Digital Cameras & Video Reflection

This week, we have been learning how to incorporate the use of digital cameras into our classroom. Our assignment was to take ten pictures relating to a core curriculum topic for our desired grade in preparation to make a slideshow.
Immediately upon starting this assignment, I realized just what a great tool a digital camera can be for a teacher. I love that we were given an assignment that will allow us to create a "visual experience". I never realized just how much of the world around us can be used to teach our students until I started taking these pictures.
The main thing I love about this assignment is the idea that once I start teaching, I can do this sort of presentation for almost any subject or topic in my own classroom. By using our own pictures instead of random photos off the internet, we are able to show our students how they can see these things in their own state, city, school, or even backyard. It is an awesome way to help the students get interested and relate to a certain topic.
I also immediately thought of the possibility of collaborating with other teachers with the use of digital cameras. If one of you or one of your colleagues to a vacation to a national park or another educational site, that could provide numerous pictures for an entire department. You could use these photos in slideshows or posters to teach about that particular place. I think it will be very helpful to bounce ideas off of and borrow pictures from other teachers.
As an educator, I think it is so important to stay current on and use many of the newest technologies in your classroom. Digital cameras are such a great way to capture the world around us and use it to learn. I know my digital camera is a tool that I will definitely use in my classroom. I also think digital cameras could be a great tool to introduce to your students. It would be interesting to assign a project similar to the one we are doing and see what students would be able to come up with.
I like the idea of being able to create your own slideshows specific to what you are teaching and also using your own pictures. I think by doing this, students will be more likely to look for what you teach them in their surroundings. It is a great way to reinforce information. Before doing this assignment, I never really thought of a digital camera as a tool that I could use to teach, but now I know how valuable it can be.

Video Reflection:
I thought that both of the videos for this week were fairly interesting. I loved the top ten list about the things you don't learn about teaching in college. I think as a teacher, you will constantly find out little bits of information such as the ones they mentioned in the video. The mashup was a really cool idea as well. I know that if half the videos I watched in school were as interesting as that one, I probably would have paid more attention to them. It is a really cool concept that I think could help catch students' attention and get them involved.

UEN/Internet Safety & Video Reflection

While using the internet in this class, I have been amazed at the vast amount of information and free tools you are able to find on the web. I can definitely see how the internet could be a great tool for teachers and students to utilize while in the classroom. However, it is important to realize that there needs to be specific guidelines when using the internet, especially in a school setting. Using the internet can add to a rich education for children of the world around them.

Ever since I was first introduced to using the internet, I have felt that it is a fast, efficient tool. You can spend hours in library looking through several different books for the information you want. However, the internet provides search engines that can provide you with answers and a wealth of facts in just seconds. I have loved using the internet for research and to find solutions for everyday questions. I think it important for students to be exposed to the internet at a young age. If this happens, I think they will be more likely to know how to use the internet correctly and safely. As teachers, I definitely think it is our job to make sure our students understand the risks presented by the internet and more importantly how to avoid those risks.

When introducing students to a particular website, it is important to have discovered and explored that website yourself. You should know how to navigate it well and where to find the best information. There are several questions you should ask when using a particular website. How relevant is this information? Is it clear? Is it age appropriate? Is it updated regularly? By evaluating each website that you use, you will be able to help others use it in the best way as well.

When working with students on computers, it is important to monitor their time on the internet. Provide them with tips that can contribute to safe exploration online such as being specific in searches and logging off immediately if the encounter any inappropriate information. I also think it is important to provide students with instructions for what you would like them to find on the internet so they are not just surfing the web for whatever they want. Direction and supervision are two key components that should always be used with children when they are on the internet.

I think the best thing we can do as teachers is stay up to date and well educated on the newest technology. The internet is a great resource that students can use, but they need to be taught to use it appropriately. By knowing all we can about the latest technology, we can provide students with the most helpful information and tools to better their education.

Video Reflection:

I felt that the video this week was a great reminder for parents and something that I would probably even show to students in my class. The rules were very basic, but something that could definitely be helpful when introducing students to the internet. It is important that students realize the risk of giving out personal information online and that by doing so, they are endangering themselves. I think a video like this could be a great tool to use in a classroom setting.

UEN Part Two & Video Reflection

My UEN Reflection:

Using UEN has been such a positive learning experience for me. It has been great to explore all of the tools and programs offered to teachers on the site. Not only was I able to learn about infinite free resources, but I had the opportunity to be inspired by the ideas of others. By implementing the use of UEN into my classroom, I will be able to have a whole new level of communication with my students and their parents. UEN also provides an opportunity for the students to explore a teacher's website and use many of the interactive games and programs as well. I can't wait to use this program in my classrooms in the future.

When exploring programs such as eMedia and the curriculum resources, it was easy to imagine using this site as a teacher. However, when using Searchasaurus, World Book Encyclopedia, and Culture Grams, I was able to imagine being a student using UEN and Pioneer Library. These two sites are resources I wish I would have had access to as an elementary student. There are so many opportunities to take your learning to the next level and even explore topics not covered in the daily curriculum.

My favorite part of this assignment was using Pioneer library. I can remember using this website when I was in elementary school, but not to this extent. By using Culture Grams, I was able to see how students in other countries view school and other daily activities. The interactives offered in eMedia and on UEN are also great tools for students to use. These videos and games allow them to become involved in practicing skills or learning something new. There was such a variety to choose from and all of them were geared toward students. I also love that UEN provides hundreds of free lessons plans for every subject. In the past when I have worked with elementary teachers in their classrooms, they say that planning lessons can be the most time consuming part of the job. I love that UEN allows you to collaborate with other teachers and exchange free lesson plans.

I have absolutely loved learning how to use UEN and Pioneer library. I know that in the future I will definitely find a way to fit both websites into my teaching. I can't wait to continue exploring both websites and learning even more. I feel that using UEN in my classroom will only make my job as an educator easier, more effective, and more rewarding.

Video Reflection:

I actually really liked this video. I liked how he says "we must be prepared to be wrong" and I do believe that there are some teachers who can turn being wrong into a bad thing. I think it is important as a teacher to recognize talents rather than weaknesses. I don't know that schools kill creativity as much as teachers CAN kill creativity. We shouldn't send children into the world thinking that just because they aren't good at mathematics or science, they will never be successful. It isn't fair for teachers to educate their students out of loving music or art and causing them to believe that they will never be employable in that regard. One of the things I would like to strive for as a teacher is to make all children aware that they are intelligent, no matter what they are intelligent in.

UEN Part One & Video Reflection

What: This week, we have been learning about the numerous uses and tools UEN has to offer. We set up a UEN account and created a page layout that would be an effective communication tool between us and students.
So What: With technology becoming such a huge part of education, I think using UEN is an awesome tool that can be used to post assignments, gather lesson plan material, and communicate with parents. In class, we went through several of the tools available through our UEN accounts and it was awesome to see the kind of information that is free for teachers with just a few clicks of a mouse.
It was also really interesting to see the kind of programs that are available through Pioneer Library. This website could definitely be a great collaboration tool for creating projects or activities that you can share with other teachers. As a teacher, it will be very helpful knowing that I don't have to create my own worksheets or projects for every subject.
While creating my own homepage, I couldn't help but think how helpful it would have been for my teachers to have resources such as this. It was always difficult to stay caught up on homework or daily assignments when you were absent because there was no way to know what had been covered in class that day without contacting the teacher. I definitely think programs like UEN can help to change that.
Now What: I think one of the biggest benefits that can come from using a website like UEN in education is improved communication between teachers, parents, and students. I think the best thing a teacher can do to contribute to their students' success is make sure they are well informed. I know that once I start teaching, I will want to utilize many technological tools in order to make my communication with parents and students is the best it can be.
UEN could be a great tool to use with other teachers in your school to share lessons that worked well for them or to provide solutions to questions that can arise in the daily classroom. By using this information from colleagues, we can ensure that our students are on the same page and learning at similar paces. Using UEN cannot only help you do that, but it can help the parents of your students to understand more about you and the style in which you are teaching their kids.
I think the more I learn about UEN, the more I will love using it. I can already see what a functional tool it can be in the classroom and I know that it would be very beneficial for communication. It is lessons such as this one that make me more excited to teach and make me believe that by using technology, I can provide a great educational foundation for my students.

Video Response: I absolutely love this video. I actually watched this speech the day it was given and it still gives me chills every time I hear it. I believe deeply in what Obama is saying when he highlights the importance of fulfilling your responsibilities as a student. I have always believed that you only learn what you want to learn. It is crucial to hold our students responsible for themselves. We can provide the tools for them to succeed, but we must also emphasize the importance of using these tools in the best way they can. I love when he talks about how everyone is good at something and how we must strive to find out what that is through education. I think a speech like this, especially coming from the President of the United States, can have a huge impact on students today.