I would be lying if I said that I loved technology. It is true that technology has it's benefits and it has provided me with many avenues for success professionally and personally. I would classify my relationship with technology as a love-hate relationship. While I see the many benefits, technology can be frustrating at times. I consider myself to be proficient with technology but there is always room for improvement. Many teachers probably feel the same or feel that technology is not worth the hassle. This could be why so many of our classrooms are lacking technology. Sometimes students know more about technology than teachers do. While that at first seems strange I think it's important to note that this is generation that is rising up. Our students are 21st century learners and we are expected to become 21st century teachers. In order to meet the needs of these kids, we have to be able to provide different avenues for assignments and lessons. Technology can engage and support our students in ways that are beyond our realm of teaching.
Throughout this course I have learned many different ways that technology can be incorporated in the classroom. I have learned that a classroom website can be beneficial for students, teachers, and parents to follow. In addition I have learned how to incorporate edomodo, skype, animoto, voicethread, digital story, blogs, and webquests into the curriculum. I believe that utilizing the various technology pathways can support my ESL students tremendously in their English proficiency and academic growth.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Digital Divide
The digital divide project was very eye opening as Megan and I associated this divide to the support that our population of students deeply needs. By researching digital divide, Megan and I quickly saw the faces of our students, many of whom are in the low income category. How can we make technology more accessible for these kids? The digital divide is an ethical issue that needs to be addressed (NETS Standard for Teacher Social, ethical, legal, and human issues). There needs to be a greater emphasis for meeting the needs of low income students and making it a priority to provide professional development for teachers.
We communicated via skype and created an animoto for this presentation. I enjoyed the animoto for graduate work but also for potential classroom use. The animoto is very user friendly and can be interpreted similarly to voicethread, which I use on a monthly basis with my students.
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Growing up Digital
"Growing Up Digital, Wired for Distraction"
This article discusses the effect that technology is having this generation of learners. The article portrays several fears and distractions taking place between today's students and the technological world they inhabit.
According to this article, technology is creating a world of students who will be wired differently than previous generations. One of the advantages to technology is the interactivity piece that motivates students and allows them to work together. Interaction within technology is a powerful tool that allows students to collaborate through different means. For example, students around the world can participate in blogging (more engaging than writing a paper) and voice thread (more engaging than classroom presentations). Students can then share their knowledge and interact with other students around the world. Without this kind of technology, these type of learning opportunities would not be preset.
I would include international blogging and voice thread in my classroom to incorporate global awareness. The major concern I would need to address would be, of course, internet safety. Students will have surnames and not give out any personal information. All communication between my students and students from other classrooms will be monitored.
Three kinds of classroom activities that could be used would be international blogging (comparing and contrasting opinions about a specific topic to students in different countries), voice thread (ELLs use voice thread as a low anxiety way to present about a topic), and wordle (Students create adjectives to describe a topic of discussion).
"10 File Management Tips"
This article provides file management advice for computers. The article briefly discusses the importance of file management, and then lists 10 tips for organization. An advantage of this technology is that it begins teaching students the importance of productive organization. Being organized is a necessity for most modern day jobs. Students will be better prepared for their future careers if we begin to teach them how to organize documents on the computer. File management can help students to access files quicker, instead of simply flipping through millions of sheets of paper. This increases productivity and speed, so they can move forward. If some students are not use to computers, or do not regularly have access to one then this skill could take time to develop. This exposure is necessary for future careers. I think there is a place in the classroom for teaching file management, especially in middle and high school when college and careers are more of a reality. Beginning to teach this early benefit them.
As previous stated, the potential for lack of background knowledge in computers could be a concern in teaching file management. However, I think that the exposure to technology and how to manipulate it is necessary for 21st century learners. The exposure and knowledge of computers and file management will benefit students in the long run. Teachers should be aware of the potential lack of background knowledge, and be patient in introducing the new topic. An appropriate amount of support is needed for all students.
Classroom activities that could be enhanced by file management: sorting and saving assignments, practice backing up documents, webquests to explain file management.
Designing Brochures and Newsletters
This article introduces tips and ideas (for non designers) in making newsletters and brochures. An advantage to brochures and newsletters is that it's another way to present a topic of information. Throughout the schooling years, students are required to learn a variety of informational texts, brochures and newsletters being included. Being able to create these types of documents is a 21st skill that is needed in the work place. This type of technology creates learning opportunities by exposing different types of informational texts. It also allows students to present new information in a new and meaningful way.
A concern that I would have for this type of learning in the classroom is the lack of teacher support needed to address an average class. It's assumed that this kind of project could raise questions and confusion for students. An additional teacher would be beneficial to help students so they would avoid the frustration stage.
Types of classroom activities: brochures about a topic, brochures for community and parent involvement activities, newsletters to present to parents about classroom happenings.
This article discusses the effect that technology is having this generation of learners. The article portrays several fears and distractions taking place between today's students and the technological world they inhabit.
According to this article, technology is creating a world of students who will be wired differently than previous generations. One of the advantages to technology is the interactivity piece that motivates students and allows them to work together. Interaction within technology is a powerful tool that allows students to collaborate through different means. For example, students around the world can participate in blogging (more engaging than writing a paper) and voice thread (more engaging than classroom presentations). Students can then share their knowledge and interact with other students around the world. Without this kind of technology, these type of learning opportunities would not be preset.
I would include international blogging and voice thread in my classroom to incorporate global awareness. The major concern I would need to address would be, of course, internet safety. Students will have surnames and not give out any personal information. All communication between my students and students from other classrooms will be monitored.
Three kinds of classroom activities that could be used would be international blogging (comparing and contrasting opinions about a specific topic to students in different countries), voice thread (ELLs use voice thread as a low anxiety way to present about a topic), and wordle (Students create adjectives to describe a topic of discussion).
"10 File Management Tips"
This article provides file management advice for computers. The article briefly discusses the importance of file management, and then lists 10 tips for organization. An advantage of this technology is that it begins teaching students the importance of productive organization. Being organized is a necessity for most modern day jobs. Students will be better prepared for their future careers if we begin to teach them how to organize documents on the computer. File management can help students to access files quicker, instead of simply flipping through millions of sheets of paper. This increases productivity and speed, so they can move forward. If some students are not use to computers, or do not regularly have access to one then this skill could take time to develop. This exposure is necessary for future careers. I think there is a place in the classroom for teaching file management, especially in middle and high school when college and careers are more of a reality. Beginning to teach this early benefit them.
As previous stated, the potential for lack of background knowledge in computers could be a concern in teaching file management. However, I think that the exposure to technology and how to manipulate it is necessary for 21st century learners. The exposure and knowledge of computers and file management will benefit students in the long run. Teachers should be aware of the potential lack of background knowledge, and be patient in introducing the new topic. An appropriate amount of support is needed for all students.
Classroom activities that could be enhanced by file management: sorting and saving assignments, practice backing up documents, webquests to explain file management.
Designing Brochures and Newsletters
This article introduces tips and ideas (for non designers) in making newsletters and brochures. An advantage to brochures and newsletters is that it's another way to present a topic of information. Throughout the schooling years, students are required to learn a variety of informational texts, brochures and newsletters being included. Being able to create these types of documents is a 21st skill that is needed in the work place. This type of technology creates learning opportunities by exposing different types of informational texts. It also allows students to present new information in a new and meaningful way.
A concern that I would have for this type of learning in the classroom is the lack of teacher support needed to address an average class. It's assumed that this kind of project could raise questions and confusion for students. An additional teacher would be beneficial to help students so they would avoid the frustration stage.
Types of classroom activities: brochures about a topic, brochures for community and parent involvement activities, newsletters to present to parents about classroom happenings.
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Response to Blogging
Blogging is a hot topic that has overtaken the schools. In this 21st century learning word, students are expected to interpret and analyze information in new ways. Zawilinski (2010) defines blogging as "a blog, short for weblog, is an easily editable webpage with posts or entries organized in reverse chronological order...The internet is this generations defining technology for literacy. It is home to a continuously emerging set of new technologies for literacy such as search engines, e-mail, blogs, wikis, instant messenger, social networking tools, and many others yet to emerge. Each requires new skills and strategies." Oravec (2002) also commented that weblogs are to be considered a genre in this given day and age. If this is to be true, and our students are increasingly dependent on technology then it's essential for them to navigate through these new strategies in order to better interpret what technology demands of them.
We can see how students around the world are using blogs to connect globally and also to create meaningful writing that strengthens literacy. Davis and McGrail (2009) share examples of successful blogging projects of a fifth grade class. This project allowed the students to connect with people around the world. Students from various countries could "comment" on their posts. These fifth graders were excited to see new posts. Writing through blogs encouraged students and engaged them in their writing. This kind of project takes basic objectives and adapts them for 21st century learners.
We can see how students around the world are using blogs to connect globally and also to create meaningful writing that strengthens literacy. Davis and McGrail (2009) share examples of successful blogging projects of a fifth grade class. This project allowed the students to connect with people around the world. Students from various countries could "comment" on their posts. These fifth graders were excited to see new posts. Writing through blogs encouraged students and engaged them in their writing. This kind of project takes basic objectives and adapts them for 21st century learners.
Davis, A.P., & McGrail, E.,
(2009, May). The joy of blogging. Educational
Leadership, 66(6), 74-77.
Downes, S. (2004,
Sept/Oct). Educational blogging, Educause Review, 14-26.
Oravec, J.A. (2002, Apr).
Bookmarking the world: Weblog applications in education. Journal of Adolescent &
Adult Literacy. 45(7), 616-622.
Zawilinski, L. (2009,
May). HOT blogging: A framework for blogging to promote higher
order thinking. The Reading Teacher, 62(8), 650-661.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Blog Review
Technology Assignment: Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach's blog found at http://www.21stcenturycollaborative.com/blog/.
a) What are the credentials or qualifications of the blogger(s)?
Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Powerful Learning Practice where she works with schools and districts from across the US, Canada, Australia, Brazil, United Kingdom, Israel, Norway, and China to re-envision their learning cultures and communities through the Connected Learner Experience and other e-learning opportunities. She has served as a classroom teacher, technology coach, charter school principal, district administrator, university instructor and digial learning consultant during her 25 years as an educator. She is also an author, and an international presenter.
b) What are three things you learned from one of the blogs you read
1. Her blogs have a high influence on 21st century learning.
2. Her philosophy of education is for passion based living and learning- "A great education should include creating an environment of amazing choices, rich literature, colorful experiences, conversations with diverse individuals and engaging learning activities from which students can choose."
3. Her posts are both professional and personal.
Wordle - Create
Wordle - Create
Another one of my new favorite pieces of technology is the "wordle." Through this website you can create an array of words about a particular topic. For example, using academic vocabulary about a specific subject (language arts: nonfiction).
Directions:
Click the above site to directly take you to the wordle page. From there pick you topic (example, non-fiction). Write the title multiple times in a row. This will ensure that the topic is big for the wordle.
Nonfiction nonfiction nonfiction nonfiction nonfiction
Then, create a list of words that describe your topic.
real
headings
captions
glossary
Click create and you have created a wordle! You can edit and design the wordle as you wish.
I have used this piece of technology in my classroom. The most recent was an end of the year activity. Students created an anonymous list of positive things to say about their classmates. Then students created a wordle of the things that their classmates said. It was a great end of the year activity for my students.
Another one of my new favorite pieces of technology is the "wordle." Through this website you can create an array of words about a particular topic. For example, using academic vocabulary about a specific subject (language arts: nonfiction).
Directions:
Click the above site to directly take you to the wordle page. From there pick you topic (example, non-fiction). Write the title multiple times in a row. This will ensure that the topic is big for the wordle.
Nonfiction nonfiction nonfiction nonfiction nonfiction
Then, create a list of words that describe your topic.
real
headings
captions
glossary
Click create and you have created a wordle! You can edit and design the wordle as you wish.
I have used this piece of technology in my classroom. The most recent was an end of the year activity. Students created an anonymous list of positive things to say about their classmates. Then students created a wordle of the things that their classmates said. It was a great end of the year activity for my students.
Techno-biography
My name is Kerianne Bethea and I am an Elementary ESL teacher for Wake County public schools. I am a 2010 graduate of Meredith College where I am currently pursuing a M.ed in ESL education. After graduating college I ran away to teach English as a Foreign Language in Spain. The school had very few resources and little access to technology. I was exposed to many aspects of technology in education while completing my student teaching at Meredith. Making the jump from an abundance of resources to very limited access helped me to appreciate the use of technology in today's classrooms.
While student teaching, I was able to incorporate technology into my lessons everyday. Now, as a current teacher, I still utilize technology and see the many benefits technology has on 21st century learning. In Spain the students had no computers, video cameras, CD players, or even projectors. It's safe to say that my students completely lacked the exposure to technology. In my school now students are able to use the smart board, ipads, ipods, computers, audio-players, etc. While the situations are different, I was able to see the benefits of technology through student learning.
Technology has impacted my students learning in many ways. ESL students NEED visuals and constant repetition in order to be successful learners of English. Students are able to listen to ebooks on the computer that highlights words for them. They are able to watch videos, participate in smart board activities, and play a variety of educational games. A piece of technology that I frequently utilize in my classroom is the use of voice thread. Through voice thread, students can record their own voices and create visuals to accompany their presentation. We have found this to be a low anxiety way of completing required classroom presentations. It is also a good assessment for students to hear how they sound.
While student teaching, I was able to incorporate technology into my lessons everyday. Now, as a current teacher, I still utilize technology and see the many benefits technology has on 21st century learning. In Spain the students had no computers, video cameras, CD players, or even projectors. It's safe to say that my students completely lacked the exposure to technology. In my school now students are able to use the smart board, ipads, ipods, computers, audio-players, etc. While the situations are different, I was able to see the benefits of technology through student learning.
Technology has impacted my students learning in many ways. ESL students NEED visuals and constant repetition in order to be successful learners of English. Students are able to listen to ebooks on the computer that highlights words for them. They are able to watch videos, participate in smart board activities, and play a variety of educational games. A piece of technology that I frequently utilize in my classroom is the use of voice thread. Through voice thread, students can record their own voices and create visuals to accompany their presentation. We have found this to be a low anxiety way of completing required classroom presentations. It is also a good assessment for students to hear how they sound.
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