Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Presentations and Blogging

Hello All!There were a few bugs and bumps along the way and a few that I wasn't able to figure out (mainly the video, but I fixed that by putting in a link that I could use as a backup if I were to use this in a classroom). It was frustrating at times but when I finally figured it out and embedded the presentation into my blog, I felt like I'd achieved something. I still have a lot to learn about technology, but it's good to know that I'm starting to make a dent.As mentioned in my presentation, to keep up with the digitized students of today, most of which have iPods and computers, we need to bring technology into classrooms. Not only just bringing in the technology and using it in front of the students, but teaching the students how to use as well as utilize the technology. To do this, however, you need to know how to work this first. This is why we have classes like this because we are going to need to know how to work all of these applications so we can use them in our classrooms. We also need to know the benefits of these technologies. The Smart Board is a great tool for classrooms, but if we don't know what they could be used for or all of their uses, it's pointless to bring them in. There is also times when it's best to leave technology out of the classroom and it's up to the teacher to know when those times are. This is why we as teachers need to be well versed in technology before we bring it into the classroom. I added the video because the tips Jose (who is a teacher) gives are ones that talk about how we can bring in technology and touches on some of the programs and some information that Lorraine has already given us. Finally, as teachers, we need to know what we can use so I added a few examples of programs we can use, mostly ones we've talked about in class.When looking at the ways I implemented an effective presentation in my powerpoint, first off, I used lots of images that correlated to the text I put in the slide. I also used an image in a slide to explain exactly what I was trying to tell my audience through a diagram. When I did use text, I kept it simple and if I had to use more than a few lines, I chunked the text so that it wasn't a big blob of information. I used a video (that will hopefully show up if I did everything properly) which speaks to my audience, a group of future teachers, through how to use technology and tips.I focused more on how to use technology in the classroom, which, as a post this, I have a feeling is the wrong thing to do. But, hopefully, I still covered everything! Hope this makes sense and thanks!CytrinaWhat is Effective Technology Integration for 21st Century Learner

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Assignment 1: Blogging Reflection

Hello Again,

I have always been a very vocal person and have always liked keeping my thoughts on paper, or in more recent, technologic years, in a blog. I can imagine this being a very stressful, if not, off putting experience to those who aren't used to blogging.

When looking at how blogging could be used in the classroom as a tool, I would like to refer back to the ICT program of studies where it states that the curriculum itself isn't meant to be on its own but to be worked in with other courses to encourage learning. We are living in a day and age where technology is such a part of daily life whether it's listening to music on our iPod or Facebooking/Tweeting from our phones. To fully integrate students with the knowledge of technology, we need to bring this technology into everyday classroom situations.

Blogging could be used in a variety of ways, from a place for parents to check up on what is going on in your classroom to students being able to check the blog for information about homework, assignments and due dates. It doesn't have to be the focus of an entire class but by making it a part of your class in any way, whether it be something they do at school as an assignment (story blog for language arts) or at home as a refresher (seeing if anything is due in class the next day), you are bringing technology and blogging into the classroom.

Cytrina

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Introduction

Hello and Welcome to my Blog!

This is my fourth year in post secondary education but only my third year here at the University. I am a drama major and I am so excited to be in the Education Faculty!

A little about me: I'm an only child, raised by a stay at home mom and a police officer. I love pets (I have a bunny, a year old cat and a three month old kitten) and reading, which sometimes becomes a bad habit because I won't put them down.

Hopefully, I post everything here all right and if not, then it's all a learning experience!

Thanks and write again soon,
Cytrina