Blog #8 for Class

I really liked chapter seven and found a lot of the information useful even for my own education. However, considering my concentration is early childhood, I had a hard time relating the information to young children. Some activities could be used with early elementary, but a lot of the more complicated things would be much harder to do with young children. Overall the chapter was informative but not entirely useful for early childhood.

Digital Story Map

Blog #7 For Class

Here's an educational video that I thought was really funny and could be helpful to confused students.

Blog #6 For Class

I found this creative commons photo by Chrisof Wittwer and really liked it. I have only seen the ocean once ever and loved watching and listening to the waves crash against the rocks. It is amazing how much power the ocean holds!!!

Blog #5 For Class

My mom works in a special ed classroom and her and the other teacher have found some literacy software that can be tailored to each student's individual level. They have found having that program can really help them keep track of where each student is and where they need help. With the information they gain from the software, they then work individually with students to help them move along and overcome their challenges. In a classroom setting like theirs, I can see how it would make life a lot easier and more effective. They have k-5 kiddos and efficiency is very important.

Blog #4 For Class

I found a program called Arthur's Reading Games by Learning Company (Creative Wonder) that is designed for elementary students to aid in literacy development. There are several different functions including drill and practice, tuitorial, instructional games, etc. The game defintely matches student levels, is simple to use, is not insulting but encouraging and has fun graphics that grab and keep attention but do not distract. Students have control over the rate of presentation and the program provides easy to understand and encouraging feedback. This game is highly interactive and geared toward individual achievment. There is no violence in this software and the game doesn't require a lot of manual dexterity. Basically this program is well done, easy to use, has minimal errors and is fun to children because they are already familar with Arthur books and TV shows.

Blog #3 For Class

All of these sites provide teachers with resources to effectively convey information in their classes. Most of these resources are based upon research and the latest ideas concerning education. It gives teachers the opportunity to use new and creative ideas in their classrooms. It also can help teachers provide more variety in their classrooms. More variety will make it more likely that every student will learn what it is that the teacher is trying to teach. Some of these sites even provide teacher training to help with confusing, new ideas. These sites often incorporate a lot of new technology that can make learning more interesting and exciting.