Monday, July 25, 2011
Journal #4: "One Size Never Fits All" (NETS-T 2)
Courduff, J. (2011). One size never fits all. Learning and Leading wth Technology, 38(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-june-july-2011.aspx
In
the article "one size does not fit all," the integration of
technology into special education in one school district is explored. While
there may be hesitation on how technology may fit into the special education
curriculum, the Etiwanda school district has made amazing progress in this
field (Courduff, 2011). With the use of programs such as speech-to-text on Microsoft Word and
voice narration on Power Point students have achieved higher reading levels and
overcome fears of public speaking (Courduff, 2011). Students in this district achieved
their IEP goals at a much quicker pace than before (Courduff, 2011). This article gave a
glimpse of how helpful integrating technology into special education classes
can be.
Question
#1: What are some examples of technology aiding in special education?
Programs such as speech-to-text in Microsoft Word can help students overcome writing problems, yet help their creativity from their minds reach text form (Courduff, 2011). Voice narration in Power Point can assist in presenting presentations; a student may still project his or her findings without having to actually speak in front of a class (Courduff, 2011).
Programs such as speech-to-text in Microsoft Word can help students overcome writing problems, yet help their creativity from their minds reach text form (Courduff, 2011). Voice narration in Power Point can assist in presenting presentations; a student may still project his or her findings without having to actually speak in front of a class (Courduff, 2011).
Question
#2: Do you see yourself using technology as a special education teacher?
I
most definitely do! This article has described some incredible things that can
be achieved through the aid of technology. It was truly heartwarming to read
about the great deal of things that the teachers from the Etiwanda school district
have been able to accomplish with their students. I can’t wait to integrate
tools such as speech-to-text and others into my classroom when I become an
education specialist.
Journal #3: "Abracadabra- It's Augmented Reality!" NETS-T (1&2)
Raphael, R. (2011). Abracadabra–it's augmented reality!. Learning & Leading with Technology, 38(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Learning_Connections_Abracadabra_-_It_s_Augmented_Reality.aspx
Raphael Raphael describes the innovative ways in which augmented reality is taking place all around us. Augmented reality (AR) is the use of technology in real space, “adding layers of information on the real world, usually in real time” (Raphael, 2011). He not only explains the already existing ways in which AR is used, but also gives a glimpse of how it might be used in the future. AR has a place not only in the form of entertainment (Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion ghosts), but also in educating (17th century “Cabinet of Wonders” on the Getty site) (Raphael, 2011). Raphael also details how augmented reality is starting to have a place in the classroom through the use of tools such as Zooburst. Zooburst is a tool that allows for AR to be used at a range of levels. Younger students can use Zooburst to make digital pop-up books, while older students may use the tool to make digital portfolios (Raphael, 2011). AR is not a new technology, but with the use of tools like Zooburst, it is starting to be a new tool in the education setting.
Question #1: How will Augmented Reality have a place in the classroom?
Through the use of tools such as Zooburst, students will have access to express their creativity through a whole new medium. Technology and imagination will come together to enhance the already existing learning experience.
Question #2: What future uses will Augmented Reality have?
New methods of use for AR are in the works. Uses such as gaining information of a person or learning more about the night sky by simply aiming a phone at it, will make knowledge of our surroundings that much easier to access (Raphael, 2011). The use of AR to guide in the workplace (for example, airplane mechanics) is also a possibility in the future (Raphael, 2011).
Raphael Raphael describes the innovative ways in which augmented reality is taking place all around us. Augmented reality (AR) is the use of technology in real space, “adding layers of information on the real world, usually in real time” (Raphael, 2011). He not only explains the already existing ways in which AR is used, but also gives a glimpse of how it might be used in the future. AR has a place not only in the form of entertainment (Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion ghosts), but also in educating (17th century “Cabinet of Wonders” on the Getty site) (Raphael, 2011). Raphael also details how augmented reality is starting to have a place in the classroom through the use of tools such as Zooburst. Zooburst is a tool that allows for AR to be used at a range of levels. Younger students can use Zooburst to make digital pop-up books, while older students may use the tool to make digital portfolios (Raphael, 2011). AR is not a new technology, but with the use of tools like Zooburst, it is starting to be a new tool in the education setting.
Question #1: How will Augmented Reality have a place in the classroom?
Through the use of tools such as Zooburst, students will have access to express their creativity through a whole new medium. Technology and imagination will come together to enhance the already existing learning experience.
Question #2: What future uses will Augmented Reality have?
New methods of use for AR are in the works. Uses such as gaining information of a person or learning more about the night sky by simply aiming a phone at it, will make knowledge of our surroundings that much easier to access (Raphael, 2011). The use of AR to guide in the workplace (for example, airplane mechanics) is also a possibility in the future (Raphael, 2011).
Journal #2: "Join the Flock!" (NETS-T 3&5)
Ferguson, H. (2010). Join the flock!. Learning & Leading with Technology, 37(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-june-july-2011.aspx
In the article “Join the Flock!” author Hadley Ferguson explains the importance of enhancing a professional learning network through the use of Twitter. She gives pointers as to how to get started as well as how to make the most of a Twitter account for the sole purpose of learning. She also emphasizes that while having a Twitter can provide many educational resources, you will only get as much out of it as you put in (Ferguson, 2010). It is important to invest some time in learning how to manage Twitter. Ferguson gives simple suggestions that can take one from simply being an onlooker on Twitter, to being an active participant and contributor as well as how to organize such contributions of the Twitter community. Ferguson’s dedication and commitment to education has lead her to people that she would have never encountered in real life and they are now her resources to enrich the learning experience of her students.
Question #1: How can Twitter enhance the learning/teaching process?
Twitter has a worldwide community of educators that often have various new tools and ideas to develop the learning experience of students. Being an active member of Twitter and taking the time to follow members as well as retweet helpful resources gives educators a new type of access to instruction that would perhaps otherwise would go undiscovered.
Question #2: Do I realistically see myself using Twitter for educational purposes?
At the present time, no. The Twitter concept is still a bit vague to me, and because I don’t immediately have a classroom of students to teach, the resources that could be available are not in my current interest. However, once I do become a full fledged educator, I can see how handy Twitter might be, and perhaps then will pursue to learn more about it
In the article “Join the Flock!” author Hadley Ferguson explains the importance of enhancing a professional learning network through the use of Twitter. She gives pointers as to how to get started as well as how to make the most of a Twitter account for the sole purpose of learning. She also emphasizes that while having a Twitter can provide many educational resources, you will only get as much out of it as you put in (Ferguson, 2010). It is important to invest some time in learning how to manage Twitter. Ferguson gives simple suggestions that can take one from simply being an onlooker on Twitter, to being an active participant and contributor as well as how to organize such contributions of the Twitter community. Ferguson’s dedication and commitment to education has lead her to people that she would have never encountered in real life and they are now her resources to enrich the learning experience of her students.
Question #1: How can Twitter enhance the learning/teaching process?
Twitter has a worldwide community of educators that often have various new tools and ideas to develop the learning experience of students. Being an active member of Twitter and taking the time to follow members as well as retweet helpful resources gives educators a new type of access to instruction that would perhaps otherwise would go undiscovered.
Question #2: Do I realistically see myself using Twitter for educational purposes?
At the present time, no. The Twitter concept is still a bit vague to me, and because I don’t immediately have a classroom of students to teach, the resources that could be available are not in my current interest. However, once I do become a full fledged educator, I can see how handy Twitter might be, and perhaps then will pursue to learn more about it
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Technology Self-Assessment: School 2.0
(NETS-T: 3) After taking a quiz based on the NETS, I was able to assess my standing of how well I can/would integrate technology into my classroom. A screen shot of my results along with a description of which NETS I decided to further look into is below:
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The NETS-T I decided to look more into was: Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity. I watched the video titled “Creativity and Schools-Sir Ken Robinson.” Mr. Robinson made some very key points. He emphasized how traditional education systems have an emphasis on core courses yet no real focus on the arts. Out of the hierarchy within the arts, dance and drama are at the end of the spectrum. Robinson stated that the arts should be as much of a focus in school as the sciences and humanities. He claims that the arts are the source of creativity, creativity that leads to original ideas and an innovative future.
The NETS-T I decided to look more into was: Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity. I watched the video titled “Creativity and Schools-Sir Ken Robinson.” Mr. Robinson made some very key points. He emphasized how traditional education systems have an emphasis on core courses yet no real focus on the arts. Out of the hierarchy within the arts, dance and drama are at the end of the spectrum. Robinson stated that the arts should be as much of a focus in school as the sciences and humanities. He claims that the arts are the source of creativity, creativity that leads to original ideas and an innovative future.
It is hard for me to accept or even imagine an education system that emphasizes the arts as much as math or reading, however, that’s because I’m a product of this already existing system at work. That is why I chose to research this standard further, I feel as though I myself do not practice the expression of creativity, at least not through the arts. But after watching Robinson’s video, I feel as though I have been enlightened and I have definitely understood a new outlet in which to pursue intelligence.
100 things that make me happy...
(These are in RANDOM order!)
1.
SLEEP! (ok, so maybe that IS the #1 thing that
makes me happy ;])
2.
Naps… (those are different from sleep :])
3.
SHOPPING!
4.
My mom
5.
My dad
6.
My sister
7.
My loml.
8.
My church <3
9.
Being
a choir member :]
10. My
Bes Frens ^-^
11. FRIENDS
(the show!)
12. Chik-fil-A
13. WAFFLE
FRIES
14. ANY
TYPE OF FRENCH FRIES ;]
15. Finding
clothes that fit me… this is rare because of all the fries… haha
16. Finding
AWESOME clothes on clearance (60% off or MORE, is BOMB!)
17. Jamba
Juice
18. Rite
Aid ice cream
19. Cold
Stone ice cream (when I can afford it)
20. Sundays
:]
21. Fridays
22. Even
some Mondays ;]
23. My
dogs when they think they’re being cute
24. BLANKETS…
LOVE THEM
25. Hoodies
26. Not-so
Hot days (I like mid 70’s)
27. Soft
Pillows
28. Oranges
29. Lemons
30. Caldo
de Res!!
31. Mango
Cake
32. Tiffany’s
;]
33. When
my hair does its thing… yeeeaaa!
34. Shoes
that are gorgeous and COMFY at the same time :]
35. Flip
Flops
36. BAGS
(handbags ;])
37. Cute
babies
38. Puppies
39. Balloons
40. Chocolate
41. Foot
rubs
42. Back
massages
43. Telling
me you love just because ^-^
44. Random
conversations
45. pAAAAAAAAm
46. Good
times
47. My
cell phone
48. The
word “Awesome”
49. Car
washes
50. Frozen
Yogurt
51. Things
that are easy
52. CHEEEEESE
(yum!)
53. Having
mints in my bag
54. Mechanical
pencils
55. BIRTHDAYS
(mine in particular ;])
56. Having
a full tank of gas
57. Sleeping
IN
58. Having
clean underwear
59. When
ALL my socks have their matching pairs (this has never happened… but when it
does, I will be EXTREMELY happy!)
60. Top
Coat
61. Coats
62. DRY
CLEANING (loves!)
63. Lint
rollers
64. McDonald’s
65. Tylenol
(because it gets rid of my aches)
66. Volleyball
67. Karaoke!
68. Making
new friends
69. Pancakes
70. Milk
Shakes
71. Getting
all the green lights when driving
72. A’s
73. Gift
cards
74. Michael’s
75. Being
right
76. Finding
money you didn’t know you had
77. Coupons
78. Google
79. Piano
Players (Mmmm)
80. The
expression “Mmmm”
81. Apple
salad
82. Chocolate
milk! (did I say this already?)
83. Getting
paid.
84. My
handwriting (when it’s FLAWLESS)
85. Dresses
86. Smiles
:]
87. Getting
my eyebrows threaded
88. When
my nails grow all together at the same time ;]
89. Musical
Notes
90. Colored
contact lenses ^-^
91. Punctuality
(I’m not great at this… but at least I TRY)
92. Cardigans
93. Movies
that make me cry (almost all of them do)
94. Cheating
the system (by this I mean things like sneaking in m&m’s at the movie
theatre...lol)
95. Meeting
my deadlines
96. Flowers
(did I say this already?)
97. Pictures!
98. Math
99. Erasers
100.Being accepted for who I am :]
Monday, July 11, 2011
Cindy's first blog EVER!
Technology… eek! It is most definitely NOT my strong suit. I am one of those people who cringe at new software/updates/new things that make the “world a better place.” (I made up that quote… but it seems like that’s the purpose of all the technological advances! Haha.) I got my first computer when I was 11ish/12, and the fact that I could play Solitaire and create awesome works of art on Paint was more than I could handle. That’s pretty much all I can STILL do… not much has changed for me! Haha… ok ok, I kid, I CAN do more, but not a WHOLE lot more. I’m a PC user. I admire Macs, but have always been afraid of them, although I do remember having those small little box-looking Macs in my 5th grade class (I think all I ever really used them for was to make more works of art ;]). I know the internet and all its wonderful tools have made it possible to do incredible things, but I have been left behind! I just got my first smart phone this past March, and that’s the most amazing tool YET (from MY perspective). Wow, that thing sure can do a lot, I’m pretty sure I haven’t even discovered HALF of the things it can do! And that’s pretty much where I stand. Technology+Cindy= No Bueno.
The College of Education Mission Statement speaks to me in more ways than one. I one hundred percent believe in the effectiveness and progress that comes from being a reflective practitioner and the absolute commitment one must make to become a life-long learner when it comes to entering the world of education. Educators must be ready to learn from all sources necessary to provide quality education to those entrusted under their instruction. The fact that diversity and educational equity are points of focus also taps my psyche in a personal way. Being of Mexican decent and Spanish speaking background, I cannot imagine not having cultural competence and celebrating all students for their customs and beliefs as well as providing a fair and unbiased education to them all.
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