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.

Blog #2 For Class

Basically what I gained from reviewing the copyright information for teachers was that as long as you are using copyrighted materials in a honest and respectful way and for the purpose of education then it is OK. Also, as long as a teacher doesn't declare the work as their own and makes it known that the material is copyrighted and gives due credit to the original author or creator then it is OK. Copyright becomes much more complicated outside of the classroom, but when it is used for educational purposes then it is usually OK, except under certain, specific circumstances.

Blog #1 For Class

This is a reflection on different websites provided by our professor to check out regarding technology in the classroom.

Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education
http://www.aace.org/
Association for Educational Communications and Technology
http://www.aect.org/default.asp
International Society for Technology in Education
http://www.iste.org/
The International Test and Evaluation Association
http://www.itea.org/

Basically all of these websites promote the integration of technology into education. Many promote research, conferences, newsletts, etc. These are all professional organizations that one can join and gain membership benefits from. Check them out if you are interested.

My roomie Alicia and I hiked to Horsetooth Rock last weekend and it was a blast!!!! It was a clear, beautiful day so we were able to see for miles. I would defintely suggest doing this hike if you haven't! It's definitely something you have to do before you leave Fort Collins.

Geography Using Technology

We are running out of ideas to teach geography creatively. Any cool ideas on how to teach geography using technology?

Here are some fun ways to teach geography using technology...

The first website we found teaches students where continents and oceans are on a world map. The website for this site is: http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/world_geography/world_G0_1280_1024.html

Another interesting website we found was one that allowed students to become penpals with other students from around the world. Teaching kids geography using penpals could teach them the culture, location, and language of their penpals. The website for this is: http://www.studentsoftheworld.info/