End of the Semester Reflection

I have learned so much about technology this semester. I came from a private school with absolutely no technology in the classroom, besides one desktop computer, an old overhead projector, and a TV. Document cameras and SmartBoards were a marvel to me when I first discovered them. I am so glad I have finally learned how to use them. I have also learned about so many new web pages that I definitely plan on using in my classroom. 
Through this class and my technology project, I have made more progress on the NETS for teachers that I chose this year. By increasing my understanding of technology, I will be able to better "facilitate and inspire students learning and creativity". By learning about different ways to use technology, I can "design and develop digital-age learning experiences and assessments" for my future students. 

Technology Project

For this project students will learn how to write poetry. Students will write songs which is a form of poetry. Students will get into groups of 4-5 and write songs together on Word. Once the songs are written students will use garage band to record their songs. Then the songs will be imported to IMovie and students will create a movie with the lyrics and the song playing at the same time.

My final project: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPpuhQHfr60

NETS

Through this project, my students will fulfill the following NETS standards:

1.       Creativity and Innovation: Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovation products and processes using technology.

·         Students have the opportunity to work together, brainstorm creative ideas, and then write songs demonstrating their understanding of poetry. Songs will be written using the program Evernote. Each group’s song will then be recorded on Garageband and presented through an IMovie video. Students will have the opportunity to not only record songs but also edit their tracks in Garageband. Final projects will be presented to the class.

2.      Communication and Collaboration: Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others.

·         For this project, students will work in groups of 4-5 to write and record songs. Students will collaborate as they write, record, and edit their song. Groups will use Evernote to write songs. Evernote is a program that shares the class’s notebook between computers. Therefore, all groups will have the opportunity to view other groups’ songs.

3.      Technology Operations and Concepts: Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations.

·         Students will need to understand how to use Evernote, Garageband, and IMovie for this project.

Through this project, I will fulfill the following NETS standards:

1.        Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity: Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments.

·         For this project I will inspire students to use technology to develop their understanding of poetry. Over the past year I have really enjoyed working with Garageband and IMovie so I have a pretty good understanding of both programs.

2.      Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments: Teachers design, develop, and evaluate authentic learning experiences and assessment incorporating contemporary tools and resources to maximize content learning in context and to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes identified in the NETS.

·         For this project I am allowing students to use Mac software that they have never used before. Therefore students will encounter a new digital learning experience. Students will be assessed on their understanding of writing poetry (through songs) and their use of the new technology. 

Reflection #12

I think it is interesting that in the age of a technological revolution, my old high school still does not have updated technology. Upon leaving my school, every teacher still used overhead projectors and I almost positive that only half (if not less) of the teachers have transitioned to document cameras. Many of the teachers at my high school have been there for 20+ years and thus are digital immigrants. Once my high school begins using more technologically advanced equipment I wonder if these teachers will be apprehensive to use this equipment? I also wonder if the students' grades will improve? 

Reflection #11

I absolutely love using the program Evernote. I discovered it last year after I bought an IMac. The program syncs files from one computer to another. I think this program would be great to use in my future classroom when I assign group projects. Students can work on a "note" in class with their group members. When they go home each group member  can have access to this same "note" by logging in to Evernote. Great program that I will definitely use in my future classroom!

Reflection #10

I attended an evening reading for class last night. I thought it was interesting the number of people who brought technology to read their piece rather than printing their piece on a sheet of paper. This shows how much technology has influenced today's culture already. One day we will be living in a paperless society.

Blog #12 - The Future of Technology and Education

The Paperless School of the Future Is Here Now!


This article discusses the future paperless classroom. Teachers today average printing over 900 pages per year for students. Transitioning to a paperless classroom saves not only paper but time spent at the copy machines. School around the country have provided classrooms with PDA's. Teachers have found these very helpful for their ESL students still struggling to understand the English language. Some schools have also started using these PDAs for online examinations.


Classroom Technology for the Future

This article presents the various technology that will soon be seen in all classrooms across America. So far I have encountered computers, Smart Boards, and projectors. However I have never heard of "Elmos" which are a type of presentation system much like a projector.

Comments on Classmates' Blogs

1. Jodie
2. Camille
3. Chelsea
4. JoDee
5. Stephanie