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.