Day 26 [4/22/10]

Today in class, all of the students gave their SMARTboard presentations. I did learn a few new things; however, I still do not like SMARTboards. One group had a really interesting interavtive website that dealt with the disection of a frog. It was the exact step by step process with vocals on how to dissect the frog. Since the website was interactive, all the students needed to do was use the interactive pens as the knives to disect the virtual frog. Once they pulled away the "skin" of the frog, the website had the insides of the frog as well. However, dealing with this interactively does not actually show the students the dimensions in the frog. It also does not have the smell and mess which may or may not be a good thing. However, the students do not get the full effect. Once again the SMARTboard gave my group trouble during our presentation, therefore, I still agree with my previous blog, that SMARTboards are not worth the investment.

Day 25 [4/20/10]

Today's blogging assignment is to answer the question "Are Smartboards worth the investment"? Personally, I do not think they are worth the investment. I feel that most of the time they do not work! Students probably do love SMARTboards due to the fact that when they attend classes, they know that they are going to spend half of the time working on getting the SMARTboard to work properly. For example, in the classes that I have used them, there has been plenty of times where instead of learning new things, I am stuck just sitting there while the teacher fixes the problems. Also, I feel that teachers can use a whiteboard, chalkboard, or a projector to do the same things that most teachers use the SMARTboard for. If they teachers decided to use it in a way that is is supposed to be used, meaning interactive and not just plan write notes or drawing pictures, then it may be worth it. However, all in all I do not feel that a SMARTboard is worth that load of money due to the fact that students are going to learn in any way that you teach, not with just technologically advanced tools that may or may not work correctly.

Day 24 [4/15/10]

Today in class, our SMARTboard whiteboard didn't work properly. However, once it started working, it seemed like a fun way to explore teaching criterias. When looking at the ISTE-Nets T standards, I feel that one in particular is the best for teachers using SMARTboard whiteboard. The ISTE-Nets T standard is 1.a. 1. Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments. Teachers: a. promote, support, and model creative and innovative thinking and inventiveness. This is because they are not actually teaching about the SMARTboard or any technology, they are teaching them the knowledge they already know through the SMARTboard, whiteboard, or any other form of technology.

Day 23 [4/13/10]

Today in class, we discovered the SMARTboard whiteboard. We read an article on what it was, how to use it, and how it could be used in a classroom. This article touched on so many different reasons why the SMARTboard would be a great learning tool in the classroom. However, SMARTboards are very expensive. They need a computer, projector, and the board itself. In the article, however, it gives great examples on why it is worth the expenses. For instance, the article states "Research also indicates higher levels of student retention, and notes taken on an interactive whiteboard can play a key role in the student review process." This is a great way just to get the students involved. Another piece of evidence that was found in this article says that it keeps the students attendence up in the classrooms. The article, however, was written by the inventors of the smartboard, so therefore, it needs to be taken into consideration that there still may be some flaws.

Day 22 [4/8/10]

As students complete webquests they are using alot of technology skills. The 21st century skill that they are using the most of is Information, Media, and Technology Skills, ICT (Information, Communication, and Technology) Literacy. This is because they are using technology effectively by: Using digital technologies (computers, PDAs, media players, GPS, etc.), communication/networking tools, and social networks appropriately to access, manage, integrate, evaluate and create information to successfully function in a knowledge economy. By doing all of this, they are creating an easier way to gain knowledge with their one of their favorite new fads, technology and computers! The internet is a big deal to students, therefore, using the internet and computers to help them create a webquest or any other sites on the world wide web, they are learning it in a fun way as oppose to a boring way in a class room with a teacher talking in all monotones. They can create a fun webquest using bright vivid colors and great graphics to explain what they are thinking.

Day 21 [4/6/10]

Today we worked on our Webquests. I think that this is a fun way to A. learn abuot lesson planning B. work with technology and C. work with the students in a technological world. The ISTE-Nets T standard that I feel goes best with this Webquest activity is 2. Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments c. customize and personalize learning activities to address students' diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources. This is because I am designind and Developing a Digital-Age lesson plan for these students. They are also learning diverse learning styles through the lesson I chose by using listening skills and locomotor skills. This is a great way to interact with other teachers, as well, by sharing lesson plan ideas, asking questions for advice, and giving feedback. This is a great way to interact with future teachers as well (including myself). This is because I can give feedback as well as learn new things from these teachers.

Day 20 [4/1/10]

Today in class we looked through Webquests for a lesson that we can modify. The point of this is leading us up to making our own webquest while we are modifying the one we found. I found a webquest that demonstrates listening skills along with locomotor skills. (Dr. Seuss) I chose this webquest due to the fact that it had absolutley no graphics, the color scheme was too hard to read, and the process was not clear. THerefore I decided to make my own graphics to spice up the webquest itself, make a better color scheme that is easy to read, and make my own process to the lesson. I found that it was not as hard as I thuoght. It was almost easy! It was also very fun. The standards that I found for this site were 1.0- Movement forms/ Motor Skills and Movement Patterns, and 1.1.3- imitate locomotor movements in personal and general space.