Technology in the classroom helps the teacher to incorporate all students into their lesson plans. It allows them to accommodate for different abilities and learning styles and allows the teacher some flexibility in creating methods of teaching. Universal Design is a way to incorporate all students, regardless of ability, into the classroom activities and learning. It is a blueprint that allows teachers to accommodate a variety of learning abilities. Universal Design was made so that it can be used by all students, rather than just by those with disabilities. It ensures that the teacher has multiples means of representation, expression, and engagement. It makes it easier for the teacher to include everyone and gets rid of the need to have separate plans for various students.
Section 508 is an amendment to the Rehabilitation Act that ensures that anyone with a disability has access to electronic and information technology provided by the Federal government. It allows people with disabilities to obtain information more readily and helps give equal opportunities to all people, regardless of ability. In other words, Section 508 gives everyone access to the websites provided by Federal agencies. Schools too must give equal opportunities for students with disabilities. One way to ensure these equal opportunities is by using assistive technology. Assistive technology is an extremely important tool for the classroom. It helps reach out to all students. Technology used in the classroom, just like Section 508, gives access to resources by all students. For instance, the LOMAK (Laser Operated Mouse and Keyboard) device is an aid to typing that allows students with physical disabilities to type on the computer using a laser. They can wear the laser on a head set, or attach it to their chest, and then point it at a keyboard. Although LOMAK is time consuming, it allows all students to be able to use computers. It can be used by students who have cerebral palsy, muscular atrophy or dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, or even by students with hand injuries.
Start to finish books are another excellent technology aid to have in any classroom. They have a CD and tape that allow a student with a visual disability to hear the story being read. It also has a computer program that highlights the words as it is read so that a student can follow along. It is great for students who are struggling with reading or even for students who are just learning the English language. The books also come with a teacher resource that includes worksheets for the student. The large print in chapter book format also allows the student to feel comfortable because they are still reading the same size books as their peers.
Go Talk 9 is another useful item to have in the classroom. It is a portable device that aids communication by using recorded messages and pictures. It aid students with limited speech abilities. The device can also be used with students who have autism. It allows them to communicate while also learning how to say the words. Another interesting device I found was the Text to Speech Device (TTS) from http://www.microsoft.com/enable/at/types.aspx . It is a device that converts someone’s speech into writing and then it reads it back to them. It can be used by students with visual disabilities or by students who are less vocal. It helps them communicate with the outside world through typing.
Although many assistive technology devices are expensive, they are a great addition to any classroom. They allow the teacher to reach out to all their students and make sure that they are receiving equal opportunities to learn. I had no idea how many different devices there were and the numbers will continue to grow. I was amazed at all the different ways you can accommodate for different abilities!
Friday, March 21, 2008
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Science Unit
I am going to do a topic on pollution and recycling. Here are some ideas for incorporating technology into the lesson plans:
1. I could have the students make a podcast about how pollution hurts the environment. They could pretend to do an interview with an animal that is affected by pollution. For example, the students could interview a duck who has to swim around all the trash in the water, or they could be a bird that can't breath in the smoke!
2. The students could make a project using FRAMES about the different ways to recycle- glass, paper, plastic. They could take pictures of different recyclable items and add text to say where they should be recycled. They could add music or their own audio to say why recycling helps clean up the environment.
3. The students could use Kidspiration to make a brainstorming web about the different types of pollution- land, air, and water. Then they could make webs of each type, showing some of the causes (factory smoke, trash, oil spills, etc) and some of the animals that it may affect. I might use this in my unit, but not as the final project.
4. The students could post blogs about things they see in their everyday lives that have to do with the environment. Perhaps they saw someone litter on the way to school, maybe they saw trash floating in a lake, or they could have seen someone pick trash off the ground and throw it away properly. The students could describe how each action made them feel.
5. The students could make a book as a class, using Pixie, to describe why pollution is bad for the environment and what they can do to help. Each student can create their own drawing and add text. Then the pages will be compiled into the “Classroom’s Environment Book”. I will do this for my unit.
1. I could have the students make a podcast about how pollution hurts the environment. They could pretend to do an interview with an animal that is affected by pollution. For example, the students could interview a duck who has to swim around all the trash in the water, or they could be a bird that can't breath in the smoke!
2. The students could make a project using FRAMES about the different ways to recycle- glass, paper, plastic. They could take pictures of different recyclable items and add text to say where they should be recycled. They could add music or their own audio to say why recycling helps clean up the environment.
3. The students could use Kidspiration to make a brainstorming web about the different types of pollution- land, air, and water. Then they could make webs of each type, showing some of the causes (factory smoke, trash, oil spills, etc) and some of the animals that it may affect. I might use this in my unit, but not as the final project.
4. The students could post blogs about things they see in their everyday lives that have to do with the environment. Perhaps they saw someone litter on the way to school, maybe they saw trash floating in a lake, or they could have seen someone pick trash off the ground and throw it away properly. The students could describe how each action made them feel.
5. The students could make a book as a class, using Pixie, to describe why pollution is bad for the environment and what they can do to help. Each student can create their own drawing and add text. Then the pages will be compiled into the “Classroom’s Environment Book”. I will do this for my unit.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Podcasts
Sources:
http://recap.ltd.uk/podcasting/professional/learninginhandipods.php
Podcast: Learning in Hand: iPod Episode: ipods #7: iQuiz
http://thetechteacher.libsyn.com/
Podcast: The TechTeacher Podcast Episode: Have You Listened to a Good Book Lately?
The first podcast I listened to was called “IQuiz”. It talked about a new software that allows teachers and students to make customized quizzes available on iPods. iQuiz comes preinstalled on all new iPods, or it can be downloaded. Once you make a quiz, it can be synced to as many iPods as you want so that the quiz can be made available to an entire classroom. The quiz can be made in multiple choice or True/ False format. If you get the wrong answer, the correct answer appears. iQuiz also supports different users on one iPod, so that multiple students can take the quiz and save their results. The software to make the quizzes is free. The program even has an iPod simulator so that you can use the quiz even if you don’t have an iPod. Teachers can import free pre-made quizzes online at http://www.iquizshare.com/ or http://www.iquizr.com/. They can also add or change questions to these downloaded quizzes.
I think using iQuiz in the classroom is an excellent way to get students involved in their own learning. They can create their own quizzes to review, and then practice quizzes that other students made. By using technology, we are “speaking” to kids in their own terms through iPods. Taking the quizzes on their iPods also allows the students to learn from their mistakes, without feeling embarrassed for not knowing an answer. I think it is an excellent addition to any classroom!
The second podcast I listened to was called “Have You Listened to a Good Book Lately?”. This podcast was about using audio books in the classroom. It can be used for special needs students, or with ESL students to help them build vocabulary and literacy skills. It can also be used to get students captured in the excitement of reading. Even teachers can use audio books to keep up with literature in their busy lives. Using audio books allows educators to meet different learning styles in the classroom by allowing the students to move at their own pace. Having mp3 kits in the classroom also can be used to expose students to different reading sources. They can download audio books, stories, magazines, and newspapers online at http://www.audible.com/.
Audio books, in my opinion, are an excellent way to promote reading skills in the classroom. Some students think reading is boring, but if they listen to audio books, they are still reading and building vocabulary. Also, it may get them interested in a certain book that they would like to read later on. Audio books also allow students of all abilities to learn. A child with dyslexia, for example, would still be able to follow along with the class discussion on a book.
Podcasts can support literacy instruction because they allow students to learn from different methods. Students will be engaged in their learning by creating their own podcasts, listening to audio books, making and practicing iQuizzes, etc. Podcasts allow students to get involved in their own learning. Podcasts are also beneficial to students with disabilities, such as dyslexia or blindness. ESL students can benefit from podcasts as well as they develop vocabulary and pronunciation skills.
After listening to these podcasts, I thought of a few ways that podcasts could be used in my own practicum classroom.
1. The students can practice their oratory skills by reading stories aloud.
2. The students can enhance their French through the language podcasts.
3. The students can make podcasts about their music class- singing songs they learned.
4. The students can create a podcast sharing the stories they have written during class.
5. The students can make a podcast describing what they learned about meal worms as they watched them grow!
All of these also allow the outside community to see what the students are doing in the classroom. Parents can listen to their own child tell a story, sing a song, or read aloud! It’s a great way to get them involved in their child’s learning.
http://recap.ltd.uk/podcasting/professional/learninginhandipods.php
Podcast: Learning in Hand: iPod Episode: ipods #7: iQuiz
http://thetechteacher.libsyn.com/
Podcast: The TechTeacher Podcast Episode: Have You Listened to a Good Book Lately?
The first podcast I listened to was called “IQuiz”. It talked about a new software that allows teachers and students to make customized quizzes available on iPods. iQuiz comes preinstalled on all new iPods, or it can be downloaded. Once you make a quiz, it can be synced to as many iPods as you want so that the quiz can be made available to an entire classroom. The quiz can be made in multiple choice or True/ False format. If you get the wrong answer, the correct answer appears. iQuiz also supports different users on one iPod, so that multiple students can take the quiz and save their results. The software to make the quizzes is free. The program even has an iPod simulator so that you can use the quiz even if you don’t have an iPod. Teachers can import free pre-made quizzes online at http://www.iquizshare.com/ or http://www.iquizr.com/. They can also add or change questions to these downloaded quizzes.
I think using iQuiz in the classroom is an excellent way to get students involved in their own learning. They can create their own quizzes to review, and then practice quizzes that other students made. By using technology, we are “speaking” to kids in their own terms through iPods. Taking the quizzes on their iPods also allows the students to learn from their mistakes, without feeling embarrassed for not knowing an answer. I think it is an excellent addition to any classroom!
The second podcast I listened to was called “Have You Listened to a Good Book Lately?”. This podcast was about using audio books in the classroom. It can be used for special needs students, or with ESL students to help them build vocabulary and literacy skills. It can also be used to get students captured in the excitement of reading. Even teachers can use audio books to keep up with literature in their busy lives. Using audio books allows educators to meet different learning styles in the classroom by allowing the students to move at their own pace. Having mp3 kits in the classroom also can be used to expose students to different reading sources. They can download audio books, stories, magazines, and newspapers online at http://www.audible.com/.
Audio books, in my opinion, are an excellent way to promote reading skills in the classroom. Some students think reading is boring, but if they listen to audio books, they are still reading and building vocabulary. Also, it may get them interested in a certain book that they would like to read later on. Audio books also allow students of all abilities to learn. A child with dyslexia, for example, would still be able to follow along with the class discussion on a book.
Podcasts can support literacy instruction because they allow students to learn from different methods. Students will be engaged in their learning by creating their own podcasts, listening to audio books, making and practicing iQuizzes, etc. Podcasts allow students to get involved in their own learning. Podcasts are also beneficial to students with disabilities, such as dyslexia or blindness. ESL students can benefit from podcasts as well as they develop vocabulary and pronunciation skills.
After listening to these podcasts, I thought of a few ways that podcasts could be used in my own practicum classroom.
1. The students can practice their oratory skills by reading stories aloud.
2. The students can enhance their French through the language podcasts.
3. The students can make podcasts about their music class- singing songs they learned.
4. The students can create a podcast sharing the stories they have written during class.
5. The students can make a podcast describing what they learned about meal worms as they watched them grow!
All of these also allow the outside community to see what the students are doing in the classroom. Parents can listen to their own child tell a story, sing a song, or read aloud! It’s a great way to get them involved in their child’s learning.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Ideas for Language Arts Curriculum Unit
Pen-Pals
I am planning on making a language arts unit for a 5th grade classroom on journal writing. By using the web to connect to students from other countries, the students could set up a pen-pal network. They could send emails and regular mail, share blogs, send photos, and even send videos. This would be a great way for students to begin practicing narrative writing. They can share their experiences. This will get students excited about writing because they will love learning about what other kids have to say all around the world. It is also a good way to incorporate the learning of culture into this unit.
Kidspiration
The program Kidspiration is a great way to incorporate computers and language arts. Students can use the program to help jumpstart their writing process. They can make story webs and then transform them into outlines. It is a great way to help students organize their ideas and makes it fun for them to create! Kidspiration can also be used for learning vocabulary and its uses. For instance, each student can research a new word, and make a web putting links such as synonyms, acronyms, and example sentences. It is a way for them to practice building vocabulary and it also makes the learning process more exciting.
Making a Newspaper
I think that creating a classroom newspaper is a great way to integrate technology into language arts. Students can each write a piece for the newspaper. Then it can be compiled online, using pictures students have found from the web, and printed into a newspaper. Students will like this project because they have the freedom to write about what they want. Also, it is a great way to share information with other classrooms and even parents. The newspaper can even be used to integrate another subject with language arts. For instance, in the subject of history, students can all write a report about a president. They are practicing writing skills, but still learning about history.
Researching Important People
Students will read The Diary of Anne Frank, a biography. They will then research more about her life online. Students will then be able to pick another important figure in history that they are interested in learning more about. They will research their topic online and after gathering sufficient information, they will make their own web page describing the life of the person they chose. Students will be able to practice their research skills, while also learning how authors provide details in their biographies and are able to record events in a memorable way.
Blogging
Students will be asked to make an online blog that can be viewed by the teacher, as well as students. They will make weekly entries into their online journal. Some days, topics will be assigned for the students to respond to. Other days, the students will write about an experience that happened to them. It is a good way to brainstorm ideas for narrative writing later on. The students will then have a chance to read each other’s writing and see how their life experiences were described. They can post feedback as well.
I am planning on making a language arts unit for a 5th grade classroom on journal writing. By using the web to connect to students from other countries, the students could set up a pen-pal network. They could send emails and regular mail, share blogs, send photos, and even send videos. This would be a great way for students to begin practicing narrative writing. They can share their experiences. This will get students excited about writing because they will love learning about what other kids have to say all around the world. It is also a good way to incorporate the learning of culture into this unit.
Kidspiration
The program Kidspiration is a great way to incorporate computers and language arts. Students can use the program to help jumpstart their writing process. They can make story webs and then transform them into outlines. It is a great way to help students organize their ideas and makes it fun for them to create! Kidspiration can also be used for learning vocabulary and its uses. For instance, each student can research a new word, and make a web putting links such as synonyms, acronyms, and example sentences. It is a way for them to practice building vocabulary and it also makes the learning process more exciting.
Making a Newspaper
I think that creating a classroom newspaper is a great way to integrate technology into language arts. Students can each write a piece for the newspaper. Then it can be compiled online, using pictures students have found from the web, and printed into a newspaper. Students will like this project because they have the freedom to write about what they want. Also, it is a great way to share information with other classrooms and even parents. The newspaper can even be used to integrate another subject with language arts. For instance, in the subject of history, students can all write a report about a president. They are practicing writing skills, but still learning about history.
Researching Important People
Students will read The Diary of Anne Frank, a biography. They will then research more about her life online. Students will then be able to pick another important figure in history that they are interested in learning more about. They will research their topic online and after gathering sufficient information, they will make their own web page describing the life of the person they chose. Students will be able to practice their research skills, while also learning how authors provide details in their biographies and are able to record events in a memorable way.
Blogging
Students will be asked to make an online blog that can be viewed by the teacher, as well as students. They will make weekly entries into their online journal. Some days, topics will be assigned for the students to respond to. Other days, the students will write about an experience that happened to them. It is a good way to brainstorm ideas for narrative writing later on. The students will then have a chance to read each other’s writing and see how their life experiences were described. They can post feedback as well.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Technology 1/29
I believe that technology is important for education because it allows students to learn in a way that they are familiar with.
I believe that technology is rapidly changing how students are being taught today- whether it be research online, posting blogs, classroom websites, etc.
I believe that technology in education is constantly improving and becoming used in the classrooms. Teachers must begin to incorporate technology into their lesson plans.
I believe that technology is rapidly changing how students are being taught today- whether it be research online, posting blogs, classroom websites, etc.
I believe that technology in education is constantly improving and becoming used in the classrooms. Teachers must begin to incorporate technology into their lesson plans.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Technology in the Classroom
I thought the first video on "A Vision of Students Today" (2007) was extremely powerful. Being in a smaller university, I have had a different experience in my classes. The class sizes are small, not lectures, and almost everyone knows your name. I think that is why I chose to come to University of Maine in the first place. I wanted a smaller community where I wouldn't just be another number. I wanted my opinions heard and to be known by my teachers.
I also agree that technology is the future of the classrooms. So many people use technology in their daily lives- whether it be internet, cell phones, TV, etc. It is changing the way students are learning. It is important as a future teacher to take that into account. I will have to plan lessons using technology and I can imagine my students to learn in different ways than I once did in elementary school. I never used a computer until I was in 3rd grade. Therefore, I was shocked that the 3-year olds I was babysitting were already navigating the youtube site to watch episodes of Power Rangers and were exploring Nickelodian for Dora the Explorer games. If kids this young are already using computers and technology, then it must be a way to attract them to learning. It will be like teaching them in their own language.
As future teachers, we can't fight against technology. It is so widely used that we must incorporate it into teaching. The youtube video, "Pay Attention" (2007), gave so many ways to use technology in the classroom. And there are many more creative ways just waiting to be discovered. I didn't even know what podcasts were until today but I think they would be a very useful tool in the classroom. I would definately use them as a review source for my classes if lectures and notes were made available through podcasts.
I liked the ideas that Chris Walsh discussed in his Infinite Think Machine Blog, "And the Walls Came Tumbling Down" (2007), about online communities and their uses for teachers. They can be used both as a resource for teachers to get ideas from each other, as well as for teachers to communicate with parents and students. I will definately use it in my classroom one day. I liked the idea that Johanna Prince had about putting her classroom newsletter online for the parents to read. Also, I found it interesting to put student work online. It would give them a chance to share their students pride with others.
Mike Muir had some great points in his blog "Do Something Disruptive" (2006) in that some teachers are still reluctant to change their teaching methods to incorporate technology. They have taught in certain ways for so long and are afraid to leave that comfort zone. However, it is extremely important to integrate technology into teaching if you want to have an effect on children. Afterall, technology is the future. So we must accept changes to make changes.
Overall, I found these videos and articles interesting and motivating. I didn't realize how much technology really is changing the classrooms and I think it is important to learn more about it as a future teacher.
I also agree that technology is the future of the classrooms. So many people use technology in their daily lives- whether it be internet, cell phones, TV, etc. It is changing the way students are learning. It is important as a future teacher to take that into account. I will have to plan lessons using technology and I can imagine my students to learn in different ways than I once did in elementary school. I never used a computer until I was in 3rd grade. Therefore, I was shocked that the 3-year olds I was babysitting were already navigating the youtube site to watch episodes of Power Rangers and were exploring Nickelodian for Dora the Explorer games. If kids this young are already using computers and technology, then it must be a way to attract them to learning. It will be like teaching them in their own language.
As future teachers, we can't fight against technology. It is so widely used that we must incorporate it into teaching. The youtube video, "Pay Attention" (2007), gave so many ways to use technology in the classroom. And there are many more creative ways just waiting to be discovered. I didn't even know what podcasts were until today but I think they would be a very useful tool in the classroom. I would definately use them as a review source for my classes if lectures and notes were made available through podcasts.
I liked the ideas that Chris Walsh discussed in his Infinite Think Machine Blog, "And the Walls Came Tumbling Down" (2007), about online communities and their uses for teachers. They can be used both as a resource for teachers to get ideas from each other, as well as for teachers to communicate with parents and students. I will definately use it in my classroom one day. I liked the idea that Johanna Prince had about putting her classroom newsletter online for the parents to read. Also, I found it interesting to put student work online. It would give them a chance to share their students pride with others.
Mike Muir had some great points in his blog "Do Something Disruptive" (2006) in that some teachers are still reluctant to change their teaching methods to incorporate technology. They have taught in certain ways for so long and are afraid to leave that comfort zone. However, it is extremely important to integrate technology into teaching if you want to have an effect on children. Afterall, technology is the future. So we must accept changes to make changes.
Overall, I found these videos and articles interesting and motivating. I didn't realize how much technology really is changing the classrooms and I think it is important to learn more about it as a future teacher.
Practicum
I'm having mixed feelings about practicum. I'm super excited to finally be working in the classroom but I'm also really nervous about the work load that I will have. I had heard that the practicum block has a strenuous workload but I didn't realize it was going to be this hard! I already have 2 books to read and 2 responses in just one class. Hopefully, I'll be able to handle it all.
I am looking forward to actually working in the schools though. I requested to be helping in the 1st grade over at Mallett School, so I hope it works out! I look forward to gaining some hands-on experience that I can use as a future teacher!
I am looking forward to actually working in the schools though. I requested to be helping in the 1st grade over at Mallett School, so I hope it works out! I look forward to gaining some hands-on experience that I can use as a future teacher!
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