social bookmarking

After completing the social bookmarking activity, it is great to know that I have all of these websites all in one site. I never want to spend soooo much time looking for that particular website for my lesson plans/units again! With the use of tags, I am able to decrease my search even further. I am excited to add more and more sites to my diigo site. The feeling of organization and saving time is a great one. I like how you can visit other member's sites to see other recommended sites.

I really enjoyed doing the powerpoint lesson because I think it is a great way to emphasize important information and have the students involved while being able to follow along with a visual in front of them. I have had several professors use powerpoint and I love it because everything the professor is lecturing about, the main points are right in front of me, and it makes it easier for me to follow along in case I missed an important part. We're also starting to learn about the SmartBoard, which I love! I hope when I start teaching there will be a SmartBoard in my classroom, or the entire district. The kids will be excited and very curious about this new device, and its a great way to get the kids to interact with the lesson and technology.

powerpoint in the classroom

I really enjoyed using powerpoint because it takes away from the old teaching style of just standing up front and lecturing. Kids are stimulated by visuals, technology and interaction, so I think powerpoint is a great enhancer for any lesson. In my afterschool program, I know some third graders who are currently creating thier own powerpoint in school. It gives them room for creativity using technology, and shows them different ways to present information.

movie maker

I really enjoyed creating a video, and especially adding all of the sound effects. I never thought that I would be posting a video on YouTube, just because I rarely visit the site. The project was a little frustrating at times because of the unreliability of technology. My group missed out on recording some funny moments at the mall because of it not charging. Doing this project not only enhanced my technological skills, but made me realize how Geography is not emphasized in the classroom. I used to love Geography class, and it is important for students to be aware of their world, not just thier local hangouts.

current articles

I really liked the two articles presented Wednesday regarding online homework and online highschool courses. Students who are able to do their homework online not only lets the students complete thier homework probably faster, but it could also motivate them to actually want to do their homework because it is in a different setting and using technology, instead of the boring, standard paper and pencil homework routine. Being that kids enjoy using technology, they would probably prefer to complete thier homework using the computer. I wonder if this will become the new trend for students and homework, or at least be given the option to them.....Online highschool courses is also a good idea for those students who are more independent and do not need the face-to-face interaction with his or her teacher. It could also backfire because of the lack of supervision.

Good news for all of us!

If you didn't know, President Obama is emphasizing better teachers in the United States, and is planning on having teachers earn more money, hopefully sooner than later....we need more competant teachers, and this is a good incentive.....He says that teachers who perform higher in the classroom, will be the ones most likely to earn more money....
Here is the link for the article incase anyone is interested in reading....
http://www.topix.com/forum/source/chicago-tribune/T5A8274B0UNA9DQTJ

Also....my link for my website......http://kellyg.webnode.com/

I'm really glad that I am getting the opportunity to create my own website because I have often wondered how they are created. The templates make it very easy, and provides the basic format for your website, but you still have the opportunit to be creative. It's weird to know that I created a website that the public can view.

Wii in the classroom

Looking for a current article for this class, I came upon an article about integrating the Wii game system into the classroom. I think this would be a GREAT way to get the kids involved and have fun while learning at the same time. They way the teacher could integrate the Wii is by playing the bowling or baseball, or any sport game on Wii and integrating math by counting the scores and asking questions such as "If he scores one more homerun, how many points will team A win?" A teacher could also use Wii in gym class playing all sorts of games Wii offers. There could be a tournament of teams. If anyone is interested in reading this article you can find it one the website http://www.edutopia.org/ikid-wii-gaming-technology-classroom. Its a great way of integrating technology, games, learning and fun for both the students and teacher.

technology is always changing

I feel I am just now getting familiar with the new technologies that are around us. Since technology is changing so frequently with different upgrades and innovations, I am afraid I will be "starting all over" again when it is time for me to teach, because by then, something new will be out, and what we are learning now will be an old gadget that is not used much anymore in my future of teaching. I was never one to catch on quickly about new technologies because honestly I did not care much to learn about it. This class is making me realize how important it is for my knowledge on technology so that I will be able to utilize these skills to teach my students. And most importantly is keeping up with the technology, which is probably the hardest also.

Falling behind technology

I am glad I am taking this course because I feel out of the loop with technology. I never went out right away and got the latest mobile device. Just recently I got my first iPod. My software experience is basically limited to Microsoft Word and internet. So I am learning about what more is out there since starting this class.

First Entry

A blog is an electronic journal entry in which the public can comment and/or respond to someone else's comment. Blogs can consist of personal happenings, opinions, or bits of news to share with the public. Blog entries can also be private.
Students can use blogs to reflect back and forth with other students about a certain book the class is reading, or just have each student reflect on the day's lesson with any thoughts or questions they might have.