Final Course Reflection

All in all, I learned many new things throughout the course of IT 365. I never knew how much technology was now incorporated into the classroom, and this class has given me a lot of insight to do so, as well as the know how to do it successfully. My strongest point was creating the concept map. I am great with directions and outlining projects, and using Kidspiration to create my concept map was a lot of fun for me! I also very much enjoyed the assistive technology assignment. I was not aware of all the extra help that could be found on the computer. It was always my belief that extra help had to be purchased, and I do feel as though I will use this a lot in the future for those students who have trouble with basic computer functions. My weakest point was making the movie. I had the most trouble with it, as far as downloading my music on to it. That was the hardest part, but once I figured that out it will fairly easy for me to complete. I never knew how good I was with computers until this course! I have to admit, I was a little illiterate on their functions, however. I do not think I ever gave myself enough time to learn about all the possibilities I could make by using the computer. In the future, I will give myself more opportunities to learn about the computer and it’s functions, especially for their use in the classroom. I feel that with all the technology which is incorporated in the classroom for students, it is important for me to know how they function to be able to teach my students.

 

            The biggest way I am going to integrate technology in to my classroom is by using concept maps. They are easy to use, and I think they will be very effective for students learning. Also, I am always going to make a web site and have it available for parents or whoever else to view. Web sites are easy to make, and it will be beneficial to make them. Also, assistive technology will be used for any students who have disabilities, that are able to use them for learning purposes. This class has taught me a lot and I look forward to using everything I have learned in the future for my classroom!

Assistive Technology

Before completing the assignment on assistive technology, I did not realize there were already some things on basic computers that can assist those with needs. My belief was that any program that could aid in a child’s learning had to be purchased. I know there are those which can be, but the fact that there are some already programmed into the computer will make it helpful for the future. This was another favorite assignment of mine, because as a future teacher I know there will be times when a student needs that extra help when it comes to using technology. Assistive items such as the computer reading off information can aid those with hearing disabilities, and the magnifier will aid those who have trouble with vision. I had no trouble with completing this assignment using the help button on my computer, and it was easy to follow the steps on how to gets these assistive items working effectively. It will be a challenge in the future to work with students who have disabilities, but a program such as this will make it easier.

 

NETS-T Standard:

1. Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning

and Creativity

Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter,

teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate

experiences that advance student learning,

creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face

and virtual environments

I believe it meets this standard because by using assistive technology, teachers are encouraging students with disabilities to learn in different, more effective way for themselves.

 

Turn It In

The turn it in web site can be easily accessed and used to check for plagiarism, by students and teachers both. The web site is very easy to use, and it shows the percentage for the amount of text that is plagiarized by something else on the web or previous work created. Sometimes it does show plagiarism even if there is not any involved, but that is only because some people have the same ideas as others and it can be seen as the same use of wording. In the classroom, I will use this when it comes to grading papers or if I suspect a student to be using someone else’s work without citing their sources. When I used turn it in for this class, I received 0% for one assignment which I wrote myself, and 90% for the one I copied and pasted from various other websites. These numbers were accurate, therefore I feel I can trust this site if I ever feel the need to use it.

www.turnitin.com

 

NET-T Standard:

. Promote and Model Digital Citizenship

and Responsibility

Teachers understand local and global societal

issues and responsibilities in an evolving digital

culture and exhibit legal and ethical behavior in

their professional practices

Teachers are meeting this standard by encouraging students to not plagiarize.

Website for the Classroom

Creating a web site for the classroom is not only beneficial for parents and students, but for the teacher as well. Creating a site that is so personal in the aspects of self and school lets others get to know the teacher a little more personally. Teachers can create a short autobiography about themselves to gain parents trust and let them know a little more background knowledge of the teacher. Also, objectives for the classroom and assignments that are due may be posted so parents can access what their child needs to be working on and help them improve with homework assignments. Calendars can be created to help achieve this. When creating my own web site, I thought it would be a little harder to do. Following the step by step instructions made it easy for me to complete, and I definitely see myself using web sites in the future for communication with co-workers, students and parents. Using a web site helps meet NET-T standards in many different aspects, such as the teacher being able to design and develop modern technology, as well as modeling their know-how of how to do such.
My Website!

https://sites.google.com/site/msstarnes2ndgradeclassroom/

 

NETS-T Standard:

2. Design and Develop Digital Age Learning
Experiences and Assessments

Teachers design, develop, and evaluate authentic

learning experiences and assessment incorporating

contemporary tools and resources to maximize content

learning in context and to develop the knowledge,

skills, and attitudes identified in the NETS·S

3. Model Digital Age Work and Learning

Teachers exhibit knowledge, skills, and work

processes representative of an innovative professional

in a global and digital society

Movie Story

Windows movie maker will be a fun way to incorporate technology into a classroom setting. A teacher can create a movie based on themes, such as one on animals. This can aid in the students learning because each picture can be explained by the teacher, if she chooses to do so. Before creating this assignment on my own, I had no idea where to even begin to create a movie on the computer. I had a little trouble getting it to save to my jump drive, but I fixed that problem by hitting the “publish” button on the Windows Movie Maker program. This tool will help me communicate with my students through using pictures, instead of just passing around books. This will create a sense of community in the classroom. I also find that it would be fun for students to learn about each other, if they could create a small movie about their lives. This program would be great to tell the parents about. Music can also be added to these movies, which will aid in gaining all of the students interest when playing. I never knew creating a movie of my own could be so much fun, and rather easy!

 

NETS-T Standard”

 2. Design and Develop Digital Age Learning

Experiences and Assessments

Teachers design, develop, and evaluate authentic

learning experiences and assessment incorporating

contemporary tools and resources to maximize content

learning in context and to develop the knowledge,

skills, and attitudes identified in the NETS·S.

 

This standard is met using Windows Movie Maker because teachers have the chance to develop their own movie design for learning.

Web Tools

Web tools are highly assistive to teachers in all aspects of teaching in the classroom, as well as students learning effectively in the classroom. Teachers can use these tools to photo share with students, or create pod casts which can be viewed outside of the classroom. They can also be used to create websites and blogs, as we have done in this class this semester. When a teacher creates a website, it can be seen by a student’s family members for them to gain information and insight on what the child is learning in the classroom, as well as background information on the teacher. Web tools can be used to create learning devices as well, such as puzzles or worksheets. I think web tools will assist me when I am teaching in the classroom because it will give students a chance for independent assignments when they do worksheets, as well as help me keep things organized on how each student learns.

 

NETS-T Standard:

3. Model Digital Age Work and Learning

Teachers exhibit knowledge, skills, and work

processes representative of an innovative professional

in a global and digital society.

This standard is met with web tools because the teacher is using modern technology to create helpful aids for the classroom.

 

Concept Mapping

The concept map assignment was by far my favorite assignment completed this semester. It was not very hard to learn to operate the Kidspiration program, and I encountered very little problems while trying to complete this assignment. At first, it was a little confusing how to operate the program and add topics, but once I figured that part out it took me no time to complete my concept map. This program is going to be very helpful when I become a teacher. First off, it will be easily readable for students, especially those at such a very young age whose attention is hard to grab. When we are learning new subjects, it will be relatively easy for them to understand how each item on the map are related how everything fits into one topic. The colors are awesome and will gain students attention at first glance. The ability to add links into the map makes it easy to use once the concept map has been created. I see myself using this Kidspiration a lot when I become a teacher because of the advantages it has to other teaching methods, such as PowerPoint and basic notes that are not as kid friendly.
NETS-T Standard:
2. Design and Develop Digital Age Learning
Experiences and Assessments

Teachers design, develop, and evaluate authentic

learning experiences and assessment incorporating

contemporary tools and resources to maximize content

learning in context and to develop the knowledge,

skills, and attitudes identified in the NETS·S.

Teachers can use concept mapping to gain students attention and interest in the subject.