this class

I feel that I learned a lot of different things in this class. I wish that I was able to learn more about these technologies in depth. The technology we explored is all tools that I will be able to use in some way in my class. I just wish there was more time to gain more experience with them. One tool especially I wish we learned more of was smart board. I think there should be a class designed around using smart board in the class. It is something that all of us are going to have to try and master but I don't think I am even making much progress. I really wanna use audacity and other tools to create homework assignments. I want to have things developed already so that I can use them in student teaching and even if and when I find a job. I think be being prepared and having anything before I start will only help me along the way.

our unit

If I could redo the unit I would want to try to make sure that we all had groups that had schedules that could work together. We had a lot of trouble getting together and meeting to get things accomplished. In the end it was as if we worked individually and spoke to each other just to check up. It was very frustrating try to incorporate different programs such as smart board into our lessons when I don't know how to use most of the programs. It's hard to incorporate a program that you don't know much about.

elluminate

I was a little confused by the elluminate session. I wasn't sure if I could see myself using this tool in the future. I felt lost a lot of the time because of the chaos of everything going on. There would be times I would try to hit the check button or raise my hand and think I would do it but it wouldn't be clicked. I was thinking that maybe you could conduct some sort of research with students. Instructing them how to find certain resources online or websites they can use to find resources. I also felt at times that someone would write something and then right after another student would write over it. The session could have been more effective if it was a smaller group instead of a full class. It is a nice tool to use at times but I'm not sure if I could see myself using it in the classroom.

my unit

I am really enjoying the start of our unit. I feel a little overwhelmed but I think our group will have no problems. I really enjoy working with students of different content areas. It makes me look at my ideas in a different perspective to make sure that it includes things beyond social studies. It also makes me think about the assignments we want to use and also the class activities. One of our ideas works well with the community but also is a way for students to connect with their families. We make an assignment that students have to video tape an interview with their parents and or grandparents about their culture and heritage. They would also have to make a meal that is authentic to where they are from with their family. This would not only allow students to find out more about their own culture and heritage but also a way to bring their family members into their classwork. It could also interest the students to do work that involves their own history and not the history of others that they cannot relate to.

Copy Right

After reviewing all the information on Copy Right, I'm amazed and how detailed it is. I am also 100% positive all my teachers broke those rules when I was in high school and either had no idea or did it anyway. I was surprised by the detail on specific types of literature and videos. How you can use a certain time, but not over that time, or even have access because it isn't broadcast. I think that it will limit but also make me use technology wisely. I won't just grab a video, or piece of text and use it in my class. I'm going to have to make sure I'm using them legally before I present them to my students.

21st century technology

I think students should have as much access to technology as possible.  Since students are so obsessed with their video games, computers, and phones using technology in a learning environment would only keep students interested.  I feel that there are many areas that don’t have the ability to use computers or other forms of technology.  I think it makes it a lot harder for teachers and students when we live in a society driven by technology.  To not have technology in a classroom, it only hinders the teacher and students.  I believe the 21^st century school will be completely different.  Teachers will be able to use technology not to run a classroom, but to aid in their teaching process.  Eventually chalk and chalkboards will be a thing of the past, and a rarity in a classroom. I think as long as teachers monitor the student’s activity on computers, it will be beneficial.

What I hope to learn....

I hope to learn several things about computers and the tools that can be used by them in a classroom.   I want to be able to make my classroom exciting and keep my students interested and involved.  Using computers and other technology will keep students attention and allow myself to teach in multiple ways.  I can also use different tools to work with another teacher to plan units that involve other information other then History.