Digital Image Collection

I think using digital images is very important to know how to do especially in the classroom. I had already been using these types of digital images, but see why it is included in the course. It is an almost necessary component to any classroom, and I am glad it is included in this course.

Lesson Plan

I think having to do a lesson plan that incorporates technology is the best way to sum up the course. Because it is the summation of what we are learning in this class, I wish it had been more towards the end of the course that we had to do them. I think I would have known more technology and ways to incorporate it at the end of the course. Plus, now that I have done a lesson plan, I feel like I have proved that I can use technology in the classroom, which is the purpose of the course, and I can honestly say I am not as motivated now that I have done it. I feel like I have successfully completed the summary project and should be done with the course now. It makes more sense to me to have the lesson plans due at the end of the course. I think overall, they will be better, keep the motivation high throughout the course, and act as a better assessment of the course entirety if they were due later in the course.

WebQuests

I think WebQuests are a great way to introduce students to using the web. It is a fun, but challenging project using the internet. It is necessary in today's society to be able to use technology, especially the internet, and teachers should promote learning the skills to use it effectively. Also, using the internet for research is more engaging and efficient for students. I think I will definitely incorporate WebQuests into my teaching, and I might even create some of my own. A lot of the WebQuests that I saw needed to be adjusted for age and learning styles. If I didn't make my own, I would definitely adapt them to fit my students. Overall, I think they are a great way to engage students, make them comfortable using technology, and incorporate group work into a classroom.

Reflecting on Website Evaluations

I felt like this activity was not particularly useful for me. I have done many activities like this and have discussed how to evaluate websites in most of my classes. I think this would be very useful for someone who has not thought about evaluating websites before. It is important to know where the information you are obtaining and using is coming from, especially when you are sharing it as academic material. This is extremely important as an educator, and everyone should be aware of it. I don't know that this activity was helpful for me since I have already done this, but I agree with the need to do it in this class in case someone hasn't.
It was interesting to see the different aspects of what makes a good page. It has become somewhat second nature to look for these, that I haven't thought about all of the components of a good website. This activity was good to refresh my memory.

Evaluating Websites

http://www.lib.unc.edu/instruct/evaluate/web/

Here is a checklist from UNC to help evaluate websites. It goes over different categories to assess. For example it has pages on credibility, bias, currency, and relevance. Each page has more details on how to check your websites. Finally, it has a page with a quick checklist to use to evaluate each category. I think keeping in mind these categories while looking at websites is important. You always need to be mindful of where you are getting information. I think the checklist and this website give you basics, but are not comprehensive. I think it is a good start and quick reference for evaluating websites, but to really test it, you would have to do more than this website addresses.

Portfolios

Portfolios are a great way to gather and share pieces of work. They are often used for job interviews and things of that nature, but I am excited to be learning how useful they can be in the classroom as well! I had not really considered this idea until class, but now love it! What a great way to motivate and assess students. Working on a portfolio sounds collaborative and a less daunting task to the students. It also is something they can be proud of and use. As a teacher, a portfolio can show progress and be used a tool for assessment. It is an opportunity to work with students to revise and reflect on their work. It is also an opportunity to revise and reflect on your teaching. Overall, I think it is a great tool to use in the classroom, and I plan on doing so!
As for an electronic portfolio, I think it is a little progressive still, and am not sure the extent of its use. I think it needs to be more widely used before we can be absolutely comfortable using it in the classroom. Some entities may not be able to use an online portfolio, while others may abuse an online portfolio. Safety is a huge concern when involving children, and I am leery of putting kids under such scrutiny. I know I would not want my earlier schoolwork out there posted for all to see. Overall, I like the idea of an electronic or online portfolio, I just think it should be more widely used and adjustments should be made before incorporating it in the classroom.

My goals for this course

I am excited to learn new ways to use technology in the classroom. I am somewhat familiar with techno stuff and web-based applications, but am excited to learn how to use it more efficiently and easily. The practice will help make me more comfortable and likely to use it in my own classroom. I also hope to learn how to integrate technology into lessons and activities for the students to do. There are so many websites and other things available for today's students, and I hope to be provided with many available options and start a repertoire to pull from when I have my own classroom. Using the internet, cameras, smart boards, and other technological instruments is so important for kids to become familiar with using, and I hope to do the same through this class so I am confident to use it in my classroom.

Me

My name is Laura and I just got back from vacation! I am sad to be leaving the beach, but excited to begin my summer schedule. I am from Nashville, but my husband and I have been here since we came to college. We have been married a little over two years and have a miniature dachshund. I have always enjoyed working with kids and found myself desiring to be a teacher after I graduated with a major in Psychology. I am now completing the elementary education program and hope to teach mid-elementary. I am set to intern in the fall in Roane County and cannot wait to begin my teaching career.