Reflection

This week was great because it was a time to explore different technology tools that will help us in all aspects of teaching. This week we specifically researched scientific technological tools. I looked at several other classmates news articles about their experience exploring with these tools and we all think that they are very helpful. I am excited to use these tools in my teaching because I know my students will enjoy the learning process more with these technological capabilities.

All Things Volcano- A Science Lesson Plan for a Tech Savvy Teacher

All Things Volcano

Being a Tech Savvy Teacher is a necessity these days. In order to give your students top of the line education to keep up with the rest of the world, technology must be included. But don’t be fearful because there are numerous wonderful technological tools to help you with your endeavors. To prove how technology can be used, I will demonstrate it through a 5th grade science lesson about volcanoes.

The lesson plan for this is an original created by me and it is called “All Things Volcano.” It explores deep into how volcanoes are created, where they form and the different types of volcanoes there are. To aid me in my lesson, I will use a couple different technology tools. The main tool will be a National Geographic website that is interactive. Using this tool, we will be able to study all aspects previously stated. We will even get to build our own online volcano and watch it erupt! This is a fascinating aspect of science that is sure to get every kid interested in science.

The second technological tool I will use to aid me in my lesson is Kidsperation. Kidsperation is a software (not free-but allows for a 30 day trial run) that allows teachers and students to build concept maps of information found. After viewing the content from the National Geographic website, we can map out the concepts we have learned.

This project can be done two ways: 1) Information from the National Geographic website can be explored as a class and kids can create the Kidsperation concept maps on their own/in groups; 2) Information from the National Geographic website can be explored independently/in groups and the Kidsperation concept maps can be created as a class. Either way, this project will increase your students’ knowledge of volcanoes in ways no one could imagine without the use of technology. Make sure you have a list of things you would like your students to accomplish (what information they should focus on when visiting the website). By using the interactive website and online software, you will enrich your students’ lives and will begin your career as a

Tech Savvy Teacher.

Information to aide you in your lesson:
Grade: 5th
Subject: Science
Objective 2 Explain how volcanoes, earthquakes, and uplift affect Earth’s surface
Identify specific geological features created by volcanoes, earthquakes, and uplift.
Give examples of different landforms that are formed by volcanoes, earthquakes, and uplift (e.g., mountains, valleys, new lakes, canyons).
Describe how volcanoes, earthquakes, and uplift change landforms.
Cite examples of how technology is used to predict volcanoes and earthquakes.

Resources: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/forcesofnature/interactive/index.html?section=v
http://www.inspiration.com/freetrial/index.cfm

Fair Use Policy

This week in IPT287 I learned about the Fair Use policy for copyrights. Apparently teachers have been given the right by the U.S. Supreme Court to use any copyrighted material for face to face teaching without permission from the source (guidelines and limitations apply). I think this is a wonderful thing because there are so many fundamental tools out there that can aide educators in teaching. Bravo to the Nation's reps that understand the power of teaching and the necessity for fundamental tools for teaching.
If you are interested in learning more about copyrighted material use for educators check out this website: www.copyrightforeducators.org.

And just one more tid-bits of information I learned this week: TPCK doesn't stand for tri-pack like a six-pack of abs. TPCK really stands for Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge which means the integration of technology into education and teaching.

Reflection

This was a more challenging week in the Blended Learning Tech. class. All of this RSS feed stuff seemed intimidating and difficult, but once I got a handle on it I realized that it can be a useful tool. Once my group members also add the delicious function we'll be able to continue on with the assignment. It's hard assignement because we don't all do it at the same time. Oh well, I'll get the hang of this eventually :)

New to the Blog

Little Orphan Annie is a comic strip created by Harold Gray (thanks Wikipedia!) that follows a young orphan who is always happy even though she comes from a dire situation. Even though I am not orphaned, I like to believe that I have similar qualities to the orphaned Annie.
I come from a wonderful family. My parents go to great expense to make sure that all my needs and wants are taken care of. I also have two gorgeous sisters who are the bomb-diggity. We always have a ton of fun together so it is hard when summer is through and we all depart in different directions for school. I also have a wonderful and handsome boyfriend who is currently serving an LDS mission in Rome, Italy. Miles is great and I can't wait until he gets home in seven months!

So as you can see, I am far from being orphaned. I have a loving family and lots of friends that care about me and for that I am thankful to God.

That's it for my first post! See you weekly!!!