Presentation

Can I just say the non-linear power point is not a great tool. I could only come up with three slides and I have smart notebook as a hyperlink. I truly I hope I did okay. I think I put way to much thought into it. Maybe it was easy and I just didn't feel like it. I am stressed out beyond belief with all the stuff I need to complete for my four wonderful classes. I can do a lot of the projects that was expected of me. I just think I get anxiety and it takes control of me.

I did try to do my best if it's not a 100% at least I gave it a shot.

Audacity

Last night we made a short 30-60 minute podcast. I made my on my son who I grew-up with. He has made me  realize that life is to precious to give up. I literally came from no where and turned my life into something.
 



Yes, I have had some major ups and downs in the past five years. I mean he has given me the hell I don't wish on my worst enemy. I went through things that you only see on TV. But I came through it and plan to be a better person.


I like the podcast and it would be great to use in the classroom. Especially for students who like to use their ipods. I am intrigued by using this for learning. I could use it on my website and talk to the parents instead for writing everything down
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I had a thought with presentations for students. What if I had students make a podcast for a presentation to get comfortable in speaking to others. I know what it is like to talk in front of my peers and I still get nervous. Speaking in front of people has not been easy. Using a podcast could be a stepping stone for my future learners. This is just a thought but I thought I share it with you all.

Website

This past Tuesday I learned how to make a website. I think having a website for the classroom is a great way for parents to see what is going on. Today most people can access the Internet through their cell phone. So why not do something that is quick and painless for parents to access.
 
Parents are on the go more then ever. Especially if they have one or more children. Having a website is great because then you don't have to waste paper. I know some people may not have a computer but they could go the library if need be. That shouldn't be an excuse not to have a website. I am truly for this time of interaction with parents. I want a classroom that has the endless possibilities in it.
 
Thinking outside of the box is the way to go. Having a website could be beneficial to everyone. I would update mine every Friday. I love that I learned how to make a site for parents and students.

Apps for the iPad

I looked into five different apps for the iPad. I am pleased with what I found and I think all five could be useful and be considered meaningful learning. My apps I downloaded were for the core subjects and one for art.
 My first evaluation is the: Critical Evaluation of a Content Based Mobile App-Art Puzzles 2-it has great colors but there is only 5 puzzles on it. This would be good for curriculum connection, feedback, differentiation, user friendliness, student motivation that would be the (yes) part of the evaluation. The (no) part would include reporting, sound, support page I didn't find it helpful. Bloom's Taxonomy this would fall into remembering. The summary of the app is that there should be more puzzles. I think students would benefit more from a variety.   It has a 3 star rating.

Second evaluation: Rubric for iPad Apps-Hangman defiantly under the all the domains. I think it would be great for students to learn the definition of words through this game. It is also good to reinforce words. I think if you pair up students they would get more use out of it. I was thinking even making a worksheet to go along with the words and definitions. It has 3 stars.

Excel

Excel is not a bad program to use. I could see myself use this in my future classroom. Right now I don't get to do to much with these programs. I do look forward to using them though.

Today I made a classroom arrangement. I'm sure it could be better then it was but I tried. I am pleased I can figure the programs out. Now if I could get a grip on research papers I would be GOLDEN!!! HAHAHA!!!




 

Research Paper (Cyber Bullying)

My paper was on cyber bullying and college students. I found out that cyber bullying doesn't go away when you get to college. It can  actually can get worse for students. College students report it less than middle school and high school. Being in college you are considered adult so why report it.

I feel like colleges and student have a miscommunication. No one wants to say any thing for the fear of the after math. I can understand that but it's sad for students. I want college students know that their voice counts and they should be heard.

There is not much research on the effects college students have with cyber bullying. I don't think people actually think it's a problem. Because college students are adults now. I am worried how many students will leave college because of cyber bullying. We should have an open communication with college students about this issue.

I had a hard time finding information on college students and cyber bullying. I think I did okay with the paper. But not wonderful with it because I never wrote in APA style and researching. 

Movies and Websites

First I have to tell you that I had to watch that in a professional development training class. I used to work for BOCES II for about 5 years. They had us watch the movie because we were teacher aids. What I liked most is the adults understanding what it meant by learning disabilities. Most adults have no clue what that term means. Yes they joke and kid around in the video but it made since to do so. I worked with students who felt like outcast and had no way of communicating. I liked the one exercise about learning disability with no volunteers. LD's don't like surprises.

Take a bunch of people not in education and see how they do. What do you think would happen today? I don't they could handle it. Being a teacher aid and now a teacher I understand children and disabilities better. I would love to try this same exercise and see what happens. The 21st century still has the same taboo around LDs.

I just finished my 40 website interactions. It was long and grueling. I think it's wonderful we get the chance to explore these sites. Some I heard of others NEVER would have. Now I can see why enjoy stumble upon.com so much. I always go to sites I would never look for.