Module 9

I think project based learning is a great tool for students and teachers. I love the project dealing with habitats and how a certain animal can only live in a certain habitat. It is great for kids to learn that at a young age and be well informed with things around us. The ePals site is great for teachers as well. I think it is very neat too that this site has collaboration where you can collaborate globally with other profiles.

I would definitely use this site for my classroom because it would be so helpful not only for my students but for me as well!

Module 9: Project Based Learning

            I believe that project based learning is a great way of providing lessons for both students and educators.  It requires the teacher to provide lesson plans based on unit lessons, which makes appears to make it easier to conclude concept material. I really like that students are required to find the answers based on research and perform active learning. Many of the teacher’s comments discussed how it was difficult to implement the idea collaboration into their classroom(s) and I do agree, that websites such as ePal’s is a great way to do so. It allows not only students to collaborate with other students all over the globe, but it also allows teachers to collaborate new lesson  ideas.

            I would like to use project based learning in my classroom because I believe that collaboration allows students and teachers to learn a lot of important subject material and different ways to express new concepts.

Project based Learning

I really like the idea of project based learning. I think it is a good way to get the students engaged in lessons. I would be able to use it in my future classroom. I would use it by intergrating it into Indiana standards and teaching it as a big unit. I don't think it would be hard to intergrate project based learning into standards. I think all content areas could be covered in one project. I like how project based learning focuses on real world issues. It kids the students more involved and more active. I think real world issues motivates students because they feel that connected towards the project and they feel like they might be making a difference in the world. I was a big fan of the ePals. I liked how you could connect to classrooms around the world. Students would love this and it focuses on important issues, such as global warming. I learned a lot about project based learning through this module.

Module 9

I really enjoyed this project. I never would of thought about making a classroom website. I had some problems with creating the website. It’ definitely something I want to do when I become a teacher. This can be helpful in so many ways for the students and parents.

Teachers and parents need other ways to communicate with one another other that the phone. A lot of times the students don’t use their assignment books and that makes it hard for the parents to know what homework they need to get done. For teachers to be able to email the teacher and look at the online calendar, this can help parents know what’s going on at school.

Having a website with online resources will help parents to know what projects need to be done. Plus, the parents can help guide their child by knowing what needs to be done for the project. Learning how to put websites on the website is wonderful for students that are working on projects at home.

The part of the project that took the longest was trying to figure out how to put the calendar on the website. I took about an hour until I figured out that you needed to use the HTML. Other than that, the project was pretty simple to do. The Yola website was very easy to follow for people that are doing this for the first time.

                             

Project Based Learning

     I think Project Based Learning seems very exciting for teachers and the students who are using it.  I can see and understand that the comments from teachers about it being harder to implement must be very true.  I think that this type of teaching would take careful planning in order to ensure that the standards were being met in a meaningful way within the project.
     The technology that is being used within the projects show that the students are being engaged and are actively finding answers to the research that they are completing.  I also like how the students' learning is assessed through the completion and presentation of their projects.  I believe that it is true that the learning that occurs is more likely to stay with them longer than with students who may forget information soon after taking a test.
     I would like to try some form of project based learning in my classroom.  I think it would have to be something on a small scale and very focused on standards.   I would have to be assured that the project encompassed areas to meaningfully teach and meet standards.  If so I think this type of learning would be very worthwhile and memorable to students.

Web Quest

Before this module I had never heard about web quests before. I thought it was very interesting reading about it and finding the difference between a good web quest and a bad one. The activity where we wrote a discussion post on what we thought was the best and worst web quest helped me know more about this subject and discern between them. I think it's a great way for students to learn and keeps them interested.

I could use these in my classroom with anything I teach. It's a great way to organize your assignments and present them in a professional way. I think the students will love it too.

Webquest

       I honestly had not heard of a Webquest before my investigation of the topic. After finding good and bad examples of different Webquests, I realize what to look for when trying to find a useful page. I do believe that Webquests are a great alternative to usage of worksheets.Webquests are designed to visually stimulate and intrigue viewers and as a result, students are more likely to get involved. Students with special educational needs (ex. students with ADHD) will most likely also become involved since they are allowed  to work hands-on through Webquest(s).  I believe that the ability to investigate the web page promotes students to explore and acquire problem solving skills.
         I enjoyed the activity where we were to go through examples of different Webquests and find which ones were the best and worse options. I felt like this activity promoted us to use the characteristices from the reading to determine which options fit the requirements. Now that I am familiar with Webquests, I plan to use them in my future classroom to promote student learning.

Webquest

I didn't know anything about webquests before this week. After finding out about webquest I really like them. Webquests provide a more intriguing way of presenting information. I think the students would be more engaged when using a webquest. The only problem I would have would be making sure every student had access to the internet. I like how webquests are divided up into categories. It makes it easy for students to know where everything is at. Also, it makes it easy for the teacher to make a webquest.

I think a teacher can incorporate webquests into any grade level or content area. However, the lower the grade level the easier I would have the webquest and the higher the grade level the harder the webquest would be. Most webquest should be short, however I think some can be over a longer period of time depending on the topic. I think if it was a science topic and you were observing something grow, then it could be over a longer period of time. I would use them in my grade and make them not too hard because I have a younger grade. Also, I could make special webquests to challenge gifted/talented children.

Webquest

            This week’s assignment was very interesting. A web quest can be used for any grade or subject. It can teaching for interesting to the students learning. Many kids are bored by listening to the teacher stand up front and talk. A web quest can help visual student see it and hear it. A webquest can go so far to reach out to each student.

            In a lot of ways I wish my teachers would have used webquests to help us learn in a fun way. There were many occasions were we had to do a project, but were didn’t understand it complete. A webquest can reach out more so we can see the project and understand clearly. A webquest can make a boring class like biology come to life more. Each subject can make a lesson so interesting.

            Students have a hard time paying attention to a teacher that just lectures by writing notes up on the chalk board. A webquest can make the learning more fun and help our student pay attention. Teachers need to use more technology. That is our generation, we are the technology. I hope that the future teachers like me will take the time to use these simple things like webquests in their class rooms.

            I really liked how the webquest had an Introduction, task, process, evaluation, conclusion and a resource page. The introduction could have hyperlinks going to each page. The task is what explains the teacher’s project to the students. Process is how they are going to get the project going, for example books or internet. Conclusion is reminding them of what to do. Having the evaluation page can show them what he teacher is looking for in the project.

            A webquest can reach every grade level and subject. I really think if teachers could use this for lectures it could help students pay attention more to the lessons being taught. A webquest is very well organized for a project setup. It’s clearer to explain how the project should be done correctly.       

Webquests

     Before reading this weeks information, I had never before heard of a Webquest.  I like the "look" of the ones that are on Power Point as opposed to the ones created on Word,  They seem more clear and direct for student use.
     I am excited about creating a Webquest for my grade level.(2nd)  I know it will be challenging since this is a first.  But I do think it will be worthwhile.  I have been brainstorming subject and standards that I may use, and then I have been narrowing those down.  This has made me realize that there are many areas in which Webquests would be beneficial to students.

Enhancing student learning through Webquests

Before starting this module, I was not even sure what a Webquest was. The reading for this module allowed me to see exactly what a Webquest is and how it can be used in the classroom to facilitate student thinking and learning. Personally, I believe that the best part of the Webquest is that it is inquiry based and requires students to use their higher level thinking skills. Through the use of Webquests, the Internet becomes a reliable resource that students can use to enhance their learning. For younger students such as Kindergartners, a Webquest can provide students with useful information on specific content areas or standards while also allowing them to work on improving their computer usage skills.

Chapter 9: The Internet & the World Wide Web

     This chapter reviewed a lot of information that I am already familar with (for example: internet access, e-mail, IM and chat rooms). I  previously used the computer as a tool for communication and still use e-mail often. I did learn about modems and how they are what makes communication possible.
      Internet access not only allows users to communicate with others, but they may also access resources (websites, online activities, etc.) The website evaluation rubric in the chapter helped me realize that there is more than content information on a website. The way of which a website includes its authority information and citations are important. The internet is a powerful tool and its use in the classroom is essential.

Chapter 9

This chapter was mostly review for me. I have heard of all of this information about the Internet and web pages etc. The most familiar to me would probably be the Internet because I am always on it doing something. I am still amazed at chat and instant messaging and how you could be talking to someone across the world yet they can respond to you in two minutes or less. The most important learning for me in this chapter was the website evaluation rubric. I rarely check websites to see if they're accurate and what not but I realized that if I'm going to be a teacher I have to check each and every site before I share it with my students.

Chapter 9 The Internet and the World Wide Web

     I was familiar with some of the information in this chapter.  I guess I was mostly familiar with the process of using the internet in general.  However, I really didn't understand the whys and hows behind the process.
     I am in awe when I think about the potential of the Web in connecting learners and students from all over the world.  The ability and know how to do this effectively seem as though it may be an immense undertaking.  I think the rubric on page 251 will be an important resource to use while evaluating possible web sites.

Chapter 9: The Internet and the World Wide Web

Most of the information I read in this chapter I alreadyknew because I know a lot about the Internet. The chapter talked about all the things on the Internet, such as email and chat rooms. I think email is something that is very important to teachers. It is a way of communication to parents and other educators. Also, teachers should be on discussions forums to talk about their experiences in the classroom and get advice from other educators.

I never knew how important it was to evaluate a website till this chapter. It's the teacher responsibility to monitor the websites the children are on when they are in the classroom. You also want them to be on educational website. It always important to make sure the website is credible. Also, it's important to read the content because the information has to be easy to read for your grade level. I wouldn't want to give a website that was too hard for the students to read.

Chapter 9: The Internet and the World Wide Web

This chapter's material was mostly a review of information that I previously knew about the Internet. One thing that I did not know previously is that there are over 1.7 billion Internet users worldwide. From personal  to academic and business use, the Internet is a part of daily life for most people. Being a student, I have learned first-hand that the Internet is an essential tool when it comes to learning and communication.
 One of the most important ideas that I took from this chapter is how to effectively evaluate websites for use in the classroom. Teachers must ensure that websites are reliable and appropriate for student use, as well as making sure that learning objectives are being met. It is important that students learn these evaluation skills as well. They too, need to learn how to be able to identify reliable online resources from the wide assortment of information that can be found on the Internet.

Chapter 8: Academic Software

This chapter showed me many ways to enhance teaching and learning through the use of academic software. Upon reviewing the wide variety of software available for the classroom both in the textbook and completion of online research, I was exposed to many new programs that I would like to see in my future school. A desktop publishing software is a must-have for my classroom. It would be very beneficial in creating customized documents for use in the classroom, such as worksheets, newsletters, and even award certificates. Another software that I would like to see utilized in my school would be for students with special needs. I believe that having resources available for students with special needs is essential for all schools. I would also like to have a wide variety of educational games that students can play. Using games as a way of learning will make the lesson an enjoyable experience for my students, which in turn, will help them to be actively engaged in the learning process.

Acedemic Software

I found this chapter to be very interesting about all of the different software out there now. One of the types of software that I would use in my classroom would be the educational games. I think this program would be very beneficial for students because with technology today, everything is game oriented or on the computers. For me I know that I would have loved learning educational things through games. Kids love to have fun and educational games would be a great, fun way for them to learn. I also think as a teacher, I would thoroughly enjoy helping my students through educational programs like this. I have heard a lot that everyone wants to get rid of textbooks and have i pads or laptops, which would help with these educational games.

Chapter 8: Academic Software

This chapter was very helpful with showing and explaining all the academic software in the classroom. It would be nice to have all the software mentioned because I could find a use ofr each software. Teachers have to have desktop publishing software in the classroom. Teachers can create everything professional looking documents that can be sent home, such as newsletters. The reference Software is nice to have because a ateacher could bring up atlases on the computer. Also, there is a reference software called grammar tools and students could use this software to help edit their work. I love the drill-and-practice software because students could improve with reading or math with this software. Also, they think its fun and not work. I would like to have special needs software because a teacher needs to accomadate to all students. Also, for what I have seen a lot of speical needs children really like working on the computer. It could be a great motivation to get them to work harder. I have heard of the Renaissance Learning and the acclerated reading. I think it would be a great program to have because it helps with reading and math.

Chapter 8 Academic Software

     This chapter was very helpful in informing educators about all of the academic software that's available.
I can see how all that were mentioned may be beneficial  in some way to students.  But I  also understand that all students are unique and what works for some won't work for all.
     The software that I would most like to have in my school would be the Reference Software along with the Renaissance learning package.
     The reference software (encyclopedias, dictionaries) would allow the students to research different content areas, while promoting discovery learning.  It would also be valuable in addressing most learning styles with text, sound, and pictures.
     I think the Renaissance program offers many tools for the teacher and student in one package.  Such as drill and practice, tutorials, assessments, and student/teacher reports.  Mostly, I agree with the book's authors.  There are so many software packages, it would take time to research and choose the overall best ones for students.  

Chapter 8: Academic Softwares

                Academic softwares are very useful for both students and teachers. As educators, being able to identify which programs apply to our grade level and how to operate those softwares successfully is important.  From the reading, I have been introduced to Tutorials and Drill & Practice Software(s). I feel as though this type of program would work in any grade level since there is a wide range of course material covered through the software. Teachers may use the software in the classroom according to their lesson plans because there are Tutorial softwares that cover every subject (math, grammar, reading, etc).
                The Tutorials and Drill & Practice softwares are great for students because it allows them to access the activities on a one-on-one basis. This allows the students to work at their own pace and is an advantage to all students as well as teachers. Students with learning disabilities are also aided through these types of programs because it allows them to follow in-class lesson plans, as well as work at  pace that works best for them.

 In the future, I plan to teach Kindergarten and first grade and feel as though Tutorial and Drilling & Practice Softwares will be a great tool to help reinforce the material covered in my lesson plans.

Academic software's

Academic software’s

Looking through our chapter I have found much software’s that I would like to use in my future class room. There are programs that help learning through math, English and many other subjects. Student need to see lectures in a more visual way. With these programs they can see it and hear it all at once.

English is a really tough subject to learn. Many students need to see it and hear it in a fun way. I really liked the program Nouns and Sounds. The child can have one and one with the program to help them understand it more. Another program that I found was the Grammar Tools. This program can help the students by giving those suggestions on their work. It also helps support editing of their work. If they can learn how to write a proper essay as soon as possible the better off they will be in school.

We don’t look at programs that work as problem solving sometimes. Our students need to be able to learn how to use problem solving in everyday life. Where in the World is Carmen Santiago? This program has problem solving skills in an adventure type of way. Will they feel like they are in an adventure they are actually learning geography, math, reading science and art skills. 

Many kids find reading very boring. At lot of us didn’t like to read until we got older. With the Reading Blaster and Reader Rabbit it can help our future students to enjoy reading. With Reading Blasters it has math and reading all in one. The Reader Rabbit builds the child’s memory, verbal logic and planning skills. This program is a really great way for students to learn English and vocabulary.

With these programs, the future teachers can help student learn in a fun way. With these programs student that need a little extra help can visualize and hear it all at once. It is still important for teachers to help the future students learn and make sure we know their weakness. Those are the programs that I would like to use in my future class room.

Administrative Software

This chapter was interesting with all the different software tools. I use Microsoft Word and Power point a lot but I have never really used Excel or spread sheets before but I do think they are great tools for organization especially if you're a teacher or accountant. It will make it so much easier for teachers to keep track of their students and their information. The Portfolio Assessment was new to me but made so much sense. It assesses competencies on the basis of a collection of student work rather than using test scores. It also allows the teacher the tools to document student achievement. As I said before, being younger I am used to all of the technology; however, technology always changes so it would benefit me or anyone becoming a teacher to keep myself updated on the new inventions and tools.

Module 5: Administrative Software

After reading this chapter, it was interesting to find out all the different tools for each software describe. I already know a lot about the word processing software. However, I really liked the table on page 177 that had application to teaching and learning tasks. I thought this table was very helpful. I just know the basics of how to use electronic spreadsheets and database management software. I liked reading about the portfolio assessment software because it's a software that would come in handy for teachers. I think this software makes it easier for teachers to look at grades and figure out where students need to improve. Also, I like how portfolio software had ways to include observations of student behaviors and notations on academic progress. I think all the tables in this book was very helpful to learn more about each software and how to apply it to teaching and learning.

Module 5-Administrative Software

This chapter's reading allowed me to see the many uses of administrative tools in the classroom. Programs such as word processors like Microsoft Word, spreadsheet programs like Microsoft Excel, and presentation software such as PowerPoint are just a few of the programs that can be used in multiple ways by both students and teachers. I found the section on Portfolio Assessment software to track student progress to be very intriguing. I think that use of this in the classroom would be a much better way to assess student achievement, as opposed to strictly focusing on test scores. Having digital documentation of each students' progress throughout the year could then be observed to evaluate student strengths and weaknesses in specific content areas. This information can then be shared with parents to give them an insight into their child's work in the classroom. Also, this tools ability to cross-reference state standards will allow teachers to make sure that each student is meeting them.