I created this Public Service Announcement (PSA) about California State University-San Marcos using Apple's iMovie. It meets NETS-T 1-3.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Monday, May 9, 2011
Journal #7: My Personal Learning Network (NETS-T 1-5)
What is your Personal Learning Network? How will it help you as a classroom teacher?
My Personal Learning Network (PLN) consists of a number of people. I picked people that were specialists in technology and special education. I also included people who were language teachers and other school administrators. My PLN will help me in the future because I chose people from a variety of different places, this way I can always have a resource to go to if I have a problem I need to solve.
Discuss your use of Twitter. Who is in your network? Why? Reflect on your participation in an educational chat.
My Personal Learning Network (PLN) consists of a number of people. I picked people that were specialists in technology and special education. I also included people who were language teachers and other school administrators. My PLN will help me in the future because I chose people from a variety of different places, this way I can always have a resource to go to if I have a problem I need to solve.
Discuss your use of Twitter. Who is in your network? Why? Reflect on your participation in an educational chat.
I had never used Twitter before this class. Although, I found it very easy to move around the site, participating in chats, and adding people to my network. The people I added to my network were people who can expand the resources I have. They were people in the professional school setting and had experience working in schools and with students. I also included some of my classmates to continue our working and collaborative relationship.
On March 14, 2011, I participated in an educational chat (#langchat) that was held on Twitter. LangChat increases the opportunities for language teachers to collaborate with one another. The topic of the discussion was "how can standards-based grading (SBG) be made valid?". The overall consensus was that traditional A-F grading was useless because it doesn't show what the students know. SBG allows for teachers to focus on areas where students need improvement. I thought SBG was a better rubric of grading because it shows the strengths and weaknesses of students' knowledge, not just if they can or can't follow directions or write a paper.
Discuss your use of Diigo as a networking tool. Describe what you tagged as 'PLN' and why.
I used Diigo as a place to find resources that felt would help me when I become an educator. I followed teachers and resource specialists. The websites I tagged as 'PLN' were: A Teacher's Guide to Twitter, 100 Incredibly Useful YouTube Channels for Teachers, and Yahoo! for Teachers. I chose the teacher and resource specialist websites and profiles because they would provide information on a variety of topics. I picked the technology websites because its important to stay current with technology.
Discuss which digital discussion forum you joined and why. Reflect on a blog post you read. What did you learn? Will this be useful in your future classroom?
I joined Classroom 2.0. I read a blog post asking how can a teacher share the class' experience while reading Around the World in 80 Days with people outside the classroom. A suggestion someone made was to use Blogger or Google Chat to interact with students in other places. They also suggested making YouTube videos about the different places they were reading. This posting was very helpful in how to incorporate technology into a classroom curriculum. When I was in high school, I had a teacher do something similar. We were each assigned a pen pal and wrote to them a few times a week. Incorporating technology with an language arts assignment will allow for students to be more creative and understand the importance of the book rather than just reading about the places.
Discuss which digital discussion forum you joined and why. Reflect on a blog post you read. What did you learn? Will this be useful in your future classroom?
I joined Classroom 2.0. I read a blog post asking how can a teacher share the class' experience while reading Around the World in 80 Days with people outside the classroom. A suggestion someone made was to use Blogger or Google Chat to interact with students in other places. They also suggested making YouTube videos about the different places they were reading. This posting was very helpful in how to incorporate technology into a classroom curriculum. When I was in high school, I had a teacher do something similar. We were each assigned a pen pal and wrote to them a few times a week. Incorporating technology with an language arts assignment will allow for students to be more creative and understand the importance of the book rather than just reading about the places.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Journal #9: Teaching Green (NETS 1,2,3 & 5)
Waters, J. (2011). Teaching green. THE Journal, 38(4), Retrieved from http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/1105/journal_201104/#/12
The freelance writer, John Waters provides teachers and students numerous resources to learn about environmental issues.
The first resource is Classroom Earth is a site created by The Weather Channel and the National Education Foundation. The purpose of the site is to increase the awareness and quality of environmental education in high schools.
The second resource is A Walk in the Woods created for elementary school students who live in urban areas and have limited access to nature. The site provides a virtual walk through the woods.
EEK!-Environmental Education for Kids is an online magazine for students in grades 4-8.
The Ecological Footprint Quiz gives students the opportunity to see the impact they make on the Earth through their ecological footprint.
PowerUp is an environmental science-themed game. The site also provides lesson plans and guides for teachers and parents as well.
The last resource Waters writes about is The US Environmental Protection Agency Teaching Center. The website offers an abundance of lesson plans and activities based on numerous environmental topics.
Question 1: Which of the resources would have the greatest impact on students?
A: I think that the Ecological Footprint would be the most beneficial for students. The results of the quiz will allow for students to see the impact they make on the environment and alternatives for how to make a difference.
Question 2: Who should have the responsibility of teaching children about the importance of preserving the environment? Parents or teachers?
A: I think it should be the responsibility of both. If children are receiving the message from more than one source, it will have a greater impact on the importance of preserving the environment.
Journal #8: Point/Counterpoint: Should Schools Be Responsible for Cyberbulling?
Bogacz, R., & Gordillo, M. (2011). Should schools be held accountable for cyberbullying. Leading and Learning With Technology, 38(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Point_Counterpoint_Should_Schools_Be_Held_Responsible_for_Cyberbullying.aspx
In the article, Bogacz and Gordillo give suggestions of how cyberbulling can be controlled. In the first section Bogacz says that technology has enabled students to bully each other and school administrators cannot ignore what is happening because it is having an impact on the academic environment. Bogacz suggests that with the cooperation of parents, teachers, school administrators, and students cyberbullying can be prevented. In the second section Gordillo argues that the schools don't need to be held accountable for cyberbullying. He believes that prevention needs to start at home with the parents. He believes that if students recieve love at home from their parents, bullying will be a less likely occurence. Parents are a student's first educator and they need to learn how to work with schools to educate their children and prevent bullying. He believes that schools can help restore families back to being supportive, loving, and caring units, but schools can't do it by themselves, they need help. The conclusions of both sides of the argument were very different. Bogacz concluded saying if everyone works together to prevent bulling, it will end. But if one group doesn't put in the effort, everything will be for nothing. Gordillo concludes by saying that schools can only help foster the prevention of bulling, it is up to families to teach their children to stop bullying.
Question 1: How can schools prevent cyberbullying?
A: Schools can do many things to prevent cyberbullying. One thing they can do is have parents and students sign a contract to prevent it from occurring. I would also create a comfortable classroom that encourages respect. Another thing I would is make sure students know it is okay to report bullying to teachers.
Question 2: How can parents prevent cyberbullying?
A: Parents can teach their children that its not okay to bully others in any form, including through technology. Parents should also monitor their children when they are on the Internet or using their cell phones. Another thing parents can do is work with their children's school to create or carry out an anti-bullying policy.
A: Parents can teach their children that its not okay to bully others in any form, including through technology. Parents should also monitor their children when they are on the Internet or using their cell phones. Another thing parents can do is work with their children's school to create or carry out an anti-bullying policy.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Journal #6: Growing Your Personal Learning Network (NETS-T 3 & 5)
Warlick, D. (2011, March/April) Growing Your Own Personal Learning Network. Learning and Leading Through Technology, 38(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-march-april-2011.aspx
In the article, Warlick introduces 3 different types of Personal Learning Networks (PLNs). The first PLN is the personally maintained connection. This type of connection involves people and places a person uses to answer questions, solve problems, and accomplish goals. Tools associated with this network include teleconferencing software, Twitter, instant and text messaging, and virtual worlds. The second type of PLN is the social and personally maintained connections. This connection allows for people to be in different places, but still lets them to participate at their own pace, one that works best with their own schedule. Tools that enable this type of connection include Twitter and Google Docs. The third type of connection is the dynamically maintained connection. This connection helps people find updates to sites that they find have educational value to them. Updates are able to happen by using an RSS feed. Another useful tool for this type of PLN is social bookmarking sites. These websites allow others to see the websites when you add them to your web pages as well, thus expanding the number of people who are able to use it as a tool.
Question 1: Which type of PLN is most effective?
A: I think the most effective type is the dynamically maintained connection. It seems to be the most widespread. The RSS feed seems really helpful because often sites are bookmarked, but then they're never used again. RSS feeds keep people updated on changes that have been made to the site. Another reason why this is a good PLN is because you're able to see other sites that are similar to ones that you already like.
In the article, Warlick introduces 3 different types of Personal Learning Networks (PLNs). The first PLN is the personally maintained connection. This type of connection involves people and places a person uses to answer questions, solve problems, and accomplish goals. Tools associated with this network include teleconferencing software, Twitter, instant and text messaging, and virtual worlds. The second type of PLN is the social and personally maintained connections. This connection allows for people to be in different places, but still lets them to participate at their own pace, one that works best with their own schedule. Tools that enable this type of connection include Twitter and Google Docs. The third type of connection is the dynamically maintained connection. This connection helps people find updates to sites that they find have educational value to them. Updates are able to happen by using an RSS feed. Another useful tool for this type of PLN is social bookmarking sites. These websites allow others to see the websites when you add them to your web pages as well, thus expanding the number of people who are able to use it as a tool.
Question 1: Which type of PLN is most effective?
A: I think the most effective type is the dynamically maintained connection. It seems to be the most widespread. The RSS feed seems really helpful because often sites are bookmarked, but then they're never used again. RSS feeds keep people updated on changes that have been made to the site. Another reason why this is a good PLN is because you're able to see other sites that are similar to ones that you already like.
Question 2: How can PLNs be incorporated into a classroom?
A: PLNs for students can be used the same way it is for teachers and educators. Students can use the PLNs for school projects to help save them time when researching for a project or paper. It can also be used for personal use, such as hobbies and interests.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Friday, March 4, 2011
Journal #2: Join the Flock & Enhance Your Twitter Experience (NETS-T 5)
Hadley, F. (2010, June/July) Join the Flock! Learning and Leading Through Technology, 37(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-june-july-2010.aspx
McClintock-Miller, S. (2010, June/July) Enhance Your Twitter Experience. Learning and Leading Through Technology, 37(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-june-july-2010.aspx
Twitter is a great tool for teachers to improve their PLN (professional learning network). The first article gave steps on how to get the most out of Twitter. The author said that it was okay that a person follows a person, but they won't get as much as someone who also posts and replies to others. A great piece of advice the author gave was to put hash tags on your posts to expand your PLN to people that you do not know.
The second article was about using tools to enhance Twittering. TweetDeck was one of the tools mentioned. TweetDeck is used to organize your posts into more than one column. HootSuite was also mentioned. HootSuite is used to share a website address through a tweet.
Question 1: How is meeting people through Twitter better than in person?
A: It's better because you're able to meet more people. On Twitter, adding a hash tag to your posts multiplies the number of viewers by at least 10. Meeting people in person is harder because you can only meet someone one at a time. Also, because there is a larger variety people on Twitter, the resources are more diverse.
Question 2: Can Twitter continue to be a resourceful tool or will it fade away?
A: I think that Twitter can continue to grow. At the moment, I don't think very many people know the different ways Twitter can be helpful. If word spreads, that it can be used as an effective tool for things besides knowing what celebrities are doing, then I think Twitter will be here to stay.
McClintock-Miller, S. (2010, June/July) Enhance Your Twitter Experience. Learning and Leading Through Technology, 37(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-june-july-2010.aspx
Twitter is a great tool for teachers to improve their PLN (professional learning network). The first article gave steps on how to get the most out of Twitter. The author said that it was okay that a person follows a person, but they won't get as much as someone who also posts and replies to others. A great piece of advice the author gave was to put hash tags on your posts to expand your PLN to people that you do not know.
The second article was about using tools to enhance Twittering. TweetDeck was one of the tools mentioned. TweetDeck is used to organize your posts into more than one column. HootSuite was also mentioned. HootSuite is used to share a website address through a tweet.
Question 1: How is meeting people through Twitter better than in person?
A: It's better because you're able to meet more people. On Twitter, adding a hash tag to your posts multiplies the number of viewers by at least 10. Meeting people in person is harder because you can only meet someone one at a time. Also, because there is a larger variety people on Twitter, the resources are more diverse.
Question 2: Can Twitter continue to be a resourceful tool or will it fade away?
A: I think that Twitter can continue to grow. At the moment, I don't think very many people know the different ways Twitter can be helpful. If word spreads, that it can be used as an effective tool for things besides knowing what celebrities are doing, then I think Twitter will be here to stay.
Journal #4: It's Time to Trust Teachers with the Internet (NETS-T 3, 4, & 5)
Schaffhauser, D. (2010. December 1). It's Time to Trust Teachers with the Internet. Retrieved from http://thejournal.com/Articles/2010/12/01/Its-Time-to-Trust-Teachers-with-the-Internet-A-Conversation-with-Meg-Ormiston.aspx
The Internet is a great tool when teachers are able to use it to their advantage. Unfortunately this is not the case. Teachers are expected to include technology in the curriculum, but there is only a small amount of resources available. Schools block many of the educational sites that can be used in a classroom, yet are stumped why they don't use the Internet more often.
It is a long process to have a website included in a lesson. Most teachers have to do the research at home because so many quality sites are blocked at school. Then, teachers have to have the websites approved by the school. This is a ridiculous process that most teachers don't even try to finish because they already feel that the answer will be no.
Question 1: Can Youtube be used effectively in a classroom?
A: I think that YouTube can be effective inside a classroom. Teachers can give their students guidelines of what is expected of them from the assignment. As long as there are rules, most of the time children follow them and do not get into trouble.
Question 2: Why is the administration afraid of letting go of their control over the Internet?
A: The administration is afraid of letting go of their power because they do not want the liabilty of what children can find online. The administration needs to put a little more faith into their teachers in the judgements they make over quality and nonquality websites.
The Internet is a great tool when teachers are able to use it to their advantage. Unfortunately this is not the case. Teachers are expected to include technology in the curriculum, but there is only a small amount of resources available. Schools block many of the educational sites that can be used in a classroom, yet are stumped why they don't use the Internet more often.
It is a long process to have a website included in a lesson. Most teachers have to do the research at home because so many quality sites are blocked at school. Then, teachers have to have the websites approved by the school. This is a ridiculous process that most teachers don't even try to finish because they already feel that the answer will be no.
Question 1: Can Youtube be used effectively in a classroom?
A: I think that YouTube can be effective inside a classroom. Teachers can give their students guidelines of what is expected of them from the assignment. As long as there are rules, most of the time children follow them and do not get into trouble.
Question 2: Why is the administration afraid of letting go of their control over the Internet?
A: The administration is afraid of letting go of their power because they do not want the liabilty of what children can find online. The administration needs to put a little more faith into their teachers in the judgements they make over quality and nonquality websites.
Journal #1: Do Web 2.0 Right (NETS-T 2 & 3)
Light, D. (2011). Do web 2.0 right. Learning and Leading with Technology, 38(5), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-december-january-2010.aspx
The use of blogs in classrooms is becoming very popular in classrooms today. One way blogs are helpful is they encourage students to participate in class. An online forum allows students the opportunity to be more outgoing than they would normally be in a traditional classroom setting. Also, when children work on their projects online, they are given more time to come up with a meaningful response to questions.
Another way blogs are helpful is they allow for students to prepare for what will happen in class. Teachers are able to post topics or questions for students to research before they begin the lesson. Students are able to get excited about the lesson before instead of later on.
Blogs can be for individual or classroom use. Individual blogs are important because it gives students the opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings openly. Although, by working alone on an assignment makes it difficult to build a tight-knit classroom environment. Students will lose the motivation to complete projects if the only reason is to get credit. Classroom blogs can fix this problem. By assigning children into groups, they have to learn how to work together to accomplish a goal.
Question 1: How do teachers create a welcoming environment online?
A: One way teachers do this is by creating assignments that are appropriate for the student and limiting who has access to the answers. Privacy is very important when giving assignments online. Students need to know who is viewing their work or else they will not feel safe.
Question 2: Can I use web 2.0 in my own classroom?
A: Yes, I can see using web 2.0 in the future. There were many great suggestions on how to incorporate technology into the classroom. Technology is a way of life in today's society and teachers need to know how to incorporate it into the curriculum.
The use of blogs in classrooms is becoming very popular in classrooms today. One way blogs are helpful is they encourage students to participate in class. An online forum allows students the opportunity to be more outgoing than they would normally be in a traditional classroom setting. Also, when children work on their projects online, they are given more time to come up with a meaningful response to questions.
Another way blogs are helpful is they allow for students to prepare for what will happen in class. Teachers are able to post topics or questions for students to research before they begin the lesson. Students are able to get excited about the lesson before instead of later on.
Blogs can be for individual or classroom use. Individual blogs are important because it gives students the opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings openly. Although, by working alone on an assignment makes it difficult to build a tight-knit classroom environment. Students will lose the motivation to complete projects if the only reason is to get credit. Classroom blogs can fix this problem. By assigning children into groups, they have to learn how to work together to accomplish a goal.
Question 1: How do teachers create a welcoming environment online?
A: One way teachers do this is by creating assignments that are appropriate for the student and limiting who has access to the answers. Privacy is very important when giving assignments online. Students need to know who is viewing their work or else they will not feel safe.
Question 2: Can I use web 2.0 in my own classroom?
A: Yes, I can see using web 2.0 in the future. There were many great suggestions on how to incorporate technology into the classroom. Technology is a way of life in today's society and teachers need to know how to incorporate it into the curriculum.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Journal #3: 100 of My Favorite Things
- My Family
- My Friends
- My Dogs
- Red
- Orange
- Yellow
- Carne Asada Burritos
- Music
- Pizza
- Pasta
- Lemonade
- Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwiches
- Holidays
- Gerber Daisies
- Tulips
- Meeting new people
- Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Sunny Days
- Panda Express
- Cheeseburgers
- Rainy Days
- Lazy Days
- Hot Fudge Brownie Sundaes
- A Clean Room
- Hugs
- Kisses
- Freedom
- Clean Clothes
- Fresh Sheets on the Bed
- My Bed
- Pajamas
- Sweatpants and Sweatshirts
- Stars
- Swings
- Finishing My Homework
- An Organized Room
- Laughter
- Chick Flicks
- Murder Mysteries
- Sleeping
- Sci-Fi Movies
- Documentaries
- Reality Shows
- San Diego
- Movies inspired/based on true events
- Comedies
- Singing in the Car
- the Beach
- Comedies
- Roller Coasters
- Going to Bed Early
- Staying up all night with friends
- Scary Movies
- Photography
- Buying new school supplies
- Spending time with my girlfriends
- Getting Pedicures
- New Haircuts
- Chocolate and anything chocolate-covered
- Money
- A Hot Shower
- Fireworks
- Daydreaming
- Having dreams that make no sense
- Board Games
- Video Games
- Strawberry and Whipped Cream Waffles
- Chocolate Chip Pancakes
- Last Minute Adventures with Friends
- Bonfires
- Campouts
- Red Dragon Sushi Rolls
- Skittles
- Sour Candy
- Crime Shows
- Medical Shows
- Chicken-flavored Cup of Noodles/Top Ramen
- Summer/Spring Break
- Youtube
- Netflix
- Reading tabloid magazines in line at the store
- Peace and quiet
- when someone else does my laundry
- Horseback riding
- Smores
- Ghost Stories
- Murder Mysteries
- Text Messaging
- the Zoo
- Scrapbooking
- Desperate Housewives
- Greek
- Pretty Little Liars
- Top Chef
- Law and Order
- Coca Cola
- Ice Cream Floats
- Baking
- Self-Help Books
Monday, February 14, 2011
Technology Self-Assessment: School 2.0
This is a reflection tool used to assess my current knowledge of technology. It meets NETS-T 4.
The NETS-T I researched was Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership. I chose this NETS-T because I know that I need a lot of improvement in this area. An area of professional growth and leadership that I can expand on is actively participating in local and global learning communities to exchange and implement ideas and methods related to creative applications of technology to improve student learning. One of the resources available to do this is Classroom 2.0. This website is a social network used to share tips in integrating technology into our education systems.
The NETS-T I researched was Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership. I chose this NETS-T because I know that I need a lot of improvement in this area. An area of professional growth and leadership that I can expand on is actively participating in local and global learning communities to exchange and implement ideas and methods related to creative applications of technology to improve student learning. One of the resources available to do this is Classroom 2.0. This website is a social network used to share tips in integrating technology into our education systems.
Classroom 2.0 offers workshops for new and advanced learners to find new ways to expand technology in the classroom. The workshops are geared toward and run by those who attend. The workshops are collaborative, so there are no outside experts trying to teach teachers things that are unnecessary for a classroom setting. The workshops are built for teachers by teachers.
There is also an online forum for people to post and answer questions. This is a great resource for teachers who don't have others to help them in their community. The use of forums will allow for technology to expand into more schools across the country.
Classroom 2.0 will help the next generation of teachers and students as our culture and society becomes more technologically advanced and more dependent upon technology in our daily lives.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Introducing Allie Salazar
Hi,
I am originally from San Diego, CA. I lived there all through high school. I moved to San Marcos, when I started school three years ago. I am a Liberal Studies major with a minor in Sociology.
I didn't have a huge amount of experience with computers before high school, besides the usual word processing documents required for book reports. When I started high school I had to start using power point for oral presentations. When I started taking R.O.P Developmental Psychology my senior year, I had to start using excel for time sheets. I was very happy I learned how to do them because I passed the excel part of the CCR on the first try when I came to CSUSM.
The part of the CSUSM/COE Mission Statement that jumped out to me was their commitment to preparing educators and advancing professional practices. The requirements of becoming a qualified and quality teacher are constantly changing. Teachers continue to learn new skills in order to prepare their students for the future. CSUSM offers classes to prepare students for careers in the classroom, including using technology in the classroom. I believe using technology in the classroom will continue to become more important. Teachers need to learn how to use it as a tool to engage their students in the curriculum. Although I did not read the mission statement before applying to CSUSM, I believe it is a great place to prepare me for my future as an educator.
The part of the CSUSM/COE Mission Statement that jumped out to me was their commitment to preparing educators and advancing professional practices. The requirements of becoming a qualified and quality teacher are constantly changing. Teachers continue to learn new skills in order to prepare their students for the future. CSUSM offers classes to prepare students for careers in the classroom, including using technology in the classroom. I believe using technology in the classroom will continue to become more important. Teachers need to learn how to use it as a tool to engage their students in the curriculum. Although I did not read the mission statement before applying to CSUSM, I believe it is a great place to prepare me for my future as an educator.
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