I think all of the provided ideas are useful in the classroom. However, some assignments required computers for every student in the classroom. Realistically, most classrooms do not have a computer for every student. I like the idea of using google docs to get to know your classroom. I also think the spelling test idea would be convenient if students weren't using the computers to look up words online.
After discussing the different ways of using google docs, we decided that the spelling test, emotion graph and getting to know your class were the three best uses of google docs. Some of the ideas seemed kind of time consuming and might be sort of confusing for younger students.
Survey
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Assignment 6: Evaluating Webquests
I thought the introduction of this website was sort of vague. While it did grab my attention, it didn’t keep my attention very long. There wasn’t very much information on the introduction site. I thought the task was very clearly stated. It was direct and to the point. My favorite page on the web quest was the “process” page. It was very helpful and informative. However, I didn’t think it supported different learning styles. I thought the evaluation was fair, and accurately assessed the material on the web quest. I think I would use this web quest in my classroom because it’s informative, but short and to the point. I would have included more pictures in it though.
This web quest was even better than the one before. It’s very bright and catches the eye. The introduction was thorough and it included a nice image. I like how it states, “be creative.” The task was straightforward and easy to understand. I also thought the process page was easy to follow and informative. Lastly, the evaluation assessed the material fairly and was easy to read and understand. I think I would use this in a science classroom because it allows students to use their creativity.
This web quest seemed to be unlike the other two web quests. It didn’t explicitly state the introduction, processes or evaluation. After looking at the web quest carefully, you would notice an introductory paragraph, a problem, tasks and a conclusion. I thought it was fairly easy to read, however, it wasn’t set up the same as the other web quests. This web quest never mentioned an age group that it was appropriate for. While the web quest did seem informative, I don’t think I will use this in my classroom because it doesn’t seem age appropriate.
This web quest was my least favorite. While the introduction clearly summarized the idea of the web quest, it was very boring to look at. The task seemed a little demanding. I think if I were an 8th grader I would be very overwhelmed when looking at the task page. The process page also seemed overwhelming. It tells students to take a quiz over and over until they’ve mastered the material. Finally the evaluation page seems to assess the material in the web quest fairly. I don’t think I would ever use this web quest in the classroom because it would stress and overwhelm both the students and myself.
My first Web Quest
My first Web Quest
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Assignment 4 Website Evaluation
I would not share this website with students as a reliable website for a number of reasons. To begin, the website is biased because it is a “membership organization of concerned citizens. Not every citizen is concerned with immigration so therefore it’s not everyone’s opinion. While the website does seem to well written and virtually free of any spelling or grammar mistakes, there doesn’t seem to be much research to back up the facts. The most recent date I could find on the website was from 2005. This website seems to think immigration is despicable, and I don’t necessarily agree with it.
I would not use this resource in my classroom as a credible website. The first indication that this website is not credible is that it’s a blog. A lot of the imformation seems to be opinion-based. The blog also has a disclaimer where the author states that he is “obsessed” with the issue of immigration. The website clearly seems biased. I wouldn’t want to use a website with a one-sided argument in my classroom because I wouldn’t want my students to only see one side of the issue.
I would definitely use this website in my classroom if we were discussing immigration. The website shows the history of immigration. However, there is a short disclaimer at the end stating, “The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. government.” The author of the article is a professor at New York University. The article was written in 2008, which is adequate when discussing the history or immigration. This article is also reliable because it is from a government agency.
This is the website that I would most likely use in my classroom when discussing immigration. The website seems to be unbiased. It states the laws and regulations but in a sensitive and non-prejudice way. It’s also a government site, which leads me to believe that it may be fairly accurate information. The group consists of 18,000 government officials with 250 offices around the world. Unlike the first site, this site seems to be fair and sensitive to immigrant’s rights.
This website would be the last resource I would use when teaching a class about immigration. It seems to be mocking the issue of immigration and does not seem to be credible at all. The title is, “Immigration Officials Beef Up U.S.-Mexican Border with Pure Beef.” After reading the title alone you can gather that this site is not credible. The picture in the article is of a man standing on a pile of beef. The article talks about covering the border with “1,200 miles of pure beef”. I would never use this in a classroom because it’s absolutely absurd.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Assignment 3-Powerpoint Presentations
http://ms363307.wikispaces.com/Language+Arts
I created this lesson using a powerpoint presentation. In the presentation I included music that I think appeals to middle schoolers. If the students get the answers correct the slide says "well done, you are correct" and plays music. I think I would definitely use this in my class someday. It's something much different than your typical lesson! Hope you enjoy it!
I created this lesson using a powerpoint presentation. In the presentation I included music that I think appeals to middle schoolers. If the students get the answers correct the slide says "well done, you are correct" and plays music. I think I would definitely use this in my class someday. It's something much different than your typical lesson! Hope you enjoy it!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Assignment 1: Internet Resources
1. Copyright Issues and Internet Use
It is important that educators understand the rules and laws that apply to copyright. Like this article states, a website may have a copyright even if it doesn't say on the website. This article explains what can and cannot be copyrighted. For example, words, slogans and names may not be copyrighted but may have a trademark. Copyrights protect authors, and ensures them that people may not make copies, sell, prepare new works based on the original, and protection from performing the work in public.
This article explains the issue of plagiarism. According to the article, plagiarism is "the act of stealing and passing off the ideas, words, or other intellectual property produced by another as one's own. Almost everything on the internet can have a copyright, for example links, graphics, videos and even audio clips. People may not even realize that they are plagiarizing because sometimes a copyright may not be present.
2. Equity Issues in Computer Use in Schools.
This article discusses what actions schools can take when introducing technology for educational purposes. The article states that the school should create rules and policies for the entire school that makes the technology accessible to everyone. The article also states that students and teachers should be given equal opportunities to utilize technology. Lastly, the article states that technology can help close the gap between "inner city schools and suburbs."
This article poses questions about whether all students are receiving equal technological resources in schools. It also debates whether or not teachers are getting proper training on the use of these technological resources. This article researches and looks into the issue of whether or not less fortunate populations are receiving the right kind of technology. Lastly, this article researches whether or not students have access to any sort of technology at home to help them learn better.
3. Cultural Issues in the use of Computers in Schools
This article discusses the importance of designing technology that is easy to understand for a variety of different cultures.The article summarizes research that explains how diverse ethnic groups tend to learn in different ways, so we must accommodate these different types of learners. From the research, the article states that people from different backgrounds think and use technology in different ways. To conclude, the article stated that different types of technology should be offered for different students.
This article showcases two different authors opinions of computers in schools. The first author, notes how children are become more literate in computer use than adults and their teachers. He explains how in Finland, 300 children are being asked to help educators learn how to use computers. Another author explains how the amount of time children spend on the computer could be effecting their well-being in a negative way. She poses the question, "are computers being used in age appropriate ways?"
4. Health Problems concerning the use of Computers.
This article discusses the top four problems caused by computer usage. First of all computer use can create bad posture. Frequent computer use also be linked to glaucoma. People who use computers frequently also may experience hand and wrist soreness. It's important to take breaks from your computer to stretch out your hands and wrists. Lastly, computers cause stress injuries. For example, sitting too long in front of your computer can cause a great amount of stress to your body.
Monday, January 3, 2011
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