What: This week's assignment was focused on utilizing Google documents to create a presentation. The program we are using is fairly similar to Microsoft Powerpoint. The subject of this presentation was "Classroom Rules". I am continuing to be amazed by all the free, easy programs Google provides and I can definitely see how they are great tools for teachers to be aware of.
So What:
Initially, I thought this assignment would be pretty easy seeing as how I have used Microsoft Powerpoint for much of my life. However, I was quickly reminded that every program operates differently and even though you can usually utilize the same tools, there are very different techniques to use when getting there. Google documents is a great program because of the numerous benefits it provides. I like how it doesn't overload you with details and different options. It makes it easy to keep your project simple while learning how to do something new. I do like the collaboration option because it makes it a lot easier to send back and forth between several contributors rather than having to send the project as an attachment.
I have really enjoyed seeing all the different programs that are included in Google documents. I think I will like using these programs even more once I am a teacher because they will allow me to work with other educators on a tight time schedule. I have also been finding ways to use Google documents in my other classes. In my psychology class, I have to do a presentation with a partner and I have introduced Google documents to her since we have been having difficulties finding a time when we are both available to work on the presentation together. I can definitely see Google programs becoming a great tool to use in my other classes as well as the future.
Now What:
The more I learn about technology in classes like this, the more I begin to believe I will be able to utilize it as a tool in my classroom. I would love to allow my students to use programs such as Google documents to complete assignments. I really like using the presentations tool and it would be interesting to have students complete their own slideshows on a particular topic with a partner. It would also be a fun experiment to have them collaborate on a project with a student at another school. This is such a great way to prepare them to use teamwork and to function in an increasingly paperless world.
I also noticed that by emailing our work through Google documents, we are able to work together and feed off each other's ideas. By having colleagues send you a completed document they are using in their classroom, you could easily find ideas and alter their work to fit your own students. It also allows you to work on projects at your own pace and during times when you might be able to collaborate, but not meet up in person.
I love working with new computer programs and learning about how they can contribute to my future as a teacher. I think that by the time I am teaching, incorporating technology in the classroom will be essential and I want to be able to do that in the best ways possible. By learning as much as I can about programs that students and teachers can benefit from, I can prepare to become a great teacher.
Video:
I think this video is my favorite one so far. I like how casual Alex was about what he was saying. It seemed like it was really easy for him to be himself. It was almost like he was in the actual atmosphere of a film set. I think it is great that he realizes the importance of education, even though many of the big time film directors today did not attend college. I think no matter what you are planning on majoring in, the experience of higher education is something to be valued.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Welcome Letter & Video Reflection
Upon starting my second assignment for this class, I have to admit I was pretty skeptical. We were assigned to complete a welcome letter for our desired grade/school to send out to students and parents. We were also required to complete this assignment with a partner and by cooperating though a ZERO face-to-face correspondence. I initially thought it would be extremely difficult to complete an entire webpage letter without even being able to speak to my partner. Luckily for me, I have come to discover a whole new approach to working as a team.
By completing this letter through Google documents, I was able to work on my portion on my own time. Sometimes when doing group assignments, it can be really difficult to find the time to meet and discuss the project. I found it so much easier to just make my own adjustments and correspond through the document itself. I can definitely see how such a process can make a teacher's life so much easier. It's obvious that maintaining a class of 20+ students can be pretty challenging and leave little time for completing other work. I love how much easier this technology will make it for me to work with supporting teaching staff in the future.
I personally loved how nearly identical the setup of Google documents was to Microsoft Word. As a college student, I use Microsoft programs almost every day and the fact that it was so similar made it easy to navigate and use. I do wish there was a way to incorporate new fonts seeing has how there isn't a huge selection of them available. It would be really interesting to provide a Google documents session for older elementary students (perhaps 4th or 5th graders) and see the ways they are able to utilize the program.
I was completely unaware that a program that basically combines Microsoft Word and email existed until working on this project. It's great to be able to use this now and realize how much easier it is going to make it for me to communicate with other teachers and work on projects through Google documents rather than having to always find time to set up a meeting. I love the way Google is making it so much easier to be efficient through technology, especially in the classroom. All of the tools we have used so far are going to be great for me as an educator and also for my students.
Video Reflection #2-
This video speaks for so many people in the United States. It is always important to remember that we as citizens of America are presented with many opportunities that others are not. It is so great to see young people like Rene who realize that it is up to them to make the best out of a hard situation. Passion is what drives us as individuals, friends, family members, and as teachers. By pursuing our own passions, it is clear that we can easily set an example for others and invite them to have a dream.
By completing this letter through Google documents, I was able to work on my portion on my own time. Sometimes when doing group assignments, it can be really difficult to find the time to meet and discuss the project. I found it so much easier to just make my own adjustments and correspond through the document itself. I can definitely see how such a process can make a teacher's life so much easier. It's obvious that maintaining a class of 20+ students can be pretty challenging and leave little time for completing other work. I love how much easier this technology will make it for me to work with supporting teaching staff in the future.
I personally loved how nearly identical the setup of Google documents was to Microsoft Word. As a college student, I use Microsoft programs almost every day and the fact that it was so similar made it easy to navigate and use. I do wish there was a way to incorporate new fonts seeing has how there isn't a huge selection of them available. It would be really interesting to provide a Google documents session for older elementary students (perhaps 4th or 5th graders) and see the ways they are able to utilize the program.
I was completely unaware that a program that basically combines Microsoft Word and email existed until working on this project. It's great to be able to use this now and realize how much easier it is going to make it for me to communicate with other teachers and work on projects through Google documents rather than having to always find time to set up a meeting. I love the way Google is making it so much easier to be efficient through technology, especially in the classroom. All of the tools we have used so far are going to be great for me as an educator and also for my students.
Video Reflection #2-
This video speaks for so many people in the United States. It is always important to remember that we as citizens of America are presented with many opportunities that others are not. It is so great to see young people like Rene who realize that it is up to them to make the best out of a hard situation. Passion is what drives us as individuals, friends, family members, and as teachers. By pursuing our own passions, it is clear that we can easily set an example for others and invite them to have a dream.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
My Ideal Classroom & Video Reflection
There are so many ideal situations in which I can imagine myself teaching. I guess you could say I'm just excited to teach in general. Though I can think of many ways I would prefer my classroom to be, I think I will go with my first instincts.
My ideal classroom would be in a small school in the outer area of a large city such as the suburbs of Orange county or north Utah county. It would be a 4-6th grade school and I would prefer to teach fourth grade. I can imagine having the school located in a wealthy area where parents would be eager to volunteer and donate funds for classroom projects or activities. The school would be three floors and my classroom would be located on the top floor near the media center.
The classroom itself would be painted a light tan and have many green/blue accents. There would be three large windows with brown wooden blinds. The back wall of the classroom would be covered with large bulletin boards that would be used to display the student's projects. Under the boards there would be a long fish tank filled with exotic fish and plants. The front of the classroom would have two large whiteboards and several smaller bulletin boards. I would use these to display a birthday calendar as well as a reading wall with book recommendations and information on upcoming media center events. The wall opposite of the windows would be divided into a small classroom library and a computer lab. There would be six bookshelves lined with hundreds of small novels and a small computer area with about ten computers. I would love to have a time during the day where the students could alternate between free reading and instructional media with computer games or typing programs.
I would prefer to have a small class of about twenty two students. I think this class size would allow me to be a better teacher and have the ability to focus on each student's needs. I would also love to have the opportunity to have tutors in the classroom for the more difficult subjects such as math and language arts. It would also be great to have an art teacher or volunteer come to the classroom twice a week to teach an art lesson.
I will focus on helping the students understand basic subjects such as math, reading, language arts, science, and art/music while understanding that it is always okay to receive extra help when you don't understand something. I will also help them to becoming educated citizens of the city in which I'm teaching by providing life skills such as money use, the importance of daily chores, and things like that. I am hoping that my students will become well adapted and educated because of my efforts as a teacher.
Video Reflection #1:
This video is awesome. I love the way Dalton emphasizes the power of belief and how by knowing what our students are capable of, they will be able to reach their goals with support. Many people underestimate the importance of educators in a child's life, but I definitely think that as a teacher, you can easily be one of the best people in your students' lives. By taking the extra step to let each child know that you believe in them, you can impact their lives even after the school year ends.
My ideal classroom would be in a small school in the outer area of a large city such as the suburbs of Orange county or north Utah county. It would be a 4-6th grade school and I would prefer to teach fourth grade. I can imagine having the school located in a wealthy area where parents would be eager to volunteer and donate funds for classroom projects or activities. The school would be three floors and my classroom would be located on the top floor near the media center.
The classroom itself would be painted a light tan and have many green/blue accents. There would be three large windows with brown wooden blinds. The back wall of the classroom would be covered with large bulletin boards that would be used to display the student's projects. Under the boards there would be a long fish tank filled with exotic fish and plants. The front of the classroom would have two large whiteboards and several smaller bulletin boards. I would use these to display a birthday calendar as well as a reading wall with book recommendations and information on upcoming media center events. The wall opposite of the windows would be divided into a small classroom library and a computer lab. There would be six bookshelves lined with hundreds of small novels and a small computer area with about ten computers. I would love to have a time during the day where the students could alternate between free reading and instructional media with computer games or typing programs.
I would prefer to have a small class of about twenty two students. I think this class size would allow me to be a better teacher and have the ability to focus on each student's needs. I would also love to have the opportunity to have tutors in the classroom for the more difficult subjects such as math and language arts. It would also be great to have an art teacher or volunteer come to the classroom twice a week to teach an art lesson.
I will focus on helping the students understand basic subjects such as math, reading, language arts, science, and art/music while understanding that it is always okay to receive extra help when you don't understand something. I will also help them to becoming educated citizens of the city in which I'm teaching by providing life skills such as money use, the importance of daily chores, and things like that. I am hoping that my students will become well adapted and educated because of my efforts as a teacher.
Video Reflection #1:
This video is awesome. I love the way Dalton emphasizes the power of belief and how by knowing what our students are capable of, they will be able to reach their goals with support. Many people underestimate the importance of educators in a child's life, but I definitely think that as a teacher, you can easily be one of the best people in your students' lives. By taking the extra step to let each child know that you believe in them, you can impact their lives even after the school year ends.
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