Journal

May 3, 2010

Throughout this class so far I have been made aware of all the different technologies that can be used in the classroom. This week we talked about concept maps. I liked the idea of concepts maps in the classroom to help students organize their thoughts. Although, some of the concept map examples seemed a little too tough for children with a typical skill level and especially for students with disabilities. I think that the book needed some more examples so that it could accommodate different levels of learners.

May 9, 2010

In chapter 6, it talks about a teacher using a blog as a learning tool for her students. She gives her students journal topics to write about and they get to chose which topics appeal to them. She challenges them to really think about their journal entry and to put forth a lot of effort. I think that this is an excellent idea for all students of any age or ability. This can also be a time for students to talk about things and feel safe in doing so. I have been think of ways that I could use this tactic in a classroom, and hope that I have the opportunity to do so.

May 16, 2010

In chapter 7, I really enjoyed the podcasts. I think that student would learn a lot about many different concepts from all different subject areas. While developing podcasts they are also learning public speaking skills, and it promotes confidence. They are able to share their information with a large audience. They can also use podcasts to listen to experts whom they may not have otherwise gotten to listen too. I also liked the suggestion of pairing a blog with the podcasts, so that both audio and text were present. This would be helpful for different types of learners.

May 24, 2010

In chapter 8, I like the Lego structuring and building contests. I think that students could really get into it, and it would be a fun way for them to learn. I think that this would be an activity that children would get excited about, and therefore learn the topic more thoroughly. Implementing this technology may be difficult in a wide range of classrooms, but if the technology and support is there it would be a nice project to implement.

May 31, 2010

In chapter 9, I enjoyed the website that allowed for manipulation of protons and elections on a molecular structure. I think that this would be a good visual for students in a chemistry class. I think it would make the concept easier to understand, since the student would be able to see how the structure is affected when adding and subtracting protons and electrons. Chemistry was my worst subject in school, and I may have been able to understand it better if something like this was introduced to me.

June 7, 2010

In chapter 10, I really liked the rubrics. I think that the rubric can be used in every content area and it really maps out for the student what the teacher wants from them. It also gives them specific feedback on what they did well and what they need to work on. The rubistar makes it very easy to do this, and as long as the rubric is grade appropriate it should be easily followed by students. I plan on using rubrics when I get a teaching position, because I feel they are a wonderful way to make sure the teacher and the student are on the same page when it comes to assessment.