Sunday, August 9, 2009

Britts Wiki Page

The wiki page I created was Roxio Photoshow. I created at slide show of pictures that I had taken and uploaded via Picasa. To view on the blog I used embedit.com to upload my page.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Copyright: NETS IV

Using the interactive website http://www.stfrancis.edu/content/cid/copyrightbay/fairuse.htm I was able to learn about what regulations apply to copyright in the classroom. It was a fun interactive way to learn about what I can and cant do once I am a teacher.

Copyright Background Beach

Powerpoint: NETS I, II & III

The power point that was created to show how the NETS will be implemented in an elementary classroom. There is a hyper link to the ISTE website that has the explanation of the NETS in the classroom.

Corssword Puzzle: NETS I, II & III

The crossword is an interactive way to use Excel. Through creating this crossword I am now able to create puzzles for any kind of lesson.
Crossword Puzzle With Questions

Inspiration: NETS I & III



The graphic displayed is using a program Inspiration. Through different graphics I illustrated how different NETS are used in a real life environment. The graphics depict the different aspects that can be used in the classroom.

Newsletter: NETS I & III

The Newsletter was created using a word document. There are personal pictures as well as clip art inserted into the newsletter.By adding in graphics and picutes I was able to create a personalized welcome letter.
newsletterbb-1

IMovie: NETS II

Below is the movie that I created using Apple IMovie. Using IMovie I was able to create a one minute public service announcement about Cal State San Marcos. I able to condense movie clips, add clip transitions, add my voice and set it all to music. Click the play button to watch.

Journal #9

Mader, J Smith, B (2009, August). Science + Technology = Creativity (and Fun!). Learning and Leading with Technology, Retrieved August 4, 2009 , from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=August_No_1_2&Template=
/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4363&ContentID=23906&DirectListComboInd=D

Synopsis:
Technology is a tool that for the most part has to be taught. Once the instruction is given it is up to the user to decided how to use it. This article talked about teaching kids different ways to apply technology in a scientific setting. The teacher showed the students how to use the technology then gave them free reign to use whatever medium they wanted to showcase their work. By doing so the students were able to crate a project that was of interest to them. By giving a child very little instruction it is up to the child to use their creativity to best explain the work. The projects that kids can come up with are endless.

Question:
Will it be hard for teachers to give vague project requirements?
Most students seem to like a project when it is spelled out in black and white. There is little room for error with this method of assigning work. The flip side of that is there is less creativity and independant thinking on the part of the student. If teachers are able to get away from rigid project requirements then students will come up with some amazing projects on their own. They just need the basic outline and to be given the opportunity to create the kind of project they want.

Question:
How can a teacher best accommodate different level of tech savy?
Not all kids are on the same level when it comes to technology. Some kids are very good at navigating computers and the like but others are not. It is very important if technology is presented in the class it has to be presented in a way that all kids can understand what is being taught. It may take more time but that way every child will learn the technology and be more apt to use it in different setting than just the classroom. Once the kids get the idea they need time to play with the different applications so they can become comfortable with them. By doing so they can use what they have learned and create insightful projects.

Jounal #8

Bouterse, B. Corn, J. Halstead, E. (August, 2009). Choosing the Perfect Tools for One-to-One. Learning and Leading with Technology, Retrieved August 4, 2009 , from Choosing the Perfect Tools for One-to-One

Synopsis:
There is a lot to consider when looking to buy computers for a school. This article went into detail about what school administrators need to consider before going out and purchasing computers. While it might seem like to best option to buy cheaper computers so as to not blow the budget this article talked about why that isn't always the best option. When buying the cheaper computer my seem like the better deal the whole picture needs to be taken into consideration to see if the computer can handle all that will be required by the students. The side by side comparisons were very helpful in getting a visual for what each computer has to offer and the type of work it would be best suited for. There are a lot of parts of the puzzle when considering buying computers for a school.

Question:
With so much to think about will schools move towards one-to-one set-up?
This article came out at a very interesting time for education in California. Since California is suffering from such a huge deficit it might be detrimental to getting the proper technology in the classroom. Hopefully in the next five to ten years there will more one-to-one schools around the country. Computers are such an amazing resource for education that to leave that untapped would be a travesty.

Question:
Should school hire consultants to help them make the most cost effective decision when purchasing computers?
It might be a wise decision to hire someone that can look and the school and evaluate what would be the most appropriate computer. There are so many out there and when deciding purchasing on a large scale it might be wise to enlist the help of someone who really understands technology.

Journal #7

Reynard, R (2009, July, 15). Beyond Social Networking: Building Toward Learning Communities. The Journal, Retrieved August, 2 2009, from
http://thejournal.com/Articles/2009/07/15/Beyond-Social-Networking-Building-Toward-Learning-Communities.aspx?Page=3&p=1

Synopsis:
When utilizing online tools such as blogging it is the teacher’s responsibility to make sure it is being used for educational purposes. It is not just a space for students to go to talk to their friends online. It is a place where ideas can be exchanged and information learned. It is up to the teacher to make sure this is accomplished. Kids need to know a lot can be learned from posting information and asking for feedback from their peers. By doing so a student will be able to learn so much more by having different points of view than just that of the teacher.

Question:
Will students feel comfortable posting their information to get feedback from peers?
Posting on a blog or other social site is still so new that some students may feel more comfortable getting just feedback from the teacher. Students have to be mature enough to post information that is helpful to other students. If this is achieved then a lot can be gained from online collaboration. If this isn’t achieved then some students may develop a fear of sharing their work to the online community.

Question:
Will school in my life time become paperless?
It seems with all of this technology that paper in the classroom might become a thing of the past. In the article Assessment Made Easy it talked about a school in Denver where all of the students had laptops. It would seem that if every child had access to a laptop then paper would be almost obsolete. As more school get more computers then maybe in the next fifty years or so online submission will out weigh paper submission of work.

Journal #6

Richardson, K (2008, May). Don't Feed the Trolls. Learning & Leading with Technology, Retrieved August, 2 2009, from
http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=May_No_7_&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=3972&ContentID=20817&DirectListComboInd=D

Synopsis:
As students begin to use the computer more than a pen and paper they need to learn about conduct on the internet. The article spoke about students posting on blogs as a way of journaling instead of the normal pen and paper. By doing so anyone can read what is posted and therefore these students need to learn what should and shouldn’t be posted on the internet. It is imperative that these student’s know that when hurtful posting are added to a blog then someone is going to get their feelings hurt. Anyone can access the information and read what is being written.

Question:
Will students, at any age, know the consequences of posting hurtful messages?
I think the concern I have with having kids post to the internet is they won’t understand the ramifications of posting hurtful messages on the internet. They also don’t know that what they post will stay with them for a very long time. For older kids especially. Employers are now looking to the internet to see what they can find out about potential employees. If unflattering messages or pictures are posted on the internet then that might deter an employer.

Question:
Will blogging become the norm for the generation that is going through school now?
As kids become more advance on computers I see blogging and other social means of discourse becoming the norm. There is a sense of need to know now in our society and blogging and other social websites seem to fulfill that. Kids will be able to post what they are doing and that will be a means to stay in touch with friends and family. It will be interesting to see what this new generation does with technology.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Journal Entry #4: Photo Sharing

http://www.classroom20.com/forum/topic/listForTag?tag=photos&page=2. Retrieved July 27, 2009, from suggestions needed for online storage
Synopsis:
When I accessed the Classroom 2.0 I went into the tools then photo storage. Since I am a person who is always taking pictures I am always looking for ways to store pictures online. There were two posts that had different websites to store pictures. One was mediafire.com and the other website was box.net. The only thing about box.net was the person has to pay for it. That would probably turn me away since I don't want to pay to store my pictures. I think it would be good to have a place for kids to view pictures in the classroom. When the year is over then I have the opportunity to print out pictures that kids want. Also kids can incorporate pictures taken into assignments that are given.
When following the thread some people said not even to store the information online because some kids will give out passwords to other people who shouldn’t have it. Some solutions that were given were to have the kids being a flash drive to class and download pictures that way. Another person said to burn the pictures to a CD. They are both viable options but don’t have the accessibility to easily share with peers.

Journal Entry #3

Zucker, A (2009, June/July). Assessment Made Easy. Learning and Leading with Technology, 18-21
Synopsis:
Overall the article talked about a high school in Denver, Colorado that had a one-to-one laptop to student ratio. By allowing this students are able to get up to the minute feedback. Teachers are able to effectively and efficiently give feedback since most of what is submitted is sent via e-mail. There are also programs that give instant feedback to the teacher about what the students are doing well on and what they need more help with. By doing this the teacher is able to have a reteach week. During this week the teachers are able to go over information students are not grasping.

Question:
How can the technology used at DSST be integrated into other schools?
It seems as though the information that is being presented at DSST is done in a way for students to get the most benefit. Since the students are able to get up to the minute feedback they are able to see what they are doing wrong and are able to change it right then. There is not lag time for students to forget what they learned. If even some of this could be integrated into "normal" classrooms the students would see some benefit. It is up to the teacher to utilize the technology that is out there for them.
Question:
Do the demographics have anything to do with the success rates?
Since DSST aims to have a diverse school with kids from different backgrounds. By doing so every child has a chance to succeed. It is up to the individual student to make the effort to succeed. The first graduating class sent everyone to a four year college. That is unprecedented. The school has done something correct to create an environment conducive to learning.

Journal Entry #2

Robson, M (2009, July 13). Guardian.co.uk. Retrieved July 24, 2009, from How Teenagers Consume Media: the report that shook the City Web site: http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2009/jul/13/teenage-media-habits-morgan-stanley
Synopsis:
The article spoke about how teenagers in the UK are using different technology. There is a huge shift for teenagers in today's society. Almost all have a cell phone that they use on a daily basis. They all know how to use a computer and have used some sort of gaming device. There is a shift for with how kids get there news media. They don't want to be bothered with a large newspaper.
Question:
Will there be newspaper in the next 50 years?
Right now newspapers are going out of business because people aren't using them. As people start to shift and read their information on the web and get information from their cell phones they are going to be less inclined to buy a newspaper. I know that now days I only
Question:
How will technology change the way our children do business in the future?
As teenagers of today head out into the "real world" in the next ten years or so business may see a shift. Everything these teenagers do is done in short bursts. They want everything now and in the most condensed version. Will that lead to the elimination of long drawn out business meetings? Will there be less face to face interaction since it can be done via websites like Skype. It will be very interesting to see what the future holds.

Journal Entry #1

Owens, A (2009, June/July). Do your teachers need a personal trainer?. Learning and Leading with Technology, 14-17.

Synopsis:
Overall the article talked about how schools in the Mt. Lebanon School District in Pittsburgh are learning how to integrate technology in the classroom. Student’s from the near by university go to schools through out the district to teach the teachers about important technology. There has been positive feedback from the teachers as well as the students.

Question:
How can a teacher integrate technology into early education?
As a person who wants to teach early education I want to integrate technology into the classroom. The earlier children are exposed to it the better off they will be through out their lives. Technology has become integrated into daily life for most people. As a teacher it is my job to show kids the proper way to use a computer as well as all of the programs that can be used.
Question:
What If the school doesn't have computers in the classroom?
If I am in a school where there is only a computer lab then it is very important to utilize that time and try and teach students as much as I can. It isn't a time to play games for an hour. They need to be learning things for use down the line. That hour or what ever time I have needs to be used in a constructive manner.


Monday, July 20, 2009

Social Bookmarking

Photographs from the National Archives
The pictures that I looked at were from all different locations in the United States and Cuba. Pictures are a look into the way we were. To see what the US looked like in the early 20th century was moving. Pictures are so important to be able to show how far we have come. Without pictures we would never know the changes we have made.

NEA-Achievement Gap
The three areas of where students are at risk are: racial and ethnic minorities, English language learners, and students with disabilities. The part that I felt drawn to when reading through the list was engage staff in discussions, get “natural helpers” and finally get resources that the entire school can use. All three of these are interconnected and I feel as someone who wants equality in the classroom implementing these will help work towards that goal. Kids need to know they are all important and deserve the same caliber education no matter where they live. By involving staff in discussions different points of view are brought out and information can be shared and knowledge gained. There are some people who are able to help in the classroom and it is imperative that these people are given the opportunity to be in the class and impart their knowledge on students. I know that when I am a teacher I want to be able to share with everyone else the information I have learned about students who might be disadvantaged. As I gain information I want to share in with the school community so everyone has the opportunity to grow.

Stop Cyber bullying
When I took the quiz it said I was a cyber saint. That was not surprising to me because I don’t do things on the internet that I know would harm someone else. I feel it is very wrong. If I couldn’t say it to their face they I wouldn’t do it behind their back and say it on the internet. It is very cowardly to say bad things on the internet. I don’t really think there was anything there that I didn’t really already know. I do think it is good to read information like this because it puts it at the fore front of my mind when working on the internet.

Kathy Schrock’s Guide for Educators
One of the sites that I looked at was the dole website about eating healthy. It is vital that kids now days learn the importance of eating a well balanced diet. If that can be presented to them in a way that is fun then hopefully they will retain more of the information. The other area of this website that I looked at was podcasting. It is something that I have heard a number of times but this link showed me how I can put one together and how to use it effectively in the classroom.

Multiple Intelligences
My top three intelligences in order were: naturalistic, interpersonal and intrapersonal. When watching the video I really saw how each child will learn in a very different way. It is important that each child is given the opportunity to learn in the way that best works for them. That way kids can learn the information in the way that is best way possible.

Teaching Tolerance: Cesar Chavez
The areas that this lesson plan covers is K-4, historical understanding, and language arts. This lesson plans teaching students about Cesar Chavez and farm workers in the United States. This lesson plan is important since Cesar Chavez framed the way farm workers are treated. Also it will show kids that no matter what someone does they deserve to be treated fairly.



EdChange Equality
Compared with their U.S.-born peers, how likely are immigrant men in the U.S., ages 18-39, to be in jail or prison, according to a 2008 report from the Immigration Policy Center?
The answer was 5 times less likely. That to me shows that people who are immigrating here want to make a better life for themselves and other in their families and therefore don’t want to get into trouble.
Compared with White women, how likely are African American women in the U.S. to die during childbirth due to a lack of access to prenatal care, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality?
The answer was four times more likely. That is an amazing number. All women deserve equal health care when they are having a child. No child deserves to grow up without a mother especially if it is something that doesn’t need to happen.

Netiquette
My score was a 90%. J Not bad I only missed one question. It is very important to teach kids about netiquette because they need to know that what is posted on the internet can hurt people. Just because you can’t see them doesn’t mean you aren’t doing any harm. If kids learn early then maybe there will be less cyber bullying.

Monday, July 13, 2009

About Britt

Hi everyone! My name is Brittany Bovee (I go by Britt though). I grew up in Encinitas California and I am 24 years old. I went to Ocean Knoll Elementary School then over to Oak Crest. For high school I went to San Dieguito Academy. All of these school were in a three block radius from each other. Needless to say I never strayed that far from home. College was anther story for me. I went to Colorado State University. I decided to go site unseen because I knew that if I went and saw it I would freak myself out and never leave. It was an amazing experience to be on my own and having no one to fall back on. My freshman year was a huge growing experience for me. One that I would never want to change.
I never really saw myself as a technology person. I think it has happened out of necessity. Going to school everything is transiting to computer based work. I was always able to figure out what I needed to do but was not the type of person who could spend all day on the computer. I am learning to like the computer though. I have always been a PC person but I am thinking that I might be a mac person after this class. I bought the I-Phone and love it. Currently I am running the '07 version of windows which I hated at first. Now that I am learning how it works I am starting to like it. The more I use it the more I will like it.
One part of the mission statement that really stood out to me was teaching to a diverse group of kids. Knowing the I am going to be teaching to a diverse group of students make me think about how I am going to teach each of them so they understand the material. Hopefully I will be an equal and fair teacher no matter a child's background. That is why I find the information being taught at Cal State is so vital.