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Andy Warhol would be proud:
and Bronx Zoo BFFs...
I really enjoyed using FotoFlexer in class today and I think it's a useful program for both educators and students. It allows individuals to express their ideas by using their creativity and imagination. I was surprised to see how many different projects are possible using FotoFlexer. For example, a teacher could use the program to manipulate pictures of his/her students in the class to use for holiday projects, classroom artwork, parent newsletters, etc. It's also a valuable resource for adapting images for use during lessons. FotoFlexer was so user friendly, that even students would be able to manipulate images and have fun! I think it's a great website, and will definitely be using it again for professional/personal use.
This is a concept map of a reading on Universal Design for Learning. It shows some of the essential characteristics of this educational theory. I decided the most efficient way to display the information I read would be to make a diagram breaking down the four main sections in the chapter.
*created on Inspiration software
English/ Language Arts K-4Content Standard 1: READING & REASONING: Students will read and respond in individual, literal, critical and evaluative ways to literary, informational and persuasive texts.
I will be focusing on the Reading/ Language Arts Content Standard 1 for the remainder of the semester because I feel it is the most relevant to me and the classroom I am currently in. We cover all of the subjects in our room, but we spend most of the day focusing on reading and comprehension (luckily, they are also my favorites to teach). In first grade, we really dive right into decoding and comprehension at the students' appropriate levels. Whether it be by drawing a picture, or writing just one or two sentences, I think a first grader has the ability to respond to different texts presented to them.
Digital technology also provides many resources and opportunities to enrich students' understanding of reading and language arts. There are great websites that can be used in the classroom, ex. using Google Images to find related images. Or even Kidspiration, to allow students to express themselves using technology.
With the information and skills acquired in this class, I hope to discover many more ways that technology can be used to enhance students' grasp of English/Language Arts as well to assess their knowledge.
"Technology use provides added value to teaching and learning" -Dexter
eTIPS-Educational Technology Integration and Implementation Principles by Sara Dexter provided good insight into the world of educational technology. Throughout the entire piece, she kept reminding the reader that when used appropriately, technology and media could enhance the classroom experience. I think it's essential for teachers to always keep in mind the type of learners they have in their class. Using media in the lessons could help the teachers get the attention of those students who are visual and auditory learners. It would allow the students to reach and access another level of understanding. As valuable as technology is, I believe it should be used to support a lesson and accompany other forms of teaching. For example, my class recently got a SmartBoard. It's an excellent resource that could be used for tons of different lessons. So far, we have used the SmartBoard once or twice to pull up a picture to display to the entire class. Without the advanced piece of technology, we would have had to print out the picture and make 17 copies. With the use of SmartBoard, we eliminated the photocopying and paper waste (think green!) and all the children were able to remain on the small rug and look at one big picture. Each and every day, I think of new ways technology could be used in our classroom. Just the other day, one of the teachers in 3rd grade told me she was teaching a lesson on Martin Luther King and within a few short minutes, had his "I Had a Dream Speech" video playing for the entire class. She compared it to past years, where her class read the speech outloud from a sheet of paper, and couldn't believe how much more interested and excited this class was. The future generation will have technology at their fingertips at such a young age, and it can only have positive results.
Dexter also discussed the importance of having the proper support in schools if new technology is present. I completely agree with her. Along with the newer faculty, there are many teachers at schools who have been there for 20+ years. They all need to have a technology support team present to instruct them on how to use the equipment and what to do if something breaks down. When people become frustrated with technology, they tend to back away and give up on it. The appropriate people need to be present in the school and have the background to educate the educators.
Our SmartBoard (or as our students like to call it...Mr. Computer Man) complete with googly eyes and a sparkly nose!
The MacBooks they provide all the teachers and TAs at GFA:
After our first class last night, I'm really looking forward to learn new ways I can integrate technology into my classroom. I'm currently working as a Teacher Assistant in a first grade classroom at Greens Farms Academy in Westport, CT. During our week of orientation/training, we sat through a 5 hour extensive SmartBoard session. I was amazed by all the things the SmartBoard could do and add to a classroom. Whether it be something as simple as the morning meeting message, or as complex as a quiz given to the entire class, I know the SmartBoard will be extremely useful and my students will love it. I think it's wonderful to incorporate technology at a young age, exposing them to the tools and terms, in hopes of making them feel comfortable so early on in their life.
How tech savvy do I think I am? In true teacher fashion, I would probably give myself a grade of a B. I know enough to "use" the programs from Microsoft Office and enjoy exploring creative programs such as PhotoShop, etc. I'm comfortable being introduced to new programs, and at times, look forward to the challenge.
First day of class and blog is set-up!
