Technology 4 Teachers.. My thoughts

My thoughts on the class...

So far, so good! As simple as that sounds, I have really enjoyed the work in this course. I think that as we get into courses that are more designed towards our major, they almost have to be more enjoyable. I think that learning about different technologies available to help us, as future teachers, improve the learning experiences of our students while making our jobs easier is wonderful!

My favorite project so far...

At this point, I am going to have to say that this blog is the best thing for me so far, because it is something I am familiar with already. Having created this blog last year in another educational course allowed me to familiarize myself with the features of this program. Being able to add to that allows me to add more material to help me reflect on my learning experiences thus far.

Most difficult project thus far...

For me, I struggled the most with creating the teacher webpage. For me, that was kind of difficult to believe, expecially since I am a kid of the Internet era. I mean, I have been making webpages since I was in 6th grade, at least. I used TeacherWeb, and although I ended up with a good site, I think that I would have enjoyed having a little bit more freedom for a layout choice, etc. rather than just picking from a list. I was a yearbook editor from 7th-12th grade, and layout is my forte. Ah well, maybe when I have my real-life webpage I can use another product? =)

Expectations for this course...

Again, so far, so good! This course has met and/or exceeded my expectations so far. I came into this course a bit concerned that it would be hard to talk about a new technology for 16-18 weeks, but I am still learning new things! As we continue on throughout the rest of the semester, I hope to continue to learn and become familiar with those technological tools that will ultimately play a huge role in my career as a teacher.

Reflective Teachers (week 16)

*Chapter Summary*

This week we covered our last chapter in our Educational Psychology book. The chapter was full of information about becoming a better teacher through reflection. The book encourages the use of student evaluations and suggestions. Another technique or way of evaluation is the use of self-evaluation or peer e valuations. This can be done through the use of classroom observations, audiotaped lessons, videotaped lessons, reflective lesson plans, and the use of guided reflective protocol.

Another suggestion for becoming a reflective teacher is to develop a reflective journal. This, according to the text, can serve two purposes. One, to serve as a bank of lesson plans and ideas that you have developed or learned from another source, and two, it can provide you a format to record your observations and reflections on teaching.

The text goes on to discuss how to use a portfolio with your journal, and even lists examples of what to include within your own portfolio. As the chapter comes to an end, as usual, technology is incorporated into the lesson. In this case, we are encouraged to use discussion forums and chat rooms. Personally, I think using a blog to record my thoughts will be the way I go. However, I definitely see the benefit of talking with others interested in the same field as I.



*Changes*

One of the main changes in me that this class has attributed to is my willingness to take a stand on issues I feel passionately about. I have always been willing to listen to another's opinions, but when it came time to defend my own, I was shy. I think throughout this course, when any of my thoughts or feeling have been challenged in the discussion boards, or what have you, I have defended them.

Another of the changes made in me as a perspective teacher is the expansion of my ideas and creativity for lesson plans. In this course we have had to develop lesson plans which required certain material - whether it be specific themes, being accessible to all students, etc., I feel like I have done a good job in doing so.



*Statement of the Week*

This week is exhausting. I have seven finals to study for on top of actual class work. I am ready for this semester to come to an end, but hope that I can continue working with some of the people I have met throughout this whole semester. I look forward to my educational courses and to the grand finale … my own classroom!

Standardized Testing (week 15)

*Chapter Summary*

The definition of standardized testing is: "Items presented and scored in standard fashion; results reported with reference to standards." These tests are used to identify strengths and weaknesses in students, teachers, and lesson plans.

Some of the different aspects of these tests that were discussed int eh chapter are as follows:

• Reliability
• Validity
• Content validity
• Predictive validity
• Construct validity

In this chapter, we also learned that competency tests determine whether or not potential graduates obtain the skills necessary to do so. Aptitude testing allows the capability to develop additional skills in a specific area. Norm-referenced tests compare one student to others. Criterion-referenced tests show the level of mastery of certain objectives. We also learned that achievement tests measure the amount to which a specific subject or skill has been learned. Within achievement tests, there are tests called "diagnostic achievement tests." These are meant to identify specific strengths and weaknesses.

We also learned some different terminology used with standardized-test scores. They are as follows:

• Percentile-rank : percentage of scores at or below a given point.
• Standard deviation: degree of deviation from the mean of a distribution.
• z score: compares the raw score from the averages of standard deviation units.
• T score: Raw score translated on a scale of 1-100; the mean is 50.
• Stanine score: students performance indicated with reference to a 9-point scaled based on a normal curve.

Other topics discussed int eh chapter included NCLB and it's impact on schools and testing, as well as high-stakes testing. High-stakes testing is when school districts or other individuals use test scores to hold students and teachers accountable for achievement and AYP.

*In My Life*

My opinions on standardized testing is derived from my personal experiences in school. I am a good student. I am not a great test-taker. When all the tests are multiple-choice or true/false standardized tests, I do not do as well as open response or essay questions.

For another one of my courses I had to interview a teacher. I asked her what she thought about the use of standardized testing, and she told me that she used to not like them, but recently, her school stared using the scantron. She can grade all 142 students' papers in 15 minutes. She says this opens more time for her to teach.

I can see how this is a benefit to using. With more time to teach, the students have a better opportunity to learn. I'm still hung-up on this issue though.

*My Perspective as a Teacher*

This course has allowed me to learn so much of the basic information behind teaching practices and trends that are currently in place. I think that through the discussion boards a blogging, I have been able to some up with some deep-rooted opinions that I otherwise probably would not have known I had. I have enjoyed this course and look forward to implementing the practices I have learned and using observation skills to determine what works best in my classroom and for my students.

*Question of the Week*

The question for this week is: Look at the following education blog for the week
http://tcmtechnologyblog.blogspot.com/

Would a blog like this one help you with your teaching?

Yes. I think that this blog, like others we have looked at has valuable information that could benefit both students and teachers. I think that anything that is proven successful with students or that positively benefits the learning process with others should be shared.

Would you be able to get ideas for teaching from this blog? How? Why? Explain.

Yes. Like I said above, I think this blog has some interesting information on it. This blog is full of presentations and other techniques that could help improve a teacher's success and that of her students.

Did you learn something new from the blogger? What and why did it strike you as memorable?

Yes. Without looking at this blog, I wouldn't have known about the lodge or anything new that was mentioned to me. I do not understand calculus or any advanced math for that matter, so the clips don't really benefit me.

Would you want to create a site like this for others? Why or why not?

Again, yes. I think that if I knew something that had been successful in my classroom, creating a blog for others to look to for ideas could be beneficial. Also, a blog like this is a good spot to put tactics or approaches that were not successful and your thoughts and feeling about it.

Assessment (week 14)

*Chapter Summary*

This week in the book, we are learning about assessment of classroom learning. The test discusses the roles of assessment in teaching while discussing measurements, evaluations and other ways to determine the effectiveness of assessments.

Some ways to measure students learning that were covered in the chapter include:
· Written tests
· Selected-response test
· Short-answer tests
· Essay tests
· Performance tests

The text warns that performance tests pose challenges for the teachers because reliability and validity of performance tests have not been established. In my opinion, and where my personal experiences come into play this week, are in this section. I think that performance test are great, but I have found that students do better when there are a variety of testing options available. I think that teachers that include multiple techniques within one test offer the students a better chance of succeeding.

The text also discusses the differences between norm-referenced grading and criterion-referenced grading. I think in my classroom, I will use criterion-based grading to do the actual grading, but will also take into consideration the scores of the other class members, as this way I will be able to tell what I needed to make clearer in my lesson and which students need help with what.

Another item discussed in this chapter was the incorporation of technology in classroom assessments. As I have stated all semester, I am a huge advocate of this. I think that it is vital to introduce students to this at an early age because it is the future of their schooling and every-day-life. I also think that this type of testing allows for a more broad repertoire of testing skills.


*Personal Changes*

I think this class has opened the door for me in looking at alternative ways to instruct my classroom. I have to say that the more we look into options of actual classroom management and assessment, I am enjoying the information much more.


*This Week in the DB*

The posts to the DB this week are scarce. I think because it is Thanksgiving week, a lot of students have their minds on other things. I would like to say though, that I have read another student's initial post and she and I vary a bit in our thoughts about assessments. I think the variation between students when learning new things is amazing. I love to read how someone else interprets the information.


*Question of the Week*

The question for this week is: Choose one of the following general education blogs to read for the week
https://mail.otc.edu/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.speedofcreativity.org/
https://mail.otc.edu/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.k12opened.com/blog/
Answer the following questions about the blog you choose. Please include the url of the blog you choose in your write-up. Also, give a sentence or two about why you decided against the other blog.

I chose https://mail.otc.edu/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.k12opened.com/blog/ because I think that it offers a lot of valuable information. I did not chose this one over the other because I disliked the other, rather, I would think this one's information could be more beneficial.

Would a blog like this one help you with your teaching?
Possibly. I think anything that offers information like this could be beneficial, especially for first time teachers.

Would you be able to get ideas for teaching from this blog? How? Why? Explain.
Yes. I think this offers information on programs options that are helpful in teaching ideas.

Did you learn something new from the blogger? What and why did it strike you as memorable?
Yes. I learned about the automatic vocabulary presentations in PPT. I think this is something that a lot of people might not know.

Would you want to create a site like this for others? Why or why not?
Yeah, if I had time. I think that any information you can share with others that might make their life easier is worth sharing.

Classroom Management (week 13)

*Chapter Summary*

This week, we are learning about classroom management. We discussed authoritarian, permissive and authoritative approaches to managing a classroom. One of the main focuses of this chapter was problem prevention. We discussed the ripple effect, which is a group response to a reprimand directed at an individual. Here is where my *personal experience* comes into play this week.

When I was in the third grade, my cousin was in my class. He was always misbehaving, and for the most part, our teacher was kind of lenient when it came to discipline. I would imagine this contributed the behavior of a lot of students in the class. Anyway, at one point in the year, she had enough. My cousin was the ring leader usually- and this day he was definitely acting as the class clown. My teacher was out in the hall getting on to one student that kept throwing things at the back of her head while she was writing on the board. Zack, my cousin, entertained the class while she was out, and once class resumed, guess who threw an eraser at the teacher? Yep- Zack. Well, when she turned around, the class could tell she was furious. Everyone was silent - even Zack. He turned bright red and it was obvious he was guilty. She asked him if he did it and he said "NO!" Then Mrs. James threatened to keep us all after school for detention. Wouldn't you know it- she had 21 other students letting her know that Zack threw the eraser.

At this point, Mrs. James escorted Zach to the principals office and had our assistant principal come watch our classroom. The principal called Zach's mom. When it was time for lunch, we left the classroom. On our way past the office, we could hear Zach's mom yelling at him and saw that he was crying. We could see the paddle laying on the desk. (We later found out he was not paddled- it was just used as an intimidation technique.) This quickly became the buzz of the school yard at recess. Needless to say; no one threw anything else inside a classroom that year!

In the chapter we also learned how effective teachers manage a classroom. The book suggests being able to continually manage overlapping activities, not interrupting activities, maintaining the students attention and keeping them involved. Another technique is to make clear rules and procedures and continue to reinforce them daily.

To handle behavior problems the text suggests using supportive situations to help the students maintain self-control, criticize in private and then immediately offer encouragement, and the use of the "I feel" method. Other suggestions include being prompt, consistent and reasonable when dealing with the misbehavior.

The chapter finishes up by discussing the correlation between effective classroom management and the proper handling of conflicts between students and violence in the school system.


*Personal Impact*

This class has allowed me insight into various classroom situations. I think that we have been given a history of methods, the facts and information about individuals that made a profound impact on education. I have enjoyed the class and look forward to implementing these techniques in my own classroom.


*This Week in the Discussion Boards*

I think one of the most interesting things from the discussion boards so far this week is how one of my classmates made an observation that the techniques used to manage a classroom can also be beneficial to controlling your own child's behavior. I think this is very true. It made me wish that parent were required to take this class!


* Question of the Week*

The question for this week is: Choose one of the following general education blogs to read for the week http://joannejacobs.com/ or http://mspappas.preknow.org/.

I chose http://joannejacobs.com/

Would a blog like this one help you with your teaching?
Possibly? I think that the information is wonderful- but I'm not sure how this can help me being a kindergarten teacher.

Would you be able to get ideas for teaching from this blog? How? Why? Explain.
I'm not sure. I think that there are lessons to be told from this blog. For instance, the girl that plays football for a University. Nowadays, women can do anything!

Did you learn something new from the blogger? What and why did it strike you as memorable?
I learned about Cal State U having to turn away eligible freshman due to the lack of funding. I also learned about the symptoms of Asperger's Syndrome being different in males and females.

Would you want to create a site like this for others? Why or why not?
Possibly. If I had time and a lot of information to share, I think that it could be beneficial. My husband keeps one like this. It is full of random bits of information, although he offers much of his personal opinions in his.

I chose this blog because I though it was easier to read. The topics were brief and varied. I liked it. The other blog, although full of information, was longer and seemed to be less interesting to me.

Motivation (week 12)

*Chapter Summary*

In week 12, we are discussing motivation and the various approaches to incorporating motivation within a classroom. The text describes motivation as the willingness to expend a certain amount of effort to achieve a particular goal under a particular set of circumstances. The following is a list of views of motivation:

• Behavioral View


• Social Cognitive View


• Cognitive Views


• Humanistic View

The behavioral view includes the reinforcement of desired behavior. We discussed both extrinsic and intrinsic motivation. The text also encourages followers of this approach to use rewards sparingly, especially in tasks that the students are naturally interested in.

The social cognitive view is rooted in the belief that students can observe and imitate modeled behavior in order to increase their own level of self-efficacy. Other cognitive views include that by setting mastery and various performance goals lead to high-performance and success rates.

The Humanistic view relies on the thought that a person is motivated when deficiency needs are not met. This view also includes that self-actualization occurs only when the lower needs are met.

The book encourages teachers to design instruction to improve academic self-concept as well as achievement. Self concept is defined as the way we view ourselves in specific domains.

The last thing this chapter discusses is the incorporation of technology into the classroom and ways to motivate the students with it. Technology can help to make the lessons more meaningful to the students because they are able to learn in a fun way. This is said to increase intrinsic motivation.

*Back To Me*

Looking back to my elementary school days, I can think of a lot of days that my teachers incorporated behavioral motivation. I had a lot of teachers that used a token economy of sorts, or kept us motivated by the use of a progress chart. This was a constant visual reminder of what was expected of us, and how well we were doing in meeting those expectations.

*How Do I Benefit?*

This week's lesson will benefit me by providing various tactics when trying to motivate my students. Not only does it provide suggestions, but it also provides various results of motivation tactics. I like that it includes lesson suggestions.

*This Week in the DB*

I am the only one that has posted to the DB so far, so I am limited on what I have found there as of yet. I would like to include that another student asked me about how I thought working in mixed-ability groups could benefit those that are higher-achievers. I responded that I think just because they are great in a particular subject, or even all subjects for that matter, does not mean they can not personally benefit from the social interactions with their classmates. Also, maybe someone that isn't necessarily an A+ student could teach them something new or even a new approach to something old.

*Question of the Week*

Find another school district's website (this will be your fourth) outside of your hometown and/or Springfield. Answer the following questions about the school district in your blog:

http://drs.dadeschools.net/Highlights/Highlights_2007-08.pdf

Why would you want to teach in this particular school district? This school district is very diverse. According to this website, over 75% of the annual budget is spent on providing for the students.

What makes this school district stand out from others that you found on the Internet? I think the report I was able to read that explained their budgets as well as the parental support and surveys of the district.

Are there specific features that this school district has to offer that you hadn't thought of before? Yes.

What are they? If not, what would you like? I enjoyed reading about the budget and the different educational programs available for the students.

Would you ever consider applying for a job at this school district? Why or why not? Yes, If I lived there. They seem to be focused on the success of their students and value input from external sources.

Based on what we've learned so far in this class, how does this school district measure up? Very well.

Approaches to Instruction (Week 11)

*Chapter Summary*

This week, we have studied the various approaches to instruction. We learned the importance of devising and using objectives. We learned that goals are set that describe the general educational outcomes and that the objectives used to meet those must be observable. We discussed taxonomy, which is the term given to arranging categories in a hierarchical order.

We discussed the behavioral approach to teaching, which focuses on direct instruction. This type of instruction is aimed toward teaching the students basic skills, and keeping them on-task in a structured and guided independent practice.

We also discussed the cognitive approach to teaching, which
encompasses meaningful and self-directed learning. This way, teachers tell the
students what they are expected to learn and will be tested over and the
information is presented in organized meaningful lessons. By exposing the
students to multiple points of view, meaningful learning takes place. We also
learned that technology supports a cognitive approach to teaching by allowing
the students to code, store and retrieve information.

The humanistic approach addresses needs, motives, and self-perceptions. Two big supporters of this approach were Maslow and Rogers.

The social approach to teaching involves teaching the students how to learn from each other, and discourages competitive reward structures. This way also encourages mixed-ability groups rather than homogeneous groups of high ability students vs. low-ability students. This approach also promotes student interaction, as well as individual accountability.


*Back to Me*

I think that a lot of my teachers were supporters of a behavioral approach in school. Most of them used positive reinforcement to encourage us, while giving direct instruction and keeping us on-task. I think this is a helpful approach, but personally, I think that I will fall into a mix between cognitive and social approaches to teaching.


*How This Benefits Me*

This post in particular will benefit me when I am determining my instructional approach within my classroom. As I stated above, I think that I will use a mix between cognitive and social approaches with my students.


*This Week In the DB*

I was amazed to see how many students preferred different styles of instruction. I also was surprised to see that one of the students asked me about my choices in what I would hop to incorporate within my classroom, and whether or not I experienced them.


*Question of the Week*

http://www.sandi.net/about/index.html

Pick a school and answer the following questions:

Would you want to teach in this particular school district?
No.

What makes this school district stand out from others that you found on the Internet?
Its size. It is the 8th largest district in the nation.

Are there specific features that this school district has to offer that you hadn't thought of before? What are they? If not, what would you like?
No. I would like to see their NCLB ratings and AYP reports.

Would you ever consider applying for a job at this school district? Why or why not?
No. I think that it is too big. I would not want to live in an area that size, so I do not expect to ever face this opportunity. I can however appreciate the teachers there. They have an incredibly diverse student population.

Based on what we've learned so far in this class, how does this school district measure up?
I suppose it is good? I mean, I was unable to find a lot of information about the students achievements. It was primarily about the repairs and building new schools.