Hello Ladies and Gentledudes,
As my last post, before I take this blog down, I am required to write a learning reflection. I must admit this semester was probably the hardest semester in my collegiate career. I had many hardships this semester that took my focus of of this class. However, I manage to power through and complete the class.
Overall I learned so much from this course! I really enjoyed the weekly search and reads because it gave me the opportunity to gain at least 2 to 3 new resources each weeks on various topics. The assignments were challenging yet effective in teaching me how to use different technologies. The reflections really helped me get out all of my thoughts on the assignments, which was great. The writing about research component was the hardest part for me because I was really unsure as to what I was doing. These were the assignments that made me question myself in the course. Lastly, this blog was new and adventurous. I've never really been the person to follow blogs or even begin to blog but I did enjoy this. I don't think I will keep it up, due to time, but it was fun while it lasted.
The only dislike I had about the course was the digital storytelling aspect. I could never see myself using this in my math class. I would have liked to learn more about technologies that I could have used in my classroom. When I signed up for the coarse I thought it would be like the technology class I took in undergrad back in Tennessee but it was set up differently. But as they say "All good things must come to an end.". SEE YA!
I am simply a 6th grade math teacher trying to make a difference in the world. I am currently a graduate student at UCF. I am currently taking EME5050 which is how this blog came to be about. Enjoy the ride!!! Math Teacher.Graduate Student.Mom!
Monday, May 1, 2017
Friday, April 21, 2017
Integration of Technology
Hello Ladies and Gentledudes,
I back! This semester is coming to a close and I must admit that it is bitter sweet. Today is more of a free write so I am going to write about the importance of integrating technology into the classroom.
Teaching in the 21st century brings new adventures for teachers that they did not have before. We are in the age where technology is a prominent part of everyday life. We have children who can work a iPhone before they can even read or write. With this being said I feel it is extremely beneficial to incorporate technology into the classroom. However, there are still many school that lag behind in the integration of technology.
An article on Edutopia states
"Integrating technology into classroom instruction means more than teaching basic computer skills and software programs in a separate computer class. Effective tech integration must happen across the curriculum in ways that research shows deepen and enhance the learning process. In particular, it must support four key components of learning: active engagement, participation in groups, frequent interaction and feedback, and connection to real-world experts.".
From the teacher perspective using technologies like virtual lesson plans and internet resources can help free up time -- both in developing and delivering curriculum. Technology also changes the way teachers teach, offering educators effective ways to reach different types of learners and assess student understanding through multiple means.
Another reason for technology integration is the necessity of today's students to have 21st century skills.
These 21st century skills include:
Lastly if you click here I found a great article called "10 Reasons Why Students Need Technology In the Classroom." It discusses more reasons as to why technology is important. The world changes everyday and we need to prepare our students for the future. By integrating technology we are introducing them to a whole new world of information that can help them become better learners and future adults.
References
https://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-introduction
http://www.securedgenetworks.com/blog/10-Reasons-Today-s-Students-NEED-Technology-in-the-Classroom
I back! This semester is coming to a close and I must admit that it is bitter sweet. Today is more of a free write so I am going to write about the importance of integrating technology into the classroom.
Teaching in the 21st century brings new adventures for teachers that they did not have before. We are in the age where technology is a prominent part of everyday life. We have children who can work a iPhone before they can even read or write. With this being said I feel it is extremely beneficial to incorporate technology into the classroom. However, there are still many school that lag behind in the integration of technology.
An article on Edutopia states
"Integrating technology into classroom instruction means more than teaching basic computer skills and software programs in a separate computer class. Effective tech integration must happen across the curriculum in ways that research shows deepen and enhance the learning process. In particular, it must support four key components of learning: active engagement, participation in groups, frequent interaction and feedback, and connection to real-world experts.".
From the teacher perspective using technologies like virtual lesson plans and internet resources can help free up time -- both in developing and delivering curriculum. Technology also changes the way teachers teach, offering educators effective ways to reach different types of learners and assess student understanding through multiple means.
Another reason for technology integration is the necessity of today's students to have 21st century skills.
These 21st century skills include:
- personal and social responsibility
- planning, critical thinking, reasoning, and creativity
- strong communication skills, both for interpersonal and presentation needs
- cross-cultural understanding
- visualizing and decision making
- knowing how and when to use technology and choosing the most appropriate tool for the task
Lastly if you click here I found a great article called "10 Reasons Why Students Need Technology In the Classroom." It discusses more reasons as to why technology is important. The world changes everyday and we need to prepare our students for the future. By integrating technology we are introducing them to a whole new world of information that can help them become better learners and future adults.
References
https://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-introduction
http://www.securedgenetworks.com/blog/10-Reasons-Today-s-Students-NEED-Technology-in-the-Classroom
Friday, April 14, 2017
Hello Ladies and Gentledudes,
This this week we were required to make an example of the project that I mentioned in my last post. I decided to do my digital story on prezi. This is an example for a 6th grade math class. The topic of the story is their "Math Story". Its an about me story that is paired with math facts. The students are also required to pick a topic, create a a "how to" page and show an example problem. Well....here it goes. Tell me what you think!
Cotter
This this week we were required to make an example of the project that I mentioned in my last post. I decided to do my digital story on prezi. This is an example for a 6th grade math class. The topic of the story is their "Math Story". Its an about me story that is paired with math facts. The students are also required to pick a topic, create a a "how to" page and show an example problem. Well....here it goes. Tell me what you think!
Cotter
Friday, March 24, 2017
Digital Storytelling
Hello Ladies and Gentledudes,
This weeks blog topic is Digital Storytelling! Before we go on I must admit that I am a novice in the realm of digital storytelling. I had never heard of the topic until I was doing a previous assignment for this class. However, after doing some research I think I have a pretty good grasp on how it works. In this post I will be answering the following questions:
What kind of digital storytelling project would I want my students to be able to turn in as part of my curriculum?
Lets just start at the beginning and work our way down! To begin I would want the students to create a digital story based off of their Math story. At the beginning of each year I give the students an activity where they tell me their “Math Story”. I give them a template and they have to fill out the sheet of paper with Math Facts about themselves. For example, one student wrote 2017- 2006 = 11 and this was their age. They are allowed to put as many interesting facts about themselves as long as it deals with math. After a couple of months in school I would have the students revisit these stories and turn them into digital stories. Since I work at a school with a digital curriculum this would help me touch on the TIM matrix that we use at our school for technology.
The layout of the assignment would be fairly simple because I know that most of my students have never heard of digital storytelling as well. I would begin by having the students watch a short video on storytelling. Next, they would be required to answer a short google form on what digital storytelling as a check for understanding. The layout and instructions for the project will be posted on google classroom. One thing I would stress is that they don't have to stick to their original story from the beginning of the year but they can use it as an outline for their digital story. I would have my students create one of the following: a prezi, e-maze or pal toons of their Math Story. The students use these presentations websites in their social studies classes so I would use these that way the students already have some practice with the websites.
How would I relate it to my curriculum? I have two ways as to how it can be related to my curriculum. The first way is through the TIM Matrix. Teaching at a digital schools means I have to incorporate technology into my assignments on a regular. This would be a way for the students to create a digital project using different creative digital programs. The second way I would integrate it into my curriculum would be through the math. One of the requirements for the assignment would be to describe and work out an example problem from their favorite math concept that we have covered so far along with their story. This way they can show me what they know or pick a topic that they are strong in.
Lastly in the instructions that I create for the assignments I would provide many resources for the students. It would be in the form of a google doc and I will give a sample of how the document will be broken down.
Prezi:
The page would have many more resources but this is an overview of how I would incorporate digital storytelling in my classroom.
Thanks!
Christiana Cotter
This weeks blog topic is Digital Storytelling! Before we go on I must admit that I am a novice in the realm of digital storytelling. I had never heard of the topic until I was doing a previous assignment for this class. However, after doing some research I think I have a pretty good grasp on how it works. In this post I will be answering the following questions:
What kind of digital storytelling project would I want my students to be able to turn in as part of my curriculum?
- What media elements does it include?
- How would this project relate to your curriculum?
- What resources would my students need to review in order to produce the digital story?
- What extra web resources may I require the students to use?
- Are there any teacher created resources for this project?
Lets just start at the beginning and work our way down! To begin I would want the students to create a digital story based off of their Math story. At the beginning of each year I give the students an activity where they tell me their “Math Story”. I give them a template and they have to fill out the sheet of paper with Math Facts about themselves. For example, one student wrote 2017- 2006 = 11 and this was their age. They are allowed to put as many interesting facts about themselves as long as it deals with math. After a couple of months in school I would have the students revisit these stories and turn them into digital stories. Since I work at a school with a digital curriculum this would help me touch on the TIM matrix that we use at our school for technology.
The layout of the assignment would be fairly simple because I know that most of my students have never heard of digital storytelling as well. I would begin by having the students watch a short video on storytelling. Next, they would be required to answer a short google form on what digital storytelling as a check for understanding. The layout and instructions for the project will be posted on google classroom. One thing I would stress is that they don't have to stick to their original story from the beginning of the year but they can use it as an outline for their digital story. I would have my students create one of the following: a prezi, e-maze or pal toons of their Math Story. The students use these presentations websites in their social studies classes so I would use these that way the students already have some practice with the websites.
How would I relate it to my curriculum? I have two ways as to how it can be related to my curriculum. The first way is through the TIM Matrix. Teaching at a digital schools means I have to incorporate technology into my assignments on a regular. This would be a way for the students to create a digital project using different creative digital programs. The second way I would integrate it into my curriculum would be through the math. One of the requirements for the assignment would be to describe and work out an example problem from their favorite math concept that we have covered so far along with their story. This way they can show me what they know or pick a topic that they are strong in.
Lastly in the instructions that I create for the assignments I would provide many resources for the students. It would be in the form of a google doc and I will give a sample of how the document will be broken down.
Resource Page
Digital Storyelling:- What is digital Storytelling - http://digitalstorytelling.coe.uh.edu/page.cfm?id=27&ocid=27
Prezi:
- How to vidoe’s on prezi - https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL09A34EF19596B7BB
- 8 Tips to Make Prezi Better - https://prezi.com/m/gx2bm0n9u01f/8-tips-for-an-awesome-prezi/
The page would have many more resources but this is an overview of how I would incorporate digital storytelling in my classroom.
Thanks!
Christiana Cotter
Friday, March 10, 2017
Monday, March 6, 2017
Hello Ladies and Gentledudes,
This weeks post is a little late but better late then never right?! So this week's (well last week's) topic was about Hardware for teachers. Now we all know as teachers we get introduced to many different types of hardware. There are some programs that after we see it we never use them again and then there are some that we see that blow our minds. This blog is going to be dedicated to talking about a few different programs that I use or have been introduced to because of this assignment.
First up on the list........ FORMATIVE!!!!! This website is simply amazing. Formative is a website where you can create online assessments, classwork and homework. Some of the features I really enjoy are the fact that you can get see the results in live time, there are questions that align with the standards (or you can create your own) and you can put some real time interventions in your assignments. The students can submit there through multiple choice, typing, showing their work with drawing or even submit an image. Lastly, the best thing about this website.......IT'S FREE!!! Yes, teachers and students can create an account for free. Its a must see, especially if you are a math teacher. I have started using it in my class and I love it.
Next, Khan Academy! I am pretty sure that most educators have heard of Khan Academy. If you have not you are in for a treat. This website offers videos, lessons and practice on math, science & engineering, test prep, computing, arts & humanities, and Economics & Finance. The math portion is set up by grades and goes through almost every concept in math up to college. One aspect of this website that I enjoy is the fact that with every video there is a practice section so you can practice the concept that you just wrote. Teachers can set up accounts for themselves and invite there students. Teachers can also assign practice lessons to students. Lastly the students earn points for everything they do in the program. This could be used as an incentive in class. If the student gets so many points they get a reward or grade. Just a suggestion! This program is also FREE!!!
Last program for today is...... Explain Everything. This program is a collaborative and interactive whiteboard program. You can post videos and drawing. The students can create work on here and present. I have not worked much with this program but I recently went to a PD where this program was discussed and it seems really nice. I am not quite sure how I can use it in my classroom but I plan to play around a bit and find out!
And thats all that we have for this week!!!!! See you soon!
Cotter!
Friday, February 3, 2017
Hey Ladies and Gentledudes,
This week in EME5050 our topic is about the World Wide Web and Networking. I must admit that when I saw this weeks topic I was thinking "PIECE OF CAKE". I know all about the internet. I use it all the time both in my work and my personal life however I was wrong. After some research and reading of articles I realized that there is a great deal that I do not know when it comes to the internet.
As I worked through this module I started with researching on Web 2.0. I soon find out that Web 2.0 was simply the internet, just geared more towards today's internet. It was this simple thing that made me realize that I probably know close to the bare minimum on the topic of the internet, so as a life long learner I dug into my research, Now, this research went into me looking into Classroom 2.0 because I am an educator and I must admit I was really impressed. This website has over 84,000 members and they are all educators just looking to make connections, collaborations and just learn from one another. I browsed through a couple of the discussion post and next thing you know it was 1 a,m, in the morning. I just love reading the opinions of others especially when its about education. They were all so well mannered with each other which was a plus. People were providing links and references in their post to prove the validity of their argument. It was just amazing to see!
I am fairly young so when I think about social media I think about sites such as Facebook, twitter, and Instagram to name a few. I never knew that social media could be this great resource that it is, so when I was reading the requirements of this coarse I was confused as to why he wanted us to create a twitter account. I've never been good at networking so I would have never come across some of the educational social media sites if it was not for this class. Now, that I know that they are out there I will be using them a lot more. With all of these resources I can now start building my professional learning network. Before this week I didn't even know what PLN stood for and now I am looking into expanding mine.
I must admit I am really starting to like the journey that this class is taking me on....!
Cotter
This week in EME5050 our topic is about the World Wide Web and Networking. I must admit that when I saw this weeks topic I was thinking "PIECE OF CAKE". I know all about the internet. I use it all the time both in my work and my personal life however I was wrong. After some research and reading of articles I realized that there is a great deal that I do not know when it comes to the internet.
As I worked through this module I started with researching on Web 2.0. I soon find out that Web 2.0 was simply the internet, just geared more towards today's internet. It was this simple thing that made me realize that I probably know close to the bare minimum on the topic of the internet, so as a life long learner I dug into my research, Now, this research went into me looking into Classroom 2.0 because I am an educator and I must admit I was really impressed. This website has over 84,000 members and they are all educators just looking to make connections, collaborations and just learn from one another. I browsed through a couple of the discussion post and next thing you know it was 1 a,m, in the morning. I just love reading the opinions of others especially when its about education. They were all so well mannered with each other which was a plus. People were providing links and references in their post to prove the validity of their argument. It was just amazing to see!
I am fairly young so when I think about social media I think about sites such as Facebook, twitter, and Instagram to name a few. I never knew that social media could be this great resource that it is, so when I was reading the requirements of this coarse I was confused as to why he wanted us to create a twitter account. I've never been good at networking so I would have never come across some of the educational social media sites if it was not for this class. Now, that I know that they are out there I will be using them a lot more. With all of these resources I can now start building my professional learning network. Before this week I didn't even know what PLN stood for and now I am looking into expanding mine.
I must admit I am really starting to like the journey that this class is taking me on....!
Cotter
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