As a member of group 1, our task was to develop a presentation introducing the class to Google bookmarks. We were to develop slides detailing many key features of bookmarks, potential applications for teachers in the classroom, resources for more information, and our own personal reflections about the product.
I think this tool can help teachers become more organized and maintain better records. Also, it could potentially allow for easier access to documents, assignments, readings, and ongoing projects for students. Essentially, Bookmarks would allow students to login from any location and access their class assignments instantly. Having the ability to display projects and documents for students regardless of location, operating system, computer, etc. is a very interesting capability for teachers to have. Students are sure to love it too. They wouldn't have to worry about losing or converting files anymore as that's all taken care of for you with Google Bookmarks.
Overall, I found this tool fairly easy to use. It took me roughly 20-25 minutes to get acclimated and feel comfortable using it. I think that would be about average and would expect most others to feel the same way about it.
I contributed to several slides on the group project by providing a few useful possibilities to increase productivity, providing a link to a Bookmarks FAQ, and by adding a slide and posting a reflection regarding the product.
Click here to view our Google Bookmarks Project!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Welcome Activity Reflection
More video was uploaded to Youtube in the last 2 months than if ABC, NBC, CBS had been airing content 24/7 since 1948. The way kids growing up today experience and consume media has changed. "They no longer search for news, news finds them via social media." This puts innovation at a premium. As the way we consume media and information continues to change, we need to adapt and continue to bring content to students in different ways. We have an obligation to become better learners ourselves so we can bring relatable content to students and make it easier for them to learn.
Research: Blogging in Education
Incorporating blogging at the Elementary level seems like the most challenging of the age groups, in my opinion. However, after viewing some of the suggested sites and reflecting, I've come up with some applications I think would be beneficial in the classroom. The most important thing to consider, in my opinion, is that blogging is an interactive activity in it's very nature. A person is putting their personal thoughts out into the world for others to see. With that being said, I feel the best way to incorporate it at the Elementary level is to make it just that - interactive.
By posting assignments and other reminders on a class blog, teachers can communicate with students AND parents. Much like the school in the "welcome activity," teachers can strive to create an environment where parents, students, and teachers can interact in a relaxed forum.
Teachers can utilize a class blog as a portfolio of work by displaying class projects, assignments, and other noteworthy items. When I was younger, we worked on class projects that were put on display during parent nights. Now, with the use of a blog, class work can be published more than once or twice a year.
Another assignment that incorporates interactivity and participation for this age group would be to assign something like a person, animal, place, or thing to each student. Students would need to find out several facts about their person/place/thing/animal and make a blog post with a picture of it. Then, to complete the activity, each student would help the teacher present some of their findings to the class to help them learn about it. The teacher would ask the student a few questions to help steer the student in the right direction and help teach their peers at the same time. This activity would help provide an online catalog of all the students work and allow the students to play a role in teaching each other information they just learned.
There are a multitude of applications at each age/grade level. The tough part is shaping your use of the blog to fit the appropriate subject matter. Sometimes easier said than done, I'm sure!
By posting assignments and other reminders on a class blog, teachers can communicate with students AND parents. Much like the school in the "welcome activity," teachers can strive to create an environment where parents, students, and teachers can interact in a relaxed forum.
Teachers can utilize a class blog as a portfolio of work by displaying class projects, assignments, and other noteworthy items. When I was younger, we worked on class projects that were put on display during parent nights. Now, with the use of a blog, class work can be published more than once or twice a year.
Another assignment that incorporates interactivity and participation for this age group would be to assign something like a person, animal, place, or thing to each student. Students would need to find out several facts about their person/place/thing/animal and make a blog post with a picture of it. Then, to complete the activity, each student would help the teacher present some of their findings to the class to help them learn about it. The teacher would ask the student a few questions to help steer the student in the right direction and help teach their peers at the same time. This activity would help provide an online catalog of all the students work and allow the students to play a role in teaching each other information they just learned.
There are a multitude of applications at each age/grade level. The tough part is shaping your use of the blog to fit the appropriate subject matter. Sometimes easier said than done, I'm sure!
Hello!
Hi everyone!
I'm Chris and I've lived in Oregon all my life. I just moved to Sherwood with my fiance and our two dogs (pictured below). I went to the University of Oregon and studied business and Sociology. For the past 6 years I've been working in sales but decided to make the career change into teaching because I was looking for something a little more rewarding. I love to travel and have been fortunate to be able to visit Europe and the Carribbean. My favorite place I've visited so far is Italy. I would love to go to Greece someday, though!
I'm a huge sports fan in my spare time and love watching the Ducks, Blazers, and Timbers.
I am interested in teaching Elementary School but I haven't decided if I'd rather work with K-2 or 3-5 yet. I guess that's what the student teaching helps you decide. Either way I would consider myself fortunate to have the opportunity.
I'm looking forward to continuing to work with all of you!
I'm Chris and I've lived in Oregon all my life. I just moved to Sherwood with my fiance and our two dogs (pictured below). I went to the University of Oregon and studied business and Sociology. For the past 6 years I've been working in sales but decided to make the career change into teaching because I was looking for something a little more rewarding. I love to travel and have been fortunate to be able to visit Europe and the Carribbean. My favorite place I've visited so far is Italy. I would love to go to Greece someday, though!
I'm a huge sports fan in my spare time and love watching the Ducks, Blazers, and Timbers.
I am interested in teaching Elementary School but I haven't decided if I'd rather work with K-2 or 3-5 yet. I guess that's what the student teaching helps you decide. Either way I would consider myself fortunate to have the opportunity.
I'm looking forward to continuing to work with all of you!
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