ILP Participation - DigiTech

Participated on Mar. 30, 2016 (Exhibition @ 1:30)

DigiTech was quite the experience!  I had no clue what to expect, and what was presented blew me away.  There were several different exhibits set up, and I saw a few familiar gadgets including the life-changing (literally) Oculus Rift and the 3D printer.  Actually, my favorite department exhibit was the 3D Printing Etruscan, not only because the piece of technology is so interesting, but because of how they used it - for composition.  If you've kept up with my blog, you would know I am very passionate about composition, and they took this idea and soared with it.  The possibilities are endless when it comes to composing, especially when using a tool like this.  There's actually a class here at FSU that centers their curriculum around 3D printing, and the exhibition presented their composition projects.  Below, you can see a few of these creations atop of their artist's statement.  It's beautiful to me - the inspiration behind each composition, and how they illustrate it in their work.  What also amazed me was the 3D printer at the end of the table.  They didn't limit themselves to just plastic... they were printing CERAMIC POTTERY!  Again, infinite possibilities, and I really enjoyed seeing how my peers expressed their mind and heart through utilizing technology.

Above:  Projects from the 3D printing course.
My favorite was the one that holds the pill bottle,
created by someone who said he needed to make
something that would remind him to take his medication.
Right:  Example of digital construction and artist's statement.

 

Blog Post #10

Data Collection

When I think of data collection in the classroom, I think about grading students’ work.  It was so cool learning how to make a grade book in Excel!  Although, not all assignments are the same, as projects and tests way heavier than homework and quizzes, so I must account for the different percentages/points.  Also, in my high school literature class, I plan on giving several opportunities for extra credit.  When I enter in these extra points to the students who worked for them, I want to make sure I’m correctly allotting the points.  It would be terrible for me to accidentally put in a zero for a student who didn’t choose to do the extra credit.  It shouldn’t count against them at all, but rather for those who did the extra credit.  This is just one example of how a data collection tool would help me to organize and calculate numerical data in the classroom.  Excel can also be used when taking attendance, when scheduling and planning lessons, and as a library catalog.

Interesting Topics

One reason I want to teach is to explore the minds of my students.  I love to see how they express their beliefs and ideas through their work.  That is what I liked so much about my classmates' blogs - I loved to see how unique everyone's compositions were.  From the way they designed their blog to what they posted on it, it was so cool to see everyone's work.  The assignments were the most interesting aspects to me.  Each one of our projects differed so much from the other, even though we had the same requirements.  What I enjoyed most is looking through everyone's websites.  When navigating through my peers' websites, I could see what kind of teacher they aspired to be and how they want to lay out their classroom.  They included things I never would have thought to, which helped me broaden my approach.  Years down the road, when "peers" turn into "colleagues," I believe bouncing ideas off of each other, which is similar to sharing our blogs with one another now, will help us to grow and develop as teachers.

Desired Skill

This semester we have learned SO much about technology, and I have gained and toned skills I believe will be very useful in the classroom.  One thing I want to be good at is administering to my students through technology.  It's one thing to create a PowerPoint and a game and a website, but it's another thing to professionally implement it in the classroom.  Over the next couple of years, I want to be able to present my PowerPoint effectively in the classroom, and I want my students to have access to it and to the game using my website.  As a teacher, I will have to bring everything together in a way that is easily accessible to my students.  If they do not have access to technology at home, how can I accommodate?  If a students gets ill and is absent for days and weeks at a time, how can I use technology to stay in touch with them and keep them up to date?  Each student will have different needs, and I wish to acquire the skill to accommodate for all of them in a way that won't stress them out or make them feel inferior to their peers.

Achieving Goals

In my classroom, my goal is to use technology in two main ways:  communication and creation.  To communicate, I will use the mail merging skills I learned this year, as well as post information and resources on my class website.  This way, students and parents will be updated about what is going on in class.  To create, I will assign my students with projects in which they use technology in a unique way to illustrate their heart and mind.  Composing through PowerPoint and Wix are just two ways we demonstrated that in EME2040 this year.  When composing, I want my students to do so without stress and without boundaries.  To reach this goal, I will give my students ample time to work on their assignments and give them suggestions and feedback.  Above all, I want my students to grow and enjoy their time in my classroom, and I pray that will be accomplished through the projects I assign and the love I give.

Blog Post #9

The Flipped Classroom

In a flipped classroom, the teacher and students use time differently, more efficiently supporters would argue.  Instead of students passively receiving content in an in-class lecture, they would learn through watching instructional videos outside of class.  The time in class would then be dedicated to interaction and discovery learning within the content's framework.  This available time lets students interact with their teachers and peers, which results in better relationships and clarification and deeper understanding of the material.  This idea first started so that absent students could see the lectures they missed that day, but flipping the classroom can be beneficial for all students.  Teachers can videotape their lecture and post it on a classroom blog or website, or they could use other instructional videos found on YouTube.  An example of this can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3oIiH7BLmg.

Professional Development

Teachers don't know everything.  This is especially true within their first few years of managing a classroom.  Just as students though, time and experience in the classroom grows and develops a teacher.  Other means of professional development is using web-based resources.  Examples of this include blogs and Twitter, both of which are environments in which teachers can connect with one another and share experiences.  I can testify that in general, one of the best ways to learn is through personal experience and from the experiences of others.  One web-based resource is Classroom 2.0 (http://www.classroom20.com/).  This is a free social network that opens access to digital dialogue.  It also offers forums, recordings, and even live shows.  Through this resource, teachers can teach to and learn from others in their profession.

PowerPoint Interaction

The interactive game that I created through PowerPoint was a fun challenge.  I strengthened my skills of inserting action by mouse click AND by mouse over.  The latter feature I didn't think possible in PowerPoint.  This also helped me better organize my slides to make it less chaotic as possible.  I liked that I was able to steer from making a Jeopardy game, because I had already created one in 6th grade, and I wanted a greater challenge.  What I didn't like is the tediousness of creating the game, but I know it was necessary in order to create the game the way I desired to.  Next time, I would create more fun, interactive games for the player after they correctly answer the question, in addition to the maze.  In the future, I could offer this sort of educational interaction to my students when they are reviewing unit material.

Blog Post #8

Technology Advancement

Now I'm traditional - I prefer to read from a physical book and turn actual pages - but electronic paper could hold big promises for education.  It's basically like an eBook reader, except much more lightweight and flexible.  Because of this easy transport, teachers and students could use the electronic paper in and out of class.  The use of this technology includes access to textbooks and handouts.  It'll save the students' backs from having to carry around so much in their book bags, and it'll save the trees from paper consumption!  What would really be interesting, and I could see this coming in the future, is if students could write on the electronic paper, just like they would a regular sheet, then electronically drop the completed assignment into the teacher's electronic grading folder.  Envision an entire classroom as a computer desktop.  Each student's electronic paper would be a folder.  When the teacher wanted to share a document with the class, she would drop the document into each folder.  How though?  I would want to steer clear from using WiFi, just in case students take tests on the electronic paper.  With this in mind, I'm interested to see where electronic paper can go in the future.

Digital Divide

The digital divide is the gap between those who have access to computers and the Internet and those who do not have access.  I am lucky to be on the former side of the divide, as I am very similar to Student A that was mentioned in the podcast.  I have a personal computer and iPhone, as does everyone else in my family of the middle class.  I use this technology for educational purposes as well as recreational use.  My father is also an I.T. worker, and he is able to fix any issues that arise with the technology.  As technology becomes more prominent in education, schools are more likely to have computers and iPads available to students.  In which case, I will constantly take advantage of the opportunity for my students to use them in class.  Out of class, I will need to be aware that not all students fall on the fortunate side of the digital divide.  I will have to be careful about the homework I assign, and make sure to give more computer time before and/or after school to those that need it.

Information Dissemination

I really had to invest myself into making this PowerPoint.  It's a composition of its own!  But I am proud of it - if I do assign this project in my classroom, I plan on using the presentation I made (after updating it some).  I would have to say the most difficult part about it was recording the show, because I'm not very comfortable with my voice.  This new skill I learned is a very useful tool though.  In case a student were absent during the class period, I could email them the show, guiding the student like I did in class, rather them just sit and click through the slides.  Next time, I would like to add more resources to my PowerPoint that my students could use to create their composition pieces.

ILP Participation - COE Tech Sandbox Tour

Participated on Feb. 16, 2016 (12:30-1:30)

The Tech Sandbox Tour was so awesome, and I'm grateful I got the opportunity to go.  I was very satisfied with the format, content, and the relevance of the tour.  The technology that was presented to us blew my mind!  I was itching to use that 3D printer for personal projects, and I thought the Google Glass was only real in movies!  What I was most intrigued about was the Oculus Rift.  I got the chance to try it out, and it took me to a whole other world!  I was also very impressed with the instructors - their knowledge was expansive, but also their imagination.  After each piece of technology was shown, they would explain how it can be implemented in the classroom.  For example, students can use the LCD writing tablet instead of scratch paper while taking a test.  When I was younger, in math class my teacher would call out a question and we would answer holding up personal white boards.  The writing tablet can be used instead, saving money on white boards and those expensive Expo markers.  Overall, the interactive tour was very well done, and has not only opened my mind about using technology in the classroom, but has also inspired me too!

I wish I was able to see the final product!
My mind was flooded with random things I 
would print if I had the opportunity to.

This 3D printed ring has something
that spins on it.  The instructor
said this could help a child with
ADHD.  Personally, I would benefit
from the spinning while presenting.

Blog Post #7

Bloom's Taxonomy Using PowerPoint

Bloom's Taxonomy consists of six different levels.  I can implement each level by assigning my students to compose about a "light bulb moment" they experienced.  A light bulb moment is a moment of sudden realization, enlightenment, or inspiration.  By using PowerPoint, I can structure my lesson to help the students better follow directions.  The following are the instructions I would give on each slide, which includes the level of Bloom's Taxonomy it implements:

Slide 1 - Knowledge [Recall of Information]
  Recall an experience from the past when you had a light bulb moment.  This can be serious or comical, but I do want it to be personal!  For example, recall a time when you learned a lesson after doing something wrong (or right!), or the day you realized that you will never again order mayonnaise on your sandwich from Subway.

Slide 2 - Comprehension [Summarizing; Discussing]
  To your neighbor, tell the story of what happened and what you learned from it.

Slide 3 - Application [Designing]
  With your partner, discuss each experience and transfer ideas of how the experiences can be portrayed.  How can you compose?  For instance, you can write a personal narrative, create a flip book, tell the story through a PowerPoint presentation, create a photo journal, create a diary, create a song, etc.  The options are endless!

Slide 4 – Analysis [Organization of Ideas]

  After deciding on a genre of composition, independently brainstorm an outline.  This is the opportunity to really consider the genre conventions and the rhetorical situation.  For example, if you are creating a photo journal, what will your pictures be of, and in what order?  If you are creating a diary, will you type it out or scribe it by hand?  Will you include doodles or will it be serious?  Will your flip book be drawn or computer generated?

Slide 5 – Synthesis [Design & Invention; Composing]

  Over the next month, you will have time (in class and out of class) to work on your composition.  If you have any questions regarding the project, I would be more than happy to help.

Slide 6 - Evaluation [Judging; Recommending; Rating]

  After a month's time, the following week will be presentations.  Don't worry, this isn't a formal presentation that you need to stress over; it's just an opportunity to show your work to the class and receive feedback before you turn in your composition.  You will be graded for participation (presenting and giving recommendations).

Adaptive Technologies

Adaptive technology can be used to assist learners, whatever the student qualifies for.  For instance, adaptive technology can be used by gifted students who need a challenge.  Software that provides simulations, like a science lab for example, provides a new avenue of engagement and learning.  On the other hand, students with special needs need support, unique strategies, and assistance that may not be available through other means.  There is software for students who have trouble reading (such as book recordings for those who cannot concentrate on book pages) and writing (such as Microsoft Word for messy writers and concept map generators for those who have trouble organizing ideas).  Not only is there software to support learning, but the computer itself can help with physical disabilities.  Large keyboards and braille printers are available for students who have trouble seeing, or cannot at all.  In high school I interned in a sixth grade math class, where there were several culturally diverse students.  When a student have difficulty understanding the lesson in English, they would hear it again in Spanish through a type of adaptive computer software.  In my classroom, I hope to be able to administer to all of my students who need further assistance, but I am worried about budget, availability, and time.  I want to be able to provide them with what they need, but will they have the opportunity to use these programs at home?  Will the school itself have money to buy these programs?  These questions may serve as a challenge, but they are hurdles definitely worthy of jumping over.

Web Page Design

The web page design project has been my favorite project to work on, no doubt.  I loved it!  There were an infinite number of opportunities to be creative, while still following the guidelines and including what was assigned.  Also, it was the first time working with Wix, and I've decided that if I am to assign my students to create their own website, I will have them create through Wix.  What I disliked is that while you typed, there was no spelling check.  Even though you should edit your work regardless, spell check is very convenient and saves a lot of time (such as just then, trying to spell "convenient").  Next time, in order to improve my website, I would look further into Wix and dig around for different applications I can insert for my viewers to use.  This brings up another area I disliked - the fee.  There were several applications that were free, but there were some cool ones you had to pay for.  This is common on majority of website generators though.  Through this assignment, I learned more about what subject I want to teach (composition) and I developed organization skills by formatting how and where I wanted information placed on my website.  I am proud of my website, which can be found at http://tessadanielss.wix.com/honorscomp, and I plan to continue to add to it.

Blog Post #6

Teacher Website

At Buford High School, where I graduated from, each teacher has their own website, each made through Weebly.  Common tabs include teacher information which has photographs and a couple personal facts about the teacher that they feel comfortable sharing with their students and parents.  It's common for teachers to teach different classes/grades in the same year, so each has its own tab.  Other tabs may include resources for a club that the teacher is a sponsor of and a tab to information about the sport they coach.  These characteristics are true of Coach Snell's website.  Coach Snell teaches three classes on education, all four grades, coaches football, and leads Fellowship of Christian Athletes.  His home page includes his favorite quotes.  His About Me page includes pictures of him and his family and personal background, such as where he went to college and how long he has been teaching.  His education tab has numerous links relevant to his teaching, such as articles they discuss in class.  He also has a tab for FCA, which provides useful resources for those a part of the club.  Several tabs he includes in his website I envision to include in mine as well.
(Below is a picture of a 6th grade language art teacher's website from Raa Middle School.  I chose this local school because it is the one I observed last fall for my EDF class.  Some tabs that we are required to include in Assignment 8 are seen here.  Once the Weebly server is up again, I will post a screenshot of Coach Snell's webpage.)

Professional Responsibilities

Technology will be at the heart of several of my tasks.  It will assist me in the organization of my lesson plan, and I will use it to notify students and parents when there are changes to it.  I will communicate through means of email, my classroom website, and by physical mail (using mail merge).  It will save me great time and effort when inputting, computing, tracking, and reporting grades.  Technology will strengthen my professional status, as the letters I make, my website, and other compositions will be formatted so that it is pleasing to the eye and provides useful information for the audience.  (I will use the C.R.A.P. method to ensure this.)  Technology will also serve me as a storage unit, saving me more time and physical space, and not to mention it will save trees!

Web Evaluation Wiki

The group assignment worked out much smoother than I thought it would.  My partners were awesome and we worked together well.  Honestly, that was something that surprised me, because I have never been apart of a take-home group project in college, and my past experiences in high school weren't all too wonderful.  What I didn't like was the time frame we had to complete the assignment in.  Being a student athlete in season, it was difficult to find a time that worked well for all of us, but thankfully it worked out.  The web evaluation form that we collaboratively created gave me a new perspective about researching online.  Also, through the Wiki I improved my website design skills.  I can use these skills in my future career when creating my class website.  Next time though, I would use another website generator that allows me the opportunity to be more creative with how I compose, such as Wix.