In Class Portfolio:
Bio-Poem
Annotated Website List
Book Trailer
Graphic Organizer
Cover page integrated technology lesson
Integrated Technology Lesson Plan with Assessment
Friday, August 9, 2013
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Ques. 3- Too Dumb for Complex Texts
I agree with the author that time should be put aside daily for slow reading of complex texts. I believe most of that time should be included within the school day as part of the lesson. Teachers need to explicitly teach their students strategies to read through these types of materials guiding them through their thinking and probing them to dig deeper as they read. Just like any other skill we teach our students, this should be done with scaffolding, providing support until they students are ready to do this independently. The complexity of the text should also increase as the students exhibit growth.
I disagreed with the author when he suggested teachers "experiment with technology" where many, if not the majority of teachers utilize technology to enhance their students understanding of complex texts by researching deeper into a topic and providing creative and innovative ways for students to show their understanding. Those "shiny new laptops" he referred to are not simply toys that can students are playing with but can truly be used in endless ways when a good teacher is using them.
I do not think that technology will hinder our students ability to read complex texts if the teachers are providing the support necessary and the technology is being used as a tool to enhance their learning of the material.
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Our Brains Extended response
Question 2:
I do not agree that the Common Core Standards serve "only the needs of the 19th and 20th centuries". I believe that in primary grades foundational skills such as reading and handwriting along with basic mental math are still necessary as building blocks. The CC includes many writing standards that require analytical thinking such as persuasion and research based projects. When students have a base in foundational reading and writing skills paired with technology skills they can combine the two to be creative, innovative and reflective. Although we cannot be sure what the jobs of tomorrow will look like for our children, we can be sure that they will need to be able to think. By avoiding basic skills and relying on calculators and voice assisted software we are taking away the developmental process that teaches how to think.
I do not agree that the Common Core Standards serve "only the needs of the 19th and 20th centuries". I believe that in primary grades foundational skills such as reading and handwriting along with basic mental math are still necessary as building blocks. The CC includes many writing standards that require analytical thinking such as persuasion and research based projects. When students have a base in foundational reading and writing skills paired with technology skills they can combine the two to be creative, innovative and reflective. Although we cannot be sure what the jobs of tomorrow will look like for our children, we can be sure that they will need to be able to think. By avoiding basic skills and relying on calculators and voice assisted software we are taking away the developmental process that teaches how to think.
Technology Autobiography
I was born in 1980. I remember having an 8-track cartridge to "Annie" I loved it and played it over and over.
I recall having a sleep over in third grade and my friend taking me to the "Beta" section of the video store. We had a VHS, but I was sure that the one my friend had must be better. It turns out, the VHS my parents chose withstood the test of time a bit longer.
My one and only 8-track was replaced not long after by a tape player. I spent hours waiting for certain songs to come on the radio and would run over to hit "record" on my tape player. I had many mix-tapes of my favorite songs but I never heard the very beginnings of any of them. I remember I was in 3rd grade when my best friend (yes, the same one with the Beta) got a CD player. I could not believe how amazing this thing was. You did not even have to rewind!! Wow! Not long after I got my first disc-man and collected dozens of CDs whenever my birthday or Christmas came around.
When I was in elementary school I recall going to the computer lab in the library once a week. We learned how to use commands to move a turtle around and create shapes. I found it boring and pointless, wishing I had Art class that day instead. I was sure I would never use a computer again.
In middle school my parents had a computer in the home office (my step mother ran a travel agency out of the house). We had Prodigy internet and I can still hear that terrible dial-up sound it made. I sat for at least a half hour waiting for it to be ready for use. When it did I got a kick out of chat rooms and dared my friends to say inappropriate things, giggling like crazy.
I began in high school to use computers more frequently. Some early experiences I remember were using graphic design programs in Art class and researching information for reports. I did not have an email account until college. That was when my use of technology began to be a part of my daily life like it is today. I got my first cell phone in college and searched yahoo or google whenever I needed information.
Now I use an Iphone and an IPad daily. Even my 2 year old son uses these devices with ease. In school I use my SMART board across the curriculum. I do not consider myself to have strong skills in technology but I can do enough to "get by". I am hoping to become more proficient in this course and use my new skills this upcoming school year.
I recall having a sleep over in third grade and my friend taking me to the "Beta" section of the video store. We had a VHS, but I was sure that the one my friend had must be better. It turns out, the VHS my parents chose withstood the test of time a bit longer.
My one and only 8-track was replaced not long after by a tape player. I spent hours waiting for certain songs to come on the radio and would run over to hit "record" on my tape player. I had many mix-tapes of my favorite songs but I never heard the very beginnings of any of them. I remember I was in 3rd grade when my best friend (yes, the same one with the Beta) got a CD player. I could not believe how amazing this thing was. You did not even have to rewind!! Wow! Not long after I got my first disc-man and collected dozens of CDs whenever my birthday or Christmas came around.
When I was in elementary school I recall going to the computer lab in the library once a week. We learned how to use commands to move a turtle around and create shapes. I found it boring and pointless, wishing I had Art class that day instead. I was sure I would never use a computer again.
In middle school my parents had a computer in the home office (my step mother ran a travel agency out of the house). We had Prodigy internet and I can still hear that terrible dial-up sound it made. I sat for at least a half hour waiting for it to be ready for use. When it did I got a kick out of chat rooms and dared my friends to say inappropriate things, giggling like crazy.
I began in high school to use computers more frequently. Some early experiences I remember were using graphic design programs in Art class and researching information for reports. I did not have an email account until college. That was when my use of technology began to be a part of my daily life like it is today. I got my first cell phone in college and searched yahoo or google whenever I needed information.
Now I use an Iphone and an IPad daily. Even my 2 year old son uses these devices with ease. In school I use my SMART board across the curriculum. I do not consider myself to have strong skills in technology but I can do enough to "get by". I am hoping to become more proficient in this course and use my new skills this upcoming school year.
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