Research: Answers to post

Well, today when I visited the education website that I posted a question about the Interwrite Pad, I read several great answers! I asked if the Interwrite pad was easy to use or easy to learn how to use and three people responded in saying that it is very user friendly. One person stated that there are several great math tools right on the tool bar. Another person explained how you can build your gallery by installing simple software from the E Instruction Website and how it will walk you through the steps. Another person responded to the post by telling me that they got their Interwrite Pad through a grant they wrote and how it was possible for me to do the same. I really enjoyed posting this question because I had a lot of responses and many teachers gave me great information to go along with what I already knew about the technology tool.

Research: Technology Teaching Tools: Interwrite Pad

Over the last couple of months, I have learned many things in this class. This class has encouraged me to become comfortable using different types of technology in my future classroom. One type of technology that I have only read about is something called an Interwrite Pad. By using this Interwrite Pad, I could walk throughout the classrom with this 'clipboard like' pad and control my computer from wherever I stand. I can write notes for the students to copy from the notepad, click on video links from brainpop or study jams, incorporate powerpoint lessons, or access blank graphic organizers to use during my lesson.  I posted some questions about the Interwrite Pad on a popular education website yesterday and I look forward to viewing any responses I may have gotten about the tool.

Digital Storytelling Project

I think one of my favorite technology projects in this class so far was creating the digital storytelling project. Even though this project took a while, I think it might go faster the next time I create one. This project could improve student learning by creating interest for the students by watching a video. Anytime you can take the focus away from a teacher lecture the students will become excited about the activity. I created a digital storytelling video about the planets in our solar system. I listed facts and provided pictures and music to go along with it. I think the students would prefer something like this instead of the traditional method of reading the material from the textbook. By integrating technology in the classroom, we can stimulate our students' minds on a daily basis!

Advantages of having a Classroom Website!

One of the biggest challenges to incorporating technology in the classroom is finding the time to learn the technology and then understanding how to effectively interweave it with the content of the curriculum.  I recently finished creating my own classroom website! I can't wait to accept a job one day soon, update the details of my site and give the link to the parents and students in my classroom. The site will serve as a guide to other valuable links and resources. Using the google calendar and message board will be a great way to keep my parents and students 'in the know' about classroom events and school events. I can also add study guides for upcoming quizzes or tests for students and parents to view. I will be able to create self-directed student activities for the students. Most of all, it can be a great communication tool for teacher/parent/student and promote parent/guardian involvement!

Technology in the Classroom

For the last several weeks, I have been in a 5th grade Social Studies classroom twice a week observing and teaching lessons to 5th grade students. I have really been impressed with the amount of technology is available for the students and the classroom teacher. This classroom has the ideal setup with a computer for every student available at anytime. It has been enjoyable to design lessons in which I can use technology as a part of my lesson. The students can then login to their computer after I finish my instruction for the lesson and use their computer for the guided practice/independent practice part of my lesson. During one of my lessons on interpreting climographs, the students were able to pull up examples of climographs on an area of their choice and interpret the information provided. Because the students had computers at their desk, they were also free to create a climograph using an excel spreadsheet. After being spoiled in this classroom, hopefully I can obtain a teaching position that has this kind of access to technology in the classroom.

Portaportal

Being organized is a must if you want to become a teacher. At least somewhat organized anyway... Since returning to school, I have realized the importance of being organized. One thing I have learned about the 'portaportal' is that it can help you organize your favorite and necessary everyday websites. I now use my portaportal on a daily basis and I plan to utilize this in my classroom someday as well. This class is helping me become more aware of great ideas to introduce to my students and I am looking forward to the next new thing to share.

First Time!

Well, I will have to say that this is my first time creating a blog. I've heard of other friends blogging but I have never tried it myself. It will be interesting how this turns out. I also look forward to learning more about how I can use a blog as a form of communication between teacher/parent/student.