Sunday, March 15, 2015

Promethean Flip Chart Fractions Version 2


Hardware software


Fractions Version 2


I think this flip chart is a good resource for a teacher to use inside the classroom, of course the teacher will need to download the hardware/software which is known as ActivInspire.  The teacher can go to prometheanplanet.com to download different resources. This interactive resource has visuals that most students can relate too. It really gives the student a chance to see exactly what they are doing. It also brings in a lot more excitement to doing classwork.


Technology use based on problem solving


Technology helps students visualize underlying concepts in unfamiliar or abstract topics. Through the interactive software, students get support with really understanding the content. It also helps the student to stay focused on what it is they should be learning. Interactive technology can help guide independent student learning. Technology inside the class, help expose those students that may not have access to it at home.


Essential conditions for technology integration


Teachers, districts, local community and state need to share the same vision about technology integration. The world is integrating technology in almost every aspect of our lives.  Teachers  should be trained on how to use technology in instruction. Teachers need to know how to incorporate technology according to state standards.Technology has the most impact on achieving educational goals, therefore it is imperative to keep teachers trained in this area.






Software support tools


These tools help teachers and students produce materials on paper and online. Software can be downloaded, which makes it quicker and easier to get resources. The most popular interactive whiteboard are Prometheus Promethean ActivBoard and SMART Technology's Smart Board. These programs comes with a resource bank of images, graphics tools, and text tools that teachers can use to author programs in much the same way as they would use PowerPoint's program.

Friday, February 13, 2015


Search Engines: Search engines are very helpful for teachers as well as students. Many people use Google as their main search engine.Teachers can type in any topic they would like more information on and get a variety of results to choose from. From there, the teacher can collect many resources to help teach content in their classroom. If teachers would like to narrow down information on a topic, the teacher can use the advanced search button to get specific information about that topic. Search engines are very beneficial for students that may not know exactly what information to search but with the search engine, they can type in a combination of words that can help with their research. Also, with search engines, students can misspell words in the tool bar and the search engine will correct what a student is trying to type in the tool bar. This can really help students with spelling as well. I will use search engines as a resource to expose my students to surfing the web for information.

Website Evaluation Video: Teaching student how to browse the “Web” correctly will benefit them as they get older and the research topics get more in-depth. One issue I would address in my class, is practicing how to find out if a website is credible. Many students like to copy and paste information about their topics, without really understanding if the information is true or not. This tutorial will give students explanations of how to investigate a website when looking for information. Click on the video above for more understanding of website evaluation.

 

Favorite Website #1: One of my favorite websites is Starfall. This website offers a variety of educational games for different grade levels. I can see myself using this website for activities that can help with beginning sounds and reading. The site offers activities that help keep the students engaged in what they are learning. My children enjoyed this website in their earlier grades. It is very easy to navigate through the website, which is really important when introducing computer games to students.

Favorite website #2: Ex of wiki I really liked this particular example of how to use a wiki inside your classroom. Wiki’s can provide excitement to content and it also helps the students to take charge of their work. I think fifth graders would really enjoy doing a social studies assignment using the wiki. Each student gets to add videos, facts, use power point, and images to help make their wiki’s more interactive. Here is an example of how you can use the wiki with your class.
Click here

Sunday, February 1, 2015






Hypermedia Products:

Commercial Hypermedia products are used for many Educational purposes. One type of software that I like, is interactive storybooks. This type of software is used widely inside the classroom today. Click on this link interactive story books  to browse the different books that can be read to students. This website offers a wide variety of books for students of all ages. I think the students would like this option, as it helps bring the story to life and it also gives the teacher a break from reading aloud. The interaction with the stories can be beneficial for every student in the class. It can really help the ELS, which may have a difficult time pronouncing words. This resource helps students enjoy reading at their pace.





Multimedia Authoring Tools:

Audio and Video Production and Editing Systems are great to use in the class. This tool allows students and teachers to create videos to share. Students can become more comfortable with using technology using these tools. The school tube website is great. Students can see celebrities reading books aloud and also upload videos they have recorded. This would make a great way to have students’ present assignments. Students can share their videos with their parents and friends. Watching and listening to your favorite celebrity read your favorite book can be fun and interesting. I could see students really enjoying this website.

 

Here is a video of an interactive storybook video.

Saturday, January 17, 2015

Classroom software

Module 1: Basic Software in the Classroom



Word Processing


Word processing has greatly impacted the teacher and the classroom. With this software, teachers can use/create templates, create newsletters, organize assignments, and exchange/modify lesson plans. This really saves the teacher more time during the preparation period of creating a lesson. Corrections can be made quickly to documents, without having to rewrite the entire document. Teachers can now read students work without trying to understand a student’s handwriting. Students can also be more independent with their writing. Word has many features available that can help students correct their work as they type, which allows for a more professional look. Teachers can share their work and ideas easily with one another. Although, word processing is a great tool to have, introducing word processing too early can slow down the development of fine motor skills which is needed to develop handwriting.


 


Spreadsheet Software:


The use of spreadsheets help teachers keep a more accurate record of grades by allowing the teacher to make corrections and re-calculate grades. This tool is a great way to keep students engaged in learning math as well. Spreadsheets save time during instruction, by allowing students to make calculations easily and quickly. Teachers can organize and display their information according to their lesson. Overall, spreadsheets can motivate students in math. The con to using spreadsheet, is the amount of time it takes to allow students to become comfortable with using this tool. Also, teachers must first identify the students that may not be as strong in math as others.


 


Presentation software:


PowerPoint can be used in a variety of ways inside the class. It can be used on their first day of class as an icebreaker. It can also allow the teacher to spice up teaching material. Teachers can upload videos and pictures that can be entertaining and educational for the students. PowerPoint is a great way to organize main points of a lesson. This can create a better flow of instruction inside the classroom. One issue with the use of PowerPoint, is the idea that many will not focus on the information listed but the actual slide itself.


 


Inside the class:


I would probably use PowerPoint and Word software inside my classroom. With both of these tools, I can organize/implement ideas and actually use the material inside my classroom. PowerPoint offers a creative approach and Word offers a way to line up typed lessons with my PowerPoint. The combination of the two will allow more flexibility in teaching.