1. Intro Video- Learning how to create a
video of myself with my phone and uploading it to my blog online, lead me to
the idea that I could create videos of myself discussing what the week of
school is going to be like, updates, and special events coming up so that
parents can view it themselves. I could even use this as a way to walk through
experiments with my students, allowing them to stop the video whenever needed.
This video can be uploaded to the classroom blog or website. I can definitely
see myself using this type of video format at the beginning of the semester as
well. The NETS-T standard that applied
to this assignment was standard number 3: Model Digital-Age Work and Learning
by having me model and facilitate
effective use of current and emerging digital tools to locate, analyze,
evaluate, and use information resources to support research and learning. The video “blog” is a type of tool that is an
effective use of current and emerging digital technology that I can use to
discuss topics to support student learning.
2. Concept Map-This assignment will be great to use in the
classroom as a tool to study or to create with students while learning about
different content or concepts. I used the Body Systems to create my concept map
in class and it seemed like it would be a great study tool. With this new way
of concept mapping videos, images, and notes can be attached to any bubble. I
loved this tool. The NETS-T standard(s) that can be applied to this assignment
are Standard 2: Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and
Assessments through designing or adapting relevant learning experiences that
incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and
creativity and Standard 3 by communicating relevant information and ideas
effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital-age
media and formats. These standards applies to this assignment because it ties
in technology and learning, and it is also a tool to communicate information
and bring together ideas.
3. Web Site- This assignment was my favorite because I never
thought I would learn how to create a website….and I did. It was not hard at all, Google Sites is user
friendly, and I can really use this as a teacher to communicate to my parents
and students. The website can be used to describe upcoming events, provide a
calendar, information about the class and myself, and to provide resources for
students and parents to use to support learning of the content. The NETS-T standard
that applies to this assignment are Standard 1: Facilitate and Inspire Student
Learning and Creativity through modeling of collaborative knowledge
construction by engaging in learning with students, colleagues, and others in
face-to-face and virtual environments.
4. Voki- Voki is an educational tool that can be used for
creativity. In the classroom I can customize Voki
characters to look like historical figures, cartoons, animals, and even myself.
I think that it can put a new twist to
education and give the students a little something different than the typical
lecture and slideshow. I liked this
assignment because it was something different that I had not seen before and if
used right, could really add something special to the classroom. I could create
some creature that liked to “drop in” every now and then to share a cool story
or a bit of wisdom to the students. The standards that apply to this assignment
is Standard 2: Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and
Assessments because this tool calls you to design or adapt relevant learning
experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student
learning and creativity.
5. Xtranormal is a site that allows you to create two
avatars that share a conversation in order to express a thought or idea. When I
created my Xtranormal skit, two dogs discussed littering in the park and why
not to do it. I did not like this tool, it was not fun for me and it was time
consuming. I probably won’t use this in my classroom but if I did use it, I
would have students pair up and create skits together. They would have to use
this type of digital technology to teach their classmates something about a
certain unit we were discussing at that time. Standard 3: Model Digital-Age
Work and Learning applies to this assignment in that is calls you to
communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students using a
variety of digital-age media and formats.
6. Turnitin- Standard 4: Promote and Model Digital Citizenship
and Responsibility. I do like this website and will use it once in my classroom
at the beginning of the year to show my students what plagiarism is and how not
to do it. It will be more of a group activity, students will work together to
summarize. I will teach students how to summarize first. That is a difficult
thing to learn. I did not do very well with this assignment because I do not
summarize research well. I think it’s all important and I don’t know how to
condense. This has always been difficult for me. The NETS-T standard that
applies to this assignment is standard 4: Promote and Model Digital Citizenship
and Responsibility by advocating, modeling, and teaching safe, legal, and
ethical use of digital information and technology, including respect for
copyright, intellectual property, and the appropriate documentation of sources.
7.TED videos- John Hunter’s video discussing his world peace
game created for his students was very inspiring. It gave me a different way to
look at education and how to approach certain topics or issues. I like his
project goes further than classroom lectures and is interactive, involving
students in deep thinking and cooperative learning. I hope to create
something like this for my students to guide them into thinking critically and
creatively. Ali Carr-Chellman “gaming to reengage boys in learning was also
enlightening. She thinks that in order to pull boys back into education we need
to cater to the way boys are “in a sense”.
We can’t keep a tight leash on them. I agree. Ken Robinson says schools
kill creativity. I think schools are coming away from that and are now trying
to integrate the all seven intelligences into the curriculum. I agree that students
need to be able to express themselves and have the opportunity to learn in the
best way that suites them. There is not just one way to learn and to express
meaning. I believe Ken is trying to emphasize the importance of these
intelligences so that students have the opportunity to succeed. I think these
videos were great to introduce new concepts. We as teachers need to learn from
others to keep up with new ways of teaching. TED videos are a great source. The
NETS-T standard that applies to this assignment is standard 5: Engage in
Professional Growth and Leadership by causing me evaluate and reflect on current
research and professional practice to make effective use of existing and
emerging digital tools and resources in support of student learning.