Friday, March 11, 2011

Reflective Blog #8

I can't believe how fast this semester as flown bye!! I have really enjoyed this class and have learned so much. I am now excited and not afraid to use technology in my classroom. I think that it brings an effective environment and the kids love it. My classroom is now a positive atmosphere for my students because they are excited to learn. I realized that by taking this class there are so many resources and opportunities to learn more about integrating technology in my lessons.

In my classroom this year I can say, it has really changed taking ETEC 524. I have used all the different resources and gadget in my classroom and  have introduced them to my students. I can truly say that this class has become a great tool and asset to my life and my students. This semester I have really enjoyed creating my Blog. I never thought how convenient it is and how great it is to incorporate into my classes.

I know that after this class I will keep using the resources I have learned and make sure to become more familar with even more resources that may be out there in internet world.LOL I do appreciate everything this class has offered this semester. I have learned more than I ever thought I would. Learning the different internet gadget I think that technology is actually taking over classrooms and love it. I'm so glad I have had the opportunity to take this class because it has opened my eyes to so many possibilities that will help me become a well rounded teacher for my students.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Reflective Blog #7


This week for the assignment, I developed a lesson plan so I could integrate technology for my students to learn a become more familiar with. Since I was recently introduce to delicious.com in this class a few weeks ago I decided to integrate this awesome resource in my lesson. I think that this is a great way for students to work together by collaborating and become more familiar with the internet.  I feel that this resource will work out great for my students! My students will be  engaged, motivated, and ready to learn more because they are interacting with one another and are being introduced to something new. Not only did I integrate the delicious site but I also integrated using a video clip. This way my students are introduce to a variety of different technologies.


Since this class has started I have absolutely learned more about different resources and how they are used in all the years I feel I have used the internet. I have never thought about using a blog for my class, or creating a wiki and introducing it in my lessons. I like the fact that I can show my students what is expected and it becomes more clear. My student now have a visual of what is expected and it helps out with class management. When my students enter the room I make sure their objective is visual so they know exactly what is expected and what their goal may be for the day. Having technology helps out tremendously in the classroom!!   



Sunday, February 27, 2011

Reflective Blog #6

After having the chance to work with podcasting I think that this resource is great! It’s a great tool we can use to work, teach, and learn.  It’s technology that can be taken to the next level in classrooms. For educators today, I feel that this would be a great asset for schools to learn and introduce in the classroom. Having the opportunity to learn online is another step to technology to our future with education.  

Podcasting allows us to use digital audio or video mainly with a host or theme. Not only can you use this tool in the classroom but you can also you it anytime and anywhere you would like. As teachers, I think we need this type of technology in our classrooms because it keeps our students engaged, motivated and ready to learn.  Introducing new and exciting gadgets to our students will provide a great impact in the classroom with a positive environment.

I know that after having the chance to learn about what podcasting is I can admit that using this resource I will for sure keep using it. I like change and think its a great opportunity to introduce to others.

I had the chance to create a podcast by explaining how to create a Skype account. I thought that creating this account would be a great way for students and teachers to work with their peers and collaborate with one another by have a variety of resources. Such as, instant messaging, video calls, group videos, and conference calls all in one. The best part about Skype is that it is FREE!!!
<a href="http://www.screencast.com/t/hvHZqXLwRz">My_first_podcast</a>

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Reflective Blog #5

After completing this weeks activities, I have had the chance to find reliable information. I am still learning how to use each tool, but from what I have discovered the internet has really helped me out by finding great resources. I am now starting to become more confident in using the Internet and gathering all the information I have learned over the semester in one area. Bookmarks are very convenient! I can now explore the Internet while my bookmarks are a click away and easy to access.

I think by having the Internet in schools today students will develop a tremendous amount of skills and be able to apply the tools they have learned in their classrooms . Its a great way for students to become more confident and keep track of the information they may need by bookmarking great resources.

This week I created my delicious account and I'm really glad I was introduced to a great  resource. I can't wait to introduce this site to my students.
  http://www.delicious.com/network/knk_03



Sunday, February 13, 2011

Reflective Blog #4

After reading the following article  Electronic Portfolios as Digital Stories of Deep Learning ,
 I can say, that I can relate to focusing on how students learn. I think that this is very important especially in my classroom. Student-centered learning is important to me because it focuses on the student's needs, abilities, interests, and learning styles. In which, me as the teacher as the facilitator of learning. By giving students centered learning it allows them to be responsible to their own learning.

This week I have been introduced to portfolio assessments and really like the idea. I think that its a great way to see progress with students learning. Not only to see what students have learned, but it's important work over a period of time they have demonstrated to become their best works. This assessment is much different than the standardized test pencil and paper. Making a change using technology can leave an effective impact on students learning.

This week I created my portfolio site, it's no where near finished but it's a work in progress. I think that by creating a portfolio online will help me in so many ways. For one, I am improving my learning,  I have never created or knew of an online portfolio assessment. I know that when this class is finished I will be able to look back and see my progress over the semester and add to it. I'm looking forward to using this for my students once I get more familiar with the tools.
You can locate my work at the following site...   https://sites.google.com/site/kimkirkpatrickportfolio/

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Reflective Blog #3

This week creating a wiki has been a very interesting learning experience. I think that by taking this class it has really opened me up to many great resources I can use in my classroom that will engage my students to want to interact with one another and collaborate ideas.

The wiki I created is for teachers to collaborate the different uses of technology education. Teachers can become familiar with other resources they have used in their classrooms and come together by giving great ideas This way teachers can share their resources that have made a positive impact with their students learning. http://kimkirkpatrick524.pbworks.com


The advantages using a wiki is that anyone that has access it's easy to use,you can edit, give feedback to others, and can be flexible in many ways. For instance, having a group assignment it's a good way to keep updated information with one another and collaborate ideas. It's also a great way for you to keep notes, browsing, and search for important information.

The disadvantages in my opinion are anyone can edit it and put false information. Also, it requires an Internet connection this can be hard if you have a class assignment and someone in your group does not have access to the Internet.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Reflective Blog #1

I am lucky, because through teaching, I get to live my passion.  I love working with children.  I love inspiring learning and love the results.  There is no better feeling than seeing one of the students finally get it.  I believe that each child is a unique individual who needs to be encouraged to show individuality.  It is my Educational Philosophy to provide a positive environment that supports creativity, risk-taking, and individuality.  

Blogging
I think that blogging is a great way to connect, share and collaborate with the internet world.  Being interactive with my peers is a great way to communicate.  I have never been in a class where the teacher used blogging.  I think this will be very useful and more teachers should try to integrate more technology into their lessons.

After reading Steven Downes’ article I really liked how he mentions |”The process of reading online, engaging a community, and reflecting it online is a process of bringing life into learning”.  I like how he breaks down the ends and outs about how blogging is about reading but also how it interests you, as in culture, your community, and your ideas. In my opinion I believe this is so true when I am reading I read hoping that it’s engaging and not boring. He mentions about the viewer’s perspective and the authors. Not only does Downes mention about students, I agree with him when a talks about how if a students  has nothing to blog about it is probably because the student’s has not yet been introduced into the world and has not yet learned to be involved in a community. I will always remember and take his advice when a student is blogging in education to make sure the student is successful he/she must be embraced and encouraged.
November’s article
Creating a Culture for Teaching and Learning, the most interesting in my eyes was Coming attraction: live videocameras in every classroom.I think that this is a great idea! I believe that this type of action can bring both good and bad effects. It can get the community and families more involved with their child’s education. Having parents see what their child is learning and how they learn is a great asset. In my opinion technology has really developed into a great tool for education and I’m excited to see how much further it’s going to grow in the education world.

What to expect?
This is my second educational class, I think I’m really going to enjoy this one. I believe that technology is very important to integrate in the classroom and a way to provide students a good tool that can assist in their learning an effective classroom environment. I’m hoping with this class I learn something that I already don’t know. So far its working, I have never created a blog before. This is a very interesting way to interact and communicate and I’m learning quickly how to use a Blog. I’m excited and ready to learn more technology.