Internet Saftey

In my current classroom, the students do not have loads of time on the internet. When they do, their access is somewhat limited. I am not certain on the restrictions set up on the computers. We only have two in the classroom, but there is a large group of computers in the hallway. The students in my class will sometimes have access to go on and play educational games as an optional or rotational activity.

There are rare occasions when the class has supervised time in the computer lab to work on stories or projects. I have never been observing during this time, so I do not know the rules or regulations, but regardless of safety precautions, there are still dangers when a class full of young students have access to the world wide web.

One safety concern, would be that a child would enter a site and give personal information to a stranger. This is very dangerous for the specific student who gives out the information as well as his/her peers since we do not know who he/she is truly communicating with. Another concern would be that students would accidentally stumble across bad websites. What is restricted? Are there blockers set-up? What should be blocked on a computer for young elementary students? These are all very good questions that I feel the administration of a school should agree upon so the students experience consistency in terms of internet safety standards.

Being aware of the concerns present when accessing the internet, teachers can be proactive and create an atmosphere that is safe and will create a effective learning environment.

Kidspiration

I absolutely loved this program! There are so many ways to integrate this technology program into everyday classroom learning! I played around in different subjects- There are templates for math, reading, science, social studies, and more! The templates are a great staring place for fun lesson plan ideas that will make what is otherwise mundane learning, very exciting, hands-on, and personal for students.

I found it difficult to save and send my flow chart because I do not have the program. Therefore, I understand the complication, but I wish the program was compatible with windows or even mac software so that students could access their work from home and so that I could see my work as well. However, I guess this delimma comes with the territory. That said, if you have this program on computers that are accessible to all of your students then I think this is an excellent program!

Very fun. Very helpful. Very useful for a fun educational experience! Way to go Kidspiration :)

Math Lesson Plan: Function Machines

My lesson is on math functions. To add technology to this lesson, I would create a SMART Board template with the function machines. This would enable the students to have a fun hands-on experience working with math functions. I think that by visually and physically working with the math problems, the students will gain a greater understanding of math functions.

Another change that would include technology and increase fun for this lesson would be to adjust the anticipatory set from drawing a function machine to having the kids dance to one of their favorite math songs, "Count by Fives" and then transition into how counting by fives is a function- add five. This would lead into our lesson on function machines and would add technology into the lesson.

By adding both these technology components, it would also increase the equipment required. A computer and SMART Board would both be necessary. The song would be played on the computer via iTunes.

Adding technology to this lesson could be a distraction, but I think that by opening with the song, the kids will have the opportunity to wiggle some energy out and then be able to focus a little more on the actual math. Some would argue that by adding technology, the math is overshadowed. However, I believe that if done well, then the SMART Board template can only add to the success of this lesson as students will be more intrigued and therefore more engaged in the math!

While adding technology to this lesson significantly increases the teacher's prep time, I believe it also significantly increases the students' interest in the lesson. Through the technology, learners who are kinesthetic will be more engaged than if there were no technology component.

This lesson will touch on many of the NETS for students. NETS #1 will be covered as students will use the SMART Board to solve math problems and will therefore "identify trends and forecast possibilities" (1.d). Nets #2 will be covered when the students contribute to the class to "solve problems" on the SMART Board (2.d). NETS #5 will be integrated in this lesson as students will "advocate and practice safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology" and as they will individually and collectively "exhibit a positive attitude toward using technology that supports collaboration, learning, and productivity" as they work on the SMART Board (5.a, 5.b). Finally, NETS #6 will be met as students will use the SMART Board to complete math equations and therefore will come to "understand and use technology systems" (6.a).

To access this math lesson via Google docs click here.

K12 Online Conference 2007 Session Highlights

The first session I tried to be a part of was Anne Davis' session on "Putting the Pedagogy into the Tools." However, I could only get her intro to play. I would love to listen to this session though as her intro alone was very interesting! She talked about the importance of finding ways to facilitate learning- to grab the attention of your students- to encourage curiosity- to build anticipation- to have joy- to foster creativity- to nurture the learner- exploring the world around them- laughing while learning. Her list goes on but these were some of my favorite concepts that she listed. She mentioned a wikki page that had links to her podcasts, however, I was unable to find it easily. It is probably right in front of me, but it was taking forever and I finally decided to go with my second choice.

Therefore, I listened to Patrick Ledesma's session on "The Technology Specialist as Teacher Leader: Strategies to Ensure Successful Technology Integration and Student Learning in Schools." To listen to this audio session click here. As Mr. Ladesma states, teachers are still evaluated on test scores, not on how they integrate Web 2.0 and therefore, this session is very applicable to teachers who are seeking ways to integrate technology into their classrooms in effort to improve learning!

One piece of wisdom that Ladesma gives and I feel is very important to remember, is not to attempt to sell technology programs, rather attempt to sell the ways that learning can be improved through technology programs.

To use technology in ways that enhance learning, teachers who want to lead the way with technology should follow four steps he lays out as ways to help increase the interest in technology in other leaders at your school.

1. Manage hardware requirements.

2. Administration Collaborations (set goals!)

3. Teacher Professional Development

4. Teacher Collaboration

According to Ladesma, if you follow these four steps, then students will be able to have successful technology experiences that enhance their leaning!

Despite his enthusiasm for technology in the classroom, Ladesma does warn that some teachers and administration do not see any purpose in technology. This is why he claims that encouraging others to join you in stepping out and trying new technology is the most challenging part!

He gives a quote that I feel is so applicable in this situation, "seek first to understand, then to be understood." I think that is we, as future educators, make this our approach to technology we will be much more successful.

Applications in Microsoft Programs

There are so many different tools in computer programs. Microsoft has some very impressive tools that make producing easier, if one knows how to manipulate them that is! I know that there are many functions that I am unaware of, however, there are some that I use on a regular basis and I find to be very helpful in creating documents and presentations!

Microsoft Word Applications:
- Word Count
- Paragraph Settings
- Table Inserts
- Foreground/Background Settings
- Header/Footer Applications

PowerPoint Applications:
- Slide Transitions
- Duplicate Slide
- New Slide
- Organize Slides

Excel Applications:
- Borders
- Merging Cells
- Alphabetical Order
- Adding Worksheets
- Naming Worksheets


These are just some of the tools that I use within Microsoft programs. I am excited to expand my knowledge and understanding of the infinite tools and applications available to me through these programs so that I can be even more efficeint and effective in my work!