I created a mind map for the ISTE NETS and Performance Indicators for teachers. I used the application Inspiration 9 and inserted my own creative images I found. Each standard has two artifacts connected to it that I completed.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Inspiration/Mindmapping
I created a mind map for the ISTE NETS and Performance Indicators for teachers. I used the application Inspiration 9 and inserted my own creative images I found. Each standard has two artifacts connected to it that I completed.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Journal 9: Adaptive Technology
NETS-T 2, 3, 4, 5
Communication- What is AAC?
Augmentative and Alternative communication (AAC) is a term used to describe a substitute way of any form of communication that is used to express the thoughts, needs, ideas and wants of students with severe speech problems. AAC is used to supplement or replace natural speech. AAC devices can help improve and support students' academic achievement, self -confidence and social skills. AAC devices vary in electronic usage from no-tech, to low-tech to high-tech.
A low/no tech device is the Mayer-Johnson's Picture Communication Symbols (PCS). It displays a library of symbols and pictures to represent objects or persons around the student. The student can point to a picture to represent their message. For example, pointing to a sandwich can mean, "I would like to eat a sandwich". It may seem simple and basic, however; a communication display, like the PCS, lets the student make choices without the frustration due to a disability to verbally communicate. A low tech device such as this does require the person being communicated with to give their full attention and the student gets the attention they need effectively. It can really support and encourage any student to communicate if the right system is set in place with this device.
Accessibility-
To help students become apart of a general education class there are some input devices that help people with special needs in using technology, most commonly the computer. Many of these devices can support people with speech impairment, hearing impairment, limited motor skills, and more. Devices can be attached to computers or through software downloaded onto the computer.
A hardware device is the Magic Touch Add-On Touch Screen Notebook this instantly converts your standard notebook/computer into a touch interactive device. The MagicTouch Touch Screen’s USB interface is compatible with Windows or Mac. This piece of hardware can be great to use in the classroom.
A software program for people with reading and writing difficulties, that has text reinforced by hearing it read aloud can be very useful. Specialised programs have existed to do this for a long time, and in many cases are extremely helpful and highly appropriate. WordTalk is a free text-to-speech plugin developed for use with all versions of Microsoft Word. It will speak the text of the document and highlight it as it goes. It contains a talking dictionary to help decide which word spelling is most appropriate. Some features are allowing you to adjust the highlight colors, change the voice and speed of the speech, convert text to speech and save as a .wav or .mp3 file so that it can be played back on an iPod or mp3 player.
Communication- What is AAC?
Augmentative and Alternative communication (AAC) is a term used to describe a substitute way of any form of communication that is used to express the thoughts, needs, ideas and wants of students with severe speech problems. AAC is used to supplement or replace natural speech. AAC devices can help improve and support students' academic achievement, self -confidence and social skills. AAC devices vary in electronic usage from no-tech, to low-tech to high-tech.
A high tech device is the Comtek FM Assistance learning tool. A compact wireless, portable, battery operated radio transmitter. This is used to help hard of hearing students to better have speech clarity from their instructor. Instructors wear a microphone that is connected to a transmitter. It reduces un-necessary sounds/noises and focuses only on what the person is suppose to hear. It can also be connected to a hearing aid or cochlear implant.
Accessibility-
To help students become apart of a general education class there are some input devices that help people with special needs in using technology, most commonly the computer. Many of these devices can support people with speech impairment, hearing impairment, limited motor skills, and more. Devices can be attached to computers or through software downloaded onto the computer.
A software program for people with reading and writing difficulties, that has text reinforced by hearing it read aloud can be very useful. Specialised programs have existed to do this for a long time, and in many cases are extremely helpful and highly appropriate. WordTalk is a free text-to-speech plugin developed for use with all versions of Microsoft Word. It will speak the text of the document and highlight it as it goes. It contains a talking dictionary to help decide which word spelling is most appropriate. Some features are allowing you to adjust the highlight colors, change the voice and speed of the speech, convert text to speech and save as a .wav or .mp3 file so that it can be played back on an iPod or mp3 player.
Journal 8:Find the Truth About the Pacific Tree Octopus
Ferrell, K. (2011). Find the truth about the pacific tree octopus. Learning and Leading with Technology, 39(1), Retrieved fromhttp://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-august-2011.aspx
NETS-T 1, 2, 3
I truly enjoyed this article, mainly because this is exactly what I learned in college in several courses to teach my future students. This article is about the phony, misleading, non-reputable websites that fill our search engine results. One teacher asked his students to do a research project; on purpose he asked them to research topics/phrases that he knew would come up as false information. The Tree Octopus and All about Explorers were his topics. This is such a beneficial and great idea for an assignment. Surely enough his students came back with an abundance of bogus research, including pictures. As he had the students share they soon realized some flaws. This lead to the discussion on how to be aware of this and how to find scholarly articles/websites.
1.) What are some tips to make sure you find a reputable website?
Look at the URL suffix .edu, .org, .gov is a good sign. Use library databases to find articles for example EBSCO, and do not rely on search engine results just because it is the first or second link listed. There is a way on Google to do an advanced search to try and filter out these type of non-factual websites. Ask your students to use a specific search engine filtered for kids, I read about one kidrex.org. As stated in the article use the 5Ws-who, what, when ,where and why.
2.) Why would an assignment like this one create a greater impact than just talking about it?
It is the personal experience, this teacher said his students were "stupefied" and made comments about their experience that there was even pictures. It makes for a richer discussion if the students actually experienced it for themselves and made it easier to relate to the discussion and to each other. This lasting impact of "a harsh dose of reality" makes them use their critical thinking skills.
NETS-T 1, 2, 3
I truly enjoyed this article, mainly because this is exactly what I learned in college in several courses to teach my future students. This article is about the phony, misleading, non-reputable websites that fill our search engine results. One teacher asked his students to do a research project; on purpose he asked them to research topics/phrases that he knew would come up as false information. The Tree Octopus and All about Explorers were his topics. This is such a beneficial and great idea for an assignment. Surely enough his students came back with an abundance of bogus research, including pictures. As he had the students share they soon realized some flaws. This lead to the discussion on how to be aware of this and how to find scholarly articles/websites.
1.) What are some tips to make sure you find a reputable website?
Look at the URL suffix .edu, .org, .gov is a good sign. Use library databases to find articles for example EBSCO, and do not rely on search engine results just because it is the first or second link listed. There is a way on Google to do an advanced search to try and filter out these type of non-factual websites. Ask your students to use a specific search engine filtered for kids, I read about one kidrex.org. As stated in the article use the 5Ws-who, what, when ,where and why.
2.) Why would an assignment like this one create a greater impact than just talking about it?
It is the personal experience, this teacher said his students were "stupefied" and made comments about their experience that there was even pictures. It makes for a richer discussion if the students actually experienced it for themselves and made it easier to relate to the discussion and to each other. This lasting impact of "a harsh dose of reality" makes them use their critical thinking skills.
Journal 7: My Personal Learning Network
NETS-T 5
A Personal Learning Network (PLN) is, a learner that interacts with and derives knowledge from a personal learning environment through online collaboration/ web- based tools. Learners create connections and develop a network that contributes to their professional development and knowledge. The learner does not have to know these people personally or ever meet them in person, it can be done globally. Examples are Twitter, Diigo (social bookmarking sites), Blogs, Skype, and more.
As a future educator my PLN, I believe will benefit me tremendously. The connections I will form with people around the globe who have an education background will provide me with an endless supply of resources and materials. I will be able to expand my network and mind to its fullest potential. My network will most importantly make my life a little simpler, as said by my professor Jeff Heil, "work smarter, not harder!"
Twitter:
Digital Discussion Forum:
The Educator's PLN is a valuable and beneficial website for teachers because it offers a a way to connect with other educators from around the globe. The website offers current videos discussing many issues on education, groups related to education, forums, blogs and an events page. The Educator's PLN is also linked to Twitter (tweets related to edchat) and Facebook . This website is advantageous for anyone interested in education because it is full of great resources. I watched a video with George Siemens, an educational technologies expert. This video was titled Future of Education: Is It Possible to De-School Society? He asked the questions: what are schools doing?, what are schools there for? what is it that schools do well? The functionality of schools? I really thought his discussion was quite interesting and made perfect sense. What he means by de-school society is de-institutionalizing it. The institution of schooling has taken out the "good stuff," "fun stuff." He gives an example of his own daughter which is something I have experienced myself. He says after about fifth grade his daughter stopped enjoying school, becoming de-motivated. This is because the creativity is usually lost at this level and school becomes less fun. His daughter got a teacher who taught, by that I mean wasn't engaging. Children like to explore and have fun, they want to have personal learning experiences in school that reflect their interests. Children are not good at sitting (everyone knows this) because their brains aren't wired for that. This idea of institutionalized society can be seen in school, work, health care. He says school should not be focused on curriculum but focused on learning and I mostly agree with this statement. However, we won't see formal education de-school but we will see the development of a more parallel system based on student's passion through emerging technology and the internet. He says and I like "we still have a lot more work to do but cracks of light are coming in."
Visit The Educator's PLN
A Personal Learning Network (PLN) is, a learner that interacts with and derives knowledge from a personal learning environment through online collaboration/ web- based tools. Learners create connections and develop a network that contributes to their professional development and knowledge. The learner does not have to know these people personally or ever meet them in person, it can be done globally. Examples are Twitter, Diigo (social bookmarking sites), Blogs, Skype, and more.
As a future educator my PLN, I believe will benefit me tremendously. The connections I will form with people around the globe who have an education background will provide me with an endless supply of resources and materials. I will be able to expand my network and mind to its fullest potential. My network will most importantly make my life a little simpler, as said by my professor Jeff Heil, "work smarter, not harder!"
Twitter:
My use of Twitter is still a work in progress, but Twitter allows me to connect with other educators who share their ideas, favorite links, lessons, and resources/tools. I have begun to build my network with fellow students, teachers, and people interested/connected in education. Some of the people I follow include: Shannon Miller, who wrote a great article in Leading and Learning. Suzie Nestico, a current teacher who is aspiring to be a principal like myself. Cooperative Catalyst, who is re-visioning education in the 21st century and wrote an article about why it is important to accept late homework that I really enjoyed, just to name a few.
Digital Discussion Forum:
The Educator's PLN is a valuable and beneficial website for teachers because it offers a a way to connect with other educators from around the globe. The website offers current videos discussing many issues on education, groups related to education, forums, blogs and an events page. The Educator's PLN is also linked to Twitter (tweets related to edchat) and Facebook . This website is advantageous for anyone interested in education because it is full of great resources. I watched a video with George Siemens, an educational technologies expert. This video was titled Future of Education: Is It Possible to De-School Society? He asked the questions: what are schools doing?, what are schools there for? what is it that schools do well? The functionality of schools? I really thought his discussion was quite interesting and made perfect sense. What he means by de-school society is de-institutionalizing it. The institution of schooling has taken out the "good stuff," "fun stuff." He gives an example of his own daughter which is something I have experienced myself. He says after about fifth grade his daughter stopped enjoying school, becoming de-motivated. This is because the creativity is usually lost at this level and school becomes less fun. His daughter got a teacher who taught, by that I mean wasn't engaging. Children like to explore and have fun, they want to have personal learning experiences in school that reflect their interests. Children are not good at sitting (everyone knows this) because their brains aren't wired for that. This idea of institutionalized society can be seen in school, work, health care. He says school should not be focused on curriculum but focused on learning and I mostly agree with this statement. However, we won't see formal education de-school but we will see the development of a more parallel system based on student's passion through emerging technology and the internet. He says and I like "we still have a lot more work to do but cracks of light are coming in."
Visit The Educator's PLN
Journal 6: Student Voices for Change
Miller, S. (2011). Student voices for change. Learning and Leading with Technology, 38(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-june-july-2011.aspx
NETS-T 1, 3, 4, 5
What an amazing article this is about young people having the chance to be leaders with a voice. This article talks about an educational transformation that has taken place in a school that adopted a one to one laptop initiative and strong focus on technology. This transformation was proven by the voices of the students who experienced it. These students as young as fifth grade presented in front of school administrators, legislators, board members and much more. They told their inspiring stories about blogging, Skype, making YouTube videos, social networking for research and online collaboration. These students really showed ownership over their own learning. I loved how one child said "Do not use a manual," referring to when you start a blog or website. These students have a lot to offer and honestly have the tools and resources for more things than I did in college. Our future is looking bright and although it is not realistic for every school to have laptops due to funding and budget cuts, this still remains an inspiration and empowerment of what can be.
1.) What are young people capable of?
Anything, as stated in the article, "our children are our greatest resources." Children don't need manuals, give them something to "play" with and they will figure it out on their own. It really is an example of hands-on learning using technology and this is how we allow them to be creative and engaging. A 10 year old can start a blog, a high schooler can communicate through personal learning networks to connect with engineers or photographer experts. The list is really endless of what young people are capable of and I'm glad to hear they are given a voice.
2.) How can their voice be heard?
This article proves that if given the opportunity their voice can be heard by hundreds. Through meetings with school authorities, at presentations/conferences. Through online collaboration with others globally. The one school in Iowa according to me a not so popular place has put itself on the map in the world of technology and innovation.
NETS-T 1, 3, 4, 5
What an amazing article this is about young people having the chance to be leaders with a voice. This article talks about an educational transformation that has taken place in a school that adopted a one to one laptop initiative and strong focus on technology. This transformation was proven by the voices of the students who experienced it. These students as young as fifth grade presented in front of school administrators, legislators, board members and much more. They told their inspiring stories about blogging, Skype, making YouTube videos, social networking for research and online collaboration. These students really showed ownership over their own learning. I loved how one child said "Do not use a manual," referring to when you start a blog or website. These students have a lot to offer and honestly have the tools and resources for more things than I did in college. Our future is looking bright and although it is not realistic for every school to have laptops due to funding and budget cuts, this still remains an inspiration and empowerment of what can be.
1.) What are young people capable of?
Anything, as stated in the article, "our children are our greatest resources." Children don't need manuals, give them something to "play" with and they will figure it out on their own. It really is an example of hands-on learning using technology and this is how we allow them to be creative and engaging. A 10 year old can start a blog, a high schooler can communicate through personal learning networks to connect with engineers or photographer experts. The list is really endless of what young people are capable of and I'm glad to hear they are given a voice.
2.) How can their voice be heard?
This article proves that if given the opportunity their voice can be heard by hundreds. Through meetings with school authorities, at presentations/conferences. Through online collaboration with others globally. The one school in Iowa according to me a not so popular place has put itself on the map in the world of technology and innovation.
Journal 5: Harness the Power
Duncan, A. (2011). Harnessing the power of technology. Learning and Leading with Technology, 38(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-june-july-2011.aspx
NETS-T 3,5
The author of this article Arne Duncan, is the U.S. secretary of education. He discusses the plans for the future of technology in the classroom and what is already in place. Schools (all schools) will be turned into innovative learning environments. Technology has the power to personalize learning experiences. The issue is some teachers see technology as an "add-on" to their lesson plans and not integral to the process of teaching and learning. He encourages "us" meaning those who have the passion, knowledge and experience to work with our peers/colleagues and lead the way to innovative and effective teachers. A very powerful example through the use of technology related to student success is, a student who is hesitant to read books can become more interested when the assignment becomes more engaging and leads the student to the internet for a scavenger hunt or to help the character in the book solve the conflict. "These innovations address students' specific learning needs and accelerate achievement."
1.) What is the ARPA-ED?
The U.S. Department of Education proposed the establishment of the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Education. This agency will pursue technological breakthroughs that have potential to transform teaching and learning. This will move us away from technology being an isolated program that isn't part of the students' daily learning experiences.
2.) What goals are being set for the future, are these goals important?
The Obama administration made a significant investment to set the goal that 98% of the country will have available broadband internet in the next five years. For those of us living in San Diego, it may be hard to realize that a significant number of schools especially those low income and in rural areas have no internet access. This limits teachers and students to the productive value of technology to assist the learning process. I believe this is a very important and beneficial goal to the country as a whole and will definitely help make education equal for all students and so these innovations can be accessible to everyone.
NETS-T 3,5
The author of this article Arne Duncan, is the U.S. secretary of education. He discusses the plans for the future of technology in the classroom and what is already in place. Schools (all schools) will be turned into innovative learning environments. Technology has the power to personalize learning experiences. The issue is some teachers see technology as an "add-on" to their lesson plans and not integral to the process of teaching and learning. He encourages "us" meaning those who have the passion, knowledge and experience to work with our peers/colleagues and lead the way to innovative and effective teachers. A very powerful example through the use of technology related to student success is, a student who is hesitant to read books can become more interested when the assignment becomes more engaging and leads the student to the internet for a scavenger hunt or to help the character in the book solve the conflict. "These innovations address students' specific learning needs and accelerate achievement."
1.) What is the ARPA-ED?
The U.S. Department of Education proposed the establishment of the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Education. This agency will pursue technological breakthroughs that have potential to transform teaching and learning. This will move us away from technology being an isolated program that isn't part of the students' daily learning experiences.
2.) What goals are being set for the future, are these goals important?
The Obama administration made a significant investment to set the goal that 98% of the country will have available broadband internet in the next five years. For those of us living in San Diego, it may be hard to realize that a significant number of schools especially those low income and in rural areas have no internet access. This limits teachers and students to the productive value of technology to assist the learning process. I believe this is a very important and beneficial goal to the country as a whole and will definitely help make education equal for all students and so these innovations can be accessible to everyone.
Journal 4: One Size Never Fits All
Courduff, J. (2011). One size never fits all. Learning and Leading with Technology, 38(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-june-july-2011.aspx
NETS-T 1, 2
This article discusses integrating technology into special education. I personally have experience working with those with special needs, therefore; this article was inspiring to me. One particular school district looked for ways to improve this technology gap they had between general education classes and special education classes. They implemented a technology support program for teachers to help students with special needs through using existing technological resources into instructional practices. The results were successful and students were meet their IEP goals more quickly. Although, it is not an easy or quick task for teachers to transition from knowing how to use technology to actually integrating it into learning tasks. This particular program has three tiers (not years because that isn't enough time), a lot focuses on online collaboration.
1.) What are some ways technology supports students with special needs?
Many success stories are written about in this article. A few examples are children who have trouble organizing thoughts and putting those thoughts into words. Because of these struggles a child has makes them not motivated at all to write. Programs like speech to text in MS Word, word prediction and text to speech programs have changed the attitudes of otherwise unmotivated to enthusiastic about using the computer to "write" or tell stories. The article states this has proven to encourage students to read and write daily which then improves grades and scores.
2.) Can this be done in other districts?
Yes, I believe it can. A school district does not need a ton of money to implement a similar program like this, all they need is teachers who are willingly to learn and who care. Teachers who are willingly to put in some extra time to improve the success of their students. Taking this technology class alone I have realized how much FREE online resources are available and they are not hard to find. Having teachers participate in online collaboration through already established personal learning networks is key to this concern. It will definitely take some time but with support and resources I believe districts can well be on their way to integrating technology into special education.
NETS-T 1, 2
This article discusses integrating technology into special education. I personally have experience working with those with special needs, therefore; this article was inspiring to me. One particular school district looked for ways to improve this technology gap they had between general education classes and special education classes. They implemented a technology support program for teachers to help students with special needs through using existing technological resources into instructional practices. The results were successful and students were meet their IEP goals more quickly. Although, it is not an easy or quick task for teachers to transition from knowing how to use technology to actually integrating it into learning tasks. This particular program has three tiers (not years because that isn't enough time), a lot focuses on online collaboration.
1.) What are some ways technology supports students with special needs?
Many success stories are written about in this article. A few examples are children who have trouble organizing thoughts and putting those thoughts into words. Because of these struggles a child has makes them not motivated at all to write. Programs like speech to text in MS Word, word prediction and text to speech programs have changed the attitudes of otherwise unmotivated to enthusiastic about using the computer to "write" or tell stories. The article states this has proven to encourage students to read and write daily which then improves grades and scores.
2.) Can this be done in other districts?
Yes, I believe it can. A school district does not need a ton of money to implement a similar program like this, all they need is teachers who are willingly to learn and who care. Teachers who are willingly to put in some extra time to improve the success of their students. Taking this technology class alone I have realized how much FREE online resources are available and they are not hard to find. Having teachers participate in online collaboration through already established personal learning networks is key to this concern. It will definitely take some time but with support and resources I believe districts can well be on their way to integrating technology into special education.
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