Last Reflection

I found this last project a blast to do, actually the whole class was really fun. With feedback, I know my video needs a few tweeks. Once they are done, I will use this in my classroom. This really opened my eyes to the possibility of how effective a video can be.
Before this class, I didnt realize how easy, yet useful all of this technology was. I really look foward to using it all the time. I have even decided to organize all of my pictures in a video format to make them more entertaining.

Final Video Project

Final Video Project

Reflection # 5

Chapter 11 deals with technology and cultural diversity.  I found this chapter very interesting. Just talk a walk around Angelo State and look at all of the diversity. I can only imagine what a classroom in a bigger city must look like. I think teachers have to responsibility to take the time and understand different cultures. In order to educate someone you first must understand their learning styles. Different cultures may believe or see things differently; and could be a road block in the learning process.

Chapter 12 discusses professional leadership and growth. This is another major factor for educators. I especially liked the way the book discussed getting familiar with your surroundings and fellow teachers at a new school. This seems like a great way to ask for help and get it. In addition, I thought action research was a great concept. How will you know if something is going to work if you don’t research it? This seems like a great investigation tool for everyone.

Reflection # 4

The article I chose was “How Does Technology Influence Student Learning.” I found this article to be an overwhelming factor in decided technology is a good thing. The first thing I found interesting was what English and Social Studies teachers observed. They observed after only one multimedia project students had a change, for the better, in their skills. I find this amazing considering, it was only one project. In addition, the fact they considered it significant spoke volumes.

Secondly, was the discussion on higher-thinking. This is something that will greatly benefit students throughout life.  Technology aides in the development of real life situations then it must be implemented in every classroom to aide students. This is especially true for the hands on learner. They may be able to learn faster by watching a video.

Third, were the articles overwhelming statistics. The statistics listed, were in multiple areas of learning.  These facts further the need and usefulness of technology.  The numbers just don’t lie, and in addition make me as a future teacher hopeful.

Reflection # 3

Chapter 8 deals with the hardware aspect of technology. I feel like this is a subject most people don’t pay enough attention to. I myself am also guilty of this.  Often I don’t pay enough attention to how something works; I am often focused on how it will work for me. Then I find myself, after a purchase questioning the quality.

Technology is a must for teachers. With budget cuts and money tight, we must realize the importance of quality products. When we do the proper research and buy useful, quality products they last longer. Just like in Chapter 8, teachers must test hardware. They must make sure it is good, and going to work for them. They have to utilize new products with current products in the classroom. Nothing could be worse than buying great technology and not being able to use it.

I especially liked the establishing criteria for review. The steps provided a checklist for when I teach to insure I am investing in the right hardware for my students and for me.

SchoolTube - Scientific Method

SchoolTube - Scientific Method

Email Etiquette and Reflection

As someone who uses email daily in my current profession, email etiquette is an absolute must. There is nothing worse than receiving an unclear email. It not only leaves you confused, it can end up in you making a mistake at the work place. As you can imagine, a mistake as a police officer can be very costly. I first learned to use email etiquette when I worked in a medical billing company.

As a bill collector, I had to find the most professional way to communicate with Doctors. To not address a Doctor properly would have been a major career mistake. I would like to consider myself someone who currently follows the guidelines we read.  I would like to continue to follow these guidelines throughout my career. Grammatically correct, precise emails achieve greater results than long pointless ones. 

I also really liked the point about using bullet to mark important points. In this day and age it seems everyone is in a hurry. Most people scan through books and emails, looking for main points. Bullets allow a reader to quickly understand your point and move on.  In addition, if I don’t receive an email with a subject I usually don’t read it.  I often feel like it is spam, so I won’t check it.

I want to continue to practice email etiquette and use these rules for electronic communication.

Here is my logo I created.

Unable to view videos???

Is anyone else having trouble viewing group members videos?

Video

Here is my autobiography video

Reflection #2

Chapter 3 brought up some interesting points.  I felt like this chapter did a good job of breaking down multiple learning styles. Once a teacher can tap into a students learning style, I believe the student begins to open up to learning. The overall goal seems to be for the student to become more creative. After all I feel creativity only sprouts more learning.  Whether authentic instruction is problem-based learning or project-based, I feel like all students can be reached on some level.

I can only imagine using technology in the classroom to transport a group of students to a foreign country. To be able to move my students to the Galapagos’ Islands to learn about the habitats of the penguins, using a few internet clicks, will be very rewarding. Not to mention, I have never been there either.

This chapter also touched on standards, and brought up the point that they are not full proof. Although necessary, standards should be a basis for learning. More importantly the ability to try different avenues will achieve the necessary standards if very important. Using the right techniques and technology will eventually achieve and surpass this goal.

Reflection #1

Chapter 1 had some interesting points. I found the breakdown of computer phases very informative. Especially since I was in school during the earlier phases. I believe sometimes today's students don't realize how fortunate they are.  When I attending school, computers were fairly new. It is nice to see all of the intergation at work.

Chapter 1 also breaks up intergation into four phases. Beginning, developing, proficient, transformative. In the future, I would like to include the use of these phases when I plan a lesson using technology. That being said, I plan to try to incorporate technology in some form in every class. Whether it be power points, or student research on the computer.

As a future teacher reading the books examples of intergration was informative. By reading the in class senarios, I was able to visualize how the application of intregation works. Chapter 1 reafirmed my feelings that with technology, teachers are equipped with endless possibilties to teach students.

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Lea Anne

Lea Anne Roach back at Angelo State

Hello, my name is Lea Anne Roach and I am from San Angelo,Texas. I am returning to ASU to major in Biology with a teaching certificate. I will one day be teaching and coaching at the high school level. Right now I am a Police Officer and a student. I am also currently training for a triathlon in June.