Great Experience

After finishing my last assignment, the webquest for this class I can honestly say this class has tested my limits. I have learned techniques I wouldn't have learned without taking this class. The webquest is something I plan to use in my classroom and an assignment I think my students will enjoy doing. Like I have said in the past, we must incorporate technology into our classroom because our students are growing up in the technology era and it's the only way they know. This class has been an overall great learning experience for me.

WOW

Webquest kicked my butt...It was a longgggg process but one that my students will get much enjoyment and gain a great learning experience from.  Now that the class is coming to an end, I have to say that I am excited to use screencasts and podcast in my classroom!  I already incorporate edmodo.com on a weekly basis, that said, incorporating screencasts and podcast onto edmodo will be a bonus for my students.  This class has been a great learning experience!

All of this information is new to me, although I use technology in my classroom on a daily basis I don't use podcasts or blogs that we've learned about. I'm eager to incorporate them into my classroom now that I am more familiar because my students could really enjoy them and when they enjoy something they are doing, they learn. This class has been really helpful to opening my doors to different aspects of technology that are available.

Excited!

I can't wait to use podcast after Christmas break!  I plan on using podcast in my classroom by posting to our edmodo account for test review, classroom reminders, and how-to's.  Podcasts are a great learning tool when utilized to their fullest potential.  They are also great as student-created podcast to show full understanding of a concept!

Blogging

I love the idea of using blogs in my classroom. They could be used in many different ways. They could be used in creating assignments, web quests, or even reviewing. Students could collaborate together and share ideas and information through the blogs of classmates. The ability to use pictures and videos inside their posts are really a pro as well.

Google is great!

I love Google and have for a while now. I love how Google offers so many different services. Blogger is a great service for EVERYONE to use.

I love the ability for students to use Blogger in the classroom. In today's social media age, I also like how Google+ can be integrated with other Google services such as Blogger, Gmail and YouTube. This would make a lot of kids be even more interested since they can connect with "buddies" through social media as well.

Endless Possibilities

After completing this class, I understand that there are endless possibilities to actively engage students in content by simply using technology. To make a webcast or podcast of content they are working on would excite my students so much. I really loved the 50 state podcast and considering doing it with my students after winter break. My school system frowns upon Facebook, but I see the possibilities within social media and my classroom.  I have thoroughly enjoyed this class and the experiences I have come away with.

Live Streaming Web TV for Classrooms

Live Streaming has become a very useful tool in the classroom. I had a class a few years back, in which a web cam was used. The Instructor had a Proctor for our class, for role call, and questions. The Proctors role was as important as the Instructors simply because the Proctor was; the Instructors liaison. It was cool because the Instructor could teach class from a different site. With Live Streaming the same is being done, except taken to a whole new level. Technology has came so far. The students are more advanced than we were at there age. Live streaming is useful in the class, for a variety of reasons. Most of all, students are exposed to different styles and examples of lessons. This helps broaden students horizons, and eliminate tunnel vision unknowingly practiced by teachers. I for one will admit to tunnel vision at times, but Live streaming helps remind me that there are other ways to educate students effectively. 

#1 : Didn't Really Understand

Until taking this course and reading the material I really didn't understand how screen cast or podcast work.  After learning more about each of them and having to produce my own, I can truly see how both of them could be used in the classroom.  I currently work with primary students and I could see them working in small groups doing a book review or animated story.  Thanks for allow me to be part of the learning with technology.  :)

Applications...even outside the classroom

I feel like I'm not the traditional student for this course since I don't currently work in the K-12 classroom.  I am an inspector in the local Fire Marshal's office.  That being said, there are a multitude of applications in my field for the various technology tools covered in this course.  Blogs, podcasts, wikis, Flickr, Twitter...the whole shooting match could be utilized in one fashion or another on a daily basis.  Collaboration with other fire inspectors, building officials, code developers and interaction with various public groups which also includes public and private schools.  My office comes in contact with a lot of people on a daily basis and after completing this course I feel like I can help our office be more "techno" savvy.

Class Reflection

After going through the assignments of this course I can honestly say that this was one of the more interesting college courses that I have taken.  I came into this wondering how having a blog would help a Math teacher but now I can see the many advantages of having such a tool at my disposal.  In the blog that I created, I plan to add videos and other links to help my students when they have trouble with homework, or if they were absent.  I plan to use screencasts and/or podcasts when I need to publish a video of my own for student consumption.  I feel that the expanded use of technology in my teaching will really work to increase student engagement.  I am now really excited to get back to work after winter break and start fully implementing what I have learned.

Actually doing a lot of the readings in the "Blogs" text..thankfully 75% I was familiar with beforehand.Maybe Im not as technology inept as I though.The main ideas of blogs,web casting and RSS feeds are thankfully old  school with me.

Pros/Cons

Technology is growing at an alarming rate. The WWW is in more homes today than just a few short years ago. I think technology is the wave of the future and has amazing implications on learning. Two issues I would like to address is that not all of my students have internet access, or even a computer for that matter and the malfunctions of technology.
 
I use technology frequently in my classroom. I communicate homework/weekly work with my parents via email as well as behavior updates. We have a school website that we post news and upcoming events on, but not all parents have email or internet access. I invite them to use our computers at school, but many do not take me up on the offer.
 
Oh no! The internet is down! I guess we'll have to cancel class and go home! I can't teach without my Smartboard! I've heard this many times at my school. Teachers get so depended upon technology, they forget to create a backup, or plan "B". Technology plays a key role in the education of students, but I don't think we should rely on technology solely to educate our students.

Bam!

Right between the eyes on the first try. Had composed an elaborate post then right at the very end a pop-up advertisement erased the whole thing. Well I guess that's one of the benefits of technology, advertisers can get to you almost anywhere.  On a positive note though, I have learned quite a bit these last two weeks.  The guys in my office are way more "techno" savvy than I, but I'm starting to understand all that jargon they speak on a daily basis.  Looking forward to digging in a little deeper and becoming more "techno" myself.

Really enjoying all this technology based readings in this class.I actually have picked up a great many ideas in only 3 days.Looking forward to the rest of the readings and projects.

New uses for technology in the classroom

While I have just began my journey to find new technologies to incorporate into my elementary math class, I can honestly say that I think I have already found many tools that would be useful to me.  Something that I have already been reading about that I truly feel will make a difference is the use of blogs.  I never really thought about blogs as being a way to share links with people.  I think that I could use a blog to share links to other webpages or videos that could help students with concepts we are learning in our class.  This could possibly be helpful if a student is having trouble on a homework assignment.  It would be like a teacher on-demand.  If I could not find a video over the subject matter that I want I could possible even make a podcast to share with the students.  This would also be beneficial on snow days or when a student is absent. The only problem with incorporating technology in the classroom in this way would be the fact that many students, especially in my poverty-stricken area, might not have access to any internet connection, much less a high speed connection.  My study of technology in the classroom is still in it's infancy, but I can already tell that it will be something that will help me in my everyday classroom.

Limited Technology

As an elementary teacher in the rural mountains of Kentucky, I have discovered through surveys in the classroom that a few students still do not have internet access at home, or anywhere. Also, I find that these students are of the lower socioeconomic stature of my classes. Sad, but true! Some students are limited to online usage simply by, "guilt of circumstance". I ask them can they get to a public library; since ours has free usage? Some say "no"! Of course, when they are at school they have school usage, but they still are limited on those snowy and rainy days at home. Most places of employment require on line job applications, so students will always need online services one way or another, in their life. Are these students the wildflowers, or the weeds we see growing in society? How can we help, not just one; but all?

Technology in the Classroom

I have started using the technology resources that we have learned about in my classroom.  My third graders love the web quests.  I have started showing them how to use the podcasting and powerpoints.  I hope that will help them become better prepared for the world outside of school.  It really amazes me how much they can do.  I was trying to figure out how I could use the technology without it being over their heads but they have really amazed me.

Technology for Educators

I have really learned alot from this class. I used to think I was good with technology but this class has challenged me greatly.  I really have enjoyed the class. I love technology and think our students need more technology to prepare them for the real world.

Great Experience

            The class was a very eye opening experience. Learned a lot in the class and will be able to take what I learned an apply it to the classroom. Especially liked doing the podcast assignment. Didn’t know it was that easy to make a podcast. I have since been making several podcast since we covered that lesson. I am glad I took this class and will keep up with my blog because I have been getting great feedback from that.

Question about WebQuests

I posted in this blog when the class first started to see if I was an author of this group. I am not sure that that post counts toward one of my two postings on this blog for the assignment, so I am posting now again.

I do have a question about the WebQuests. Is there a place we could upload our WebQuests and share them with others? I am not sure how everyone else feels about sharing theirs, but I would be willing to share mine and see the WebQuests of others. We are all under time restraints and it would be a tremendous benefit to each other if we could share our WebQuests.

My Class Reflection

With this being my last post of the class i decided to reflect on the class. To be honest i was a little nervous taking my first graduate class online but i must say it was a success. I was excited with this being a technology class for educators because my undergrad is in computer information technology which relates very well to this class. I have learned much more then i expected with using technology in the classroom and I'm very excited to use the tools i learned during this class in my own class room.  I feel that this class will help me relate better with my students because for the most part all students love technology. I have really enjoyed this class and I'm ready to use and spread my new knowledge.

exam 3

I just noticed that I was supposed to submit two posts, so here I am again...In my last post, I reflected on the class, so this time I'll ask a question about one of the test questions from exam #3.  Did anyone else have an issue opening a link that we were supposed to view in order to answer a question?  I don't remember what it was now, however, after not being able to view it, I missed the question.  I know I should've asked this question some time ago, but it slipped my mind.  Just curious if anyone else had the same problem. 

EDUC 573A Reflection

At the start of this class, I knew very little about how to properly use technology in my classroom. About the only technology that I used regularly was my overhead and our Clicker Response System. Now, however, we are using the iPads for Podcast and Web Blogs. I am still learning a lot, but the kids are loving it. I am also working on WebQuest to use in my class. Hopefully, when we return from Christmas break I will have WebQuest created to go along with our curriculum.

I really have learned a lot from this class, I didn't want to take it, but now I am glad that I did!!

Class Reflection

Before this class, I knew nothing of wikis, screeencasts, podcasts, and blogs.  I have now gotten my feet wet on these topics and have found my way by navigating these mediums.  With the prevalence of technology in the school system as a whole and in my students' lives, I know that continuing the use of this type of technology is a must.

Technology for Educators post

I have finally reached a point where I can join the class blog and contribute.  I would not say that I am computer illiterate, but this is definitely the first time I have created a post on a blog.  After reading other posts, I feel that I am where my fellow educators are in this area.  I feel that I am good with computers, but not as proficient at using the web for non-traditional educational purposes.  With the direction that our students and society are taking, this course should be considered a "must" for all educators.

WebBlog

I really like the idea of a class WebBlog. I have quickly learned that most of my students have access to a computer and interent at home. I think it would be very beneficial to have a class WebBlog, to post assignments, class news, and upcoming events going on in the class and the school. Not only would it be a good way to keep the students informed of things going on, but it would also help parents to be more aware of what is expected of the students. I think my students and parents would really enjoy this and would become very involved in the WebBlog.

Blogs are Beneficial . . .

 Before this class I had heard the hype of blogs being so great.  I didn't even know what a blog was. I figured it was just another one of those new things that attracts some short term interest but then after a little time the amazement fades and then it's out with the old and in with the new. 

I am really surprised at how blogs can bring people together from varying distances and cultures with just a couple of clicks.  People with great knowledge and different experiences who are willing to share for the sake of sharing with people like me who can barely hit the correct keys to spell out the simplest of words (not joking here.  It's taken me 15 minutes to get this far on this writing).  But all joking aside, when people come together for a cause usually amazing and astounding things happen.  So, I am just glad to be here.

Technology Class

I had always felt comfortable with technology, like I had a good grasp of everything goig on. When doing these projects I quickly began to think differently. The screencast and webblog were something very new to me. I began to realize my technology skills were not quite what I thought they were. With that said, I really enjoyed creating all these new things. I learned a lot of new technology ideas and also how I can use them in my different classrooms. As a math teacher I at first thought, "How can I use these in my Math class?", but I quickly learned that these types of ideas can be used in any classroom. I really feel that because of this class I am better prepared to keep up with my students in the technology world.