Blogfolio

1.     Introduction Video: On the first day of IT 365 we filmed an introduction video about ourselves. This activity used NETS-T standard II, which is to “design and develop digital-age learning experiences and assessments.” We did this by videoing classmates using the video function on our cellphones and uploaded the video to our blogs. This activity helped us develop new skills that we used throughout the semester. We learned to express ourselves in the video and then how to upload the video from our phone to the blog. This activity also helped us learn how to post to our blogs. The difficulty I found in this project was introducing myself in such a short time. I think I could use this in my future classroom by letting my kids introduce themselves in videos. Some students are nervous when speaking in front of the class. This would be a good way for students to introduce themselves and prepare to start speaking in front of the class.

2.     Concept Map/Inspiration Project: With the Concept Map assignment, we created a map about a subject we could teach. We used NETS-T standard II “design and develop digital age learning experiences and assessments” when we created these Concept Maps. We used a program called Inspiration that helped us create the map. We chose a lesson we could teach with five points and details that stemmed off of those points. I chose measurement and I thought this concept map made it easier to teach measurement. Each of my topics were represented with a picture. For example, time had a clock as the icon. The concept map helped set up my topic and make it easier for students to see. I think this map could be very useful in my future classroom to represent any type of information I try to present to my class.

3.     Website: NETS-T standard IV “promote and model digital citizenship and responsibility” was used when we created our websites. We modeled this standard by creating our own website with our own words. I really enjoyed this project because I was able to express myself in the creation of my own website. I did not find this project too difficult besides learning to use the Google sites program. I was able to choose my theme and layout to personalize my website. I think this project is very useful for my future classroom because I will need a website to keep my parents informed about my classroom.

4.     Movie: My favorite project we did was when we created our movie. We created a movie using a program called Movie Maker on our computers. We used NETS-T standard I “facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity.” Although I really enjoyed this project, it was the most difficult project we completed. We chose personal pictures and completed this project off of the computers in class. With this program, everyday we saved something like a draft of our movie. Since the computers delete everything daily, when we would come back to class to work on the project we would have to re-download all our pictures. Once I got my pictures back on the video though I enjoyed creating it. I think this is an excellent tool for my future classroom. These movies helped describe each person in our class without them talking. We saw pictures and heard some of their favorite songs.

5.     Turn-It In: With the turn-it in assignment, we were given a set of questions we had to find the answers for online. We first answered the questions by copy and paste. We submitted this version to turn-it in to see the similarity found. We then answered the questions in our own words and submitted that version to turn-it in to see the similarity go down. This assignment follows the NETS-T standard IV  “promote and model digital etiquette and responsible social interactions related to the use of technology and information.” The purpose of this assignment was to show us an online tool that can help find similarity in work if you plagiarize. This is a very useful tool as a teacher to not only make sure your students are not cheating but to also teach them digital etiquette. Some students do not quite understand what plagiarism is and so if they think they are putting things in their own words they can use this program to make sure they are doing this the correct way. I did not find this assignment difficult at all because I have used the turn-it in program before.

6.     Web Tools: With the Web Tools assignment we were asked to create a rubric, quiz, and bookmark using websites. We followed the NETS-T standard II “customize and personalize learning activities to address students’ diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resource.” I thought this activity was very useful as a future teacher because I will need to create all of these things. I now have the online tools to create these activities. This activity was not too difficult I just had to learn to navigate these websites. The hardest part was posting the quiz to my blog.

7. Google Assignment: With the Google Assignment, we were split into groups where we created a story and powerpoint using Google groups. We used the NETS-T standard I, which “Promotes, supports, and models creative and innovative thinking and inventiveness.” In this assignment, the leader of our group started a story and we each added to the story. The Google Docs saved where each of us worked and we could just open it and pick up where the others left off until we finished the story. We did the same thing with the powerpoint, each person in our group added to the powerpoint until it was finished. This project was not difficult at all. It will be very useful as a future teacher because my students can participate in group work using this tool.

In this class, I have learned a lot more about technology. Technology is a very useful tool in a classroom when teachers know how to use it correctly. Today, most teachers know a little about technology but not enough to implement it in their classrooms. This class helped me develop the skills and knowledge needed in order to use technology in my classroom. I learned about types of programs that exist that I had no idea existed before this class. In all, I am more confident in my technology skills now because of this course.

Fortunately, I do not have many weaknesses when it comes to technology. If I am introduced to a new technology, I usually catch on pretty fast. I guess my main weakness would be letting technology intimidate me. I am usually scared to learn about technology I do not know but this class showed me that once I learn a new program I can easily implement it and use it.

      I think technology is a key tool when teaching students. Every project we completed this semester is something I can definitely use in my future classroom. I can create a class website and use concept maps to aid certain subjects. I also have the tools now to create quizzes, rubrics, and bookmarks with the web tools we used in this class. The other projects we created are examples I can use in my class to enhance my students learning. I hope my students enjoy my class as much as I’ve enjoyed this class and that my use of technology will inspire their learning experience.