Post 10

Reviewing my classmates blogs was very helpful when I wasn't sure how to answer a certain question. Their blogs opened my mind to new ideas, and I found new websites as well as learned about new ways to use certain software. The most interesting post for me to read from other bloggers was the post about how to integrate audio-visual technology in the classroom. I learned about new technology other then the smart-board, new websites to use for movies other than you tube, and new methods of teaching rather than a plain lecture. I loved reading other people's writings. It was all very interesting and entertaining.

The next skill I would like to learn is how to use photoshop. I have a mac, and use iphoto, but I would love to learn about a new software that gives you more options for editing pictures and creating books. Pictures are a huge part of life and capturing the moment, and current technology on photo editing has made huge improvements to the quality of photographs. I think it is very interesting, and something everyone should learn.

To reach my future goals, I will probably have to take another type of computer class after eme2040 later on in life. I learned so much from this class, but there is so much more about excel and other programs that I would like to master. In order for me to fully understand how to use all of the programs I choose, a night time class would definitely help. Or maybe even a software program teaching how to use certain programs.

Post 9

A great tool that I believe all teachers should take advantage of is this website: http://www.suelebeau.com/freetools.htm. This site is absolutely amazing. It gives teachers free tools to make teaching a little easier. It is almost like cheating a little, but is extremely helpful when a teacher needs a quick fix, or draws a blank to a homework assignment. It is easy to use, very efficient, reliable, and has great outcomes! You have all different choices to choose from to aid you in creating a successful classroom.

Sue Lebeau is a website that lets teachers create questions, quizzes, exams, games, and multiple choose questions. All you have to do is type in the information, and it will literally generate questions for you to ask or put on a test if you can't come up with any. It will create an entire quiz or exam for you! It even makes multiple choice questions for you, and generates fun games for the classroom. It is the website any teacher would dream of. It is a great tool for teachers to use so their class is always productive.

Excel is a newly found program of mine, that I only know a little about. This past week in eme2040 was the very first time I ever used excel. It is useful, but I find it very confusing. I like how you can organize numbers, and how it does equations for you, but since I will be teaching an elementary level classroom, I doubt I will really be using it with my students. It is hard for me to understand, so the only way I could use it in elementary school, is to create charts on it for the kids to see, and use it for calculating grades for myself.

Post 8

The powerpoint two assignment was a very fun and exciting project. I chose a theme for each slide to make it aesthetically pleasing, and made my powerpoint a Jeopardy game. The topic of the game was Animal Trivia. I tried to keep each slide very simple. There isn't too much text, and the text is a nice large size and bolded. There is a heading on each slide, with a question or answer about mammals, insects, or reptiles. There are 100 level questions, and 200 level questions for each type of animal. I inserted buttons to link the slides back to the game-board and to the answer slides. It is extremely easy and efficient.

Non computer audio visuals I plan to use in my classroom are movies related to the topic I am teaching, informative documentaries, and clips from history or discovery channel. I have found all of these to be extremely useful in class. My teachers have used them, they are entertaining, they give students a break from lecture and writing notes, and give useful information. For example, if learning about the ocean, I would show Finding Nemo. If learning about Tsunamis I would show the discovery channel. If learning about Christopher Columbus I would show the History Channel.

I think that using buttons on powerpoint slides and being able to link them is going to be extremely useful when teaching my class. It is great for any type of game, or just a regular powerpoint. I know I will be using many different activities on powerpoint that involve linking slides and inserting buttons, as these games and activities help the students learn. It is great for a lesson review or study session.

Post 7

Since I aspire to be an elementary level teacher, I can think of numerous advantages of using presentation software in a k-12 classroom. Most students find it easier to learn when the teacher is teaching about a topic that is presented to them in a more elaborate way then just a lecture. Images are extremely helpful when learning new skills, and a powerpoint is also more entertaining and engaging then a boring teacher at the front of the room. Students love when the information they need to write down in their notes is there for them on the screen, rathe then trying to capture the teachers every word. The only disadvantage would be those learners who are less visual and comprehend more through a lecture. Also, sometimes power-points can be distracting to learning, and the student will often be copying down notes and not listening to the teachers actual lesson.

I would use powerpoint to support student learning by putting my lectures into an effective slideshow. I will use images, sounds, and animations to engage my students. I will put only a few bullets on each slide, so the students don't have too much to write and have more time to listen to my lesson. The font will be in a legible color and font as well as a large size. I find that hyperlinks to websites that give more information or examples are helpful and will add at least 3 of those. I will include movie clips, and any other relative and interesting material related to my lesson.

My only concern would be the amount of usage of technology used in the classrooms. Yes, these new technologies complement learning and are extremely effective, but there is a problem of technology taking over our lives. I am worried that teachers will forget about their teaching skills of lecture and hands on activities, and revert primarily to technology. It is helpful, but there is a limit to everything. Just like everything else, technology should be used in moderation.