Future Educator

5. Think about this course.

eanorton — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 02:02:40 +0000

I have truly enjoyed this class. There have been so many “Aha” and “Wow” moments that its getting hard for me to remember everything, a little information overload! One of the things that made me really think was looking at all the free technology available. When I first discovered we would be using Moodle instead of Blackboard I was not exactly thrilled. I have used Blackboard as a student and an instructor and I just became used to it. I now realize that in order to integrate technology into a classroom you have to be open minded and willing to use it in a way that will be beneficial to both you and your students.

4. Edutopia

eanorton — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 01:56:20 +0000

Harrison Central High School

This was so neat to watch. Almost every class is using technology in some way. You could tell the students were really into what they were doing. I believe students should be able to do their own investigations. By giving students an opportunity to take control of their learning in some way by seeing a real world situation instead of data we just give them. If students are interested in school, maybe we can get them to stay in school.

Mary Scroggs Elementary School

What a great school! It seems that the students are very interested in their school work with the technology integrated into it. I really liked that parents seem to be just as interested in the technology as the students. I know how papers mysteriously do not make it home, a class website would help cut down on that. I also thought the building itself was amazing. There is so much room for students and teachers alike.

A Product of Learning

Another great example of students taking an active role in their education! I cannot express enough how strongly I feel about having students involved in their education. I feel if they have an active interest in learning school will become something they want and like to do rather than a hassle.

Leading with Laptops

This school is making it work! They have the right idea “If we don’t get an ‘oh cool’ out of the kids within thirty seconds…they don’t use that equipment.” I think that is great! They aren’t wasting anyones time with technology that no one likes. You only have so much time with your students, you need to make an impression on them in a very short amount of time. I also like that the teachers are letting the students do the work.

Hula to High Tech

I think it is amazing that elementary school students are taking control of their schools news programs. These students are learning problem solving like no simulation can create. The classroom teacher believes that EVERYONE deserves to learn how to use the technology not only the “best” students.

The Geo-Literacy Project

I love seeing students doing science. Not just sitting in a classroom learning facts. That’s not what science is all about. Science is hands on. These students are learning about the geography and geology of their hometown area, something that everyone can participate in doing!

New Tech Teaching Tool

How great to have a veteran teacher introducing fun science tools to preservice teachers! As future educators we should think about the fun ways we could use new technology. We should start learning about tools at our finger tips as soon as we determine we want to be a teacher!

3. ALTEC

eanorton — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 01:54:03 +0000

As a future educator it is amazing to me to learn all of the free technology out there for teachers to use. Programs like ALTEC are amazing. I went to this site a checked out a few of the great tools they have there. The Assign-A-Day was of particular interest to me. I like agendas and calendars but for students this might be a better way to assign homework…plus it will save time! I also really liked the Casa Notes and QuizStar. All of these tools are a great way for teachers to save time. I think it could be a great way to get parents even more involved in their students education.

2. Apple Learning Interchange Reflection

eanorton — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 01:50:18 +0000

The Apple Learning Interchange is great! There is a wealth of information on this site that would be useful in a classroom. I searched for “geology” and came up with a Fossil Road show and 360 degree pictures of some geologic areas. It is virtually impossible to visit some of these areas so an online virtual tour is a great solution! I can see myself using this site in the future with my students to investigate places like Carlsbad Caverns. I also found some great math resources.

1. Read all the Articles

eanorton — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 22:57:22 +0000

U.S. Schools Lag Behind in Use of Technology from USA Today 01/07/2005

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2005-01-07-schools-lag-in-tech_x.htm

This is an interesting article. I too believe educators as well as students should know how to use and implement technology. Courses and training should be made available to everyone so technology is a tool not a hassle.

National Education Technology Plan

http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/os/technology/plan/2004/site/edlite-background.html

A lot of things can look good in writing. I think if this plan is to work we need to find a way to introduce the technology to teachers in a less stressful way. Some teachers who have gone this long without the computers don’t know how beneficial these machines can be in their classroom. Training needs to be addressed as well. If you give the teachers a tool and don’t show them how to use it the tool will either go unused or will not be effective in a classroom. Technology is a great in the classroom but we must give our teachers the knowledge and resources needed to become successful.

NETS: National Education Technology Standards: for Students, for Teachers, and for Administrators

http://www.cnets.iste.org/

I believe we need to have these standards in place. Businesses and our communities are becoming more and more reliant on technology. Students need to be ready for this new technology and it is up to us, their educators, to prepare them for an active, functioning role in society. These standards could make a big difference in the lives of current and future students.

Don’t Just Adapt Technology, Adopt It!!!

http://www.edutopia.org/adopt-and-adapt

This article was very interesting. I now realize how much work it really takes to make a difference in the way things are taught. Simply by doing your old lessons online is still doing something old in a new way. This is a very intriguing idea to me. I do like how this article does talk about some of the ways our schools are not setup for technology use in time and in building. Some classes are only fort-five minutes long and most buildings do not have a great supply of electrical outlets.

High School.com

http://www.edutopia.org/high-school-dot-com

Wow! This is an amazing idea and opportunity. Not every student in rural areas have the luxury of having a university or community college close by. Some advanced students need an opportunity like this to excel and achieve their goals. It also presents some issues. I have been grading online classes at our university as part of my office job. You have to really regulate when students are to complete everything when teaching/taking courses online. Some people have a tendency to fall behind.