Shapes Scavenger Hunt

Digital Collection

Google Docs

Working as a group to plan a lesson can be difficult, especially over the computer. I loved using Google docs to create our lesson plan in class. This was a way for all 3 of us to work on a document at the same time and not have to keep updated a word file. The changes are instant, and it made the lesson plan so much easier. I could be typing the standards, while someone else added links to all the web pages we planned to use in our webquest. Google docs makes life so much easier, especially when it comes to group work.

New perspective on WebQuests...

So after yesterdays assignment I have come to find I enjoy planning a webquest. I also found that it is not as confusing as I had originally thought. I think making technology fun and a way for students to learn is a great way to keep the students engaged. I wish my previous teachers had used more webquests in our classrooms. I did research as a student, but it was never planned out. Webquests will be something I implement in my classroom, of course everything will have to be modified depending on the grade and facilities available.

WebQuests

I am still a little confused about WebQuests and how/when to use them in my classroom. I am excited to work on a lesson plan with a focus on webquests, and figure out great ways to use them in a classroom setting. Allowing students to use the internet to do research and find sources is a great use of technology. Having access to computers at school or at home can become a problem, but if the resources are there I would love to implement webquests in my classroom. Hopefully everything will become a little more clear after our project.

Credible Website...

I never realized how much was involved in evaluating a website for a classroom setting. As many credible websites there are, I felt I ran into plenty that looked some what sketchy! I have never evaluated a website until today, so I chose to evaluate a website I have used in all of my education courses.

I am happy to note that BrainPOP.com passed the evaluation and I can continue to use it. This website is not completely free though, which makes it hard to use all the time. I know a few teachers who have access to it through their school, which helps a lot.

Now that evaluating websites has come to my attention, I will continue to evaluate websites for my future classroom and research.

Tool for evaluating websites...

I like the Classzone website as a tool for evaluating websites. It comes with a link to see the criteria involved in evaluating a website and a classroom activity. A PDF file is available for all students to print off and use in an activity to evaluate a website. Classzone gives a list of websites to use or you can come up with your own. This activity is a great way to get students or teachers used to evaluating websites they are using.

Using Portfolios...

I have a few different thoughts on portfolios...

From an elementary school point of few the idea of a portfolio is harder to implement. Especially the primary K-3 grades, who do not have as much background knowledge with computers and accessing the internet.

From a teacher standpoint I think the idea of starting a teaching portfolio which can be used in replace of or along side a resume to future employers is a great idea. I think it will be hard work to keep a portfolio constantly updated and readily available for people to see.

I would love to implement a classroom blog or website that I keep updated for my own classroom in the future. Although not all families have regular access to computers or internet, they could be accommodated with print out reminders and newsletters. Organizing the site and keeping it constantly updated would be a little time consuming but from a parents point of view it would be great to have constant access to a classroom website where you can collaborate with parents, ask questions, offer ideas and comments. Parent involvement is so important and I think this would be a great way to keep them updated on their children and classroom environment.

Learning expectations for this course...

Through this course I hope to gain knowledge of how to integrate technology into my daily curriculum. I will be teaching in the elementary school grades and hope to find new ways to make all subjects exciting and fun to learn about. I want to learn how to use different types of technology that a student as young as kindergarten could use as a learning tool. Planning curriculum for kindergarten and using technology seems more difficult than planning for a middle school class who has computer background knowledge. I have a pretty good knowledge of computers and technology, and I am excited to learn new things and integrate them into a primary grade classroom in the fall!

Informal introduction to class:

I am from Tennessee, but grew up in Orlando, Florida. I have been in Knoxville since 2001, where I attended Farragut High School starting sophomore year. I want to be a teacher because I need to do something that makes a difference. I chose elementary education because I feel that making a difference at a young age helps kids become more successful as teens and adults. My license will be in K-6 but as of now I plan to stay in the primary grades. Growing up in Florida water quickly became my hobby. I love to go swimming whether it be at the beach, pool, or lake. I am also very family oriented and spend a large portion of my time with my family, who also all live in Knoxville. I would say I have a pretty good background in computers and technology. I have been taking computer classes since middle school, which has helped me keep up with new technology.