadsheets with the older ones. There is something in technology that can be used for everyone.

Software/Website Reviews

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

The software I reviewed was Diorama Designer for grades 2-6. I thought this software was a great tool for students be creative as well as learn. It allows students to take the knowledge they learned from a previous lesson, and use a program that allows you to create a 3-D Diorama. It is a step by step progress and you can work at your own pace. It is a software that will allow students to feel like they are playing as well as learning.

The website I chose to review was A To Z Kid Stuff. This website provided a great activity to learn the five senses. It provided a small activity to do for each sense and then one big one to sum it all up. I would definitely recommend this site for future teachers looking for an activity on the five senses.

Digitial Divide Interview

2005-04-14T10:15:00.000-07:00

I read "An Interview with Barbara Monroe," the author of "Crossing the Digital Divide: Race, Writing, and Technology in the Classroom." It is a book that spices up the debate about the digital divide. It gives a chance for the readers to learn something about the students from the other side of the digitial divide. Barbara Monroe writes:

"So far the discourse on the Digital Divide has been dominated by white liberals
who have advocated from leveling the playing field, but now that
those schools have come online we can learn from them."

It allows readers to see that students are much more less experimental with computers in the classroom because they are being drilled to know "test" material because of the No Child Left Behind Act. Because students on the other side of the digital divide are behind, teachers are going to "drill" them till they know it, and that is what cuts into the educational time, that students need. Basically, the students on the other side of the digital divide are going to teach us that technology isn't going to make a difference in schools. Barbara Monroe wants to open up peoples eyes to every side of the digital divide, and then feels once we become good listeners and learners, we can start to rebuild the importance of technology.

Music to My Ears with MS Access

2005-04-06T15:00:00.000-07:00

Project Name: Music to My Ears with MS Access

Description of Learning Goals and Standards:
This activity for seventh graders can be created in a music class or even a history class. It allows students to research their top 10 favorite music artisits on the internet and work with Microsoft Access to create a database for it. The database will give reports and analyze data that each student puts in. The students will develop knowledge in browsing the web as well as being challenged to work with Microsoft Access. After completing this activity, the students will have a new way they can input data and become organized in a timely fashion.
QCC's:
Topic: Productivity
Standard: Creates, manages, and utilizes information using database tools and applications.
Topic: Research
Standard: Uses technology and telecommunications tools to locate, analyze, synthesize, evaluate, apply, and communicate information.

Rationale for Technology:
The intergration for technology allows students to use search browsers on the internet to find specific information that will enhance their learning. It will allow students to locate information using clues and simple words.
Microsoft Access will allow students to become skillful in making a database for this selected activity. Titles, query's, forms, and reports will be created to help make this database complete. Students will have to be patient with using this type of technology. It is basic, but it requires patience and attention. Will single clicks of the mouse, the students will create a database with each of their top 10 lists of favorite songs.

Description of Lesson Implementation:
First we will start out by having a group discussion with the class about music. We discuss some of our favorite artists and what songs they sing. The assignment will then be given. The students will start out in front of a computer researching their favorite top 10 singers. This part of the project will allow students to use different search engines to find the answers they are looking for. In this particular project they are looking for, the artist's name, song, year written, album name, and genre. After the students find the information for all 10 of their favorite artisits, they will come forward and receive a handout on Microsoft Access. This handout will explain making a database word for word. The students will concentrate on making a list that includes all the information they were looking for in their search. They will be able to create wizards if necessary and pick a layout to add to the creativity. After their database is complete, the students will be responsible for printing out a copy of the list view, form view, and one report.

Assessment:
Students will graded on a 50 point scale: 40 points based on the MS Access, and 10 points for completion:

10 Records and 5 Fields- 20 points
Formating: 10 points
Writing- 10 points

Completion- 10 points

Other Places to Use this Solution:
Databases are a great way to organize material. It can store information, and organize data in a way that you would want it in. Microsoft Access can be used in a classroom to help enhance the way students learn, but it is not something I would add to the curriculum. It can be used in grade levels of 6 and up to do projects, but I see databases as something you would more or less use in a businesslike situation. It is something that keeps and stores information that an individual enters!

What I Learned and what I would Improve Next Time:
I learned that technology is something that can enhance an activity. To use the database, you have to have information to insert in it. It is something you just don't open up and stare at. Microsoft Access is there to be used as an organizer but it is tough to understand it if you are not familiar with the software. Microsoft Access is not something I would use again to help with a project. It is not that easy to intergrate this type of technology into a lesson plan. I now know, it does take patience, and it does take time.

References/Resources Used:
MS Access
http://www.bluerodeo.com/br/music.html

To Eat or Not to Eat

2005-03-30T00:33:00.000-08:00

Project Name:
To Eat or Not to Eat

Description of Learning Goals and Standards:
Students in the fourth grade will learn the importance of Excel. They will learn to solve equations using sums, averages, and differences. The students will also learn the food pyramid and the importance of each food group. While conducting this two day project, students will have the ability to monitor and record what they eat as well as enjoy it.
QCC'S:
Topic: Productivity
Standard: Manages information with databases and spreadsheets.
Topic: Dietary Guidelines
Standard: Evaluates personal diet based on recommended dietary guidelines and the food guide pyramid.

Rationale for Technology:
Excel is a software that allows information to be expressed in various amount of ways. It is a clear and concise way to show important information "spread" out to gain a better understanding. Graphs can be made, extra cells, rows, and columns can be added, and creation is also a key. When working with Excel it is important to be patient when entering information because it is easy to confuse one row for another. Excel is a software that allows you to plot information that will be useful throughout you're entire process. When entering data, such as food intake, it is an easy task to keep track of all your information.

Description of Lesson Implementation:
Working with excel I thought it would be a great oppertunity to have the students do a two day project. This project consists of monitoring your food intake for one full day. The students are to write down every thing they eat for one day. The following day the students are to come in with their results and as a class we will discuss their results. The Food Pyramid will be introduced and information of the correct recommended servings from each group will be stated. The students will form in 5 groups of 4 and work together to form a spreadsheet activity. Given the information from the food pyramid and each of their results from their daily food intake record, we will form a flow chart that provides us with information from our peers and from the recommended information. We will perform fuctions to add, subtract and sum. Each group will present their spreadsheet and the results they have found.

Assessment:
This activity will be graded on a 50 point scale.

Record of Daily Food Intake- 20 points
Participation in Creating Spreadsheet- 15 points
Presentation with Group- 10 points
Accuracy on Functions- 5 points

Other Places to Use this Solution:
Excel can be used within any subject in any class. You can create spreadsheets for almost anything. For example, to take roll, grades, math, tally sheets, and Science. Excel can be used in a productive school setting, or even at home for own home necessities.

What I Learned and What I Would Improve Next Time:
I learned that Excel is a great way to sort information. It doesn't matter if it just a minimum amount of information or a mass amount. Next time, depending on the grade level, I would try to use more complex functions to really try to challenge and stump the students. Within each grade level, the intensity of numbers and situations can increase.

References/Resources Used:
http://www.centenaryarchers.gil.com.au/images/food-pyramid.jpg

Blooms Taxonomy with The Five Senses

2005-03-24T10:20:00.000-08:00

Knowledge:
List the five different senses and the body parts it pertains to.

Comprehension:
Discuss what life would be like if you were a child growing up without your senses.

Application:
Examine why some of the five senses seem more important then others.

Analysis:
Analyze what you would be like if you lost one of your senses.

Synthesis:
Design a collage of pictures that represent each of the five senses.

Evaluation:
Recommend different way that you use all five senses.

Holiday Time with MS Publisher

2005-03-23T22:10:00.000-08:00

Project Name:
The title of the MS Publisher Newsletter is : Holiday Time

Description of Learning Goals and Standards:
Students in the 7th grade will pick their favorite holidays, learn indepth information on that specific holiday using the internet, and create a newsletter using MS Publisher. The students will be shown a draft, or the one I created to use as a guidance, and be able to complete a newsletter.
QCC Standards:
Topic: Productivity
Standard: Creates, manages, and utilizes information using database tools and applications.

Rationale for Technology:
MS Publisher is a program that allows you to create newsletters in a creative style. It allows you to select columns, make rows, tables, insert pictures, colors, and information that is very feasible to the eye. MS Publisher is a program that allows students to show their artistic and creative side by doing simple clicks with the mouse of the computer. Some students can not be as creative with a pen, but has the image sitting in their head. MS Publisher allows certain images to become possible. It is another form of communication that can be spoken through bright colors, pictures, and font size. MS Publisher is not a program you have to be an expertise in but rather just familiar with the toolbar. You can move at your own pace and let the creating begin. MS Publisher adds a positive vibe into the classroom, and keeps students interested in the lesson being taught.

Description of Lesson Implementation:
Everyone loves a certain time of year that they just look forward to. Often enough, those specific times of year usually fall around a holiday. I would start this lesson off by having the students name as many holidays as they could think of and write them on the board. We would name positive and negative things we like about the announced holidays and then move forward into the project part. I would use a computer with a projector screen so every student in the class can pay attention. I would guide the students through the internet showing them how to search for a specific topic using different search engines. After searching with the entire class, I would put the students in groups of four to work on the computers in the classroom. A topic would be named, and as a group they are to find two different websites they found important that relates to the topic. After doing so, I would have a hand out on MS Publisher. As a class we will guide through a practice newsletter and I would show them how creative you can be with it.
The students would then return into their groups and be able to perform practice runs with MS Publisher. After they feel comfortable with this software, their assignment would be given. They are to create a newsletter using MS Publisher on their favorite holiday they have chosen. They are to have at least two different web resources and be turned in the following week.

Assessment:
I would use the following criteria to assess my students. This assignment is on a 50 point scale.

Completeness- 10
Organization- 5
Resources- 10
Holiday Topic- 10
Creative- 5
Presentaiton- 10

Other Places to Use this Solution:
MS Publisher is a software that can used at many different levels. I would recommend this software for middle school and up, and have the criteria increase with the grade level. This software is very beneficial for students because it allows them to be creative but stay productive at the same time. It takes time and practice to fully understand how to work it. Creations such as newsletters, articles, invitations and more can be created on this software.

What I Learned and what I would Improve Next Time:
MS Publisher is a program that seems a little overwhelming at first. It provides many different options that you can choose from. If you are not familiar with the program then you may struggle at first. If you are working with students on this program you just have to be patient and guide the students through each step. For next time, I think I would actually create lesson plans on MS Publisher because it is a different way to grab the students attention. Often enough when we look at newspaper and see the front page, we know their is important news being said. I would make it something to that format so that it looks and sounds as important as it really is!

Resources:
http://aa.usno.navy.mil/faq/docs/easter.html
http://www.holidays.net/thanksgiving/
http://people.howstuffworks.com/christmas.htm

Using the Scanner

2005-03-17T10:32:00.000-08:00

Using the Scanner

The above URL is a link that provides information on how to include scanners into making an activity more exciting.
The one activity that caught my eye was the "collage." You are to create a collage on something specific you are learning about, scan it and add other interesting features that can be done through the paint software. For example: If in a classroom you are learning about a specific city, like New York City, a collage would be a great oppertunity to include some great pictures and words that define the pictures. Once you scan the collage, you can add special features to make the pictures stand out more, or maybe focus on one picture more then the others.
This activity can be used in every subject that can enhance a great learning oppertunity.

Documentation for Powerpoint Presentation

2005-03-16T19:35:00.000-08:00

Project Name:
Colors are Everywhere

Description of Learning Goals and Standards:
The students in first grade will develop knowledge in understanding the color skeme. They will learn the primary colors, secondary colors, warm colors, and cool colors. While learning the great facts about colors, the students will be introduced to the Powerpoint software where a colorful presenation will be presented.
QCC Standards For First Grade:
Topic: Artistic Skills and Knowledge: Creating, Performing, Producing Standard: Mixes primary colors to create secondary colors.
Topic: Basic Skills
Standard: Identifies basic technology tools.

Rationale Technology:
Using the technology software of Powerpoint allows the teacher to create a lesson plan for students that is self explanatory and fun. Creating a powerpoint presentation allows for the individual to be as creative as they want. They can use background colors, creative font, and pictures that will grab the students and have them really interested in the lesson being taught. This integration of technology in the classroom is beneficial to the teacher as well at the students because it is tool that is helpful and can be used in a computer in the classroom as well as at home. Powerpoint is also helpful in that you can go as fast as you want. The teacher is control of the slide movement and if they have any extra information to give, they can go along with the presentation. Powerpoint is a way to switch up a teaching style, and make it more interesting. Besides planning a lesson, or making a project, it allows to students to work with technology that is basic and easy.

Description of Lesson Implementation:
I would begin by holding up a large picture of the color wheel and ask the students to tell me every color they see in this picture. This would be the introduction to the Powerpoint presenation. The Powerpoint presentation would not just be a presenation. I would ask specific questions to go along with each slide. For example, After showing a slide of some objects that are primary colors, I would ask the students to name other objects that use primary colors. The Powerpoint presenation would be the beginning to a project the students will be creating. There will be magazines throughout the classroom, and the students are to pick between primary colors, secondary colors, and warm, and cool colors, and make a collage of objects that fall into the picked catergory.

Assessment:
I would assess my students on a 20 point scale.
5 points- Participation during the presenation
10 points- Completion of collage
5- Presentation of collages and what objects they chose

Other Places to Use this Solution:
Powerpoint is a software that can be used at many levels. In a second grade atmosphere the teacher should present Powerpoint in a presention. For higher level of grades you can incorporate Powerpoint into specific projects. This is something that can be done in the classroom and finished at home. There are many activities that you can use with Powerpoint but stated above is just one of them.

What I learned and Would Improve Next Time:
I learned that Powerpoint can be used as your main teaching tool, or just an additive. I found that Powerpoint was very easy and self explanatory. I was glad that I got to use my creative side and found that was very beneficial in this lesson plan. Next time, I would like the students to work with me and have each student create a slide on Powerpoint, so by the end of the class, we would have a full presentation.

References/Resource Used:
Powerpoint Software
•http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/TEACH/floral/color.htm
•http://members.aol.com/sabbeth/Coloroct.html
•http://www.eduref.org/Virtual/Lessons/Science/SCI0007.html
•http://www.thesolutionsite.com/lpnew/lesson/818/lubeckelA1.html

An Inspirational "Sense"

2005-03-02T22:35:00.000-08:00

Project Name:

Learning the Five Senses in an Inspirational Way:

Description of Learning Goals and Standards:

This lesson is created for the second grade level. Students will learn the five senses of the human body. They will concentrate on learning what parts of the body it includes, it's functions, and it's relationship to non-living things. The students will be guided through the internet using selected webpages that cover the five senses. Using the Inspiration Software that is given to us on the computer, the students will be able to complete a five senses chart at the end of the lesson to review what they have learned. They will be guided through the Inspiration software and will be shown how to pick pictures that fufill each bubble located on the map. They will learn the five senses through working in groups, finding facts, and pictures that relate to the senses.
QCC Standards:
-Topic: Basic Skills
Standard: Operates basic technology tools and applications.
-Topic: Productivity
Standard: Uses technology tools to create charts and graphs with teacher guidance.
- Topic: The Living World: Human Body
Standard: Interprets and distinguishes a variety of audio, visual, and tactile stimuli.

Rationale for Technology:

Technology in this lesson is very important and vital. Since the students will be divided into five different groups, each group will be held responsible for finding information on their sense. A worksheet full of webpages will be handed to each group, and the students are to find their five hidden websites and locate facts, and pictures about their given sense. Computers/technology play an important role in this lesson because it allows students to work together in a group providing students with information they have to "search" for. The only disadvantge of intergrading technology into this lesson plan is that computers need to be accessible. But incorporating technology into learning about the five senses will help students become familiar faster and allow the students to look at pictures that will definitely give them an upperhand.

Description of Lesson Implementation:

The students will be divided into five groups. Initially, each group will be given a worksheet filled with websites, a contruction paper, and markers. The students will be placed in front of a computer asked to find information on their given sense. After finding facts and pictures, the students will fill their construction board with written facts, and written pictures that they thought were important. After each group has finished their group work within a 30 minute time span, each group will present their findings and turn in their construction board. The teacher will post up the five construction boards and discuss which sense they think is most important, and how would they feel if they lost one of their senses. After the discussion takes place, each student will have a chance to go to the computer and work on the Inspiration software and complete the missing links on the webmap given. Each student will have a chance to print their webmap and turn it in to the teacher.

Assessment:

The students will be graded based on participation, presentation (clarity), and completion. If the students all worked as a group, they will receive participation points. If each group did a presentation and it was clear, the students will receive presentation points. If the students completed their webmap on the Inspiration software, then the students will receive points for completion. This is based on a 15 point scale.

Other Places to Use this Solution:

Inspiration software can be used in any class with any grade level. It enhances the classroom into a more educational environment. It gets the students involved as well as attaining their attention. Inspiration can be used individually or in group work. It is a quick and easy way, to a fun and effective classroom.

What I Learned and What I would Improve Next Time:

I learned that Inspiration actually made creating a lesson plan so much easier. It actually can help you set guidelines and have students work in a step-by-step manner. It allowed me to become creative and use colors that I knew would grab the students attention. The pictures that you can browse through and the font you can use is just all part of the small process to making learning more unique. I have no improvements for next time, but just to make sure their is a next time, with Inspiration.

References/Resources Used:

-Inspiration Software
-Google- http://www.state.sd.us/deca/DDN4Learning/ThemeUnits/5senses/lesson.htm

Midterm Reflection Paper

2005-02-23T16:52:00.000-08:00

Midterm Reflection Paper

Entering this class, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I knew since we were meeting once a week, the times we did meet were going to be intense and effective. My expectations for this course sustain because we are exceeding my standards and getting involved in activities I didn’t know we would be doing. Learning how to find different resources using so many different search engines was very interesting. I have never heard of blogging before until this class, and I think it is a great way to communicate with each other. It allows you write freely for yourself, and others.
Sitting in this class, I have learned so much more about computers and just what you can find through them then I could have ever imagined. From blogging to younger students, to creating webpage’s, and to even to finding so many different search engines that will be beneficial to me, when it becomes my turn. I feel like I have grown individually in this class, because although we are handed assignments with instructions, none of the material is “that familiar” to us. We have to take it upon ourselves and learn. This class has actually taught me so many ways that I can integrate technology into the classroom. It’s funny to think that we are only midway through and have accomplished so much.
When coming to challenges and different tasks, I always try to take them head on. In this class, you have no choice but to dive right into it. Instead using methods that I used to use, I have learned throughout this class different ways to approach different tasks. For example, when given an assignment that requires skills that I could possibly lack, I now communicate with my peers through the internet and come to conclusions using valuable helpful ways.
have always used a computer throughout my life, but have now found different functions for it. I now incorporate in any searches I do, using specific websites that were given in this class. I also have never been introduced to some programs that are offered on the internet, like blogging. It is a neat way to be creative and expressive. I have learned people not just in this particular class have been turned out to blogger, but other people I know that love to leave messages and communicate. Because of this class, I have become so much more familiar and knowledgeable with using technology.
I was browsing through my first initial reflection paper and compared it to this one. I see the difference and realized how much I have grown in this class. I have learned so much information that I know I will keep with me. Technology is important, and although people take it lightly, it can be used in numerous ways to benefit anyone. Some tasks are harder then the other, but the conclusion to them is well worth it.

Documentation For Webpage Creation

2005-02-22T16:30:00.000-08:00

Cara Streger

Project Name: Celebrating the Joys of St. Patricks Day: An Internet Experience

Description of Learning Goals and Standards:
- In this lesson, students in the second grade will gain knowledge on the origination of St. Patricks day, who is St. Patrick, and why it is celebrated on a certain day throughout the world.
- QCC Standards: 11 Topic: Culture: Compares the present day customs and lifestyles of the United States to selected places throughout the world.

Rationale for Technology:
I created a website with very informal resources that the students will be able to click on to learn valuable information. It allows students to travel outside of their own culture and learn about a certain custom and tradition that is now celebrated throughout the world. The websites chosen are three easy-read sites that will allow students to scroll and explore at their own pace. Since their are questions that go along with these sites, it will allow students to really focus on what they are reading and allow them to also intergrade technology into their learning.

Description of Lesson Implementation:
Creating a website was simple. It allowed me to use a little of my creative side but also include my informative side as well. I was not pariticularly familiar with the tools on how to create one at first , but with a little practice, I was able to imaginate and create. It is obvious that not every student is going to be on the same pace as everyone else. To prep the students for an activity using such tools, I would create a worksheet for students to take home, so they don't feel pressured to finish this particular assignment in class. The downfall to this, is that not every student is equipped with a computer at home, and even if they are, sometimes the system is down. I would give the students an allotted time and also stay for some after school hours for any student that feels they need some extra assistance.

Assessment:
The questions that are given on the webpage are to be completed on a piece of paper neatly and will be turned in when completed. I will grade on clarity as well as completeness. The Big Question given will also be written down on that piece of paper, but not be fully graded individually. I will check for completeness, but the Big Question will turn into a group discussion which will lead into the students own traditions.

Other Places to Use this Solution:
I think web resources and question and answers can be used throughout many grade levels. It just depends on the level of difficulty. Also an activity like this can be completed at home, where they could receive help from their guardians.

What I learned and What I Would Improve Next Time:
I learned that creating a webpage is not as difficult as I thought. It allowed me to get in touch with my creative side. Next time I would hope to add more to the webpage, instead of simple questions and links for the answers. With a little more time given, each webpage could almost look like a masterpiece.

Resources/References Used:
http://www.lessonplanspage.com/SSOStPatricksDayHistory2.htm A lesson given by Lisa MacBean.

http://www.historychannel.com/exhibits/stpatricksday/index.jsp?page=patrick

http://wilstar.com/holidays/patrick.htm

http://www.faqfarm.com/Holiday/Patrick/278

Chapter 6- Interest

2005-02-16T20:47:00.000-08:00

Didn't it take a long time to get them up to speed on the technical skills? I
remember you had some problems there?

The quote above is taken from M.D. Roblyer's, Educational Technology in Action. It describes that the students had a hard time grasping all the technical skills that would be included in the project which probably made the project seem a lot longer. Technical skills is very important while producing a project, but to understand all the skills will guide you through the project even smoother. Although it was described as a "touch and go" situation for a while, the skills should of been discussed before given. I know some students probably had no problem understanding every technical skill, but others were probably moving at a slower pace. Mia should of took a day to go through what exactly the students will be doing. In describing the project to Lars, it doesn't seem that convincing that everything was thought out and planned. If the teacher doesn't explain, then the students will be lost.

I enjoyed this passage because it sounded like a real-life story. Sometimes you have to make mistakes in teaching to make yourself a better teacher.

Chapter 10- Virtual Art

2005-02-10T13:38:00.000-08:00

" We want all our students to be artistically literate, as well as
read-and-writing literate. We're taking a virtual field trip to major art
exhibits around the world."

This quote was taken from Chapter 10, Virtual Art, by Glen Bull and Gina Bull in M.D. Robylers book, Educational Technology in Action. It was apart of the first scenario given where the teacher is trying to intergrade technology into a learning classroom environment. I think it would be beneficial to all the students because it allows each student to get involved and become artistically literate, as well as read-and writing literate about many museuems and art institutes being explored. I think it will help students develop skills in retrieving and finding information faster.

I liked the part where the teacher explained that students will get to explore about a dozen museums. To me, that seems like so much condensed information and so many beautiful art pieces that will be viewed. Some people don't have the chance to view art as quickly and as resourcefully as these students will. The word "field trip" make students get excited, but this is a whole other definition of field trip!

While the students are searching and enjoying the sites off the selected art museum websites , can you think of other subjects that could be incorporated while learning how to become artistically literate?

Lesson Plan 2

2005-02-08T18:49:00.000-08:00

Lesson Plan 2: http://lesson.taskstream.com/lessonbuilder/v.asp?LID=kuhcfif8eefhz6ek

Project Name: My Five Senses

Summary: The URL above provides a lesson plan for second graders that is full of information so that students will be able to understand their five senses. The students will be able to name the five senses and explain their origins on the body (i.e., eyes, ears, nose, tongue, hands), use the five senses to explore and describe various objects, and understand and experience how important the senses are to them.

Description of Learning Goals and Standards: Students will become knowledgeable in understanding the five senses. Students will be able to list, explain, and explore the importance of each of the five senses. The students will also become familiar with a technology program on the computer that will allow them to use their imagination to create a potrait.
QCC Standard: Students will demonstrate an understanding of life science as a process of inquiry.

Rationale for Technology: In this activity the students have a take home assignment that is to get on a computer at home and use the paint program to draw a self portrait of them using their favorite sense. I would make this an in class assignment because it would allow the students to interact with each other discussing what they're favorite sense is, and why they picked it. After working on the paint program in the classroom, we would then print each students picture out and hang them around the room. I think using the paint program in the classroom would be beneficial because it would allow a teacher to help students with learning the technique of copying, using different colors, and creating different shapes. The only disadvantage is not having access to enough computers for each student to work on. To accomodate a problem like that, you could have one student at a time use the paint program on the computer while continuing with the lesson planned.

Description of Lesson Implementation: This lesson plan has a lot to do with hands- on activities. I think that is very important because it gets the students involved in a way that makes understanding a concept easier. To have the students smell objects out of a bowl, and then have them touch objects with different textures is very important. I think that having the students getting involved is great, but not everyone can smell an object at the same time. I would have five different stations set up and the students split into six different groups. One group at the "seeing" station- another group at the "touching" station- another group at the "smell" station- another at the "taste" station, another group at the "hearing" station- and the last group at the computer working on the paint program and discussing what their favorite sense is. I think this way would work because it intergrades technology at the same time as learning about the five senses.

Assessment: This lesson would be based on a 20 point scale. Ten points for participation, and ten points for presenting your portrait to the class explaining what sense you picked, why, and how would you feel if you lost it.

Other Places to use This Solution: You can use a lesson plan like this in a variety of grades, but I think it would need to be extended as well as made more challenging.

Improvement for Next Time: I would have the lesson be more organized. Dividing the class into groups to go to each station would allow for a cooperative learning environment. What the students are learning is a very informative lesson and is important for each student to be
involved.

References/Resources Used: This lesson plan was created by Rebecca Gross for the second grade level. I found this site through the search engine Google.

Lesson Plan 1

2005-02-08T11:35:00.000-08:00

Lesson Plan 1: http://www.monroe.k12.la.us/mcs/hot_list/professional/mcs_lp/senses.html

Project Name: My Body: The Five Senses

Summary: The URL stated above consists of a lesson plan for second graders in the subject of Science area. The lesson plan focuses on identifying the five senses and having the students learn the parts of the body that go along with each sense. The alloted time given to cover all five senses is six class periods. It involves using index cards, a computer with an internet connection, crayons, scissors, sale sheets from the newspaper, mystery bag of items, magazines, and a posterboard. The students will obtain information on a website that is filled with a glossary of words, and pictures representing one of the five senses that is being taught that day. The students will try to identify the pictures and the words that go along with each sense. After listening to a story of the five senses the students will participate in making a poster board full of magazine cut outs to represent each sense. The students then will be working with construction paper to label each sense. For example, if today we are discussing taste. We would fold the construction paper in the center, like a hot dog, and label each side with pictures of food that we like and on the other side, pictures of food that we dislike.

Description of Learning Goals and Standards: Students will learn what the five senses are and vocabulary words that go along with each sense. They will learn certain parts of the body that contain to each of the five senses.
QCC Standard: ELA-1-E1: gaining meaning from print and building vocabulary using a full range of strategies (e.g., self-monitoring and correcting, searching, cross-checking), evidenced by reading behaviors using phonemic awareness, phonics, sentence structure, and meaning
QCC Standard: ELA-5-E4: using available technology to produce, revise, and publish a variety of works (e.g., book reviews, summaries, short research reports)

Rationale for Technology: Integrating technology in this lesson plan allows the students to learn facts, glossary words, and pictures through selected websites. The websites for particular days are given. I think to challenge the students, it would be better if all the websites were given each day, and the students in their groups would have to work together to figure out which website fits that particular "sense" that is being discussed. Although the students are in second grade, it would allow the students to work fully as a group and weed out "together" which website should be used. As long as enough computers are accessible for each group, I feel that challenging the students with technology could turn into a positive conclusion. The only disadvantage with intergrating technology in this selected lesson plan, is that each student in each group may not have the oppertunity to work on the computer, unless a different student leads the group each day.

Description of Lesson Implementation: In this lesson plan, instead of using magazine cut outs to create a display of each of the five senses, I would encourage the students to work together to print out pictures of the different five senses; what body parts are related to the five senses, and any other characteristic they think would fall into each of the senses. This would intergrade technology in the classroom even more then having the students go to a single website. The standards given are for various elementary grades, but to challenge the students a step higher, would be beneficial to everyone in the classroom. When working in groups, each day would be a different leader to have a chance on the computer and to locate the website that are needed to complete the given assignment.

Assessment: To assess the students I would base each grade on a 20 point scale. Since there are six days of this given lesson plan, each day is a chance to earn a point for participation, and the last day will be a chance to earn four points on completion of each construction paper assignment, and ten points for a quiz based on the five senses that were taught through out the week.

Other Places to Use this Solution: This solution could be used in many classroom environments for different subjects areas.

Improvements for Next Time: I would involve the use of computers a little more then what was given in the actual lesson plan.

References/Resources Used: This lesson plan was created by Carla Walters found through Google.

Internet Activity

2005-02-03T14:15:00.000-08:00

Today we are learning about search engines for our Learning Environment Idea that we picked last week. I found that http://library.curtin.edu.au/staff/personal/gwpersonal/compare.html was very useful and compacted with a lot of information. It gave out specific terms and explained what it was and what special features it holds. I also found while searching that the information standards webpage gave off great facts, standards, and indicators that apply to every hard working student. http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aaslproftools/informationpower .
What caught my attention was the Big 6 Literacy Model. It consisted of 6 big tasks labled as 1. Task Definition 2. Information Seeking Strategies 3. Location and Access 4. Use of Information 5. Synthesis and 6. Evaluation. What was interesting to learn is that people use the Big 6 Model intentionally and not intentionally. It just comes along when trying to solve any type of problem. It is basically 6 natural steps. BigSix.

After understanding how to search and realizing how many search engines are out there I got to see some sample projects to almost motivate me to start on mine. I took a liking to http://www.student.gsu.edu/~sgreenstone1/LEP/LEPHome.html. It seemed to look very professional yet interesting. It was very concise and clear.

I am looking forward to beginning my search to create a great project.

Learning Environment Idea

2005-01-30T17:21:00.000-08:00

* Members of the Design Team are myself, Cara Streger.

* Metaphor/Theme being used in the learning environment is learning the five different senses in the human body.

* Targeted grade level for the learning environment is second grade.

* Initial Idea of the overall goal for creating the learning environment will allow students search and list the five senses and explain the functions and parts of the body that go along with each sense.

* Sample QCC's to addressed in learning environment- The Living World- Human Body-28- Uses senses to sort and classify colors, shapes, sizes, sounds, tastes, odors, textures, and temperatures. Categorizes objects according to color, shape, size, sound, taste, odor, texture, and temperature, using the five senses. Technology Intergration- 61- Operates basic technology tools and applications.

*Initial Ideas for activities is:
- Students will be divided into five groups (signifying the five senses).
- Students will work together in their productive group with one computer per group.
- Their will be a leader assigned by the teacher that will sit by the computer and lead the group through different websites listed.
- The websites will contain facts and pictures and the students will be responsible for finding at least five different facts and at least three pictures they will print out.
- After the group finds the above items, the students will be handed a piece of construction paper with scissors and glue and start making a collage out of the pictures and facts that were found.
- After 30 minutes of the above assigment, each group will be responsible to make a presentation on the information they have found.
- Each group will be graded based on participation and completion of the assignment.

Response to 3, 4, and chapter 5

2005-01-26T20:00:00.000-08:00

While reading these chapters and and answering the scenario questions I found a lot of the information given was very useful. In chapter 3, stating objectives and assessments is not as easy as it seems. You have to think of the best ways to assess different outcomes, and using rubrics, surveys, and evaluations to assess complex tasks. In chapter 4, designing integration strategies involves direct methods and inquiry-based methods. I found both of these methods useful in that when you actually combined both, I think you will get the best result with a classroom full of students who are all on many different levels of learning. In chapter 5, it instructs on how to prepare the instructional environment. It is important to have adequat hardware, time to use resources, special needs of students, and planning for technology use. It answers questions on what equipment to use and resources to be arranged. Throughout these chapters I found some pretty good ideas and tips that would be great ways to include technology in a classroom. I'm sure once I read the rest of the book I will be able to teach many lessons and activities with technology in the classroom.

Initial Reflection

2005-01-20T13:48:00.000-08:00

Cara Streger

January 13, 2005

IT 3210

Initial Reflection Paper

In the 16 weeks that this course takes place I hope to walk away from it learning benefits for myself as well as to bring different ideas into the classroom as a teacher. I hope to gain knowledge on how to create a web log and to be able to create and record many different activities we will do in this course. I am sure there are many new programs I am not familiar with and I hope to gain knowledge and experience in different technology activities that I will be able to use once I am able to stand in front of the classroom. Since I am a bit familiar with computers, I feel that I will catch on pretty quickly to tasks given.
I have used computers throughout school- in elementary school to college, and at home at a daily basis. I have taken a few courses on computer technology in high school and am pretty comfortable with using the computer. I have worked with Microsoft word, excel, power point, the internet, and some other features throughout high school till the present. I was a teacher’s assistant in my senior year of high school and assisted the teacher in many activities using different programs and creating power point lessons. I walked around the classroom assisting anyone that may have needed help, and gained a lot of experience as being a mentor as well as a student.
I am familiar with the computer and how it works, but I would really miss Microsoft excel if it were not covered. I have the general basic information for it, but I don’t know the in dept of excel. I know their is a lot you can do with it and have it help problem solve, but to learn more about it and go steeper into the problems, would be great.
Technology should be used in the classroom in different forms depending on the grade level it is being used for. If you are using technology in the elementary classroom then it would be a great idea to use it for small groups, as well as individual groups. For individual groups, Microsoft word would be a great idea because it would allow students to practice their spelling, their story writing, as well as learn how to use a thesaurus on the computer, or insert pictures from clip art that go along with their work. For group work, some ideas would be to use technology for presentations or to find certain information. A student in fifth grade can become familiar with the internet as long as his or her work is being monitored. Technology should be used in the class as least a couple times of week, so students become familiar with not just one route of learning.
Technology is very important at any age. Whether you only know how to turn on a computer, or you know how to work a digital camera, it is all generally important. Technology helps us learn and grow as a person. With the technology advances today, there is a whole other life with technology. There are so many different kinds of computers, many different camera, laptops, scanners, etc. Technology in a classroom is very important because it allows students to learn at different levels and become more independent as workers as well. Technology helps us learn and assists us in things we didn’t know we could do.
I look forward to learning in this classroom everything that is to be taught.

Teacher-to-be Response

2005-01-20T10:34:00.000-08:00

After reading Alejandra's entry, I saw that she has some great tips and ideas to share. I found out that to her a good teacher must be prepared, rewarding, and know how to relate to each student in his or her classroom. Alejandra gave an example of one of her teachers that fits into each of the categories she listed, and it was neat to see it from a fifth graders point of view. Since I eventually plan on teaching fifth grade, I took Alejandra's tips as useful information that I will be sure to use when I get my chance to stand up in front of my own class.

My First Post

2005-01-13T15:13:00.000-08:00

This is my very first time using weblog. I am interested in seeing what this may bring.