Sunday, May 8, 2016

A Time to Reflect: Multimedia Lesson Plan

  This was my first time creating a lesson plan. The task was quite difficult but I hope it gets easier once I get familiar and comfortable with the planning process. One way of creating a similar lesson plan is having the groups make a group project. In their project, they are to present their results on a presentation board. They can create graphs of their results, draw the 5 Food Group Pyramid, or give additional informational facts about cereal. What I would still do is use the grading rubric because it is an effective teaching method to evaluate students.
Based on what I have created in this lesson, the following lesson plan would may be exercising. I would teach the importance of daily exercising activities because exercising is as important as eating. In the future, I could use these lesson plans when teaching Health. I will evaluate students performance by attaining the learning objectives from the lesson. “The process of setting data-informed student goals and monitoring progress against those goals is considered to be a best practice for teachers” (Baltimore City Public Schools, 2015). Further, effort and participation would also be praised and taken in consideration of.
My student evaluations help me see what needs improvement on. Every lesson plan would be evaluated by how much my students have learned. If 85 - 90% of my students evaluated well, I may move on to my next lesson plan. If more than half of my students still do not understand the fundamental skills, then I will modify my lesson plan. “The extent to which each teacher is willing to accept the personal responsibility to improve, to constantly strive to learn, apply and create appropriate teaching-learning procedures, is precisely the extent to which they are becoming more professional, more responsible, and more effective; and is the extent to which they can assure that they “Leave No Child Behind,” (Page, 2008).  I do not want to keep moving on new and different lessons if more than half of my students are not comprehending fully. It shows me I am failing as a teacher, not my students. I would like to see my lesson objectives reached and attained by my students.  
I don't see how the lesson plan is connected to the real world is not included in the ASSURE lesson plan format. It is something I would include because, as teachers, we are preparing students what they learn inside the classroom for outside the classroom. For example, understanding which is a healthier cereal to eat would help students become aware of how much salt and sugar intake is in foods they consume. Therefore, their awareness of healthy eating habits would help them make smart eating choices throughout their life.
Additional information such as the dangerous effects of not eating healthy would be instructed. I can demonstrate some examples and ideas of what would happen if they constantly consume so much salt and sugar in their meals. Knowing the causes and effects of demonstrating poor eating habits would be further instructed. Resources such as educational games can be played on the school computer or books on healthy food can be provided to help further enhance the lesson.
To create a lesson plan challenging for my students, I would incorporate more cereal choices and make a tally of all the sugar, fat, and salt intake. They would make tally marks and create different type of graphs out of their tally marks. Then, they would find the statistics of their results from the graph such as the minimum, maximum, median, average, and range of each cereal. This would show how health and math is being incorporated into one lesson plan.

References

Baltimore City Public School. (2016). City schools inside: Informing and engaging Baltimore city public schools employees. Student Learning Objectives. Retrieved from http://www.baltimorecityschools.org/Page/26885.

Page, B. (2008). When is student failure the teachers fault?. Teachers.Net Gazette. 5(7). Retrieved from http://www.teachers.net/gazette/JUL08/page/

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Technology Assessment #2

8 Technology Assessment Tools

Love It, Like It, Or Click it to the Curb?


When I had a PC laptop, I hardly used Google Chrome. I would mostly use the basic Internet Browser search engine instead. I am a MAC user now so Safari is what I currently use on my personal laptop. I have tried venturing onto other web sites but Google is still my favorite online web search engine and my go-to. It may probably be their highly appealing colors that fascinate me so much. The only con about using Google that I can think of, is its internet popularity. Many times, my peers and I would have the same articles or facts when searching for online sources. Overall, I don't use it much often as I have no need to use it.
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I love Google Apps and would highly recommend everyone to utilize them. On my smartphone, it is synchronized with my Gmail account, so its easily accessible for me to check up on any new notifications I receive throughout the day. One Google App that I enjoy using fondly was Blogger. I love that users can personalize their blog/post. Plus, it is FREE MEMBERSHIP to sign up and join. As a college student, Blogger is an easier way to turn in all of my homework, class assignments, and group projects online with just a click away. I love how I can just stay on one website and not open all of my tabs which is very inconvenient and such a waste of time.  
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3. Moodle

Last year, I first used Moodle when I was taking an online course during Summer Break. When I was fully equipped and logging on, I was frantically worried because I did not know how to use Moodle. I would suggest an online how-to tutorial on how to use Moodle for beginning students who are still relatively new. An online how-to tutorial would have been really helpful when I first started. I wouldn't have felt the need to worry so much. Eventually, I got the hang of Moodle so I saw how it was becoming an easier technology tool to use since I practically force myself to learn how to use Moodle instead. Since they are used for class courses, a nice audio chat for socializing with the rest of my classmates rather than a message forum, making Moodle more an efficient website. I do a lot of required work on Moodle but has never encountered any major problems with it. However, I do think there are efficient technology tools out there. 
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4. WIX

Wix was actually one of the first website creators my team ALPHA, used. We created a Wix website to present about our educational mathematics game and everything turned out wonderful. Taking this technology course this Spring has opened my eyes as to how technology is greatly integrated with education a lot. It is a different presentation tool to than what I normally see in classrooms. A few months ago, I never knew about website designing. Now, I have been introduced in about 50 websites to create and customize unique presentations and different project designs. In Wix, I can choose to select a different theme. The possibilities are endless!

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Twiddla was the web conferencing tool Group Alpha was assigned to discuss and present to in class. Instantly, the first thing I noticed about Twiddla! was its silly, yet unique name. Twiddla is recommended for people to meet up for attending business meetings and conference calls online. It may be used for brainstorming ideas, swapping/uploading pictures and website images. When I was using Twiddla!, the design layout was really simple and plain. Its main features that makes Twiddla stand out from its opposers is the white screen board. Also, Twiddla can accommodate many online users at one time, as long as they have access to an internet connection. There is no audio recording tool for hearing other members join in. Twiddla is a hassle free, no frills, web conferencing tool.


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6. emaze
Emaze is another presentation tool that was fun and easy to use for Team Alpha. I was really excited about Emaze because it caught my interest right away. The website looks like a lot of fun to use. As with other presentation tools, there were  pre-made themes to select which made it easier to get. Emaze is beneficial because emaze can be automatically shared with everyone. For viewing pleasure, Emaza be seen automatically on the smartphone, in a laptop, on a computer, or on a tablet.
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LiveBinders is an educational website for future educators to organize all their work by going paperless. I like how it thought of that idea because it is a great way to recycle paper! Also, LiveBinders helps me further demonstrate my organization skills. What is so unique about it, is filling up my personal binder with endless work combined into one binder!! When I am done, I can see the layout of my binders into separate tabs. The visuals of all the websites add a colorful touch to my binder. Teachers may show parents their LiveBinders so parents may be on track with what their child will be learning about at school or a teacher can assign different binders to each individual student and showcase the students progress inside the classroom.  
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8. Weebly
I have always been curious about Weebly because I have seen some of my Professors websites are by Weebly and UOG students websites are made by Weebly, too. When I used Weebly for my Multimedia Lesson Plan, I found out it was was easier than I thought. For my Wix Website, I used it as an accessible tool for teacher to interact with the parent.
I would definitely would like to use Weebly sometime again in the near future someday. I highly recommend this website.  
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Ratings:
WARNING!!CLICK IT TO THE CURB.
DISLIKE
AVERAGE
LIKE
LOVE, Highly Recommend!!

Monday, April 18, 2016

Assistive Technology: Successfully Helping Students with Disabilities

Assistive technology plays a significant role for students with disabilities.  For Susanna Sweeney - Martina (2005), a sophomore at the University of Washington, assistive technology (AT) is, in fact, “the major foundation of my life.  Without it, I cannot exist where I am today.”  Born with cerebral palsy, Susanna is one of many students with disabilities who actively depend on assistive technology, not only as an educational aid, but in everyday life.  That is why schools must offer these essential educational tools and therefore, be implemented in the classroom.  Further, technology has dramatically influenced our everyday life.


According to Microsoft (2015), "There are many assistive technology products that are designed for individuals who have physical or cognitive difficulties, impairments, and disabilities."  One example would be the voice - activated software program mentioned in the video.  By using this sophisticated software, this educational tool provides an opportunity to give those individuals a voice, metaphorically speaking.  For individuals with physical impairments, alternative input devices such as joysticks and touchscreens enables them to move across the computer screen.  Assistive technology not only provides educational assistance, but also shows them, they are not limited by their disability to fully function properly.  Disabled students are only lacking the accommodations to provide for their disability.  We just need to think logistically, which assistive technology is best for a student to work with given such specific needs and requirements.


Last year, I attended Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) for a discussion which was held at the university campus.  Mrs. Carla Torres, the GSAT program coordinator, discussed the many tools provided by GSAT.  Surrounded by glass enclosed shelves, they displaying different technology devices meant for different disabilities. I remember Mrs. Torres discussing the funding required if a disabled person had to buy a certain device because the high - tech tools can be costly. However, they were also simple tools offered, such as the ergonomic devices, which surprisingly, were rather, inexpensive.  I learned not all assistive technology are high - tech tools but something as simple as a pencil inside a golf ball will help an individual with fine motor skill issues, grip the pencil effortlessly. These tools are greatly used to help disabled people perform successfully in the workforce, at home, or even providing vehicle modifications for mobility purposes.


Watching the How Assistive Technology Enables Dreams video, has made me aware as a future teacher.  I now know what to expect and what I should be prepared for.  Seeing the students use different devices has shown me what devices are out there and how they can benefit me in teaching my own students with disabilities.  I hope I teach in a supportive school that will provide the necessary tools in my classroom for all of my students to succeed in life.  I do not want to see my students failing in lessons because they lacked the resources that was necessary to help in their process of learning.


In conclusion, assistive technology has benefited students with disabilities by the way they communicate, learn, play, and so much more. As technology is constantly developing, also, assistive technology is rapidly developing. As teachers, we must encourage and support the students that need assistive technology. Indeed, it is truly amazing to see a student overcome their challenges and accomplish great things others take for granted. All students should have the ability to succeed in life, equally.


Reference

Ken Ellis (producer/ director). 2005, How Assistive Technology Enables Dreams [Video file]. United States: The George Lucas Educational Foundation.

Microsoft. (2015). Types of assistive technology products. Retrieved from https://www.microsoft.com/enable/at/types.aspx







Monday, March 7, 2016

Technology with Group Alpha

        Three weeks ago, three colleagues of mine including myself, were randomly selected in our class to be in a group called Group Alpha.  As education majors, the first assignment was to have each group member select one online educational game based on our content area of interest.  Although each group member chose four great online games for children, altogether, we have decided to use "Grand Prix Pro Multiplication" as our group's online game.  Not only was the game appealing, but it instantly connected us together as a group when playing the game.  Our fellow group member, Samantha Ann Jardeleza, chose this game because she is a secondary education major with mathematics as her selected field of study.
         Next, we were assigned to create an evaluation rubric based on our group's online game.  We created our evaluation rubric based on knowledge from the rubrics we have received from previous teachers.  "Rubrics make assessing student work quick and efficient, and they help teachers justify to parents and others the grades that they assign to students" (Andrade, 2006, p. 13).  Andrade (2000) also expresses, "rubrics are also teaching tools that support student learning and the development of sophisticated thinking skills."  Personally, it was fun making a rubric rather than receiving one.  All members of Group Alpha participated in the information process of creating a rubric and inputting our individual ratings about "Grand Prix Pro Multiplication."  With no surprise, our total outcome result gave an excellent rating, making it a highly recommended game for teachers and parents to use.
          "Grand Prix Pro Multiplication" is an online educational multi - player game designed to help young children in third through fifth grade, ages nine through eleven, on learning fundamental multiplication knowledge.  As part of the Common Core Standard, students will learn to multiply basic one to two digit multiplication problems from one through ten.  Students will strengthen their memory, quick thinking, and solving skills.  While students are actively engaged, they do not know they are learning at the same time.  Nonetheless, fun is essentially important when learning.  Willis (2006), a neurologist and educator, stated, "the highest-level executive thinking, making of connections, and "aha" moments are more likely to occur in an atmosphere of "exuberant discovery," where students of all ages retain that kindergarten enthusiasm of embracing each day with the joy of learning" (p. 58).
          Lastly, Group Alpha used a few of the many technology tools that were readily available to us.  For our final presentation, Wix.com was used to create the group's website for "Grand Prix Pro Multiplication."  Our team had collaborated to meet outside of class hours to work on our website using group chats such as WhatsApp Messenger and individual e-mails to send and make revisions on our group work.  Also, we used direct links to click on the website.  For example, when a viewer is on the game website and clicks on the 'Play Game' tab, they are automatically directed to the "Grand Prix Pro Multiplication" game.  Another technological tool used was Google Docs for the evaluation rubric and the group survey which was presented at the end of our final presentation.  I found the technological tools directions quite easy to understand so I definitely see myself using them in future group projects.
            Today, educational technology is effective because it helps support student's reach their academic goals.   Technology is a successful tool to integrate the classroom learning experience more meaningful and fun.  Assistive technology devices benefit greatly for students with disabilities and students lacking motivation, academic skills, and social development.  Incorporating technology in classrooms accommodates every student's individual needs.  Technology is reshaping the education system forever and there is no sign of looking back.



                                                References
          Andrade, H. G.  (2000).  Using rubrics to promote thinking and learning.  Educational Leadership, 57(5), 13-18.  Retrieved from http://wwwtc.pbs.org/teacherline/courses/rdla230/docs/session_2_andrade.pdf          



          Willis, J.  (2006).  Research-based strategies to ignite student learning: Insights from a neurologist and classroom teacher.  Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision & Curriculum Deve (ASCD).

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

School

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Saturday, February 13, 2016

Good Men and Women

Now is the time for good men and women to come to the aid of their country.  Now is the time for all good men and women to come to the aid of the country. Now is the time for all good men and women to come to the aid of the country. Now is the time for all good men and women to come to the aid of the country. Now is the time for all good men and women to come to the aid of the country. Now is the time for all good men and women to come to the aid of the country. Now is the time for all good men and women to come to the aid of the country. Now is the time for all good men and women to come to the aid of the country. Now is the time for all good men and women to come to the aid of the country. Now is the time for all good men and women to come to the aid of the country. Now is the time for all good men and women to come to the aid of the country. Now is the time for all good men and women to come to the aid of the country.