Promethean ActivBoard
The Promethean ActivBoard is doing their best to help educate students through the use of technology. While reading through the statistics of the activboard i found that the use is wide spread throughout the world. I found it interesting that over 12 million students in over 500,000 classrooms across the world are using the activboards in their classrooms. I believe that is a sign of how technologically driven our students and society has become.
I also found out that the two premises that the activboards strive to build upon are no one understands teaching better than teachers and the best way to engage tech-savvy students is through technology. I believe that it is important to cater lessons to all students and all different learning styles, however, now more then ever students are learning more comfortable with the use of technology in some capacity.
Another aspect of this website is that it allows for teachers all across the world to share lesson plans and different ways to use the activboard within the classroom. I believe it is important to learn and build off what other great teachers have done. As a future educator i will find it extremely helpful to learn and build off lesson plans that other, more experienced teachers have done in the past.
I believe the activboard can be a great teaching tool and all teachers should look for opportunities to incorporate it into their classrooms. Students all over the world are responding to the use of technology in the classroom and we as future educators should do as much research as we can and learn how to help our future students learn through the use of technology.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Reflection #6
What?
In a classroom here at Northwest, my professor was wanting to use the Smart Board for a lesson plan and found it more difficult then he wanted. While preparing lesson plans the teacher must have back up plans and lessons especially when the lesson plan calls for the use of technology. Technology is a great tool but is not 100% reliable and sometimes it can go down and create more of a problem then a solution.
So What?
When technology is not responding or working the way in which the teacher wants it to, they must be able to have a back up plan and a revised way of teaching the same lesson. I feel as an educator, or in any profession, the teacher must hope for the best but prepare for the worst and use that mentality when using technology in their lesson plans.
Now What?
Just as in any lesson the teacher must find a method that works for him or her. Some teachers did not grow up in this technologically advanced society and therefore, run into problems while incorporating it into their lessons. I believe that technology is a great teaching tool but it can be a damage to the classroom if the teacher does not properly prepare for the worst case scenario.
In a classroom here at Northwest, my professor was wanting to use the Smart Board for a lesson plan and found it more difficult then he wanted. While preparing lesson plans the teacher must have back up plans and lessons especially when the lesson plan calls for the use of technology. Technology is a great tool but is not 100% reliable and sometimes it can go down and create more of a problem then a solution.
So What?
When technology is not responding or working the way in which the teacher wants it to, they must be able to have a back up plan and a revised way of teaching the same lesson. I feel as an educator, or in any profession, the teacher must hope for the best but prepare for the worst and use that mentality when using technology in their lesson plans.
Now What?
Just as in any lesson the teacher must find a method that works for him or her. Some teachers did not grow up in this technologically advanced society and therefore, run into problems while incorporating it into their lessons. I believe that technology is a great teaching tool but it can be a damage to the classroom if the teacher does not properly prepare for the worst case scenario.
Reflection #5
What?
A smaller more widely used form of technology in the classroom is the use of power point. In many classrooms the use of power point is required during presentations.It is used in classrooms for a while now that we can forget the use of power point was not available to students years ago.
So What?
The society we live in are so visually and technologically engaged that we must use forms of sight to capture the audience. I believe students as well as teachers can help prove their point or lesson objectives by the use of a detailed power point presentation.
Now What?
In using power point a student can include pictures, videos, graphs, etc. The possibilities are endless and it creates easy and smooth transitions without having to give presentations with poster boards or papers. It can help the students relate to one another and also keep their fellow classmates involved in their presentation or activity.
A smaller more widely used form of technology in the classroom is the use of power point. In many classrooms the use of power point is required during presentations.It is used in classrooms for a while now that we can forget the use of power point was not available to students years ago.
So What?
The society we live in are so visually and technologically engaged that we must use forms of sight to capture the audience. I believe students as well as teachers can help prove their point or lesson objectives by the use of a detailed power point presentation.
Now What?
In using power point a student can include pictures, videos, graphs, etc. The possibilities are endless and it creates easy and smooth transitions without having to give presentations with poster boards or papers. It can help the students relate to one another and also keep their fellow classmates involved in their presentation or activity.
Reflection #4
What?
The use of the wiki board in classroom participation is also a great method for presentations. I believe that some classroom's are unorganized or randomly place students in presentation orders. With the use of wiki boards the students will allow for them to create their own order and be confident and happy with the order of their assignments.
So What?
This use of technology in the classroom is subtle and not necessarily a major use of technology but it does make life more easy for the students and allows for them to take responsibility of their time. If the students sign up for presentation times they understand they need to be held accountable and must be ready to give their performance during their time.
Now What?
In the classroom their are many opportunities to use the wiki board for orders to presentations, speeches, assignments, etc. I believe that as a teacher the wiki board would help tremendously and would give students confidence and comfort in knowing what order and when they are going to have to give their presentations.
The use of the wiki board in classroom participation is also a great method for presentations. I believe that some classroom's are unorganized or randomly place students in presentation orders. With the use of wiki boards the students will allow for them to create their own order and be confident and happy with the order of their assignments.
So What?
This use of technology in the classroom is subtle and not necessarily a major use of technology but it does make life more easy for the students and allows for them to take responsibility of their time. If the students sign up for presentation times they understand they need to be held accountable and must be ready to give their performance during their time.
Now What?
In the classroom their are many opportunities to use the wiki board for orders to presentations, speeches, assignments, etc. I believe that as a teacher the wiki board would help tremendously and would give students confidence and comfort in knowing what order and when they are going to have to give their presentations.
Reflection #3
What?
In class we used the quick response clickers. I feel that is a great tool to use in a classroom. The technology of allowing for the teachers in today's classroom's to use these clickers helps to include their students in the middle of lessons without having to stop the class and question them and gauge their knowledge individually.
So What?
By using the clickers you can make sure that each student is engaged and responding because the results of their answers are recorded. This allows for the students to interact and have something to participate in without ever having to leave their desks.
Now What?
I believe that as a teacher, we must learn when and when not to use technology. I feel that many of these reflections sound the same in the 'now what' category because it all comes down to incorporating or not incorporating the technology we have seen and observed into our classroom. With time it will become easier to learn when to engage students with technology and when to engage them using other teaching methods.
In class we used the quick response clickers. I feel that is a great tool to use in a classroom. The technology of allowing for the teachers in today's classroom's to use these clickers helps to include their students in the middle of lessons without having to stop the class and question them and gauge their knowledge individually.
So What?
By using the clickers you can make sure that each student is engaged and responding because the results of their answers are recorded. This allows for the students to interact and have something to participate in without ever having to leave their desks.
Now What?
I believe that as a teacher, we must learn when and when not to use technology. I feel that many of these reflections sound the same in the 'now what' category because it all comes down to incorporating or not incorporating the technology we have seen and observed into our classroom. With time it will become easier to learn when to engage students with technology and when to engage them using other teaching methods.
Reflection #2
What?
In one of my classrooms, here at Northwest, my professor used You-tube to help explain his point or to back up his teachings. I believe that there are many good features to using and incorporating this use of technology into the classroom.
So What?
Many children and students are growing up in a technologically driven society and the proper use of You-tube and other technology applications can help engage the students. I believe that sometimes lectures can go lost on students and if the teachers show videos, internet sites, interactive boards, You-tube, etc. The students can engage in a more interactive way.
Now What?
Just as any method of teaching, the teachers need to find out the proper time and ways in which to bring technology into their lessons. I believe that a teacher must practice this trade and learn when and when not to use technology applications during their lessons.
In one of my classrooms, here at Northwest, my professor used You-tube to help explain his point or to back up his teachings. I believe that there are many good features to using and incorporating this use of technology into the classroom.
So What?
Many children and students are growing up in a technologically driven society and the proper use of You-tube and other technology applications can help engage the students. I believe that sometimes lectures can go lost on students and if the teachers show videos, internet sites, interactive boards, You-tube, etc. The students can engage in a more interactive way.
Now What?
Just as any method of teaching, the teachers need to find out the proper time and ways in which to bring technology into their lessons. I believe that a teacher must practice this trade and learn when and when not to use technology applications during their lessons.
Reflection #1
What?
The first reflection has to do with the use of technology and phones. Recently we were on a road trip. We ended up becoming lost and not knowing where we were suppose to turn. We pulled over and plugged in our destination into our phone and the GPS was able to navigate us through the area and to our desired stop. I understand that this does not have to do with education but it shows how far we have come technologically. In the old days we would have to navigate ourselves using maps, now all we have to do is type in the address and the phone does the rest.
So What?
This enhancement in technology shows how far we have come in recent years. If we can find our way through uncharted areas by simply putting information into your telephone think of the opportunities that could be presented to our students.
Now What?
As a society that is growing constantly and becoming more and more technologically advanced, it is our duty to incorporate that technology into our classrooms. Technology can serve such a purpose in the classroom if it is used in the proper ways. I believe if we can find our way across the nation by using a phone we should be able to help educate our students using similar technologies.
The first reflection has to do with the use of technology and phones. Recently we were on a road trip. We ended up becoming lost and not knowing where we were suppose to turn. We pulled over and plugged in our destination into our phone and the GPS was able to navigate us through the area and to our desired stop. I understand that this does not have to do with education but it shows how far we have come technologically. In the old days we would have to navigate ourselves using maps, now all we have to do is type in the address and the phone does the rest.
So What?
This enhancement in technology shows how far we have come in recent years. If we can find our way through uncharted areas by simply putting information into your telephone think of the opportunities that could be presented to our students.
Now What?
As a society that is growing constantly and becoming more and more technologically advanced, it is our duty to incorporate that technology into our classrooms. Technology can serve such a purpose in the classroom if it is used in the proper ways. I believe if we can find our way across the nation by using a phone we should be able to help educate our students using similar technologies.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Kentwood High School (Week 7)
Kentwood High School Website
Kentwood High School is where I both went to school and would like to student teach. I was able to access their website and found many interesting and useful information. I believe that having a website that is readily accessible and easy to use is a great tool for both parents and students.
There were many aspects of the Kentwood website that I really enjoyed. One feature that does not pertain to the learning aspect that i especially liked was the Alumni pages they had. In the Alumni pages, students from my class, or any other class, post their email addresses in their year of graduation and I was able to find some old friends and get into contact with some of them. Another aspect of the website that I liked and felt was appropriate was the posting of the student handbook. In this handbook were the rules, expectations, policies, and procedures. This allows for anyone to view the rules that the school has and gives the school evidence that each student has access and knows what is expected of them in all aspects of being a student. I really thought that was the most important bit of information posted on the school website.
For the most part, there was not much confusion, while i was surfing their website. It is clearly labeled and links to everything and student or parent would need is listed on the side of the main website. It has been five years since i graduated and the school is now using Skyward to access student information. I am unfamiliar with this application and so I would say that the link to the Skyward page would be the most confusing to me.
I believe that this website has all the essential information that an individual would want while looking at the school online. The only thing i feel the website is missing out on is pictures. I had a hard time finding pictures to the campus and or the students who attend. The use of images could really help relate the viewers more to the school and the atmosphere. I believe that if i were able to make one suggestion that would be it, add more photos. Overall, i was pleased with the website and the information that was at hand to me.
Kentwood High School is where I both went to school and would like to student teach. I was able to access their website and found many interesting and useful information. I believe that having a website that is readily accessible and easy to use is a great tool for both parents and students.
There were many aspects of the Kentwood website that I really enjoyed. One feature that does not pertain to the learning aspect that i especially liked was the Alumni pages they had. In the Alumni pages, students from my class, or any other class, post their email addresses in their year of graduation and I was able to find some old friends and get into contact with some of them. Another aspect of the website that I liked and felt was appropriate was the posting of the student handbook. In this handbook were the rules, expectations, policies, and procedures. This allows for anyone to view the rules that the school has and gives the school evidence that each student has access and knows what is expected of them in all aspects of being a student. I really thought that was the most important bit of information posted on the school website.
For the most part, there was not much confusion, while i was surfing their website. It is clearly labeled and links to everything and student or parent would need is listed on the side of the main website. It has been five years since i graduated and the school is now using Skyward to access student information. I am unfamiliar with this application and so I would say that the link to the Skyward page would be the most confusing to me.
I believe that this website has all the essential information that an individual would want while looking at the school online. The only thing i feel the website is missing out on is pictures. I had a hard time finding pictures to the campus and or the students who attend. The use of images could really help relate the viewers more to the school and the atmosphere. I believe that if i were able to make one suggestion that would be it, add more photos. Overall, i was pleased with the website and the information that was at hand to me.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
SMART Board Presentations (Week 6)
One of the things that I learned after watching the presentations today was the different types of activities that you can do with. What I learned is that you can play games, model sports, do power point slides, have interaction with the students and teach in many different forms. I also learned that you can use the interactive board in all subjects and at all grade levels. Each teacher has the ability to create a lesson that can incorporate the SMART Board. One aspect that i did not use in my presentation that i thought was cool was the ability to write out words by pen and have the board turn it into text. I really thought that feature was cool and could be useful.
In class today we saw that the boards do not always cooperate with what we as teachers want to do. The questions that i still have are how much stake do you put into the technology working well and how much work will it require to put back up plans and lessons in case of technical difficulties. In all lessons teachers must have back up plans and my question is how often does this technology go offline and possibly hurt and cut down learning time. Other then that i feel that the more i can learn about the interactive whiteboards the better the educator i can become.
In class today we saw that the boards do not always cooperate with what we as teachers want to do. The questions that i still have are how much stake do you put into the technology working well and how much work will it require to put back up plans and lessons in case of technical difficulties. In all lessons teachers must have back up plans and my question is how often does this technology go offline and possibly hurt and cut down learning time. Other then that i feel that the more i can learn about the interactive whiteboards the better the educator i can become.
Assignment #2: SMART Board Presentation
Games Coaching Tool
The main feature that will be used in my presentation is the touch recognition. While explaining how to play certain sports or how to set up the field with each position the students will be able to touch and actually move the certain players wherever they choose. Another feature that will be used in my presentation is the use of SMART trey pen and eraser. Students will be able to draw on the board as well as erase the lines when they are done. This will allow for the students to show their knowledge of the sport by drawing and showing what each position should be doing during the game.
NETS-Students
The NETS that will be met for the students will be 2. Communication and Collaboration. The area of my presentation that this meets specifically is b. to communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media formats. This meets this criteria because it is allowing for the SMART Board and the use of its features to relate important information regarding the subject to the class as a whole.
NETS-Teachers
1. Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity.
This presentation covers this aspect because instead of sitting in the gym trying to explain to the students the certain positions that each sport requires, I, as the teacher, can show them on the SMART Board that positions before we begin that particular unit. This way the students will already have a background on the types of positions and rules and responsibilities each game carries before we begin. That will allow for the students to enjoy the game and not waste as much time in the gym on preparation as before.
Interactive white boards can be an excellent tool in all subject areas. I believe that in my future classrooms, I will be able to use the white board to facilitate learning in both health and PE. With the new technology, teachers can use the interactive white board to explain different games played in the class by showing the positions, rules, strategies, etc. This will cut down on explanation time during the actual activity and allow for the students to maximize their sports playing time. In a health classroom the SMART Board will allow for me to explain and show the importance of a healthy diet while showing the children what proper exercise and eating habits looks like. I believe technology can help any teacher in any subject if they use it properly and I am excited to find different ways to incorporate the SMART Board into my future classrooms.
The main feature that will be used in my presentation is the touch recognition. While explaining how to play certain sports or how to set up the field with each position the students will be able to touch and actually move the certain players wherever they choose. Another feature that will be used in my presentation is the use of SMART trey pen and eraser. Students will be able to draw on the board as well as erase the lines when they are done. This will allow for the students to show their knowledge of the sport by drawing and showing what each position should be doing during the game.
NETS-Students
The NETS that will be met for the students will be 2. Communication and Collaboration. The area of my presentation that this meets specifically is b. to communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media formats. This meets this criteria because it is allowing for the SMART Board and the use of its features to relate important information regarding the subject to the class as a whole.
NETS-Teachers
1. Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity.
This presentation covers this aspect because instead of sitting in the gym trying to explain to the students the certain positions that each sport requires, I, as the teacher, can show them on the SMART Board that positions before we begin that particular unit. This way the students will already have a background on the types of positions and rules and responsibilities each game carries before we begin. That will allow for the students to enjoy the game and not waste as much time in the gym on preparation as before.
Interactive white boards can be an excellent tool in all subject areas. I believe that in my future classrooms, I will be able to use the white board to facilitate learning in both health and PE. With the new technology, teachers can use the interactive white board to explain different games played in the class by showing the positions, rules, strategies, etc. This will cut down on explanation time during the actual activity and allow for the students to maximize their sports playing time. In a health classroom the SMART Board will allow for me to explain and show the importance of a healthy diet while showing the children what proper exercise and eating habits looks like. I believe technology can help any teacher in any subject if they use it properly and I am excited to find different ways to incorporate the SMART Board into my future classrooms.
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