Final Blog - A Reflection

I loved, loved, loved this class! I came in wondering why I had to take this course since I already took a computer applications course. I now understand why. I learned about so many different things that can help me when I begin to teach. The computer applications course did help me through this course though; especially with the test. J There are sooooo many websites that can assist in basically everything. Most importantly they are….FREE. I also learned how to integrate technology into the classroom by using various programs, such as Google Slides. My eyes were opened to all the different applications that Google has to offer…simply amazing. I still, however, like the Microsoft Suite…at least when it comes to PowerPoint. PowerPoint would have to be my strong point since I’ve used a gazillion times. The Google Docs was interesting though, I liked how I was able to write my add-in and see the other contributions. I could actually see them typing…this is better than email and I could see myself using it down the road. My favorite assignment was the Movie Maker. Hands down. I had fun adding pictures and timing my slides to music. I could use Movie Maker, as a teacher, to create a movie of class activities and then post them to my website for parents to see. Web tools had to have been my second favorite assignment. I especially loved Wordle. I liked how rubistar can help me make a rubric and it was so easy! I’ve started using Quizlet to prepare for tests, and I know I’ll continue using it once I start teaching. There wasn’t anything that I really disliked bout this class. The only thing I was really confused about, was at the beginning, with Kidspiration. It was foreign to me and I was lost. It took me a little bit, but I eventually got it…this was my weak point.  But, once I started, I have to admit it was fun. Through all of the assignments I have learned about: various sites and applications that can help me in the future, assistive technology, how to integrate technology into the classroom, and most importantly…the NETS-T. My future learning goals are to continue looking my websites or applications that can help me integrate technology into the classroom. In the case that it is something like Kidspiration, I can practice and play with it to combat any weakness that I may have. When I become a teacher, I will carry the NETS-T with me and integrate technology into my classroom. Through PowerPoint presentations, concept maps, my classroom website, and various other tools I know it can be done. I am excited to know what I know now, and I cannot wait to apply my knowledge to inspire my students to create and gain knowledge.

Happy Holidays!!! J

Assistive Technology

This past week's assignment was on assistive technology (AT). Students with disabilities have legislative safeguards that protect their right to participate in a general curriculum and their right to obtain services that can help them achieve to the best of their abilities. Assistive technology devices are defined as any item, equipment, or system that can be used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Given appropriate hardware specifics, almost all students with disabilities can access technology. For this assignment, we were to change computer settings in Windows to show various assistive technologies that can help with students with disabilities. To help show these changes, we were to create a PowerPoint. In my PowerPoint, slides 2 and 3 show how a website looks in a normal setting vs. a change in contrast. The change with contrast can help a student with low vision. In slide 4, the magnifier is shown that can also help assist a student with low vision. Slide 5 shows Toggle Keys, which can help a student that has a physical disability. Slide 6 shows visual options that can make the screen flash when the computer sounds an alert; this can help a student with a mild hearing impairment. In slide 7, the onscreen keyboard is shown; which can help a student with a physical impairment and as a result uses a pointer to access the computer. In slides 7 and 8, show pictures, along with the word showing what it is and sound is included as well. This is accessible to both sighted and visual, visually impaired, and hearing impaired students. Slide 9 shows websites where students can find free photo sites and free sound file sites. The final slide shows mouse options that can be useful for students with certain needs.

This assignment showed me how I can help a student with a disability. I knew of some of the features, but there were some that I didn't know of. I am already using what I learned...I changed the contrast on my dad's computer so that he can see the screen. As a teacher, I will be able to know how to make changes to the computer to adjust to any disability. I feel confident in that. I enjoyed this assignment and the knowledge I gained from it. Assistive technology ties in with the NETS-T with standard 4 by addressing diverse needs of all students by using learner-centered strategies and by providing equitable access to appropriate tools and resources.

Click here to view my PowerPoint.

Google Sites

This past week's assignment was to create a teacher website that could be used for our future class by using Google Sites. A teacher's website can be a useful tool for students, as well as the parents. It can inform students and parents of assignments due, a calendar, expectations, newsletters, etc. The possibilities are endless. Creating my website was easy to use through Google Slides, however, it was a little difficult to figure out how to add a "Home" button on a certain page. But, I eventually figured it out. I created my "mock" website as if I were a first grade teacher. I created four different pages: a home page, a course information page, a page about myself and my experiences, and a page with some resources. Google Sites is free to use, and there a many different templates to choose from. Instead of choosing a template, I used a blank one so that I could add things that I wanted on my site. Overall, Google Sites is easy to use and the start-up process is pretty smooth. I could see myself using this again when I begin to teach.

Creating a website ties in with the NETS-T with the third standard: Model Digital-Age Work and Learning. By Communicating relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital-age media and formats. The teacher's website is a beneficial tool that allows an easy and effective way for parents to communicate with their child's teacher. It can also allow the parents to receive information efficiently and could allow them to see what is going on in their child's classroom.

Click here to view my Google Sites website.

Google Apps

The latest assignment was on Google Apps. I never really knew, but Google has a lot to offer...and it's free. The only downfall with their apps is that it is internet based. So, if you don't have access to the internet then you're out of luck. The main apps that we looked at were Google Docs and Google Slides. This was a two-part assignment, involving both apps. First, we were put in groups and we were to come up with a story in Google Docs. Google Docs allows you to collaborate without being with others. A manager was assigned to each group, and they were in charge of inviting each of us to the document. Each of us wrote a paragraph to add to the story. Google Docs saves automatically, and it allows others to add and/or edit any work. This is better than having to email back and forth...it saves time, and everyone involved can collaborate without missing a beat. Secondly, we were to make a presentation using Google Slides. In my biased opinion, I like PowerPoint better. Google Slides offers the same thing as PowerPoint, but I struggled to find what I wanted to use...perhaps, because I know PowerPoint like the back of my hand. On the positive side, it is easier to add a movie to Google Slides vs. PowerPoint. All I had to do was to add the link and it was there. I have the 2013 version of PowerPoint and adding a movie involves a lot of steps...I recall having to use YouTube to help me figure it out. What I've learned overall: Google can be used for so much more than...well, Googling and G-mail. There is a calendar, their version of Excel (Sheets), their version of Paint (Drawings), and they are the fuel behind this blog. Google has definitely expanded, and their apps will do, if cost is an issue.

As a teacher, Google Docs could be used to collaborate with other teachers, and it could be a fun way to introduce technology, to the students, with a lesson. Google Slides can be used to make slideshows of the class, which can be given to the parents, or shared on the class website. The students can also make their own presentations. Both Google Docs and Google Slides can tie in with the NETS-T with the first three standards. In standard 1 the teachers promote, support, and model creative and innovative thinking and inventiveness. In standard 2 the teachers design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity. In standard 3 the teachers collaborate with students, peers, parents, and community members using digital tools and resources to support success and innovation.

Below is a link to my Google Slides presentation.

Christopher Columbus - Google Slides