Post 7

In teaching Bloom's Taxonomy (hierarchal stages of remembering, understanding, applying, analyzing, evaluating, creating), Powerpoint will be a great tool.  To most effectively teach this concept, I will first broadly introduce the topic on the first slide, perhaps showing an illustration of the taxonomy.  I will then explain each level more in-depth, having each slide describe each level.  I will then briefly recap the new material and check the students' understanding with a simple self-check slide.

Adaptive technologies are of utmost importance!  It is impertinent that I, to the best of my ability, help students with disabilities learn at the same pace as my other students.  Adaptive technologies such as brail printing and computer text readers will help foster student learning.  I do not currently know of any specific student that is in need of adaptive technology.  One potential problem I predict is student-disability immersion.  Although these technologies will help increase student learning and productivity, it could result in isolating the disabled student from the rest of the class.  

The teacher website was surprisingly fun and incredibly easy! It was unfortunate that weebly does not have a "calendar" function in its setup, but besides that, I was very pleased with the user-friendly website.  I will absolutely use this tool when I become a teacher.  It is a great way to stay connected to both students and parents.  

 
http://teachernumber1.weebly.com

Post 6

1.  I chose to investigate my old high school's website (Lincoln High) and to my surprise, it has much improved since I was a student there!  The school colors are integrated nicely, yet the text is easy to read.  As you can see in the screen shot below, the main feature of the main page is the high quality volleyball photograph that creates a sense of joy and teamwork in the viewer.  In addition to looking good, the website has become very user friendly as well.  Main tabs and easily understandable icons are strategically located and do not overwhelm the viewer.

2.  I hope to implement helpful and meaningful technology into my future classroom preparation and instruction.  On a basic level, I see great value in having a class website and using Microsoft Office Suite.  More advanced technologies, such as a smart board, 3D printer, and other practical yet high-quality machines would be a great asset.

3. The web resource evaluation assignment was a great experience!  I especially am fond of the group members in my group, we work great as a team.  Things that could be improved include the BB instructions (unclear at times and not very reader friendly) and the group wiki site (PB works not very user friendly, very unclear, complicated design).

 

Post #5

WEB 2.0

I think using collaborative web 2.0 technologies and websites can be immensely useful in the classroom...when used strategically and with purpose.  This includes the use of blogs, social media, YouTube, Wikis, and other sophisticated, knowledge sharing/ information collaborating sites.  Personally, I think social media would be more of a distraction than helpful tool in classroom instruction.  For teacher professional development however, it may be quite useful.  Whichever Web 2.0 tools used however, the teacher and students must first have the required equipment available.  This means accessible computers with updated software, perhaps network sharing within the school or wifi, available printers, et cetera.  But it's important to remember safety concerns that naturally come with use of the internet (cyberbullying, cyberstalking, illicit content, inappropriate behavior), and implement solutions such as a teacher controlled twitter account, password protection, and website blockers (web 2.0 podcast).     

DIIGO REVIEW 

https://www.diigo.com/index

I investigated the website Diigo for potential instructional use.  I had never heard of it before, but once making an account and familiarizing myself with the site, it seems very beneficial, especially for teaching (the catch phrase is "your learning, Simplified").  It is an impressive, multi-facitated site that offers tools to bookmark, tag, highlight, sticky note, outline, collaborate with groups, archive web pages, and create a personal library.  

This site, in theory, seems to be extremely helpful for teachers and students.  Especially due to its easy usability, teachers can (almost) effortlessly compile helpful resources and students can work on group projects even when not meeting in person.  Its tracking and note capability would be ideal for an advanced research project as well.  The only subject that could have difficulty with diigo integration could possibly be math.  For all other subject areas though, Diigo would be a great benefit!

CONCEPT MAP

When creating the World War I concept map, I used Webspiration Pro for the first time (in addition to creating a digital concept map for the first time)!  Thankfully the program was easy to navigate and understand, and within minutes I was actually enjoying the process of complicating and arranging my map.  I learned specifically that the design and visual appeal are integral to concept mapping.  The way the ideas connect together must be appropriate to the subject and be easily understood by the audience.  When done effectively, I think concept maps can truly be a very helpful tool for students (to see when learning, but also to create themselves).