Thursday, July 28, 2011

Project_4

Edmodo

Links to or pictures/videos of technology artifacts
I selected Edmodo for my final project. Edmodo is an on-line secure collaboration tool. Edmodo is a way for teachers and students to communicate. I created an account with Edmodo, so that I could explore their website . My account with Edmodo is www.edmodo.com/shawntaesmith.

Description of and rationale (linked to learning theory/Bloom’s Taxonomy) for how the technology might be used with and preferably by students.
I would use Edmodo to create a poll to measure student interests. When introducing a new concept or information, I can have students blog on what they may already now and any material they would like to cover in that particular lesson.
Students are not allowed to contact other students directly, so students would participate in small group or one-on-one discussions.


Consideration of struggles for implementation (student, systemic, and/or hardware)

Each student may not have access to the Internet or computer outside the classroom.

Students may have a cell phone, but it may not have a smartphone an not applicable for this application.

Parents may not want students to communicate with teacher or other students outside of the classroom.

Currently Edmodo doesn’t let the students personalize their files, like facebook or myspace.

Parents may  fear that there will be no privacy.

Consideration of the biases and trade-offs of the technology

Because the site is monitored by the instructor, students may not communicate how they truly feel. They could also worry about the website features versus the actual content.

Face to face communication  vs. virtual interaction

Explanation of how the project meets the selected teacher standard and student standards.
3. Model Digital-Age Work and Learning
Teachers exhibit knowledge, skills, and work processes representative of an innovative professional in a global and digital society.
As an instructor, I can use Edmodo to discuss topics, share resources with other educators and publishers. It is essential that I become very familiar with the tool prior to introducing it to my students. Teachers should request parent and administration approval first. By receiving approval, teachers, peers, parents, administration can colloborate and monitor learning.

1. Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity
Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environment.

Students and teachers can share notes, reflect on other students’ blogs, and communicate inside and outside the classroom. Each student has to receive an invite from the teacher to join, so the website is secure and private. Students can also communicate problems and the instructor can provide immediate feedback.

Cite & evaluate educational research related to the tech use (261).
The paper was submitted as an education assignment by Eileen Buescher. In her paper, she states that Edmodo eases the difficulty level for most students. I agree with statement because each student should have the same opportunity to learn. Eileen also provided content that students can apply through using Edmodo. In the paper provides a  chart that will help with issues that you may have, but could solve with Edmodo. I really enjoyed her outlook on Edmodo.

Edmodo_link

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Project_2

Google Spreadsheets

Links to or pictures/videos of technology artifacts
In Project Two, I wanted to explore Google Spreadsheet.  With this technology each student can collaborate, edit, and share information. Spreadsheet Example

Description of and rationale (linked to learning theory/Bloom’s Taxonomy) for how the technology might be used with and preferably by students.
Students collect and record information about the changes in stock prices. Once the information is gathered, each student will  create a graph that correspond to the information collected. Students can create a presentation for student conference. Each student will compare their information and create different charts or graphs to compare pricing categories. I will also check students’ work. Reasoning should fit the data  and the graphs selected. After the activity is complete, students will reflect on the market as a stock broker or financial planner.

Consideration of struggles for implementation (student, systemic, and/or hardware)
Each student would need an e-mail address and you may run into some parents that do not want their student to have an e-mail account.

Some students may not be able to have access to the Internet or computer outside of school.

Making sure everyone  has an e-mail account and creating models to contribute to student understanding can hinder time.

Information may be recorded incorrectly making the information invalid. So students need to understand  what they are entering.

I would have to have previous experience using this tool to differentiate learning. That may look like Groups A, B, and C, working on three separate projects.

Consideration of the biases and trade-offs of the technology
Google Spreadsheets has auto-save so if you encounter power outages or hardware crashes your documents are safe and saved. A trade-off would be another student altering previous data recorded and the information would automatically be saved.

A spreadsheet may help students compute the answer.




Explanation of how the project meets the selected teacher standard and student standards.
6.The teacher uses knowledge of effective verbal, nonverbal, and media communication techniques to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in the classroom. (Beginning Level)

Students will create a survey, collect data, and choose  the appropriate display.

2. Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments
Teachers design, develop, and evaluate authentic learning experiences and assessment incorporating contemporary tools and resources to maximize content learning in context and to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes identified in the NETS•S.

As an educator, I will ask students why they selected the specific methods used.Students should be able to explain their reasoning. I can also invite local stock brokers or financial planners to edit and collaborate on our spreadsheet.

Cite & evaluate educational research related to the tech use (261).
I read a 2010 an article centered on  data management and collaboration. The article described key  features, such as the support for data acquisition, collaboration, visualization, and web-publishing. Like the research stated,I support the integration of information used by multiple sources by  collaborating with different users.

ACM Digital Library

Project_1_Revised

Graphing Calculators in the Classroom

Links to or pictures/videos of technology artifacts
In this project, I want students to use graphing calculators to create and analyze data.
Below is an example of a screen captures. Screen captures will provide students with the opportunity to display and use relevant data.As educators,we can monitor student progress.




Description of and rationale (linked to learning theory/Bloom’s Taxonomy) for how the technology might be used with and preferably by students.
Application  - students can use technology in this activity by organizing and analyzing data in a calculator. With a T1-73 we can use list to create a table. Using a calculator, students can create a formula or use basic calculations to solve the equation. As a future teacher, I can relate to students’ prior knowledge by asking, “Tell me how we can use tables to describe patterns?” I would also have students give an example on how they may use calculators and the collection of data  in the future. One use may be comparing the cost of a car when brought with cash versus bank financing.



Consideration of struggles for implementation (student, systemic, and/or hardware)
There can be difficulty with deciding which forms(s) of technology are most appropriate in a specific content and times. There are many concerns within the school about students not learning the basics and becoming dependent upon a calculator for simple problem-solving.

Cost can be another struggle Although, the cost of a basic calculator has dropped a lot to ensure that every household can afford at least one.

There is a reluctance of teachers to introduce technology(calculators) in the classroom  due to teachers’ lack of knowledge on how to use it.



Consideration of the biases and trade-offs of the technology
Some students, in desperation, seek a calculator for help with basic computations. Calculators can hinder basic (paper and pencil) mathematical computations.

Students not learning the basics and becoming dependent upon calculator for simple problem-solving.


Explanation of how the project meets the selected teacher standard and student standards.
4.) The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage students’ development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills. (Beginning Level)
  • Enter the data in lists and create any two different graphs to display the data.
  • Sketch each graph.
  • Summarize your survey and record the data.
  • Sketch Graph

Cite & evaluate educational research related to the tech use (261).
I received research on graphing calculators at the secondary level from Google Scholar. The article stated that there is a misconception of having students use calculators and how it is assumed that calculators are doing all the work. Calculators do not think. Calculators allow students to discover and observe patterns in order to solve computations.
The given website was http://www.editlib.org/p/5641.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Going back to last year, I can recall a few awesome CD's I purchased. Those CD's were Floetry, Beyonce', and Adele.
whole grain oatmeal
Navy Beans
water
fish

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Project_3

Timeline Tool


Links to or pictures/videos of technology artifacts
For Project Three, I wanted to create a timeline that illustrates the progress of mathematics. Students will use a  timeline to demonstrate the past, current state, and future possibilities of mathematis using technology. For this project I will provide several websites that the students may use. Timeline example

Description of and rationale (linked to learning theory/Bloom’s Taxonomy) for how the technology might be used with and preferably by students.With this tool, students can describe the history and current state of mathematics, identify  trends, demonstrating the use of an online timeline tool. Using a timeline tool of their choice create a timeline. Add a title, date, and illistration for each timeline entry. Using Edmodo, students will reflect on their findings, feelings, opinions on mathematics and provide feedback to their peers.


Consideration of struggles for implementation (student, systemic, and/or hardware)

Facts may be inaccurate for events reported on the timeline.

Inaccurate dates.

Some student do not  know how to use the software.

Limited to no access to the internet or computer outside of the classroom.


Consideration of the biases and trade-offs of the technology

Hands on experience vs. virtual illistrations

The visual and hardcopy of your work vs. limitations of space using an online timeline tool.

Explanation of how the project meets the selected teacher standard and student standards.


1. Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity

Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments.



 Using resources to develop a timeline tool to record and illustrate the evolution of the use of technology in education. It should be noted that the brief descriptions given are just that "brief." Their purposes to hopefully instill a little curiosity and encourage the reader to seek out further knowledge on these people and topics.

Students are constructing knowledge through using an interactive tool. Students and teachers work together to organize, clarify, and analyze information.


Cite & evaluate educational research related to the tech use (261).
As stated above, I believe that we cen engage students and staff by instilling  curiosity and encourage the reader to seek out further knowledge on these people and topics (mathematics). This article stated that the school turned a stairwell into an engaging mathematical timeline projects created by students. This activity caught the interest in teachers and students.

Taylor Francis Journal

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

EDUC_261

Learning new technology can be exciting, yet overwhelming. I am so excited to use the tools that we learn in class to communicate and network with other educators. Also, implementing new technologies and ideas into the classroom and lesson planning will beneficial for all students.