Final Blog

1. Where do you see technology going in the next 5 years?
    
Within the next 5 years, I see technology in education booming. I see SMART boards in every classroom. I see iPads in every students' hands. I see students becoming even more technologically in tune than they are now. I'm not sure how technology will change over the next 5 years, only because technology is ever changing. I see many new things being invented in the next 5 years, but I couldn't even begin to dream about what those things will be. One thing I'm sure of though, those new inventions will find their way into the classroom.

2. How is education changing due to technology?

Education, I believe, is growing due to technology. I know that classes (K-12) are using Google Docs to collaborate with one another. Classes have Twitter or Edmodo webpages to keep up to date with everything going on in the classroom. Education is changing in ways that I never thought was possible. You can do public school (K-12) online! Whiteboards aren't just whiteboards anymore, they are interactive games and educational tools! There are so many new and creative tools available to teachers and students.

3. How are teachers reaching students in a different way?

Teachers are reaching students in different ways by adhering to the way they learn. You're a visual or hands on learner? SMART boards are great for those. You're an auditory learner? Great! I can make a podcast for you. The possibilities are endless because of the technology that is evolving.  


Below, you will find a short podcast about a certain technology topic that I have come to love. The topic I chose was Inspiration, a graphic organizing tool. Have a listen to my podcast, and I hope that Inspiration will peak your interest and make you think more about technology in education.

 

listen to ‘Inspiration’ on Audioboo

Graphic Organizers in Education

     A graphic organizer is a way of visualizing a concept you are teaching. Graphic Organizers are great for students who learn by seeing something. 
     In order to teach students, all the student would have to do is follow the organizer. They are easy to read and post all the important information. You can even have your students make a graphic organizer to make sure that they understand the concept. There are many programs out there that allow you to make graphic organizers.
     Some advantages I see to using graphic organizers would be that you reach another level of learners. Some students who have never used a graphic organizer before may realize that they are visual learners and that this is the best way for them to learn. Another advantage is that it allows a certain flow of creativity. For someone who is not so "artsy" this allows them to create something that is visually appealing and also fun to learn about at the same time.
     Below is an example of a graphic organizer that I made on Fire Safety. I used a program called Inspiration. It was super fun and easy to make. Under the fire safety, I talked about Fire Hazards, Fire Prevention, the importance of having an Escape Plan, and some tips that everyone should know and remember.  

Podcasting in Education

     Podcasting does certainly have a place in education. There are many ways that teachers can use podcasting to their advantage in the classroom. One reason being that it brings a sense of excitement to the students. They most likely haven't hear a podcast in any of their other classrooms and also most likely haven't done a podcast either. Not only is it a learning experience for them to listen to a podcast, it can also be a learning experience for them to actually do a podcast as well. Another way to use podcasting in the classroom is for substitute teachers. If you create a podcast in advance (if you know you will be absent from work) your sub can play in during class, and you can still, in a way, be there teaching your students. Podcasting is a great way to get your students involved in learning, if you have trouble with that anyway. 

     I have created a podcast that contains a summary of a podcast that I listened to. I listened to "How was slavery in New England different from slavery in the South" by The Choices Program. It is episode number 8 in their series and it was pretty interesting. You can listen to that summary (my podcast) here. I hope you enjoy.  You can find my blog summary below:

listen to ‘iTunes Summary’ on Audioboo

Digital Storytelling

     This week, I worked on a Digital Storytelling project from Photo Peach. I have never made one before and I guess you could say that it was pretty simple. For those of you who don't know, a Digital Story is kind of like a powerpoint, however, you do not need powerpoint,and you can do all your work online. 
     I think Digital Storytelling could have a few advantages in education. It is a fun way to convey a unit or theme to students, to keep them interested in what you are studying. I used the solar system as my theme for my digital story, which you can view here if you would like to see it. Digital Storytelling might also be a great way for students to present projects. It's simple to make and fun to view. Its' uses in education are almost endless.

Twitter in Education

Twitter in education does not seem like a good idea to me. I see the kind of things that are posted on twitter, and I honestly feel that it is more appropriate for entertainment purposes, and not educational purposes. I could see how it might be helpful to have a class twitter site to keep up on announcements or lesson plans, as opposed to a class website. I can also see where it CAN be beneficial, as in the farm problem mentioned in class. I don't feel that I am comfortable enough with twitter to use it in the way that teacher did. If teachers are going to have a twitter as a class site, then I don't think that the teacher should use a personal twitter account. It is too easily accessible by your students and their parents. Twitter is more suited for entertainment and I don't think it has a place in education, at this time; not for me, anyway.

Helpful Resources

Two resources that I found are:

1.       Daily Reading Warm Ups (Teacher Blog)

2.       Lesson Plans (Helpful RSS Feed)

The Daily Reading Warm Ups blog will help me in the classroom to get my students thinking before a reading lesson. I have come to realize that in my job as a daycare teacher and in my practicum, I have a hard time getting started with a lesson. This blog helps me to come up with ideas to get started. These particular warm ups are for upper level elementary school students, which is what I would love to teach. These warm ups actually make me excited to get my classroom and meet my students.

      The Lesson Plan RSS feed will help me come up with ideas for many, many themes. I am not a terribly creative person, so if I can find any ideas online, I’m all for it! I love searching for and finding lessons online that will help me in my classroom, at Abby’s or my future classroom in a school.

Teaching in the 21st Century

Teaching has certainly changed since I was a student in an elementary school. Although I attended a brand new school in first grade, it still wasn't based in the 21st century. To be a teacher in the 21st century, I think it means that you have to have some sort of knowledge of technology. Not just one form of technology, but all different sorts of technology. In my K-12 schooling, the most we used were power points, and maybe some excel or publisher. Now, you have to know how to make videos over the internet, use voice boards, and even create a blog, for example. We have to learn how to make children interested in the technology, then turn around and teach them to excercise and play. It seems that teachers in the 21st century have to cover both ends of the spectrum when it comes to what their students need to know.