Colleagues can be encouraged to engage in ongoing technology development by sharing some of the technology that we have been learning about in class. They would all be interested in learning about webquest in order to develop lessons for the classroom. For example, our school is unable to visit the pumpkin patch this year because of lack of funds. Webquest would enable us to have students watch videos of the pumpkin patch. They would also be interested in seeing the website I've been working on. However, as we discussed in class, this may be technology that is no longer necessary.
Most teachers are up-to-date with technology, and many of them are working on Masters's degrees through online programs. They too, would probably have good technology ideas to share.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Concerns about technology
There are several concerns I have with the use of internet technologies in teaching. First, I feel it is difficult for students to be able to collaborate face-to face and get the necessary help they might need. True, students can collaborate online, but I don't feel that method is as quick and efficient.
It can be difficult for teachers to give students the immediate feedback they might need because teachers may have an unusually large number of students in online classes. Also, there is not much opportunity for "quick-checks."
Students may have trouble with their computers and may not be close enough to a teacher to get the support they need. It is much easier to complete assignments when an instructor is nearby to assist. Problems can receive immediate attention when necessary.
There can be an unusually large amount of written material that students need to contend with. This would not be the best situation for all types of learners. Perhaps these difficulties could be alleviated somewhat with watching a class by video or skyping with classmates.
In some school districts, learners may not have access to the technology they need in order to participate in online education. In that situation, there would not be much of a solution other than waiting for better resources to become available.
It can be difficult for teachers to give students the immediate feedback they might need because teachers may have an unusually large number of students in online classes. Also, there is not much opportunity for "quick-checks."
Students may have trouble with their computers and may not be close enough to a teacher to get the support they need. It is much easier to complete assignments when an instructor is nearby to assist. Problems can receive immediate attention when necessary.
There can be an unusually large amount of written material that students need to contend with. This would not be the best situation for all types of learners. Perhaps these difficulties could be alleviated somewhat with watching a class by video or skyping with classmates.
In some school districts, learners may not have access to the technology they need in order to participate in online education. In that situation, there would not be much of a solution other than waiting for better resources to become available.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Software applications
In kindergarten, we use E-Math videos in our lessons each day to prepare students for the upcoming lesson. These are typically fun, cartoon-type clips, meant to engage and entertain kids. We also have games that come with our reading series which can be used during station time. Students also really enjoy the site, http://www.starfall.com/ This helps to reinforce letters and sounds.
I would like to become more proficient at using Microsoft Office. This would be very useful for writing parent newsletters. I would also like to develop a blog website with pictures that would be more informative for parents. I would need to make sure that I first had permission from parents to post pictures.
I plan to spend some time working on various ways to format a newsletter, and working on contacting parents to get permission to post children's pictures on a blog. Feedback from parents two years ago indicated that parents wanted more information from the school. I feel these goals would help meet the needs of our families better.
I would like to become more proficient at using Microsoft Office. This would be very useful for writing parent newsletters. I would also like to develop a blog website with pictures that would be more informative for parents. I would need to make sure that I first had permission from parents to post pictures.
I plan to spend some time working on various ways to format a newsletter, and working on contacting parents to get permission to post children's pictures on a blog. Feedback from parents two years ago indicated that parents wanted more information from the school. I feel these goals would help meet the needs of our families better.
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