5364+Teaching+With+Technology

__**Week 1**__

Web Conference- Well I missed it put in 7:00 instead of 4:00. I was even on my computer at the time. However I did read over the transcript from the event. Week 2 and 3 are going to be very heavy content area. Ok breath, focus, can do this.

Reflection: Over the past week we have read and watched videos over how to use technology in the classroom. We need to relook at how we teach and see if we can involve the learner more. Although I am just an elective teacher I could be a key part of changing how students are learning in the classroom. By using Wikis, Skype, and other sources we can share ideas and give ideas even if we are not face to face.

The classroom can no longer just be about lecturing the students. Teachers are trying to come up with new methods of teaching using technology. From the Flip Flop method in which you do the labs in the classroom and the lecture online. To the Web 2.0 tool that can be used to create animation, movies, and wordles. Students love to put their hands on their topic and make it work. We have to loosen up our control and let that happen.

Note to Self: I need to reorganize this page. Maybe put all my notes on one page for a class. Try to do this over Spring Break.

__**Week 2**__ Web Conference - IS AT 4:00 DON'T FORGET!!!!!!!!!!!

Reflection: So I am going to try to do something new this session, do things early. After reading the reading topics this week there are two main points I need to focus on. Class goals, individualize learning, and assessments. UDL seem to be the frame work of our learning environment. We need to focus on the end point or the learning point and then come up with how to get there. Technology is a tool that can be used in the classroom instead of a leaving it locked up. As an education system we must come up with new ways to motivate our students and keep them engaged in learning. Some students have no background with computers and some have had it since they came out of the womb. We have to be able to teach to all the learners and get our points across. How do we teach teachers who are afraid or do not want to use technology in the classroom? How do we combine classes to cross-walk between learning environment? Just some thoughts on this point. More to come….

Reflection: So I am beginning to see the big picture with this class. I have been doing outside reading for my School PLC H. Erickson's "Concept-Based Curriculum and Instruction for the Thinking Classromm" and N.Fichtman "Leading with Passion and Knowledge". Add with the information from Web 2.0 and H. Pitlers “Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works". There seems to be alot of concepts that are whirling withen my small brain. The big picture is that we have to do what is best for our students. As teacher's we need to create a learning environment that will open their eyes and engage them in the learning process. In the Concept-based book I found a cartoon that had a student screaming "Please no more facts to memorize". Although they need the basic information, we have to do it in way that keeps their interest. I talked about in one of my postings about a new method a co-teacher is using, one in which their lecture is online and the classroom time is used for labs and discussion. I wonder how this will work out? I need to put in place more UDL for my own lessons. Maybe more videos and hands on labs. I am interested in where this may lead. Signing off. Shannon
 * __Week 3__**

__**Week 4 **__ Reflection This has been an up and down week with this class. We thought we were on the right path, hit the wall, and had to re-group. The funny thing is it is alot like cooperative learning, you make a mistake and re-do and find the correct answer. As a group we have been working together to re-do alot of assignments. The big problem with this group is time. We have to take shifts in working on the project. Learning and dividing the project pieces up. Technology is fun and at the same time you want to pull your hair out. Having to go from an old format 2003 to 2010 in a week time was a big shift. I love the new software, just did not need that thrown at me with UIL, Stuco Election, and the normal deadlines for BCBC this week. However, like I told the new sponsor who had to do the election, you have to just breath, take a second and then step back up to get it done. Sometimes you have to have the reality check, is this life or death, what is the main learning point. The main learning point this week was cooperative learning and how to re-distrubete that into the learning system. One of the main focal points that is not discussed is the human connection. How to get smaller classes so you can learn how your students learn and help them out. I believe that the technology is the tool to help students. The teachers are the hand that can give the information. The students takes the tool and knowldege and create new information that shows the knowledge.

Finally got some really cool websites for new information for this week. __**Week 5 **__ Reflection Lifetime learning is fun, crazy, and hard. Spring time should not be called the time of awakening, but how many hours can you go without sleep. I really did like the readings and video this week. However, I may never show my students the article about games being a grade. Really, I actually had a discussion with them about that article. Many students could show mastery of different skills if they could do it with a game or interactive activity. They get bored with lectures and "Death"by power points that teachers want to give to show technology use. We discussed the idea of creating new games and how-to projects for different classes. The one thing I love about teaching technology is that it always changing. I may have the same unit, but I always have to change the way I am teaching it. For example, my DIMM classes are doing Desktop publishing over the next three weeks. One because I have to be gone and I know most of them know how to use the program and two they have fun creating things from scratch. In this Unit the students are creating a logo for a rock band. They have to create a logo and band name for their group. They then create a mulitutude of other items such as business cards, poster, band t-shirt and much more. This year I having them add a facebook page. Also, instead of a three page fold out, I am having them create an App for an Iphone. Although, they have spring fever and I having to be away at a conference, I have posted videos to show them how to use the software and what to expect. Emailing is becoming a great way to answer questions. I have learned to make things happen and try new things in my class due to being in this class.