Wiki

I am still learning about wikis. This would have to be where I lack the most knowledge. However, I would like to figure out how to use them and be able to make and edit wikis. I have signed up for an account on wikipedia and am searching for something I would like to edit.

Podcasts

There has been so many things that I have learned in my teachnology class that I didn't even know existed, podcasting, for example. When I would hear the word podcast I would have no idea what it even was. Now that I have learned about it I think that it is an awesome resource for teachers to use.
On the UEN website I watched an episode that explained what iTunes U is. This is a place where you can get free podcasts and they are listed by many different categories. After learning about iTunes U I went and search through different podcasts that were listed under schools in Utah. I search different topics and found some podcasts that I am interested in and would like to eventually watch.

Bookmarking

I am new to the bookmarking thing. After learning that I can save bookmarks on my google account I am sure that I will use them more often. The following is a link to my bookmarks.

https://www.google.com/bookmarks/l#!threadID=GQsS9ejwG3cI%2FBDRLpggoQ1PG9558l

Photosharing

I had no idea what photosharing was even about until my Tech class. Photosharing...what an awesome thing. You can upload pictures and make different galleries to hold your pictures. Also, pictures that have been uploaded by others can used by you if you are looking for something specific. The following are two different photosharing sites that I like.

http://www.photobucket.com
http://www.flickr.com

Wix

I have been working on my e-portfolio by using a website maker through wix. I have really enjoyed using wix; there is many features and I have used many of them on my portfolio. I will be excited when I get completely finish to see how it turns out.

To be directed to wix.com click on the above post title "Wix."

UEN Classes

I have been watching past episodes in the faculty lounge on uen.org. The first episode I watched was about blogging, I learned about how to make different pages in my blog. I can use pages to organize my blog and make more accessible to those who look at it. The second episode was about using features in powerpoint. I learned how to use the different features with videos. I am excited to make a lesson plan with a video and use the features I learned.

Philosophy of Education

My Philosophy of Education

Purpose of Education
Teachers should teach children things that are important and will be relevant to the students for their future. Also, teachers should encourage learning on their own through experiences. I believe students learn better when they can learn on their own and through their own trial and error. However, teachers should be responsible to attend to and focus on the children. Also, the things being taught need to be understandable and interesting to the students.

Students should assume responsibility for their own learning. If they don’t understand something they need to ask questions and let the teacher know they don’t understand. When the teacher is informed of students not understanding then the teacher can adjust the way the material is being taught so these students can understand. When students graduate they should know the fundamentals of the past, future, and present. Also, they should be able to function in the “real world” and know how to function and continue throughout their life successfully. Students should feel confident, knowledgeable, and comfortable with themselves.

Curriculum
When teachers teach the required curriculum they should be able to make an impact on each student. There is much diversity among students and teachers should know the diversity in each of the students. If teachers do not know the differences among their students how can the teacher impact the student and give educational opportunities for each student. Every student’s needs need to be met and understood or they won’t understand the curriculum.

Instructional Strategies
Every student learns differently therefore different types of strategies should be used. If teachers don’t use multiple strategies then some students will be “left out” and never understand the teacher and the material being taught. However, there is one strategy that I know is effective to all students and should be used all the time, visual instruction. When pictures, drawings, videos, and etc. are used students understand the material better because they can see it. For example, I teach swimming lessons to young children and in my first year of teaching I would explain water safety rules verbally. However, I could tell that my students did not understand, so I began using a children’s book that explained water safety. When I read the book the student’s engage and actively participated along with the book because they could “see” what was being taught.

Assessment
To assess whether the students understand the material, two different test should be done. First an informal test where the teacher would give a verbal question or command and the students would have to respond. Depending on the response of the student would determine if the student understood. For example, if kindergarten children are learning about shapes and informal assessment could be done. The teacher could tell the class to draw the shape in the air with their hand. The teacher would then know who understood by who drew the shape correctly or incorrectly.

Another assessment that could be done is a formal assessment. For example, a third grade class is learning cursive writing. The teacher could give the students a few sentences they were to write in cursive. Those students who wrote the sentences correctly in cursive the teacher would know they understand and those who make mistakes would know they still need more practice.

Back to the real world

Now I am back from my vacation and time to get back on track with school. I need to try and figure out all of my assignments that need to be done for Tech Ed. I am interested in this class and what I have learned and how I can use it in the future. However, I don't think I have understood everything to the fullest and hope that I can figure it out so it can be beneficial.

Overwhelmed

Tonight I have been feeling overwhelmed with homework. I am going out of town for the rest of this week and need to get my homework done for my classes. Hopefully it won't be a long night...

Power Outage

During my class today my power went out for about ten minutes and I had no access to the internet. I was in the middle of talking to my group about some things. While my power was out I thought about how great and useful technology can be until the power goes out. The communication I was having was instantly cut off. What a pain to have the power out, everything I was doing with my class required the internet and without that I was stranded. Luckily my power wasn't off for very long and I was able to get in contact with my group and class again.

Autobiographical Sketch

I wrote the following for an assignment where I was to include what influenced me to teach, and my ambitions.

I grew up watching my dad educate students in secondary education. During his 26 years of teaching his influence affected hundreds of students. I crave for the opportunity to influence students of my own. I want to encourage someone to reach their full potential and find success in their lives.

During my senior year of high school I registered for an American Sign Language (ASL) class. Taking this class inspired me to develop skills in ASL and eventually led me to register for all the available classes at Dixie State College. Currently I am employed as a communication intervener with Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind which allows me to use my ASL skills.

The past four years I have taught young children how to swim through the American Red Cross. In addition, this summer I started a special needs swimming lesson program and have grown to love these children. During my years of teaching these young children I have come to appreciate that every child has a different learning style. Every year I teach I learn new ways to inspire and encourage the children to succeed. I find joy and excitement from watching them master new skills.

When I finish my degree at Dixie State I would like to work in the parent infant program with Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind. I decided on this career because I grew up always wanting to teach in someway and influence others. My desire to pursue a degree in elementary education was influenced by observing my father, my high school American Sign Language class, and my own experiences teaching swimming lessons.

Photo Story

I made this video using microsoft. I had to download the program first http:/www.microsoft.com/downloads then in the search box search for "photo story 3" After downloading this file I created the following video. I chose this topic because I thought it would be fun to put a compilation of pictures of my husband and I together. Enjoy!

Inspiration Site

This site is a great source to make different "webs." A free 30 day trial is available for downloading; also can be bought. There are many different templates that can be used for anything.

To be directed to the inspiration site, click on the above post heading "Inspiration Site"

First Tech Ed blogpost

Beginning of a semester of blog posts for Educational Technology.