This week in our grad school class we are talking about "virtual schools." We watched a video on one such program and were asked to comment on our thoughts.
I think that Virtual Schools provide an amazing opportunity for parents who would choose that route over brick and mortar schools. I appreciate how the introduction of new technologies allows more interaction (virtually) between students and teachers or each other, but I am not convinced that this route is more beneficial than a brick and mortar classroom.
I think the idea of supplementing the traditional education with virtual learning opportunities combines the best of both worlds and keeps students from being at a disadvantage from any of their peers.
I also like the idea of using virtual schools as a way for students to take advanced courses that may not otherwise be available.
So, those are my thoughts. I am not sold on Virtual as the only way, but do see the benefits of combining it with the tradtional.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Thursday, July 1, 2010
10 Technologies Teachers Should Know
Educators are entering a world of 21st century learners and need to be prepared to tech these students whose brains are wired for technology. As a result there are various technologies that I believe a essential to know. Here's my list:
1) Word processors- how to create documents, modify, save and print them
2) Spreadsheets- how to input data, use formulas, sort and view data
3) Web browsers- how to open the internet, navigate to an address and save sites to favorites
4) Search engines- how to search effectively for a topic with filters and sort by result type
5) E-mail services- how to send e-mails to mass audiences, CC, BCC, attach documents
6) Blogs- know how to create one, post to one/comment and control privacy
7) Youtube- knowing the features of youtube and other video sites, how to search for videos and privacy features
8) Powerpoint/Flipcharts- how to create lessons/presentations and use them effectively in the clasroom
9) Google Maps/Mapquest- how to find maps, search locations and use the different types of maps to engage students
10) Photo taking/editting software- how to take photos and edit them
There tons of other more specific sites and technologies that teachers should know how to use, but these cover the basics!
1) Word processors- how to create documents, modify, save and print them
2) Spreadsheets- how to input data, use formulas, sort and view data
3) Web browsers- how to open the internet, navigate to an address and save sites to favorites
4) Search engines- how to search effectively for a topic with filters and sort by result type
5) E-mail services- how to send e-mails to mass audiences, CC, BCC, attach documents
6) Blogs- know how to create one, post to one/comment and control privacy
7) Youtube- knowing the features of youtube and other video sites, how to search for videos and privacy features
8) Powerpoint/Flipcharts- how to create lessons/presentations and use them effectively in the clasroom
9) Google Maps/Mapquest- how to find maps, search locations and use the different types of maps to engage students
10) Photo taking/editting software- how to take photos and edit them
There tons of other more specific sites and technologies that teachers should know how to use, but these cover the basics!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
The Technology That Started it All
For this post, I was thinking back to when I really got interested in using technology in the classroom. I have used computers, TVs, av equipment, etc. every year. However, until this past year I was not making a huge effort to incorporate the technologies on any sort of regular basis or with any real enthusiasm.
That all changed when I found out that we were receiving Promethean boards in our classrooms.
I was beyond excited. I actually followed the installers around the building until they agreed to come and put my board in for me.
What I have found since then is that the Promethean board can simplify and enhance teaching in so many ways, it is almost unreal. The students LOVE the board and getting the opportunity to interact more with their learning and I love the creativity and fun that can be afforded through its use.
I love how streamlined and clean things can look and how well you can guide student learning with interactivity. I love that you can access tools on the Internet and annotate on word documents and websites.
Promethean has completely changed the way that I teach, for the better, and has reignited a passion for doing so, that had really started to wane.
The awesome thing about technology is that it is always changing and renewing so it is very hard to become bored with. I think that this will be beneficial for both students and educators and I can't wait to discover more forms of technology to use with my class!
That all changed when I found out that we were receiving Promethean boards in our classrooms.
I was beyond excited. I actually followed the installers around the building until they agreed to come and put my board in for me.
What I have found since then is that the Promethean board can simplify and enhance teaching in so many ways, it is almost unreal. The students LOVE the board and getting the opportunity to interact more with their learning and I love the creativity and fun that can be afforded through its use.
I love how streamlined and clean things can look and how well you can guide student learning with interactivity. I love that you can access tools on the Internet and annotate on word documents and websites.
Promethean has completely changed the way that I teach, for the better, and has reignited a passion for doing so, that had really started to wane.
The awesome thing about technology is that it is always changing and renewing so it is very hard to become bored with. I think that this will be beneficial for both students and educators and I can't wait to discover more forms of technology to use with my class!
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