While reading this chapter on software tools, I had mixed emotions about my beliefs on this subject. In our book textbook it states, "Some educators object to the use of tools such as test generators and worksheet generators, saying that they encourage teachers to use technology to maintain current methods, rather than using technology in more innovative ways." First, I must admit, in my three years of teaching I have not used test or worksheet generators regularly in my practice. However, I do believe just like with any new tool these could be abused if misused, but I do see the positives that could be gained from these tools, as well. First, test and worksheet generators would make life "simpler" for teachers. Teachers must be aware while using this kind of tool he/she must be mindful of student's individual needs. Teachers must also make sure the test questions assess the material that was taught. Secondly, this test makes life "simpler" for teachers because you can easily adapt each test to the needs of each student. Teachers can alter the test by eliminating or creating different questions that best fit the needs of that student. Finally, these generators make life "simpler" for teachers because it reduces the time it takes to make tests. Just as I said before, if these tools are used appropriately in the classroom, then they can be a valuable tool.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Class Comments!
I really did not understand the value of comments until Dr. Wang addressed the importance on Blackboard. I did my undergraduate work at the University of Alabama and unfortunately I had little experience with a course such as this one. I also was unable to attend the first class meeting so I believe I had a misconception about COMMENTS; however, it is all CLEAR to me now! I think I understand the purpose and I definitely see how it is helping me and my group! Here are some of my comments. I hope to see them improve as the course progresses!
Lesson Critique:
I am really impressed with this critique. First, allow me to point out the only negative. I am a q & a, chart, bulleted points kind-of-person. I think your response would be easier to read if you put it in this format. HOWEVER, it is just a SUGGESTION. I agree totally with your thought.. while some students are researching via the web, have some of the students research using library resources such as an atlas or a book. I have found students today lack these significant skills. This approach would provide different ways to present ideas. Students will be able to see the same information can come from different sources!
Tina,
This lesson is really neat! Our REACH teacher(gifted program) at our school uses aerial maps in her accelerated classroom. She teaches with Google Earth a lot. These gifted students love it. I know she lets the students search for their homes, places of interest, etc. These students are third-fifth grade. I noticed you said you would use it in your third grade classroom? However, at the top of the plan, it said it could be adapted for K-5. I am a little uncertain how this lesson, using Microsoft word, aerial maps, and e-mail could be adapted for K-1.
Hey Tina! I looked over your Final copy! Awesome! One thought? Were you supposed to have 3 references? I am about to post mine and I only have two as well? So, I just saw in previous posts where it said 3. Let me know what you think!
Thanks,
Ashley
Hey guys! I took each of your suggestions into consideration. I hope this looks good. I had one question? I have only two references? Were we supposed to have 3?
Yes, I used the same format as you and I mentioned to Michelle she might want to use something like ours. It is much easier to organize and read. However it was just a suggestion for her. I disagree with the fact that this teacher was trying to cover too many technology standards. I think it was necessary and happened to be applicable and appropriate for the students to show what they learned by putting the information in a powerpoint; however, I think I might could add in my critique there could have been an alternative way to present their findings, maybe a poster or such! Thank you for the suggestion. I also must note that I did mention in my critique the teacher should have more involvement as a role of a facilitator in a discussion. Thank you for your suggestions! I will make some of these changes in my critique.
Hey guys! I am sorry. I got my days confused, but here is my lesson plan critique! I got this lesson from ALEX. It is a Social Studies lesson. It integrates the internet and powerpoint!
Definition of Learning:
Hey girls! I most certainly agree that learning occurs when one acquires new knowledge? However, you mentioned exploration, here. Students must use this new knowledge to explore new concepts, right? Is that the same as application? Applying this new knowledge to another concept. For instance, in my classroom my students have trouble applying language mechanics in their own writing but have no trouble recognizing it in isolation in the Language textbook. Here, I don't acknowledge this as NEW LEARNING? Would you?
Michelle,
I really agree with you on the fact that we never quit learning! Learning is life-long! I also like what you said "it is up to us to nurture and guide the child to his/her fullest potential." This couldn't be more true! As a teacher it is our job, to lead our students to make wise learning decisions. Finally, I in your key points about learning..... I especially liked your point about mistakes! When I think about my knowledge and where I have learned the most, it is from my mistakes. Children must understand it is okay to make mistakes, but to learn from them!
Since this assignment was posted, I have labored over a strict definition to give learning. However, what I have found is there is not one specific definition for this powerful word.
First, learning is a process. I completely agree it is the process in which one acquires new knowledge through a variety of tasks. Secondly, learning occurs after communication and application of new knowledge. Learning is not merely learning a new task. Students must be required to take the new knowledge and communicate and apply it in a given situation. For instance, in my classroom students struggle applying language mechanics rules in their own writing but can apply them in isolation in the language textbook. Strange, but it’s true. Finally, I believe teachers must be able to facilitate learning in the classroom. Teachers must make it clear to students that learning is an on-going and life-long process. Teachers must also make it understood that teachers are learners too!
Learning Theories:
Hey Ladies! Thanks for meeting yesterday at Panera Bread to discuss our final group projects. We are a great team! Remember to have you draft posted by tonight at some point. Also, begin commenting. I will post the first draft Wednesday night! Good luck!
Ashley (Group Leader, Cognitivist)
Michelle (Behaviorism)
Valerie (Social Constructivism)
Tina (Constructivist)
Michelle, thanks for organizing our meeting.... I must point out that I do not agree with behaviorism in the grand scheme of things however I do see its positives with drill and practice when it comes to learning facts such as multiplication. For me, that is one way students will learn their facts. I get very frustrated when they come to me in fourth grade and do not know their facts and we are not able to move on to division.
Valerie,
I like the way you broke down your theory. The Social Constructivist theory allows the teacher to teach more in line with Best Practices. The students are more active and learning becomes more authentic. I think this model also best represents how we work in society and prepares students for real world situations.
Fabulous job, Tina! This will be easy for me to work with for our final draft. I modeled mine closely to yours to make it easier! Your the best!
Ashley
Absolutely Valerie, I really see my kids get bored when I stand and lecture; however, I can remember in high school the students who "just got it". And I will admit I was jealous of those students, because it took more for me. I had to be actively engaged or I was "just lost". That may have been in part due to my short attention span. All the while, we as teachers must meet the needs of all learners!
Lesson Critique:
I am really impressed with this critique. First, allow me to point out the only negative. I am a q & a, chart, bulleted points kind-of-person. I think your response would be easier to read if you put it in this format. HOWEVER, it is just a SUGGESTION. I agree totally with your thought.. while some students are researching via the web, have some of the students research using library resources such as an atlas or a book. I have found students today lack these significant skills. This approach would provide different ways to present ideas. Students will be able to see the same information can come from different sources!
Tina,
This lesson is really neat! Our REACH teacher(gifted program) at our school uses aerial maps in her accelerated classroom. She teaches with Google Earth a lot. These gifted students love it. I know she lets the students search for their homes, places of interest, etc. These students are third-fifth grade. I noticed you said you would use it in your third grade classroom? However, at the top of the plan, it said it could be adapted for K-5. I am a little uncertain how this lesson, using Microsoft word, aerial maps, and e-mail could be adapted for K-1.
Hey Tina! I looked over your Final copy! Awesome! One thought? Were you supposed to have 3 references? I am about to post mine and I only have two as well? So, I just saw in previous posts where it said 3. Let me know what you think!
Thanks,
Ashley
Hey guys! I took each of your suggestions into consideration. I hope this looks good. I had one question? I have only two references? Were we supposed to have 3?
Yes, I used the same format as you and I mentioned to Michelle she might want to use something like ours. It is much easier to organize and read. However it was just a suggestion for her. I disagree with the fact that this teacher was trying to cover too many technology standards. I think it was necessary and happened to be applicable and appropriate for the students to show what they learned by putting the information in a powerpoint; however, I think I might could add in my critique there could have been an alternative way to present their findings, maybe a poster or such! Thank you for the suggestion. I also must note that I did mention in my critique the teacher should have more involvement as a role of a facilitator in a discussion. Thank you for your suggestions! I will make some of these changes in my critique.
Hey guys! I am sorry. I got my days confused, but here is my lesson plan critique! I got this lesson from ALEX. It is a Social Studies lesson. It integrates the internet and powerpoint!
Definition of Learning:
Hey girls! I most certainly agree that learning occurs when one acquires new knowledge? However, you mentioned exploration, here. Students must use this new knowledge to explore new concepts, right? Is that the same as application? Applying this new knowledge to another concept. For instance, in my classroom my students have trouble applying language mechanics in their own writing but have no trouble recognizing it in isolation in the Language textbook. Here, I don't acknowledge this as NEW LEARNING? Would you?
Michelle,
I really agree with you on the fact that we never quit learning! Learning is life-long! I also like what you said "it is up to us to nurture and guide the child to his/her fullest potential." This couldn't be more true! As a teacher it is our job, to lead our students to make wise learning decisions. Finally, I in your key points about learning..... I especially liked your point about mistakes! When I think about my knowledge and where I have learned the most, it is from my mistakes. Children must understand it is okay to make mistakes, but to learn from them!
Since this assignment was posted, I have labored over a strict definition to give learning. However, what I have found is there is not one specific definition for this powerful word.
First, learning is a process. I completely agree it is the process in which one acquires new knowledge through a variety of tasks. Secondly, learning occurs after communication and application of new knowledge. Learning is not merely learning a new task. Students must be required to take the new knowledge and communicate and apply it in a given situation. For instance, in my classroom students struggle applying language mechanics rules in their own writing but can apply them in isolation in the language textbook. Strange, but it’s true. Finally, I believe teachers must be able to facilitate learning in the classroom. Teachers must make it clear to students that learning is an on-going and life-long process. Teachers must also make it understood that teachers are learners too!
Learning Theories:
Hey Ladies! Thanks for meeting yesterday at Panera Bread to discuss our final group projects. We are a great team! Remember to have you draft posted by tonight at some point. Also, begin commenting. I will post the first draft Wednesday night! Good luck!
Ashley (Group Leader, Cognitivist)
Michelle (Behaviorism)
Valerie (Social Constructivism)
Tina (Constructivist)
Michelle, thanks for organizing our meeting.... I must point out that I do not agree with behaviorism in the grand scheme of things however I do see its positives with drill and practice when it comes to learning facts such as multiplication. For me, that is one way students will learn their facts. I get very frustrated when they come to me in fourth grade and do not know their facts and we are not able to move on to division.
Valerie,
I like the way you broke down your theory. The Social Constructivist theory allows the teacher to teach more in line with Best Practices. The students are more active and learning becomes more authentic. I think this model also best represents how we work in society and prepares students for real world situations.
Fabulous job, Tina! This will be easy for me to work with for our final draft. I modeled mine closely to yours to make it easier! Your the best!
Ashley
Absolutely Valerie, I really see my kids get bored when I stand and lecture; however, I can remember in high school the students who "just got it". And I will admit I was jealous of those students, because it took more for me. I had to be actively engaged or I was "just lost". That may have been in part due to my short attention span. All the while, we as teachers must meet the needs of all learners!
Friday, February 15, 2008
Chapter Four Response!
In my EXPERT opinion, chapter four was much easier to read than the previous chapters. However, this chapter had some points to consider concerning word processing and keyboarding skills. The author states educators believe word processors can be a valuable tool in the classroom but can also be controversial, as well. The argument at hand is in some classroom some students who use a word processor to type a report have been given a lesser score than those of his/her peers who chose to hand write his/her report. If language mechanics was an issue, then word processor should not have been an option. More importantly, I do not understand why these students were graded more strictly. In my fourth grade classroom, I encourage my students to use Microsoft Word to type anything we write. We have five classroom computers while many of them also have personal computers at home to type on as well. I use these opportunities to teach mini-lessons in language. This is not a time to teach strict lessons in keyboarding skills; however, I have taught proper positioning of the hands and body. My focus is on teaching the students to recognize misspelled words and improper use of grammar, rather than correct typing skills. I know that these skills will improve with more practice in computer class, at home, and using text messaging.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Chapter Three Response!
I can relate to instructional software the most in chapter three. In my fourth grade classroom instructional software is used daily. I have five literacy stations students rotate to during a two hour reading block. By far my students enjoy going to the computer station the most. There are four computers at the station with each computer having its own personal desk. While students are at that rotation I do not have to worry about time on task. Students are very engaged in the various instructional software programs I may have them working on. The programs I use the most are Lightspan and Cornerstone. Students rarely need tutorial work because of the vast amount of knowledge of technology they have today. Actually, much of my concern today in my classroom with technology is keeping my students entertained. Today, many of my students have their own laptops or personal computers at home equipped with the newest technology. As a teacher it is my job to stay trained with the newest technology, know how to use it appropriately, incorporate it into my classroom, and share this new knowledge with my students.
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