WHY TECHNOLOGY?

During our Elluminate session on November 29th, I would like you to come prepared to discuss, "Why Technology? ~ Why is it important? ~ Why do our students expect it? ~ Why should we stay current in our instructional practices? Read the statements below and watch the video. Then, begin to pull your thoughts together. I am expecting a lively discussion!

As Georgia begins to make the transition to the Common Core GPS (CCGPS), our goal is to graduate students from high school who are "College and Career Ready". What does this mean? In order to be ready for college, workforce training, and life in a technological society, students need the ability to gather, comprehend, evaluate, synthesize, and report on information and ideas, to conduct original research in order to answer questions or solve problems, and to analyze and create a high volume and extensive range of print and nonprint texts in media forms old and new. The need to conduct research and to produce and consume media must be embedded into every aspect of today’s curriculum.

Today we must expect that our "Students will use engaging technologies in collaborative, inquiry-based learning environments with teachers who are willing and able to use technology's power to assist them in transforming knowledge and skills into products, solutions, and new information."

Following is a statement made on November 15, 2011 by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan:

"Children live in an ever-more interconnected world where their success in competing for the jobs of tomorrow will increasingly depend on their ability to understand, operate and adapt to computer-based technology and online environments. And, we are seeing that smart use of technology can improve the opportunity to learn for people of all ages. Applying technology to our entire education system can have a cascading impact on improving student learning, expanding effective practices, using data to support decision-making and encourage continuous improvement."

Here is a great video that helps us begin to think about technology from the perspective of our students.

WEEK 13

As always, I loved being with all of you in class.  I enjoyed your presentations and always enjoy our conversations.  This week we talked about upcoming assignments.  Here is a recap:

1.  Your blog ~ Once you have created your blog, email me the url (hyperlink) so that I can view your blog and so that I can share a link to your blog from here.  Remember, you are going to select a template  for your background (found in the settings).  You are going to add at least one post, and if possible, add the "gadget" that allows people (like me!) to be a follower of your blog.  That is a fun feature and will allow all of you to continue to share ideas after the semester is over. I would love it if you would also try to add a graphic to your post.  The graphics are just a fun element that makes the blog more visually appealing to visitors.

2.  Your final paper ~ Integrating Technology into __________ (fill in your content area).  This is an APA paper that should be 6-8 pages long.  Please include a cover page and a reference page.  I expect a minimum of five CURRENT (less than 3 years old) references. I want them to be very current because technology becomes outdated so quickly.  Remember that I am a stickler for correct spelling, grammar, and conventions; please PROOFREAD before sending it to me. Teachers are held to a higher standard and you are expected to communicate in an error free manner.  Please also copy/paste your paper into our Discussion Board (do NOT attach).  Click on the page here on this blog to access information to help you if you are not sure about how to format a paper in APA style.

3.  Annotated websites ~ Check out the template that is loaded in Course Documents.  Also, click on Examples of Projects here on the blog to see a sample.  Choose 10 GREAT websites in your content area to share with your classmates.  This will help us all build up a terrific collection of resources at our fingertips.  The "annotated" part means that you are providing a description of what your classmates and I can expect to find at each link.  Be specific so that we have a clear idea of what the website can do for us.

As always, please call or text me if you have questions.  Remember, I cannot access BPC email while I am at work during the day.  I will be out of reach on Wednesday evening before Thanksgiving and all day Thanksgiving as I try to set aside that time for my precious family.  Other than those two times, you can always reach me.  I am never too busy to help you get to a place where you are feeling confident and set up for success.

On a personal note, I want each of you to have a perfect Thanksgiving holiday filled with food, fun, friends, and family.  Continue to pray for our little EDU309 family and I will do the same.  I am so lucky to have the opportunity to work with future teachers and to do so in such a wonderful Christian atmosphere here at BPC. Please know that when I count my blessings, you are among them.

Fondly, Dr. W. 

PRACTICE POST

This is us practicing how to add a post to a blog.  Posting is a lot like using Word; they icons are the same.  Posting is easy and quick.  You can add a picture with a simple click and suddenly your post looks like a lot more fun.  You can also add video clips, and hyperlinks.  You can change the color of your text if you choose.

Week 12 Updates

Congratulations to Linda, Matt, and Teresa for getting some great projects posted on our Examples of Projects page.  Nice work, everyone.  It is always hard to select one from all the great samples you produce!


This week:


We will NOT meet in Elluminate on Tuesday.
Work on your technology-rich lesson plan.  Post your lesson plan on Wednesday, and email it to me since I am still unable to open any attachments on CourseSites.  Read your classmates' lesson plans and comment with constructive ideas and suggestions.
Begin working on your final paper:  Integrating Technology into ___________ (fill in your assigned content area).  
Email your reflection to me on Sunday.

What fun I had in class tonight!  I genuinely enjoy our time together.  Graphic organizers is such a fun topic and one of my favorites.  Remember, I want you to "pinky swear" that you will use them when you have a classroom of your own.  Graphic organizers allow students to visualize abstract concepts and then define them in a concrete way.  Not only that, but they give kids purpose while learning, are interactive and engaging.  Remember my motto, "Kids who are engaged in learning ARE learning!"


Check out the research on graphic organizers; you will be amazed!


I hope you have fun creating your graphic organizer.  My suggestion is that you create one that will go with your content area lesson plan.  Your lesson plan has to include technology components, and this would be one component.  I also suggest that you save a link to graphic organizers as one to include in your annotated website assignment.  I LOVE getting two activities out of one item, don't you?


Stay in touch with me via the blog, the phone, text messages, or emails.  I love hearing from you and always have time for my students.

Have a perfect week!  Fondly, Dr. W.

CHAPTER 12

My friend teaches 5th grade social studies.  Her next unit is on the Civil War / War Between the States.  Put yourself in her shoes and leave some suggestions on how she could use technology to bring this important (but long ago) topic to life for her students.

What types of technology and/or applications could she use with her students?  Can the technology of today really be used with something that happened so long ago?

Share your thoughts...Leave a comment below.

PowerPoint Presentation

Here is a sample of the PowerPoint presentation for your content area.  Share some ideas you have discovered for how a classroom teacher could use technology to bring learning to life.  Remember, technology will get kids actively engaged in their own learning.

Sample presentation

View more presentations from jwalts.

WEEK 8!

Wow!  How time flies when you are having fun!  I just can't believe we are in Week 8 and at the halfway mark in our semester.  I am so proud of all the great technology tools you have already mastered and so excited for all the exciting projects yet to come.

This week's PowerPoint presentation is posted here on the PowerPoint page of the blog if you want to revisit it.  If you click on "Examples of Projects" you will find the Table/Rubric we worked on and also the sample of the Newsletter we worked with in class this evening.

The Table/Rubric project is due this Saturday and your Newsletter is due next Saturday (Week 9).  As always, check in with me if you need assistance with anything.  I will try to get step-by-step Podcasts posted this week for the Table and the Newsletter.  Keep checking in with the blog.

I was looking at the Hit Counter for the blog and we have logged in over 2000 hits; that tells me that you are using the blog and that it is an effective way for us to communicate.  I can't wait to teach you how to set up your own blog!

I posted my Smilebox on the Digital Slideshow page here on the blog.  I have enjoyed your slideshows tremendously; I feel as though I know each of you so much better.  So cruise around my house with me here at Fox Hollow as I welcome my favorite season, Autumn!

Keep up the good work.  You make me proud; I see real 21st Century teachers emerging!

As always, I enjoyed our time together this evening.  I hope that the discussion about the lesson plan template was helpful.  I have emailed you a copy of the annotated lesson plan and I have posted it in the HOW TO section of this blog.

Our powerpoint presentation was posted on this blog as well.

You may access a copy of the Peanut WebQuest in the EXAMPLES section of the blog or in Course Documents.

Send me the code for your digital slideshows so that I can post them here on the blog to share.

As always, let me know if you need help with anything.  I am so very proud of all your hard work.

CONTENT AREA LESSON PLANS

I enjoyed our class this evening.  Here is a list of content areas you have chosen.  Be thinking about a grade level and a standard that you want to use for your technology-infused lesson plan. 


Amber = Math
Anna = Reading
Ashley = Math
Brenda = Language Arts
Brittanie = Language Arts
Haley = Math
Jessica = Language Arts
Kerri = Social Studies
Kelci = Math
Linda = Reading
Matt = Social Studies
Myesha = Math
Teresa = Social Studies
Tonya = Reading

LEAVE A COMMENT: CHAPTER 8

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:  As a classroom teacher, how do you perceive your role in the selection of web-based resources?  More and more learning materials are found on the internet rather than on software that we select and load.  How does having material on the internet change your role as a teacher?  How will you keep your students safe as they use web-based research for learning new skills?

WEEK 6

Can you believe it is already Autumn?  Neither can I!  


First, let me thank all of you for your messages and prayers.  My lung infection progressed to "hospital bad" and I have really been out of commission.  I finally feel that the new medications are beginning to work and I am starting to remember what it feels like to be me.  So again, thank you for your prayers and your patience.


I just loved reading your Learning Styles papers.  As a class you did a tremendous job of summarizing the research and making personal connections to how this knowledge will impact you as a classroom teacher.  Overall, they were just wonderful, so here is another big "thank you" for a job well done!


Now, let's look at what is coming this week ~ Week 6:  
Monday:  visit this blog and post a comment about Chapter 8.
Tuesday:  meet me in Elluminate.
Wednesday:  post your reaction paper to Chapter 8.
Thursday: read your classmates' papers.
Friday: respond to three classmates.
Saturday: email me the link or the code to your digital slide show.
Sunday: email me your weekly reflection.

Be sure to check out our new page here on the blog: Our Photo Stories.  There are already three posted.  I LOVE them!  Have you been thinking about all the wonderfully creative ways you can use digital slideshows in your classroom?  Bring those ideas to class on Tuesday.  I will see you then.

LEARNING STYLES PAPER

On Wednesday, you will turn in your first big paper of the course.  Here are some pointers to help you get the maximum number of points possible.  Before you do anything else, remember to PROOFREAD thoroughly!






1.  Follow the directions:
a. have a title page that includes your name
b. include a short abstract (this is a mini-summary of what the reader will learn)
c. double space the paper (this helps my tired eyes)
d. the body of the paper is 3-5 pages
e. add a title page, an abstract page, and a reference page for a total of 6-8 pages
f. use APA style
g. check the section called Course Documents for helpful tips on APA)
2. Make certain you include the following in your analysis:
a. Characteristics and your understanding of the three learning styles featured in this assignment
b. Results of your surveys, give the name of the surveys used and/or the name of the Internet web sites
c. Compare or contrast the results of the surveys you did; did you get the same results with each? Do the results match what you know/believe about your own learning style?
d. Compare the questions asked on the survey.
e. Do you agree or disagree with the results and why?  Include any personal experience to substantiate your opinions.
f. How do you think your personality style and preferred learning style might influence your teaching style?
g. How might technology be used with the different learning styles?
h. How will knowledge of your students' learning styles help you be a more effective teacher?

Grades

Hello, my students. I am dealing with a lung infection and the doctor has me on a bunch of meds and staying in bed with the vaporizer. I will post grades as soon as I can sit up and breath without coughing. Call if you need me.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Visit Slide to create a digital slideshow.  Set up a free account, import your pictures, and you are ready to share!

You can also check out a free account at Smilebox.

A third choice that is a free download is PhotoStory.

Once you have created your digital slide show, share the code with me so I can post it on our blog.

CHAPTER 3 REACTION

Chapter 3 really exposes us to all the ways that computer software can meet the needs of our students and their unique learning styles.  As a classroom teacher, how would you decide which software applications were working best for your students?  Post your thoughts here on the blog (not an essay, just a sentence or two).  :D

SAMPLE REACTION PAPER

I have uploaded an example of a nice weekly reaction paper.  It contains both a summary of the material read and some personal reaction to the material.  It also contains evidence of resources beyond the textbook.  Good job!


The sample reaction paper is in the section called: Examples of Projects.  Check it out!

HOW TO: HARVEST A JPEG

Check out the "How To..." link at the top of the blog.  I just posted a "How To..." video on harvesting a jpeg.  Wait until you see how easy it is!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Great job, "Bee-rittanie"! Your Header/Footer project made it to the "Examples" page of our blog. Nice work!

CHAPTER 1 PRESENTATIONS

We will have our first presentations on Tuesday evening.  Each topic came from the list on page 21 of the textbook.  Remember to let me know if you would like to present; otherwise I will select.  Here are the topic assignments:


1. Brenda
2. Myesha
3. Haley
4. Anna
5. Linda, Tonya
6. Ashley, Jessica
7. Brittanie
8. Amber, Teresa
9. Matt
10. Kerri


You will email me your presentation by midnight on Monday so that I have time to make certain I can open them and they will load properly.  Thanks!

WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS

Listen to this podcast to get a good description of your three written assignments each week: REACT, RESPOND, REFLECT.

For your Header/Footer assignment, I have posted a podcast if you need help.  To find the podcast, look at the top of this page to find a link called Podcasts: Listen and Learn.  

Well, here we are looking at the last days of summer.  I hope each of you join me in thanking GOD that our area was spared from Hurricane Irene and in sending prayers to our neighbors to the North.


As we wind up our first week together, I have a couple of things I want to remind you about.  


First, if you have not sent me your student information sheet, please do so.  Right now I have only received four of the fourteen.  


Second, we will be meeting in Elluminate at 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday.  Before then, make certain you have read Chapter 1 of our text and watched both of the videos.  On Tuesday, in addition to our lively discussion (remember, I expect to hear everyone's voice), I will model how to add a header/footer to a document.


Third, I believe that teachers are held to a higher standard.  Our written and spoken communications must be error-free.  Please be sure that you proofread carefully before you post your reaction papers, your responses, or your reflections.  I take off points for grammar and convention errors.  You will be the models your students follow. Our goal is to help our students graduate from high school ready to enter the job market. In order to achieve this goal, as teachers we must be diligent about modeling standard English so that in turn, we can expect it from our students.  My suggestion is that you get a friend to proofread after you do.  That is just a good habit to get into; I always ask someone to proof my work on the job before I send out anything.


I want to keep you up to date with what is going on with our class, and the blog is a good, interactive way for me to do so.  At the top of the blog there is a list of additional pages attached to the blog.  One is Weekly PowerPoint Presentations. That is where I put our PowerPoints for your reference.  Another is Examples of Projects.  Be sure to check that section out.  Another helpful section is called Listen and Learn: Podcasts.  Podcasts are like mini radio shows where I give you oral directions on how to do some of the projects we learn in class.  That way you can refer back as many times as you need.


Here is what I have posted this week:


1.  Week 1 PowerPoint in case you want to refer back.
2.  Week 2 PowerPoint in case you want to look ahead.

I am looking forward to our Elluminate session on Tuesday at 8:00 p.m.  "See" you then!

Welcome to our Class!

Call me

Hello, everyone. My computer is cooked. Call me if you need me.


- Posted using B
logPress from my iPhone

CREATING A TABLE/RUBRIC

Since we will not meet in class tomorrow, I have posted this video talking you through how to insert a table into a document.  Hope it helps.  As always, if you have questions, give me a call!

YOUR BLOGS!

I totally enjoyed your blogs!  I have visited each one and was the first person to leave a comment.  Nice work, ladies!  I hope you will see the value of a classroom blog and plan to keep it in that "teacher toolbox" we are building.

UPDATES FOR WEEK 6

I have posted our PowerPoint from last night's class on the page for the Weekly PowerPoint presentations and I also posted another Podcast on the Listen and Learn page.  The podcast gives you directions on how to manage your Annotated Website assignment.


Once again, I enjoyed our class last evening.  Please contact me via phone or email if you have any questions about upcoming assignments, especially the technology-embedded lesson plan.  Remember to use the Brewton Parker Lesson Plan template - Beginning.  I will be assessing your lesson plan using Assessment #3 and Assessment #4.  It is always smart of plan with the end in mind, so I recommend that you review those two Assessments while working on your lesson plan.


As we discussed, you are not teaching a technology lesson.  You are teaching a lesson in your assigned content area and you are enhancing the teaching/learning experience through the use of technology.  Draw on what we have learned and created: newsletters, webquests, blogs, rubrics, tables, graphs, and more to make your lesson come to life and sparkle!

Sample Webquest: Crocodiles

WebQuest1

View more documents from jwalts.

Update on Learning Styles

I have posted the Learning Styles document (that we shared in class last night) in Course Documents on the OnCourse website.  You will be able to print it out.  There are now a total of 5 resources posted there for you.  As always, let me know if you need assistance.  In the meantime, have fun working on your WebQuest.  Can't wait to see them!

New Resources

I have also posted a podcast to help you with PhotoStory.  It is on the "Listen and Learn" page.  There is also a sample WebQuest posted on the page with the other sample projects.  Let me know if there is anything you would like to see here that I have not provided.

Learning Styles

Balloon capital of the world...

This week will be discussing learning styles.  Our discussion will revolve primarily around whether or not technology is a useful tool when reaching students with varying learning styles.  At the top of the blog you will find a new link called, "Learning Styles".  When you click here you will find lots of information about learning styles; this information will help you begin working on your learning styles report.  Start by determining your own learning style; use one of  the inventories provided.

PhotoStory

Think about some of the fun uses for PhotoStory when teaching students.  Let's plan to share them in class this week.


Here is the link to download PhotoStory.


Can't wait to see you in class tomorrow.  

Great Example of a Newsletter

Newsletter project

View more documents from jwalts.

Beautiful, not Barren!

Every time I head to New Mexico I am amazed at the landscape. I live in south Georgia where it is hot, humid, lush, green, mosquito-filled, and slow moving. New Mexico is where the rest of my family lives.  As I fly into the Albuquerque Airport I always marvel at how brown the landscape appears. However, in spite of its seemingly drab appearance, the desert is anything but boring or barren. It is dotted with some of the most amazing structures nature has ever produced.

The days are hot and dry, but at the end of the day, the sun sparkles off the desert sands and produces some of the most breath-taking sunsets I have ever seen. That sunset is sort of your reward for suffering through the heat of the day.

I love New Mexico because my family is there, but also because God's paintbrush swept across it in a most wonderful way.

Enjoy the slideshow.

Desert Delights!

Personalize a free photo slideshow

Week 3 Elluminate Live! Discussion

Once again, I enjoyed our lively and interesting discussion.  Thank you for all of your contributions to our discussion!  In order to help with your follow up, I have posted the PowerPoint presentation on the blog and I have also uploaded a Podcast to help you with the newsletter.  You will also find the link for the free download of Cute PDF.  I also created a link at the top that will take you to the new Common Core Curriculum standards if you are interested in them.  They will take effect in 2015.


This is a picture of the amazing rock formations in New Mexico.  This one is in the Painted Desert.  I will be doing a PhotoStory with plenty more!


Here are the content areas everyone selected:


Reading = Shirley
Language Arts = Kathy
Math = Jennifer
Science = Carmen
Soc. St. = Jodi and Mechele
Art = Jessie
Music = MaryAnn
Health/PE = Anne

As always, let me know if you need any assistance.  Have a wonderful Fourth filled with great family, friends, food and fun!  Be safe!  I can't wait to share New Mexico's gorgeous desert with you.  See you in Elluminate next week. 

Week 3: PDF Files

This week (Week 3) we will be creating a newsletter and saving it as a PDF (portable document format) file.  In order to do this, please visit http://www.cutepdf.com

In the second section down on the website (see picture above) you will see the place where you can do your free download.  Go ahead and do that now so that you will be ready to begin saving documents in this secure format.  As always, let me know if you run into any problems.  

I will "see" you in our Elluminate Live! session on Wednesday. We will be discussing Chapter 3, selecting your content area for upcoming assignments, and learning how to construct a newsletter.  It will be another fun class session.  Can't wait! 

New Postings

Hello, EDU309 students!

I have added a few new pages to our blog.  I have added a page with "examples of projects".  One of these is a Header/Footer document, which is your assignment for this week.  It is the one with the graphic organizer on it as well.

I have also added a page for some short PodCasts.  The first podcast is a quick set of directions on how to insert and create your header and footer.  I know I modeled it in class this week, but this will be a good reminder if you are having difficulty.

As always, you may contact me via email or phone if you need more specific, one-on-one assistance.  Hope you are enjoying a week filled with learning, laughter, and love. Sunday is Father's Day, don't miss the opportunity to call home!

Fondly, Dr. Walts

PowerPoint Presentations

I have added a page to the blog called, "Weekly PowerPoint Presentations".  At the top of the page, right beneath the header you will now see a link called "Home", and right next to it you will see this new link.  When you click on the link, you will find that I have uploaded my slide presentations from our class.  The presentations may help you tap into your thoughts about our class session while working on your weekly reflections.  

Week 2

I thoroughly enjoyed our class this evening.  I especially liked our discussion about the "future of technology" videos.


This week:


Tonight: post your reaction paper to Chapter 2.
Friday: respond to at least 3 of your classmates about their papers.
Saturday: post your document with a header/footer and your graphic organizer.
Sunday: email me your weekly reflection.


Looking ahead:


Powerpoint presentation assignments (due Tuesday of Week 4):


Accountability and the standards movement = Jodi
Funding for educational technology = Jessie
The digital divide = Mary
Racial and gender equity = Jennifer
The role of distance education = Anne
Privacy and safety = Carmen
Anti-technology sentiments = Shirley
Information Literacy = Kathy
Online plagarism = Mechele


We WILL meet in Elluminate next Wednesday (June 22nd).  See you then!

Week 1 Reflection

Here is a reflection from one of your classmates that I thought you would enjoy reading.  We are off to an exciting start!      

      At first I was very nervous about taking summer classes. I usually do not because I do have three small children, work and take a full load of classes in spring and fall. The summer time is the time I take to recover from the rest of the year. However, by taking two classes this summer I will be able to student teaching in the spring and be done. After our first week I have the feeling that I am really going to benefit from this class.

            It is always nice to meet new people. I know a couple in this class but not many. They all seem like great ladies. After reading the “Who am I” stories I realized that many of us are in the same situations. We try to juggle work, school and family while maintaining our sanity. It is nice to know that I am not alone on this journey. When I attended SGC I felt like I was alone. Many of the student there were traditional students. I had already started my family. When I came to BPC I realized that most the women in my classes were just like me. They have all been an inspiration to me and have helped me get through this. I tell myself “if they can do it then so can I!” Great classmates and a great instructor always make for a great learning experience.

            I am going to learn to be friends with technology this semester. Technology is great and powerful. It will become a tool in my box and not an enemy at my door. Children love technology. They see it everywhere all day long. There are many way it can be put to good in a classroom. The teacher can use it to the class as a whole or allow individuals to learn at their own pace. The more I know about computers and other gadgets the more I can teach my students about them. The world has come a long way over the past few decades. It was very interesting to look at the timeline in our textbook and see it mapped out. It made me think of a story my grandmother tells. She can remember getting electricity in her house for the first time. She laughs about it now but after the man told them that it was hooked up and on her father rushed to put a light bulb in. He said that he didn’t want the electricity to run out the open socket. He assumed that it was like water and would be wasted if not plugged up. Now she has internet, cellphones and cable. She talks about how far the world has come since her first day of electricity.

            I am ready to learn how to navigate my way around technology. I am ready to learn about how to use technology in my classroom. I am ready to learn about educational technology as well as fun technology. I am ready to learn! Great first week.

Blog Features

I am testing a new feature of Blogger.  Hopefully you have received an email letting you know that I have updated our EDU309 blog.  You will be learning about Blogs in our class and actually creating your own. How many of you already blog?  If you do not, check out some teacher blogs at
http://taylorscreek.blogspot.com

Email me a reply to let me know if you have received an email; that way I will know that I have set up the function correctly.  Can't wait for our class session this week!

Milo Video

What did you think of Milo?  How can you imagine using a program like this with children?  What are the advantages that you can see?  Are there disadvantages that concern you?  Come to class prepared to share your thoughts.

Week 1

I have enjoyed reading all of your "Who Am I" stories.  It is wonderful that each of us has a unique story to bring to our class.  I see that you have already gotten off to a good start posting your assignments and replying to one another.  I will look forward to reading your reflections for the week.

I can't wait for our class session to discuss the 2 videos.  I am anxious to hear your reactions to the future of technology!

Summer 2011: EDU309

Welcome to EDU309!  This course allows us to explore all the ways to incorporate today's technology into the daily instruction of all subject areas.  Technology gives us the WOW! factor that gets students engaged in what they are learning.  When students are engaged, the research tells us that they are much more likely to make personal connections and retain new information.


I can't wait to share all these exciting new technologies with you this semester!