Wednesday, April 14, 2010

post #12

I still think that one of the most valuable things I learned in this class was the mail merger. I didn't even know that there was such a thing. I also liked that we were able to find new ways to use technology. I knew that excel was used to put in numbers, but I never would have thought to use it for a crossword. These were definitely two things that will stay with me.
I think that it would be useful to learn how to make a website. This could be useful to have your own personal webpage for your class. This way it could be private and allow you to just focus on what is going on in your classroom. It can also allow students and parents access and they will be able to see what is going on.
I think that I just need to keep using the skills I have learned. I also need to play around with things and learn how to use different techniques. I think that as long as I stay up to date with the newest technology I will be able to provide my students with the best education. I also want to make sure that I know at least as much as my students do when it comes to technology.

post #11

I didn't really use twitter that much. It just seemed like on more thing I had to check. I only used it once to ask a question, but I felt that it would have been just as easy to email my question. I feel that twitter could be useful, but with all the other technology I already use it just seemed like one more thing.
I will probably not use twitter on my own only because I don't really have the time to address so many different technologies. I feel that I waste so much time on the computer as it is that I don't want to have to inform my family and friends about what I am doing on the internet. I like talking to people in person. I guess you could say that I am a bit old fashion, but I feel that the computer distances you from people and it becomes impersonal. I also feel that it would be better to use if you have a device that can connect you to twitter where ever you are. I unfortunately do not own a phone that does this.
I think that twitter could be helpful for high school or college students. It allows students to ask question without having to ask in class. This also gives other students the opportunity to answer other students' questions. I think that if all students have phones that connect to twitter it would be even more useful because they could check it anytime and be up to date.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Post#10

On free teacher tools there are several different things for teachers to use in the classroom. This website is great when you need a new idea or help on how to make something. There are tools to help you make quizzes and they have handouts already done. There are tools to make worksheets and even tools to help you make a bibliography. There are also links to tons of other websites that are useful.
This website also provides fun tools such as certificates and tools on how to use certain technologies. This website is also useful for students as well. It provides lessons on things that wouldn't necessarily be taught in class and provides safe links and email services for students. This website has a large variety of things and can be useful when you get stuck or need help. It can also be use to improve your lesson plans.http://www.techtrain.org/teacher_tools.htm#lesson%20plans
I think that web 2.0 is very useful in schools. They are useful for both students and teachers. They can make making lesson plans easier and they can provide tons of information. As long as students are monitored and taught how to properly use the resources than it can supplement any lesson. I think that it is important to allow students to use web 2.0 so that you can show them how to safely use it since they will probably be using in other settings as well.

Monday, April 5, 2010

#9

I think that blackboard is an excellent sight to use for college students. It provides students with everything they need for their own records and allows them to have everything on one website. It provides an email service so you can get into contact with your professors and other classmate. You can see your grades, GPA, and your classes. It also provides information about any organizations you are in or some you might be interested in joining.
There are some downfalls to the website. Some teachers do not know how to use the website, so your grades aren't posted by that professor. The tabs for certain things are not clearly labeled, so you may have to search for what you are looking for. I feel that by teaching all professors how to use the website will make blackboard more useful. I also think that it would be a great website for highschool students to use as well. I feel that it can get parents more involved with their students grades and attendance! campus.fsu.edu
I think that excel will be useful for me for recording grades. It makes everything easy to see and you can edit it at anytime. You can easliy get averages of tests and see where students are struggling and doing well. I will be teaching elementary grades, so I don't find much use for them for my actual lessons. I think that they are good for keeping record, such as attendance and for who has turned in assignments. I will probably only use excel for my personal records when I teach.