Final Blog

          All along I believed technology was somewhat important in the classroom for certain lessons, ideas and activities, but now that I have a broader view of what all it can be used for, I now believe much more that it isvery important in many more ways.  I believe technology can very much help to enhance students' knowledge and education as well as help them to be more open and interested in the information being taught.  Some of the benefits to having technology in the classroom for me as a teacher, is that I will be able to use it in various was to access information, lesson plans, other lesson plan ideas, and class activities.  If I have a Smartboard available, that will also really enable me to incorporate technology into the lessons and get the students involved.
        Even with all the benefits, with technology there are always challenges as well.  Some of these challenges may include losing data because it had not been saved correctly or at all, the computer system or other technology pieces may not be working, or the ideas for the use of the technology just may not come together as hoped or planned.  Even though technology can be a great addition to many things, there are often times it also causes many headaches and problems.
           All of the information I have learned in the class I find very important but the information I find the most important was learning how to use the Smartboard program and other ways to keep information and lessons organized.  I will certainly use concept maps and Wordle for my own benefit and for many ways to help the students as well.  I very much look forward to using the learning strategies and information I gained in my own classroom in the future.

E-Portfolio

http://hessylj1230.webnode.com/

Post 10

         In one online presentation, I learned that students' technological dedsires are not being met and that they would like to have more of a digitally rich learning adventure.  Even though I have heard this through out this class, and how classes are trying to incorporate more technology into the lessons, it was still interesting to read in the post how dissatisfied students are with how little technology is included in the lessons they are learning.  It does however, make sense that students would desire to have more technology involved in the lessons they are learning, as well as learning how to use the technology, since today's world is becoming more technologically and digitally enhanced.
       Another thing I learned from an online presentation, is that when evaluating what does and does not work with applying technology into the classroom, it is better to evaluate it from a classroom in grades kindergarten through 12th rather than in classes in higher education.  This stems from the idea that students in grades k-12 are mandated by law to attend class, where students in higher education are not.  Here again, it does not really surprise me that this is the case, but just learning it is interesting.  I would also believe that for students in grades k-12, the technology would mean more to them and help hold their attention better anyway, where students in higher education are more used to working with technology and may not be as fascinated by the uses and lessons being taugh from or with the technology.
        The third lesson I learned, is when it is said that technology can be used by anyone and everyone, it is all very true.  I learned that when technology is spoken of, it also includes speech generation devices, computers, and helps make it possible for those who are immoble to be able to participate in the classroom and school activities.  I thought it was very fascinating how even those who are unable to speak, can use technology to generate their ideas and get their point across to participate in class discussions.  Also, for those that may not have arms, are able to record papers on devices instead of having to actually write them.  I am just amazed at the things technology is able to do, especially with the whole idea of a person who is unable to speak, being able to participate in class discussions.  I, as a persone with my own use of technology with the insulin pump, am very glad these typ of technology products have been produced.  With these items, it helps those with different disabilities be able to be less "outcasted" and more included into the classroom, work world, or whatever groups they may be part of.  I think every individual should have a chance to strive for the goals they have in life whether it is to work a certain job or participate in a certain activity or group and with these wonderful technological inventions it helps them reach that point easier.

Portfolio Links

Good Portfolio: http://www.cesa8.k12.wi.us/teares/math/it/samplePort/ANN%20K/index.htm

After searching for quite a while, I was not really able to find an example of a bad portfo but of all the portfolios I viewed, this one seemed to have the least amount of information and was not quite the quality the others displayed.  http://www.cesa8.k12.wi.us/teares/math/it/samplePort/JAMES/Jim's%20Index.htmlio

Glogger

http://hessy1285.glogster.com/glog-8708/

Post 9

For interactive whiteboards, I think they are a great addition to a classroom.  The more I learn about them and have used one a little, the more I think more classrooms should have them.  I like that they are able to connect to a computer and use the computer’s different applications and information to help teach different lessons.  They also, of course, do not cause dust particles as chalkboards do, and they do not always have to be cleaned as chalkboards or regular whiteboards.  I would definitely like one in my classroom and would definitely utilize the different advantages and benefits of the interactive whiteboard, hoping to help keep my students involved and interested in the lessons I am teaching.  As I stated before, the advantages of the interactive whiteboard would be allowing the students to be involved and take part in the lessons, as well as no clean up or dirt/dust to deal with.  Again, I would definitely create lessons to get the students involved and have activities to help them be engaged, hoping for them to better enjoy the information being taught and helping them to retain the information learned.

Post 8

    As far as the video Marlon and I put together, I believe it does have value because cyber bullying and simply just bullying has been a growing classroom issue over the recent past few years.  This can be used to teach the students about the effects of bullying and how seriously dangerous it can be for some students where it may cause them harm to themselves, harm to others, or in some serious cases, commit suicide.  This video could be incorporated possibly in a phys. ed. class, or even in the main classroom during a safety week theme.  Challenges to this topic and video, would be to reach the bullies, not just the bullied students.  While discussing this issue, the teacher wants to really try to be sure the students who are being the bullies understand the damage they do on those they bully and how, in the worst case scenario, could cost a family a member’s life.  As for the outcomes, one would hope that it reaches all students, that those who are being bullied are not afraid to tell and instead of continuing to let it happen, will take a stand and tell an adult right away.  Another hopeful outcome, as mentioned before, is for the bully to realize the effect he/she is really having on their victim and the possibilities and severity of what the outcomes could be like, hopefully stopping them from continuing to be a bully.  For the project, some of the few challenges we had, even after having our storyboard mapped out, was actually getting the ideas to come together and be conducted to actually get the video done.  Once we had everything figured out and got the video recording done, the transition of the video and progression with the music, etc. flowed well and the video turned out well and we were pleased with how it all ended.