Class Reflection

       To be one hundred percent honest, I expected this class to be completely different than it was.  I was expecting to come into class just be learning about the parts of a computer and be doing keyboard exercises.    Pretty much stuff that I already knew.  But boy, was I wrong! I never would have imagined I would have made all these projects and documents that I did.  I just thought stuff like that was too complicated for me.  And although it was complicated, it was not impossible. 
       I have honestly taken so much out of this class.  I now know how to create things that I would have not even had a clue how to do if not for this class.  I learned about free software that I can use when I become a teacher to make quizzes, tests, worksheets, games, and so much more!  I feel like I am so much more advanced and knowledgeable about technology now.  Now, I'm not saying I'm an expert because there is SO much that I could still use some help on.  But for the most part, this class really taught me a lot.  I am looking forward to put my new found knowledge to use in the future.

   

Assistive Technology

This was actually the most interesting assignment for me.  I honestly thought it was going to be a pain in my behind but it was not at all.  It amazed me at all the adaptive software my computer had that I was not even aware of.  The software adapted for people who are hearing impaired, visually impaired, speaking impaired, and even physically impaired.  For instance, if someone is physically impaired and they can't use a keyboard, there is an onscreen keyboard that can be used by clicking the mouse.  For a visually impaired person, you can adjust the brightness and contrast of the screen where it is easier to see.  For a hearing impaired person, you can change the settings of the computer to have text appear anytime there is someone talking.  I learned SO many useful things from this assignment that I can now use to help my students or other people.  

Assistive Technology falls under the NETS-T standard:

2. Design and Develop Digital Age Learning Experiences and Assessments

Teachers design, develop, and evaluate authentic learning experiences and assessment incorporating contemporary tools and resources to maximize content learning in context and to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes identified in the NETS·S.

c. Customize and personalize learning activities to address students’ diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources

4. Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility

Teachers understand local and global societal issues and responsibilities in an evolving digital

culture and exhibit legal and ethical behavior in their professional practices.

b. Address the diverse needs of all learners by using learner-centered strategies providing equitable access to appropriate digital tools and resources

In using assistive technology, you are customizing and personalizing learning activities to fit the needs of students' diverse learning styles.  Every child learns differently and at a different pace, and assistive technology helps address that.  It provides the appropriate digital tools to fit students with disabilities.

TurnItIn

TurnItIn is an online site that allows students and teachers to double-check their work for plagiarism.  You submit your document to the website and it checks it.  Once it is done checking it, it gives you a percentage of how much your document is plagiarized.  It is also fairly accurate, however it can make some mistakes.  
   Our assignment was to intentionally plagiarize a report and submit it to TurnItIn so we could see how the website worked.  And sure enough, it did. My report was 97% plagiarized! (Don't forget, it was intentional!)

We did this assignment to focus on the legal, social, and ethical issues the Internet can cause.  Some people do not realize that copying and pasting IS plagiarism!  Plagiarizing is a serious issue, and it can lead to severe consequences.  I will no doubt use this website again.  It is a great  and helpful tool!

Using TurnItIn falls under the NETS-T standard:
 4. Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility

Teachers understand local and global societal issues and responsibilities in an evolving digital

culture and exhibit legal and ethical behavior in their professional practices.

a. Advocate, model, and teach safe, legal, and ethical use of digital information and technology, including respect for copyright, intellectual property, and the appropriate documentation of sources

c. Promote and model digital etiquette and responsible social interactions related to the use of technology and information

 

It is so important for teachers to educate their students on plagiarizing.  Students need to understand that they have to give credit where credit needs to be given.  The teacher needs to make sure their students understand the importance of being ethical, safe, and legal when using information from the Internet of other documents.

Classroom Website

Making the webpage of our classroom site was probably the most difficult assignment for me.  For some reason, I just could not get the hang of it.  I most definitely will keep trying to figure out how to use it though because I think it is a great tool.  It can be useful for so many different things.  Especially for a teacher!  It is a great way for the teacher to keep the parents updated and involved in what is going on in the classroom.  For instance, a calendar on the website can have all the homework and test dates for the parents and students to see so they can always stay prepared and informed.  You can even post what assignments were done that day in case a student was absent.  Also, it has the teacher's contact information on it so they can be reached in case of an emergency.  A classroom website is a great tool for any teacher.  I certainly plan on having one when I get my own classroom.  Hopefully, by then I'll have making one figured out! :) To visit my site click here:  Ms. McKee's Classroom Site

Making a webpage falls under the NETS-T standard:

3. Model Digital Age Work and Learning

Teachers exhibit knowledge, skills, and work processes representative of an innovative professional in a global and digital society.

a. Demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations.

b. Collaborate with students, peers, parents, and community members using digital tools and resources to support student success and innovation

c. Communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital age media and formats.

In making a webpage, teachers are exhibiting knowledge and skills in a digital and technological society.  A webpage is a digital media that makes it possible to communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers.  

  

Google Groups

A Google Group is composed of several different people to where they can share documents or other types of texts.  A Google Group is an awesome way to collaborate with peers, students, or classmates.  It is a quick and easy way to send a document to ensure everyone gets it.  For my IT class, we were assigned to Google Groups and we had to make up a story.  Each of us made up a different part of the story but we all worked together in doing so.  To read our story click here:  Sally's Quest for a Puppy

Also, for our Google Groups we had to each make a different presentation.  To make our presentations we used Google Docs.  Google Docs is pretty much just like Microsoft PowerPoint.  I actually happen to like it better because first of all, it's free! You can't beat that! Second of all, it is so easy to access.  For instance, a lot of students in school do not have access to Microsoft PowerPoint at home because it has to be purchased.  By using Google Docs, the student has all the necessary tools to create a slideshow presentation without having to fork out any money.  The Google Docs presentations fall under the NETS-T standard:  design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity.  
Google Docs relates to this standard because it is a great way to incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity.  These presentations can be made as creative, colorful, and informational as you want to make them.  I made a presentation using Google Docs myself for my IT class.  To view it click here:  Google Docs presentation

Window's Movie

When I found out that this assignment involved us making a movie, I was a little skeptical.  I had never made a movie before and I had no idea where to even begin.  Once we started though, it was not that bad.  It was not at all how I thought it was going to be.  All it really is, is a slideshow movie.  It just goes through pictures and you can add text and music to make the movie more interesting.
      I chose to make my movie on my little "family." "Family" meaning, my boyfriend and two dogs.  I really enjoyed making this movie because it actually means something to me.  I now consider it a keepsake because it has many pictures on it that are priceless that could be lost.  I will actually use Windows Movie Maker for more than just my IT class.
  To make our movie we used Windows Movie Maker.  Windows Movie Maker allows you to upload as many photos as you want and it turns them into a movie/slide-show with music and text.  This is a great tool to use in the classroom.  It can even be used to document the whole school year.  It can really show how each student changed and grew throughout the year.  Not only is it great for the classroom but it can be used for baby showers, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, or anything you want to make a movie for!

To watch my Windows Movie Maker movie, click here:  Karianne's Movie
The Movie Maker falls under the NETS-T standard:

3. Model Digital Age Work and Learning

Teachers exhibit knowledge, skills, and work processes representative of an innovative professional in a global and digital society.

a. Demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations

b. Collaborate with students, peers, parents, and community members using digital tools and resources to support student success and innovation

c. Communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital age media and formats

In using Windows Movie Maker, teachers exhibit knowledge and skills in a professional and digital society.  In using this, they are demonstrating how to use technology systems, and that can hopefully be passed along to another individual.  Movie Maker allows teachers, parents, and students to all collaborate with each other and communicate relevant information.

Web Tools 2.0

Web 2.0 tools are changing the way people learn.  Messages can now be received across the web faster than ever.  Using Web 2.0 tools is so much more than just browsing the Internet.  With Web 2.0 tools, it makes it easy to collaborate and communicate with other individuals and professionals.  Some examples of Web 2.0 tools are:  Blogger, Myspace, YouTube, podcasts, wikis, and video and picture sharing.  These tools are also very useful in the classroom.  The possibilities are endless!  In using these tools, the teacher could set up a podcast to address students when they are away from the classroom.  Also, the teacher could share links to useful and educational websites with students and parents.  Web 2.0 tools are also very useful for teachers to collaborate with other teachers or professionals.  Web 2.0 tools go along with the following NETS-T standard:
1.  Model collaborative knowledge construction by engaging in learning with students, colleagues, and others in face-to-face and virtual environments.  Model collaborative knowledge construction by engaging in learning with students, colleagues, and others in face-to-face and virtual environments.  
I most certainly believe that Web 2.0 tools are a great way to engage students in learning.  Not only that, but also a great way for teachers and other professionals to communicate and collaborate with one another.

Example of Web 2.0 Tool: a web application that makes word searches.

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs Word Search

R N E O S J R P Y A B B N V J

H D H K U Y D A U O R A D R Y

H Y O I F C R R A O Z O G W X

L A C S H Q Q U C D S G G V X

A E M W G B V C P A F A Z R P

U I N B L K O S A M I D E J I

U A R H U L E E K A C N A P Z

Y C E O I R T E Y X E T R D Z

X I T G S S G L U Y C W S R A

R M T M N Y L E T A R I I I L

Y I U B R E A D R H E U C I B

I F B Y J M U F J S A I A J I

B A Z A T X Q I H K M G J S M

M A S H E D P O T A T O E S A

J E E V K R V U C H J C Q T C

   

BROCCOLI  BREAD  BUTTER  HAMBURGERS  ICECREAM  JELLY  JUICE

MASHEDPOTATOES  PANCAKE  PEASOUP  PIZZA  SYRUP

Concept Mapping: Colors of the Rainbow

 
Concept maps are a fun and effective way to introduce a lesson to a class.  They are interactive and visually appealing for the students.  Because they are so visual, they would be a great way to teach a lesson to a child that has a hearing impairment.  Also, for students who are visual learners, concepts maps are right up their alley.  
        At first, the whole idea about making a concept map had me a little worried.  I honestly did not really even know what a concept map was, and then when I saw an example I thought to myself, "How in the world am I going to make that?"  To my surprise, it actually was not difficult at all.  It was actually fun!  I did my concept map on the colors of the rainbow (shown above).  The software "Kidspiration" made it very easy to create.
     I one hundred percent will use a concept map in my classroom.  Not only will I, as the teacher, use it but also it would be a great idea to have the students make one themselves.  Having them make one would be a great way to have them actually interact with the lesson.  I thoroughly enjoyed this assignment and I am so glad I was introduced to concept mapping.
Concept mapping falls under the NETS-T standard:

1. Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity

Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments.

a. Promote, support, and model creative and innovative thinking and inventiveness

b. Engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources

c. Promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students’ conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes

d. Model collaborative knowledge construction by engaging in learning with students, colleagues, and others in face-to-face and virtual environments

Using concept maps are a great way to promote, support, and model creative and innovative thinking.  It is an interactive tool that lets the students explore different topics and share them with teachers and other classmates.

NETS-T

1. Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning

and Creativity

Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter,

teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate

experiences that advance student learning,

creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face

and virtual environments.

a. Promote, support, and model creative

and innovative thinking and inventiveness

b. Engage students in exploring real-world issues

and solving authentic problems using digital tools

and resources

c. Promote student reflection using collaborative

tools to reveal and clarify students’ conceptual

understanding and thinking, planning, and

creative processes

d. Model collaborative knowledge construction by

engaging in learning with students, colleagues,

and others in face-to-face and virtual environments
I think that ispiring a child's learning and creativity is the most crucial and best thing you can possibly do.
Using digital tools and resources really allow the child to have a hand's on experience, and therefore they will learn better.

2. Design and Develop Digital Age Learning

Experiences and Assessments

Teachers design, develop, and evaluate authentic

learning experiences and assessment incorporating

contemporary tools and resources to maximize content

learning in context and to develop the knowledge,

skills, and attitudes identified in the NETS·S.

a. Design or adapt relevant learning experiences that

incorporate digital tools and resources to promote

student learning and creativity

b. Develop technology-enriched learning environments

that enable all students to pursue their individual

curiosities and become active participants in setting

their own educational goals, managing their own

learning, and assessing their own progress

c. Customize and personalize learning activities

to address students’ diverse learning styles,

working strategies, and abilities using digital tools

and resources

d. Provide students with multiple and varied formative

and summative assessments aligned with content

and technology standards and use resulting data

to inform learning and teaching
I definitely agree in customizing and personalizing learning activities for the students. Each student has a different learning style and one student may not understand the way something is being taught like another student could.

3. Model Digital Age Work and Learning

Teachers exhibit knowledge, skills, and work

processes representative of an innovative professional

in a global and digital society.

a. Demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the

transfer of current knowledge to new technologies

and situations

b. Collaborate with students, peers, parents,

and community members using digital tools

and resources to support student success

and innovation

c. Communicate relevant information and ideas

effectively to students, parents, and peers using

a variety of digital age media and formats

d. Model and facilitate effective use of current and

emerging digital tools to locate, analyze, evaluate,

and use information resources to support research

and learning
This is also very important.  Every teacher should be technology efficient because almost everything is done through technology now.  For instance, many student's parents will not always be able to meet face to face so in order to set up a meeting with them teachers will have to know how to use certain technological programs.

4. Promote and Model Digital Citizenship

and Responsibility
Teachers understand local and global societal

issues and responsibilities in an evolving digital

culture and exhibit legal and ethical behavior in

their professional practices.

a. Advocate, model, and teach safe, legal, and ethical

use of digital information and technology, including

respect for copyright, intellectual property, and the

appropriate documentation of sources

b. Address the diverse needs of all learners by using

learner-centered strategies providing equitable access

to appropriate digital tools and resources

c. Promote and model digital etiquette and responsible

social interactions related to the use of technology

and information

d. Develop and model cultural understanding and

global awareness by engaging with colleagues

and students of other cultures using digital age

communication and collaboration tools
Every student and even teacher should know to give credit to whoever credit needs to be given to.  In other words, do not plagiarize! Every teacher should educate their students on how to properly cite their sources in order to prevent plagiarism.

5. Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership

Teachers continuously improve their professional

practice, model lifelong learning, and exhibit

leadership in their school and professional

community by promoting and demonstrating

the effective use of digital tools and resources.

a. Participate in local and global learning communities

to explore creative applications of technology to

improve student learning

b. Exhibit leadership by demonstrating a vision of

technology infusion, participating in shared decision

making and community building, and developing the

leadership and technology skills of others

c. Evaluate and reflect on current research and

professional practice on a regular basis to make

effective use of existing and emerging digital tools

and resources in support of student learning

d. Contribute to the effectiveness, vitality, and selfrenewal

of the teaching profession and of their

school and community
By being technologically advanced, teachers improve their professional practice and help contribute to the the vitality, improvement, and weel-being of the school.

NETS·T © 2008 International Society for Technology in Education.

ISTE

® is a registered trademark of the International Society forTechnology in Education.

 

Introduction

Hi everyone! My name is Karianne McKee, I am 20 years old, and I am a junior here at Southern Miss! I am originally from Ocean Springs, MS but I currently live in Kiln, MS.  I have no children yet, but I have two dogs that I consider my children.  I am Elementary Education major and I hope to teach either Kindergarten or first grade.  I am super excited about my future and my career as an educator and I wish everyone the best! :)