Final Exam

I finished the final exam! I also did the course feedback survey, the course evaluation on Route Y, and checked my scores on Blackboard.

Thanks! : ) Merry Christmas!

Internet Safety

After reading the other posted articles, I chose to read "Focus and Priorities" by Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles from the May 2001 Ensign.
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=275e759235d0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

The video resources that I watched were mostly resources to let kids know to be careful and what to do if you start to get into trouble. Some of them also talked about cyberbulling and the dangers involved. Most of the videos that I watched seemed to be geared towards teenagers or adults, but I did see one video that could be viewed by younger children and be developmentally appropriate.

Probably the most important "take-aways" from the reading and video were that there are many dangers associated with the internet and media, and it's easy to get caught up in the traps. Though there are many dangers, if parents, teachers, and kids are educated about the dangers and how to avoid them, then many problems could be eliminated. There will still always be unknown traps, and kids should be taught that they can just get away from the situation and talk to an adult for help. I also liked the information I read about how not just the internet, but other media sources can be detrimental in reducing the time that one may be involved in other good, real things, or establishing relationships with those around them (real, not virtual). Additionally, two people can be in the same room, but if there is a technology barrier, their relationship may not be being strengthened. It is important to set standards and limits.

I talked with some family members who have small children about media and internet safety. The most prominent things they thought of when I first asked what they knew were to keep the computer in an open space, and not to give out personal information to others. We talked about some of the different dangers specifically and I shared about some of the videos I had watched. To be more applicable to their family we talked about what they were, or could be doing right now. The children enjoy playing games on "Starfall" online. The parents usually navigate there, or there is a button at the top of the screen the children can click on by themselves to access it. I asked one child what he does on the computer, and right now his only concept of the internet is playing those games. I did ask him if he gets help from his parents to do anything else.
They did seem aware that there are many dangers online, so we did also talk about media in the sense of priorities, and how media can be a distractor from maintaining quality, real relationships. I think their family understands the importance of establishing standards and limits. There was nothing really that surprised me about the way they responded.
I shared with them where I found some of the resources that I had read and viewed. I think they will look into some of the information as well as additional information about what they can do now with their young kids and to already begin establishing rules and guidelines. Internet and media safety is important and it is good to be informed.

TPACK Project Report

Here is a slide show I made to report on my TPACK Project. I implemented one of my lesson plans that I shared in my previous post.

Here are some lesson plans that I wrote for the class I've been working with for the last several weeks! They all incorporate technology!

Science:

http://docs.google.com/View?id=ddtn4hmp_9dnwbssfc

Math:

http://docs.google.com/View?id=ddtn4hmp_8gf9mvzgw

Language Arts:

http://docs.google.com/View?id=ddtn4hmp_7g3ndndgk

Using Technology With Young Children

I just finished watching three videos of teachers implementing technology in their classrooms. It was interesting and neat to watch how even in Kindergarten the teacher was able to use technology to help enhance the students' experiences and education. For all of the grade levels I saw (K, 1, and 3) I was actually pretty amazed at how much the children at a young age could do with technology. I often struggle trying to come up with developmentally appropriate lessons that incorporate technology. These videos helped me learn that children - even young children - are capable of, or can learn, to use several different forms of technology.
I also learned that using technology in your classroom doesn't always have to be computers or one particular program (on the computer) or form of technology... The "I Love Spiders" video showed the class using cameras, using CD-ROM encyclopedias, the internet, and email - all integrated with other teaching/learning forms. I thought this variety within her unit about spiders was good to keep the students engaged. Her unit would provide enough change between teaching methods to keep the students interested (in case the topic wasn't interesting enough!). I think striking a good balance and finding ways to incorporate technology is a great strategy to enhance students' learning.

Technology in the Real Classroom

Last week I started my first practicum at Foothill Elementary School in the Alpine District in a 3rd grade classroom. It's been a great experience so far and I've been able to observe and learn many things. I've been able to informally survey the room and talk with my mentor teacher about the technology available to her and the students. I was surprised to find out that there does not seem to be much available or very frequent use of technology.
In the classroom there is one computer - it is a teacher computer (a mac) with basic programs: Microsoft Office, Firefox, iPhoto, iMovie, etc. There is internet access (including wireless) in the classroom. They do have a CD player and a computer projector, but not everyone has a projector. My mentor teacher told me that she wrote a grant to be able to get one. Shared between several classes are a TV, a DVD or VCR player, and digital and video cameras. No one has access to anything such as a Smart Board. Oh, and they also have an overhead projector. That seems to be one of the most frequently used, but I suppose maybe it's the easiest accessed.
The school does have 2 computer labs (both macs). One with a specialist that each class goes to each week, and one that can be scheduled by teachers. Some of the programs that are available to the kids there are Kidpix, Mictrosoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc. There is also a program for ELL students. They go into the lab each day for 20-30 minutes to work on a tutorial.
For the upper grades there are a few more things available - some microscopes, digital temperature probes, and a "mobile lab" (a laptop cart?).
It was interesting after hearing about so many things that may be available to the students to find out that there seems to be a fairly limited amount. Still enough to do things with and enhance their learning - just not what I was expecting. It's good to see how things really are in at least the school I've been assigned to.

I have completed the Midcourse Evaluation as well as the Informed Consent.

Kidspiration