Whiteboards

Today was another illuminating lesson. I realized that not all whiteboards are "Smartboards". I am also realizing that their is some stiff competition to the Smartboard. Regardless of what type of board I might get, I believe these interactive whiteboards are clearly the chalkboards of the next generation. I can barely wait to get my hands on my own to use all of the new things I have learned in this class on them.

Podcasting

This was such a fun lesson. I have been wanting to create youtube videos for the longest time, and Trakax is an excellent way to do that. I look forward to creating my own podcast, and can finally create some youtube videos of some obscure music tracks I have. I can see how I could use this technology in the classroom, and have yet another tool in my arsenal to stimulate young minds.

Webpage Design

I learned a lot from this lesson. I am learning different ways to create websites.I am excited to use google sites. I did not realize that there were so many ways to have an internet presence. After this class is over I think I will use this site creator for myself. I could also envision each student setting up a page as an online portfolio.

Educational Resources

I really enjoyed all of the interesting resources found in today's lesson. I will use many of them, including timeliner, kidspiration, and others. I wonder why I still have not seen any of these tools used in the classes I observe. As a matter of fact, I do not think I ever see the teachers at the computers, other than checking the news. I am really looking forward to using all of the new tools available to teachers.

Scavenger Hunts/Webquests

This lesson was interesting because I never knew about webquests or scavenger hunts. I saw things like them before, but never knew they actually had rules and a template on how they should be designed. I think these type of activities have great potential for students to spark their interest. There is a gamelike quality to them that make them seem like more fun than traditional book and paper learning. I would like to learn to design my own webquests that are a little more attractive than the ones I have seen during this lesson.

Websites

I appreciated this lesson because there were many things I already knew, but put down in words. There are so many websites out there, so the first thing I think when I look at one is who is behind the whole thing. This lesson provided many tips to think critically when viewing a website. It also gave me great pointers on how to create a good website of my own. I am learning a lot from this class.

Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging

This lesson was interesting to think about how I could use the templates in my classroom. I did some of my own searching, and really enjoyed all of the different kinds of templates out there. I also liked the digital imaging assignment, because I found a great tool online to fix photos, Fotoflexer. I really like the fact that this tool was online, and did not have to download it to my computer. I think such programs will become increasingly popular.

Web 2.0

This lesson was the most interesting so far. I am very interested in using Web 2.0 applications in my classroom. The variety of ways to use these new tools is amazing, and they are also fun for kids to use. I am also interested in learning how to use these tools myself, and am glad that this class is exposing me to a broader variety of them.

Adaptive Technology

Today class was about a subject I have had some exposure to recently, adaptive technologies. I realize as a teacher that all students have potentials and abilities, and that physical and cognitive disabilities can be a barrier between the student and their development. It is astounding how adaptive technologies are being developed that are increasingly unlocking the untapped potential of these students. I will not be afraid to have such students in my classroom and will do my best to provide them the best proper education and adaptive technology available.

Spreadsheets

Today's lesson was on something I was not very familiar with, spreadsheets. I am learning how powerful these tools can be to quantify data, and get a better idea of where my students are at. I also see the use of spreadsheets in presenting information to the students themselves as well as their parents.

Digital Immigrants/Natives

Today's lesson was very interesting. I enjoyed the articles on digital natives and immigrants. I realize just how old I am now, and one important thing I learned was that I must do my best to remain up-to-date with technology if I wish to be an effective teacher.