Blogfolio

1. Intro Video

NETS-  2. Communication and Collaboration
Students use digital media and environments to
communicate and work collaboratively, including
at a distance, to support individual learning and
contribute to the learning of others.
b. Communicate information and ideas effectively
to multiple audiences using a variety of media
and formats,

The above NETS standard aligns with this assignment because the introduction video focuses on communication. The assignment allows for students to focus on communicating personal information about themselves to an audience using a digital recording/video. I will definitely use this project in my future classroom. Each student could create a short 30 second video introducing themselves to the rest of the class. Short video's could also be used throughout the course. Students could create videos for each unit explaining their favorite part of the unit. Overall, I really enjoyed this assignment. I think it is very important for teachers and students to get comfortable talking in front of others and in front of a camera. This assignment also allows students to get to now each other and works as a wonderful ice breaker.  This assignment would be easy to implement into a special education classroom. Adaptations would be on a individual case to case bases. Students would be given extra time to complete this assignment. Students would be allowed to work in small groups or one on one with the teacher to complete the project. The teacher would provide necessary materials including a hard copy of the assignment instructions that uses large print and reduces the instructions to basic details The use of  a word processor for written text or  using alternative communication methods (sign language or braille) can be used when necessary.

2. Concept Map

NETS-1. Creativity and Innovation
Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct
knowledge, and develop innovative products and
processes using technology.
a. Apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas,
products, or processes
b. Create original works as a means of personal
or group expression
c. Use models and simulations to explore complex
systems and issues
d. Identify trends and forecast possibilities

The above NETS standard  aligns with this assignment because the concept map focuses on creating an original piece of work/model to explain and relay information. I hope to have my own science class in the future. Concept maps are a huge part of the science curriculum.The technology used to create the concept map is a great way to steam from the common poster board concept map. I really enjoyed using the software to create a concept map. I actually felt like it was easier to organize the information. It also made it easy to  make the concept map interesting by using a variety of colors and pictures. This assignment would be easy to implement into a special education classroom. Adaptations would be on a individual case to case bases. Students would be given extra time to complete the  assignment. This assignment would probably be given several days to complete. Students would be allowed to work one on one with a teacher for several minutes each day to complete this assignment. The teacher would control the computer mouse/controls  for students who have trouble with fine motor skills. However, students will assistive technology can work controls on their own. Students with vision impairment will verbally explain a concept to the teacher.

3. Web Site

NETS-2. Communication and Collaboration
Students use digital media and environments to
communicate and work collaboratively, including
at a distance, to support individual learning and
contribute to the learning of others.
a. Interact, collaborate, and publish with peers,
experts, or others employing a variety of digital
environments and media
b. Communicate information and ideas effectively
to multiple audiences using a variety of media
and formats

The above NETS standard aligns with this assignment because the web site assignment focuses on communication with fellow students, teachers, and parents through technology/online web site. Creating the web site was my favorite assignment. As a future teacher I will  use the Google websites to create a class page (just like in our assignment). I may also allow the students to create their own web page. They could be given a certain subject (plant and animal cells) then create a web page that offers videos, pictures, and links about that subject. For a special education classroom I would still create a class web page. The class web page would use larger pictures, picture text, videos with subtitles, etc. As a whole class we could create a web site for one of the science units. The students could help find pictures, videos, and other web sites to add to the page.

4. Voki

NETS-2. Communication and Collaboration
Students use digital media and environments to
communicate and work collaboratively, including
at a distance, to support individual learning and
contribute to the learning of others.
a. Interact, collaborate, and publish with peers,
experts, or others employing a variety of digital
environments and media
b. Communicate information and ideas effectively
to multiple audiences using a variety of media
and formats

The above NETS standard aligns with this assignment because the Voki assignment focuses on communicating information or an idea to an audience using a computer program (cartoon avatar). I will defiantly use Voki in my future classroom. I believe that the use of an avatar is a great way to help students introduce themselves, become engaged in a project, and  express creativity. I really enjoyed creating my Voki, however, my personal computer/computer browser did not seem to agree with the Voki website. It made to rather difficult to create the Voki. For example it was only allowing me to enter in about 250-300 characters before I was not able to type anymore. Other people did not seem to have this problem. In order to make sure this project could be conducted smoothly in a classroom, the school web browser would have to be compatible with the Voki software. Almost the same exact adaptations would apply to this assignment as in the Introduction video. This assignment would be easy to implement into a special education classroom. Adaptations would be on a individual case to case bases. Students would be given extra time to complete this assignment. Students would be allowed to work in small groups or one on one with the teacher to complete the project. The teacher would provide necessary materials including a hard copy of the assignment instructions that uses large print and reduces the instructions to basic details The use of  a word processor for written text or  using alternative communication methods (sign language or braille) can be used when necessary.

5. Xtranormal

NETS-1. Creativity and Innovation
Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct
knowledge, and develop innovative products and
processes using technology.
a. Apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas,
products, or processes
b. Create original works as a means of personal
or group expression
2. Communication and Collaboration
Students use digital media and environments to
communicate and work collaboratively, including
at a distance, to support individual learning and
contribute to the learning of others.
a. Interact, collaborate, and publish with peers,
experts, or others employing a variety of digital
environments and media
b. Communicate information and ideas effectively
to multiple audiences using a variety of media
and formats
 3. Research and Information Fluency
Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate,
and use information.
a. Plan strategies to guide inquiry
b. Locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize,
and ethically use information from a variety of
sources and media
c. Evaluate and select information sources and digital
tools based on the appropriateness to specific tasks
d. Process data and report results

The above NETS standard aligns with this assignment because the Xtranormal assignment focuses on conducting research to find an appropriate subject or topic, then express the topic in a creative and fun way by creating a  movie using the Xtranormal program.  Overall, I liked this assisgnment. However, this assisgnment was some what time consuming. It took a couple of hours just to create a short 2 minute video. I also felt like the settings, characters, movements expressions were very limited. I may use Xtranormal in my future classroom to engage students in a certain subject. I may also allow them to work in small groups to create their very own video on an assigned topic. If I were to implement an Xtranormal video into a special education classroom I would show the video on the full screen setting and have subtitles.



6. Turnitin Paper

NETS-3. Research and Information Fluency
Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate,
and use information.
b. Locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize,
and ethically use information from a variety of
sources and media
c. Evaluate and select information sources and digital
tools based on the appropriateness to specific tasks
d. Process data and report results
4. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving,
and Decision Making
Students use critical thinking skills to plan and
conduct research, manage projects, solve problems,
and make informed decisions using appropriate
digital tools and resources.
a. Identify and define authentic problems and
significant questions for investigation
b. Plan and manage activities to develop a solution
or complete a project
c. Collect and analyze data to identify solutions
and/or make informed decisions
d. Use multiple processes and diverse perspectives
to explore alternative solutions

The above NETS standard aligns with this assignment because the Turnitin assignment focuses on the importance of selecting a topic, conducting research on the topic, and writing an original report about the topic without using any form of plagiarism. I believe that plagiarism is a growing problem in the elementary grades. Turinitin is a program that could be used in the upper elementary, middle school and high school grades. I plan on  using Turnitin in my future classroom. I would implement Turnitin by giving my students a topic and requiring them to write a report on the given topic, then submit it using Turninit. Turnitin would allow me, as the teacher, to be aware of the students original writing abilities. It would also help in early detection of plagiarism. It would help the students to be aware of plagiarism and help engage them to write an original report.

7. TED Videos

NETS- 4. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving,
and Decision Making
Students use critical thinking skills to plan and
conduct research, manage projects, solve problems,
and make informed decisions using appropriate
digital tools and resources.
a. Identify and define authentic problems and
significant questions for investigation
b. Plan and manage activities to develop a solution
or complete a project
c. Collect and analyze data to identify solutions
and/or make informed decisions
d. Use multiple processes and diverse perspectives
to explore alternative solutions
 5. Digital Citizenship
Students understand human, cultural, and societal
issues related to technology and practice legal and
ethical behavior.
b. Exhibit a positive attitude toward using technology
that supports collaboration, learning, and productivity
c. Demonstrate personal responsibility for
lifelong learning


The above NETS standard aligns with this assignment because the TED videos focuses on understanding current technology and how it affects the world around us. They also raise questions for future research and investigation. I really enjoyed watching all of the TED videos. I was truly amazed how technology seems to affect every aspect of our lives. It is important for teachers and students to understand their role within technology. If I have a middle school or high school class in the future, I will defiantly share some of the TED videos. In fact, I plan on sharing a large number of videos about how technology is and can be used in the classroom, at home, and in the real world. Any time I am sharing a video in a special education class room I will review its comprehension level and make sure it is appropriate for my special education students. I will also show the video using a full screen view to ensure the picture is easily seen. I will also make sure subtitles are used.

Technology

       In the 21st century technology is the heart of the world. We see and use technology in every aspect of our lives. However, I believe technology has two faces. One side of technology is good, attractive, and appealing. This side of technology makes our lives easier with internet, cellphones, smartboards, tablets, etc. Technology forms our backbone and supports our modern way of life. The other side of technology is bad, fearful, and dreadful. Since technology does form our backbone, if it were to every fail on a major level our world would become total chaos. All hope for our future lies within technology. 
     Now to go in another direction. As a future educator I support modern technology. I believe that modern  technology can allow our young generation to gain ample knowledge and create a bright future for our world. Technology helps make our lives easier, organize our lives, and expand our knowledge. With technology we can gain knowledge of our world and how to balance, sustain, and support life. 

How we sabotage our own privacy for deals and ego Summary/Reflection

      The article "How we sabotage our own privacy for deals and ego," is an article that puts a clear prospective on how privacy reaches both ends of the extreme. The article discusses how for or some people their privacy means everything to them and how others could "care less" about their privacy. The article discusses how at either end of these extremes their are consequences. The article also reveals how countries compare to each other when it comes to privacy. 

     I find it very interesting how privacy can mean totally different things to people. I think privacy is a true balancing act. Just as stated in the article it is impossible to stay of the raider completely. However, we can still have control over the amount of information we release to the world. I have a huge fear of identify theft! Therefore, I take steps to help ensure my privacy and protect against identify theft. The people who could care less about their privacy must have the same mind set as most teenager, the "it could never happen to me," mind set. Having this kind of mind set could led to major consequences including: identify theft, jail time, loss of job, etc. As mentioned in one of my earlier post, I think that parents and educators should take the time to educate students about the importance of privacy. We need to give our young generation tools to use in order to protect their privacy. For example we can educate them about password.  Passwords need to be long (more than 6 characters), passwords should not include any numbers or letters that are associated with yourself, passwords should be updated at least every 6 months but preferably every 3 months.  If we begin to educate our young generation about privacy then perhaps we can turn this downward spiral  into total exposure around. 

Younger Americans’ Library Habits and Expectations Summary/Reflection

     The article "Younger Americans' Library Habits and Expectations" discusses recent survey results conducted by Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project. The research/survey was collected to examine how younger American use library resources. The survey shows how younger American uses library resources verses older library users. The survey also reveals younger Americans' library habits. It shows what resources they use most often verses the resources they use less often. The survey constantly compares younger American user to older American users. 
     Since younger American users are labeled as ages 16-29, it is not surprising that we see this age group using a variety of library resources more often than the older users. I believe we get these results because this age group consist of all high school and college students. The curriculum throughout high school and college calls for students to conduct in depth research. The library is the one place where a student can research a topic using a variety of resources including book, e-books, Internet, newspaper, etc. Once you get past the age of 29 you see less and less people that require the need to conduct research, mostly because they have completed their education. The need to research always continues, however, the older users (past age 30) only conduct simple research. They simply Google something and browse the internet. They are not required to conduct in depth research, therefore they do not take the time to visit their locate library and use a large variety of resources to conduct their research. 

The Secrets Of Top Students Summary/Reflection

     The article "The Secrets Of Top Students," is based on a survey conducted by Stefanie Weisman. The article  gives a glimpse into Stefanie Weisman book The Secrets of Top Students. The article begins by giving misconceptions of "smart students." One of the most common misconceptions is that smart students are simply "born with it." The article provides evidence that proves that these are in fact all misconceptions. Stefanie Weisman surveyed forty-five outstanding students to gain her evidence. From the survey we learn that hard work and sacrifice are the two main components that lead to their academic success.
     Overall, I found this article very interesting. However, it has caused me to raise questions of my own. I defiantly agree with Stefanie Weisman and her survey results that some people simply are not just born smart but they work extremely hard to achieve academic success. I can most certainly say that when it come to "smart people" there are two distinct groups the "naturally smart" and the "hard work and sacrifice smart." It is easy to define the "naturally smart." They are born with high IQ's and simply gain knowledge naturally. From my point of view, the "hard work and sacrifice smart," is not so easily defined. I have several questions that Stefanie Weisman did not clearing answer in her survey. Are these individuals that gain academic success through hard work and sacrifice also "born" with something? Are they born with greater drive and desire instincts than the rest of us? Stefanie Weisman states that these individuals have a "desire and passion for knowledge," and that is what drives them to academic success. From this statement I assume that as long as you have a true desire and passion for something, you will be consumed by drive and therefore be successful. However, I can use myself as an example that does not fit into Stefanie Weisman definition. I have a true and honest desire and passion for teaching. I am in college solo for the desire to become a teacher. I desire to  learn and gain as much information possible to transform me into the best teacher I can be. Therefore, I can say I have the true desire and passion for what I am doing. However, I do not spend 20+ hours studying or preparing for class and I do not give up every other aspect of my life for academic success. Am I this way because I was not born with the drive that these other students possess? My point is that every student that achieves total academic success and excels to the top is still born with something. They are simply born with brains or born with drive. 

Mrs. Lindsay's 6th Grade Science Class Web Page

https://sites.google.com/site/mrslindsays6gradescienceclass/

Sir Ken Robinson - Schools Kill Creativity

Sir Ken Robinson - Schools Kill Creativity

    In the video "Schools Kill Creativity" Sir Ken Robinson is giving a speech at TED 2006. He is explaining why he feels "schools kill creativity." He begins by explaining to the audience that the amount of human creativity is extraordinary. This creativity has made our future unpredictable. He believes education is meant to take us into this future we can not gasp. However, our education system has become so one sided. Our world places the most value on math and science; and art, dance and literature are placed at the very bottom. This style of education is what is killing our students potential creativity. Sir Ken Robinson gives several examples of people who were given the opportunity to express their creativity and how they have given just as much to this world as the smartest scientist. He concludes by expressing his hope for our education system. He hopes that they will come to realize the value of creativity and allow students to express it. 

     The speech that Sir Ken Robinson gave was truly extraordinary and remarkable. At first glance, you may think our school systems aid creativity. We see band, dance teams, cheerleading, art club, etc. However, these are only the start of creativity. When thinking about creativity, so many "what if's" arise. What if a child was allowed to express all of their knowledge through drawing? What if a child was allowed to dance while they learned? What if a child could express there knowledge through a song? Our education system really never gives our students the chance to do this. In fact, our education system puts down on this. If our students are not sitting quietly in their desk performing math problems, then they are not learning. After watching this video my hope for our future has also changed. I hope that our school systems will learn to embrace creativity! Since many schools have already removed music and art programs from their school systems, sadly I fear we are heading in the opposite direction. What if our world had no music, no art, no dance? Unless our world starts to embrace creativity this could be our future.