Fourth Post

Using the DID model, I came across a lesson plan that revolves around the popular novel "Because of Winn-Dixie". This lesson plan is appropriate for grades 3rd-5th. The creator of this lesson plan was really focused on the important factors of children being able to analyze a book, especially a book with chapters. The students are to of course read the book itself. During this process the students develop an understanding of plot, character(s), setting and theme as well as going through the writing process. The objectives in this lesson plan are for students to create a scrapbook and play a reading comprehension maze game based from the plot and theme of the story. They are to listen and read along with a slideshow of drafts narrated by the author, communicate with the author through a moderated chat as well as learn about the author and her writing process. This may seem like a lot but when you think about it it's all very beneficial especially if we want to expand our young readers and writers minds. I really like the scrapbook idea because the students are able to allow their creativity to just flow out freely and this is always something that we want our students to do. This lesson plan is very effective!

Here's the link to the lesson plan: Because of Winn-Dixie Teaching Guide: http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plan/because-winn-dixie-teaching-guide

Open content and open source are very important and play a vital role in the educational field. Introducing students to such things like the different formats of tests, quizzes or even PowerPoint presentations is really good for students to have access to. I would definitely use open content and open source because it benefits students and other teachers a lot. You can't go wrong with using open content and open source because the main focus is our students learning environment and their futures.

The latest Word and Graphic assignment really taught me a lot. The fact that it was my first time actually creating a newsletter on Word made me realize how so much more Word is beneficial especially to teachers. Like I have learned that it is more than a software that us college students and future educators use to type up that 1000 word essay the night before it's due. I really enjoyed this assignment it was so much fun being able to put an informational letter together for parents and students to read for their knowledge.

Check out my comments for Kirby and Christian!

Third Post

As a student, I'm always using Microsoft Word to type papers for my classes. It's just the perfect software to use for papers especially in college considering that everything in college are done by computer. My teachers use Microsoft Word for class syllabus. They use them to create test, quizzes, study guides and anything else in that nature.

My experience with copyright is that whenever I use something from an author or book or anything I make sure to not forget to mention or show who wrote or created something that I used. My experience with fair use is maybe when I say something from an author in a discussion or reword what an author says. The CIPA (Children's Internet Protection Act) monitor student use of the Internet and to implement technology protection measures, mandates the development of an Internet safety plan that addresses the unauthorized disclosure. Another one is The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act which was passed because of complaints from children having to give out too much information to websites. As a teacher I will always make sure that they're not posting anything that they will regret later in the future online from school computers. As a teacher I will make sure my students are online safe. Come up with a plan, set rules to try to make being online go smooth.

I really didn't gain any new experience from last week assignment because I'm familiar with Microsoft Words. I don't like the fact that I forgot to put a page break in the assignment. I can improve it by making sure to use appropriate page breaks and maybe using questions with graphics instead of matching questions to make the test look more interesting instead of bland.

Check out my comments to Lisa's Blog and Konnect with Kim!

Second Post

In today's world, computers are so essential in so many ways. Computers are becoming a bigger part of our lives than we think and I honestly think that it's important to have them in classrooms so students can learn how to use them. Having computers in classrooms help students be able to complete awesome projects using software like Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, etc. The use of the Internet comes in handy in classrooms because a student may have a question that their teacher can't quite answer to the best of their understanding. Because the internet is useful for things in that nature the student could find multiple answers and put bits and bits together to get a better understanding of their burning question or thought. I think I will use computers for lectures for the class. I will also let my students use them for websites that help improve them with reading as well as other skills like using context clues, finding the main idea, etc. We will also use computers for projects where the students can learn how to create presentations that looks nice and creative. The ITSE Standards reflect changes in the way students learn in general. ITSE standards impacts teachers by providing webinars and online courses with information on best practices for meeting and using technology standards. One program I find interesting is "Flip Your Classroom" where students listen to lectures at home and work on traditional homework in the classroom. Teachers are required to model certain behavior. Therefore with educators being the first exposure to digital technology to most students show how the ITSE standards impact teachers.

I agree with the term digital native simply because I was brought up during the age of digital technology and therefore I'm very familiar with the use of computers and the Internet from an early age. I really don't see a big difference between the way my teachers and I use technology. We both use technology for education purposes. For instance, our teachers upload lecture slides and us students download them on our computers for viewing purposes. I don't think there will be differences between my future students and I in terms of technology because at the end of the day within our classroom environment we will all be using them for the same purpose which is to learn.

From my understanding of personal learning networks (PLN) it's basically an informal learning network that consists of the people that the learner interacts with and derives knowledge from.It's all about making connections and building personal relationships within people in the educational field. Great educators never stop learning. To professionally present yourself online you must focus on collaboration. Reach beyond your school or district. Always use separate personal and professional profiles. Don't post anything that you wouldn't say in class or at a professional event. Never forget the "professional" part of your PLN. Always remember the purpose that your PLN is serving.

Hey class,

My twitter username is @ka15g_alexander.