Choose 2 of your favorite Web 2.0 sites and review them on your blog. Give reasons for your recommendations.
One of my favorite Web 2.0 sites is Voxy. This site can be found at http://www.go2web20.net/site/?a=Voxy. Through this site, students are able to learn the English language from reading simple headlines and articles. This site allows students to click on words that they might not know and add them to the “word bank.” Once they have done this with every word they need, they may take a quiz on the words. Not only are the students learning new vocabulary, but they are also getting up to date on current affairs. This is very beneficial for students who don’t speak English as their first language or students who are taking a foreign language course and need extra help.
Another Web 2.0 site that I enjoyed is Sweet Search. This site can be found at http://www.go2web20.net/site/?a=Sweetsearch. Through this site, students can access information on the web that has been approved by educators, librarians, and experts. It includes results from highly-renowned organizations, such as the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian, and PBS. This site would be highly beneficial to students while they are doing a research project or writing a general paper. Because this site is constantly being evaluated, fine-tuned, and approved, there is always up to date information.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Week 4
Select 2 examples of multimedia from Chapter 6 and discuss how you would incorporate them in your classroom.
One example of multimedia that I would incorporate in my classroom is the use of interactive books and eBooks. These can be found on websites such as http://www.free-ebooks.net and http://www.digital.library.upen.edu/books. This would be beneficial to my class since I teach both grammar and literature. The class could read the book online while listening to it over our surround sound in our classrooms. I think that the students would be more engaged in the story since reading a “book” online is a different concept for them. Because of this, they would be more apt to pay attention to the actual story. Another example of multimedia that I would incorporate in my classroom is reference materials, such as http://www.encyclopedia.com and http://www.dictionary.com. These resources are extremely beneficial for students who are looking up vocabulary words or writing research papers. Like any other type of technology, students are more apt to get involved and stay engaged while using these web-sites because they are a new aspect to them, and it’s different from looking up information in old books in the library.
One example of multimedia that I would incorporate in my classroom is the use of interactive books and eBooks. These can be found on websites such as http://www.free-ebooks.net and http://www.digital.library.upen.edu/books. This would be beneficial to my class since I teach both grammar and literature. The class could read the book online while listening to it over our surround sound in our classrooms. I think that the students would be more engaged in the story since reading a “book” online is a different concept for them. Because of this, they would be more apt to pay attention to the actual story. Another example of multimedia that I would incorporate in my classroom is reference materials, such as http://www.encyclopedia.com and http://www.dictionary.com. These resources are extremely beneficial for students who are looking up vocabulary words or writing research papers. Like any other type of technology, students are more apt to get involved and stay engaged while using these web-sites because they are a new aspect to them, and it’s different from looking up information in old books in the library.
Week 3
Give examples of the different types of software that you could use in your classroom. Be specific and mention actually software or web sites and describe how you would use them in the classroom.
There are many different types of software that can be beneficial when used in the classroom. I personally like to do instructional games as a review in my classes. By doing instructional games, students are learning the information, applying the information, and having fun while doing so. One of the websites that I like to use is www.quia.com. There are activities for all subject matters and for many different subtopics within the subjects. Another type of software that I enjoy using in my classroom is drill and practice. With this type of software, students are able to continue practicing the areas that they need the most work on. Flashcards are great to use with this type. One website that is beneficial is www.flashcardexchange.com. This website allows you to create your own flashcards or use ones that have already been created. This would also be beneficial for reviewing for a test because it would enable students to retain more information.
There are many different types of software that can be beneficial when used in the classroom. I personally like to do instructional games as a review in my classes. By doing instructional games, students are learning the information, applying the information, and having fun while doing so. One of the websites that I like to use is www.quia.com. There are activities for all subject matters and for many different subtopics within the subjects. Another type of software that I enjoy using in my classroom is drill and practice. With this type of software, students are able to continue practicing the areas that they need the most work on. Flashcards are great to use with this type. One website that is beneficial is www.flashcardexchange.com. This website allows you to create your own flashcards or use ones that have already been created. This would also be beneficial for reviewing for a test because it would enable students to retain more information.
Week 2
Discuss at least 3 of the issues shaping the role of technology in education. Discuss at least 3 of the things we have learned from the history of educational technology that can help us shape today’s uses.
There are many issues that shape the role of technology in education. One extremely important one is our country’s economic downfall. Because our country is experiencing this downfall, there is very little funding for the education field. Another issue is the reliance on the Internet and distance-education. Because so many are now relying heavily on distance education, the drop-out rate is steadily rising. This increases the digital divide. Yet another issue is plagiarism. Since there is a greater access to the internet and all the information provided there, there are many new ways to cheat.
One of the things that we have learned from the history of educational technology is that teachers do not tend to incorporate the use of technology into their curriculum. We can use this information by striving harder to incorporate technology and change this past image. Another thing we have learned is that technology changes faster than the educators can keep up with. It is virtually impossible for a teacher to be proficient in all areas of technology. However, in order to help with this problem, schools and boards should provide many opportunities for professional development to help curtail this problem. Lastly, another thing that we have learned from history is that teachers will always be more important than the technology itself. Although it is highly beneficial to have technology integrated into the curriculum in order to keep students engaged and help them learn, it is absolutely essential to have someone to teach the material first. If there is no teacher, nobody learns the information.
There are many issues that shape the role of technology in education. One extremely important one is our country’s economic downfall. Because our country is experiencing this downfall, there is very little funding for the education field. Another issue is the reliance on the Internet and distance-education. Because so many are now relying heavily on distance education, the drop-out rate is steadily rising. This increases the digital divide. Yet another issue is plagiarism. Since there is a greater access to the internet and all the information provided there, there are many new ways to cheat.
One of the things that we have learned from the history of educational technology is that teachers do not tend to incorporate the use of technology into their curriculum. We can use this information by striving harder to incorporate technology and change this past image. Another thing we have learned is that technology changes faster than the educators can keep up with. It is virtually impossible for a teacher to be proficient in all areas of technology. However, in order to help with this problem, schools and boards should provide many opportunities for professional development to help curtail this problem. Lastly, another thing that we have learned from history is that teachers will always be more important than the technology itself. Although it is highly beneficial to have technology integrated into the curriculum in order to keep students engaged and help them learn, it is absolutely essential to have someone to teach the material first. If there is no teacher, nobody learns the information.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Introduction
Hello everyone! My name is Amy Baugh and I currently live in Grove Hill, Alabama. I teach 7th, 9th, and 11th grade Language Arts at Sweet Water High School in Sweet Water, Alabama. Along with teaching there, I am also the Junior Beta Club sponsor and the Junior High cheerleader sponsor. This is my second year teaching there, and I absolutely love it! My goals for getting an online degree are simple. Since I do not have my masters, I am working towards that so I can continue to teach. My favorite technology would have to be the iPod touches and netbooks our school received through a grant last year. I use these types of technology to play interactive games in order to help students review, to do vocabulary lessons with the students, and to do research.
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