administrative software reflection

This information was quite useful. Many of the terms were explained so that I now know the difference between administrative and academic software and have also learned about the various programs that are currently being used. The assortment of admin software has been used by a lot of teachers, including those for attendance, assessment, record keeping, and presentations. I have found the word processing program to be a life saver on many occasions. I have also introduced some of my students to the word processor and they love finding 'their letters' for their names and for their friends. Evaluating and using software does take some time but it is better to do it than to waste $ and time for something that is inappropriate of just a waste of time.

Ch. 6 reflection

The use of digital technology in the classroom is a really great way to add another layer to the learning styles that many students may need. I know that in my household, many of these items have been in use at one time or another and continue to be updated with each new gadget that comes along!(Is there a graveyard for obsolete or dead electronics?)! The digital camera is such a great tool for the classroom. For the early grades, it can be used to provide visual aids for materials and pre-reading experiences. The new video cameras (I own a Flip) also help to capture short plays and activities. These help us to share the classroom experience with parents and the community. Touchscreens would be great for early learners as well as those with special needs. My Promethean board is nice for sharing information with a whole group and their are some good resources that are included with it. With so many resources available it often seems that we should have our own personal power grid and charging stations. Something has always got to be charging, including me, but all I need is some chocolate and a Diet Dr. Pepper.

Ch. 5 Reflections/coolschooltools

Ch. 5 was just chock full of interesting info. I did like the review of the various computer components and their definitions. The CD-RW vs. the CD-rom was cleared up for me somewhat and I can appreciate the use of the integrated software package. While I did know what some of these terms were already, it was a good review.
Now, on to coolschooltools. There are so many neat ideas and sites, but so far I am loving the music sites that are available. I also want to try the poster maker.It is really quite convenient to have everything in one site to choose from.

reflections on Ira and Ch. 4

I really enjoyed Ira and all of his ideas. It was great to hear of all of the ideas and practices that would lend themselves to helping students to become successful regardlesss of their abilities. The obstacles I forsee would be administrative due to time constraints,time on task, etc.Research would have to be presented and proven in order to get approval. Nevertheless, it would sure be worth a try. Th A plus program would be one example of a great program that allows students to work at their own pace, allowing them to become successful.

Technology for diverse learners was an eye-opener. I did not realize there was so much out there available. Having the time to research, practice and then implement these technologies could be quite a task but so worth it for the children. All children are diverse learners but technology could reach them in such a positive way. I especially like having the ability to offer information to students in their native language. Once they understand what reading is, learning a second language will make so much sense. What tool for them to have. Making these resources available to students will be the challenge.

Ch. 3 reflections

Lesso!n plans,due every Monday morning for the last 18 years!Why are they necessary or are they necessary? As much as I am not a big fan of writing the lesson plans, they do make me really plan what I am going to do and the way in which I plan to do it. They offer me a timeline in which I can chart the learning/teaching path for my students. Each lesson helps me to build upon what they have learned and how best they were able to learn. I make a point to make notes of which lessons were successful and which ones were not. I also have gotten in the habit of referring back to previous plans,not to repeat, but to be used as a resource. As I look back it appears that I have employed the DID model all along!
I cannot stress the importance of knowing your learner! If you do not know your learner, how would you ever know how best to teach them! Sometimes it takes weeks other times you can figure them out right away! Accommodate them,some children must be able to fidget even though it might drive us crazy! The environment can and must be arranged to allow for this activity. Using various media will help to keep them engaged and wanting to learn more.

Ch 2 reflecton this

The way children learn is so fascinating to me. What has been proven to work through years of research is pushed aside for the sake of the test scores. Learning can be so much fun; discovering, researching, exploring, experimenting. Yet we force so much conformity on them at such a young age that soon some of those bright young minds become bored and frightened. My favorite learning perspective is a combination of the constructivists and cognitivist perspective. With young children you can observe the way they 'construct' knowledge. How many times can you read the same book, watch the same video, do the same puzzle? As long as it takes. For some children it will be 1 or 2 times for others maybe 10 or more times. They will also revisit something they have mastered for that feeling of success. Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences is also very important and allows a teacher to focus in on a student's best learning style. Ideally, a child should be taught in the manner which they learn best, but it is also important for them to learn how to develop the other styles as well in order to maximize the learning experience. If we could get past the need to rush them through and let them have time to internalize what they have learned, I have a feeling they would be better learners and we could be better teachers because of it.