Blog Post 11

I can't believe this is the last Blog Post we will be making for this class! I've certainly loved it, because I loved reading my peers' opinions, and it makes me proud to keep up with something like this for so long. It is nice to cultivate an online identity, and I hope to continue blogging about education and technology in the future.

Next, I would like to learn more with graphic design and Photoshop. I spent some time in ninth grade getting certified, but recently, I tried to pull up the program and I was miserably unprepared. The buttons are all Greek to me. I feel like I could use Photoshop for professional and recreational purposes, and in a technologically advanced world, it is a necessary skill to have. I also want to try 3-D printing! It's so neat, and it would be so fulfilling to create something like that. I know we are working on the assignments this week, but brushing up on my Excel skills would be nice, as well. To achieve these goals, I plan on practicing, taking classes, and taking advantage of our resources on FSU's campus! I know we have a great 3-D printing lab there, and I hope that some of my computer and art savvy friends will spend some time helping. For Photoshop, there are countless online tutorials to help people navigate the program.

I commented on Courtney's and Bailey's blogs!

Blog Post 10

Throughout this course, I’ve become accustomed to using technology for educational purposes. I had the opportunity to create tests, newsletters, web evaluation forms, and interactive PowerPoints! These skills have allowed me to develop as an educator. The use of Twitter also aided in my professional development, because I was able to connect with my peers and read their opinions on assignments we all worked on. This built a sense of community. This blog also added to that community discussion, and it was pleasing to see how we all interpreted and created our works for each module. Twitter also led me to follow experienced bloggers and long-time educators, many of whom broadened my perspectives and provided great insight. I loved reading their opinions on teaching methods, testing, and student interaction. Technology allows for more communication and connection. Things are different now. Conferences and teacher workshops are important, but now, teachers can gain that knowledge from their laptop or phone.

This was the first time I’d ever recorded my voice for the purpose of teaching, and it was so weird at first! I often tripped over my words and took long pauses, so it took a few tries to get my presentation perfect. I used the quick design feature for background formats, which helped all of my PowerPoint connect visually. I had never made an interactive PowerPoint either, or knew how to make links that would lead to other slides in the presentations. That was a new experience, but I was so pleased to learn it.
:)




Check out my comments on Sierra's and Margaux's blogs!

Blog Journal 9

The "Flipped Classroom" is an approach to education in which students learn education material outside of the classroom. Most of this information is taught online, through instructional supplements posted by teachers. Students that can't attend class are able to consume the content they missed. Students that do attend class are able to review and recount certain information, which solidifies concepts in their minds. Many teachers have taken to putting materials and lesson plans online to benefit students. They may also link students to PDFs and required reading before the class, which allows the classroom to be a more collaborative environment than it would be otherwise. In schools, classes can be more discussion-based.

The Digital Divide refers to the gap between those who do not have access to technology and those who are immersed in technology. These circumstances are largely due to economic and social reasons. Students of higher socioeconomic statuses often have wide access to technology and are technologically literate. Students with lower socioeconomic backgrounds are not able to access technology as often. To bridge the Digital Divide, educators should take notice of students who are not as savvy with technology, and take measures to provide them with the same opportunities and resources as students. Teachers need to expand resources in educational spaces and inform parents about low-cost access to computers and tablets.

It has been a while since I created a PowerPoint that required animation and transitions between slides. It was fun to do something whimsical like that! I had never used the "Record" and "Show" options before either, and it was hard to convey my message in a concise and eloquent way. Nevertheless, I liked the challenge. For the more recent PowerPoint that I created, making an interactive game was entirely new to me. I hope to take less time to create PowerPoints in the future, and that they have favorable results.

Check out my comments on Lucy's and Kathryn's blogs!

Blog Post 8

Assistive and adaptive technologies are tools educators use to help some students focus and learn subject material easily. These tools can include audio players and recorders. They can include calculators as well, along with noise-canceling headphones. Spellcheckers are very effective for dyslexic students, for example. Personally, I have trouble maintaining my attention while reading certain texts, and would rather have it read aloud to me. That’s why I like listening to podcasts. I set timers when I do assignments, as well. They encourage me to keep myself focused on my tasks. I like to think I perform better under pressure.

I plan to utilize Smartboards and Microsoft Office in my classroom. PowerPoints are my favorite medium of communication because they are customizable and engaging. I also have been making them since I was a child, so they are very familiar to me. Creating them and using templates would cut time off making lesson plans. I also would like to play music during periods of individualized focus. I think it makes for a more welcoming atmosphere and helps students maintain focus.

I had never heard of WebQuests before this last assignment, so it was a completely new experience for me. It was fun making a website for the first time. I might actually utilize this in the future, because it helps students who may question the process of completing their assignments, and would allow for less confusion. 

http://mscannadyswebquest.weebly.com

Check out my blog comments!!
Amanda and Alexis