The TPACK Report Project

Link to TPACK Report

Changes Made to WIKI

During the process of updating my WIKI, I have made several changes. First I changed the background to suit my personality. I am always cold, so something warm and cheerful always warms me up. Second, I changed the font size because it made it so much easier to read. Finally, I changed the font style for something different.

3rd Grade Language Arts Lesson Plan

http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=df2c3nv3_2th4pqk2t

3rd Grade Social Studies Lesson Plan

http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=df2c3nv3_0cmq95kc5

3rd Grade Science Lesson Plan

http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=df2c3nv3_1chk4t5dx

Week 13 PLE Post

After taking a technology inventory in the 3rd grade classroom at Walden School of Liberal Arts charter school, I realized the classroom is more up to speed than I thought. After visiting another public school that had Smart Boards in every classroom, I thought my little charter school was way behind in technology. After inventorying and interviewing the 3rd Grade teacher and her classroom, I thought it wonderful that 8 computers sat waiting to be used by children. Also, reading, math, and practice testing software were downloaded on each computer. With 20 kids in the classroom, the students have easy access to practice standard skills along with computer skills. The children also have access to the Internet, but on a monitored basis. A CD player, DVD/VCR, digital camera/video equipment, and digital weather monitoring devices also added to the technology in the room. So even though there wasn't a cool Smart Board, the children had access to many other technologies.

Week 12 PLE Post/10

Additional technologies I have found and explored. Kidspiration: This helps grades k-5th visually explore words, numbers, and concepts and can be found at http://www.kidspiration.com/. Prezi: Is an online presentation tool that creates amazing presentations through zooming and can be found at http://www.prezi.com/. gliffy: Is an online diagram software that helps you create high quality flowcharts, diagrams, floor plans, and technical drawings and can be found at http://www.gliffy.com/.

*note - this PLE blog is suppose to be #10.

Week 14 PLE Post/Internet Saftey Reflection

Articles read: Guidelines from Provident Living on Internet safety.

Videos watched: i-SAFE, empowering youth to be safe online, I-SAFE & Educators, creating a safer cyberspace.

After going over some of the information about being Internet safe, I was glad for the reminders to always be on guard and to teach youth to take control and be responsible for their Internet experience. It is important to be safe, education is key for both parents and youth, always keeping up to date on what is new in the Internet world.

As part of the "doing experience" I talked with my 8 year old son about Internet safety. He informed that he knew to X anything that popped up, but he did not know that personal information like name, age, address, and phone number should not be shared because he had never encountered such a situation. After sharing some of the information presented on the i-SAFE video, we discussed that he should always ask a parent before giving away such information. Also, if any such information was asked of him while on the computer he committed to inform a parent or other adult immediately. I told him that it was great that he always X-ed pop ups and to make sure he had permission before downloading anything to avoid potential viruses. He further committed that if anything inappropriate showed up on the computer at home, school, or a friends house that he would let his parents or other adult know immediately.

Hunter is a great kid with a knack for technology. As his parent, I keep his time limited on the computer. He has always been respectful to the house rules for the computer, so I didn't think much about computers outside my home. I was glad this assignment brought to my attention the need for continual Internet safety training on an ongoing bases.

Week 11 PLE Post

TPACK

Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge

PK(Pedagogical Knowledge is knowing how to teach.)

CK(Content Knowledge is knowing the facts about a particular subject.)

TK(Technological Knowledge is knowing about different technologies and how to use and apply them.)

The TPACK method uses all three knowledges at once for a dynamic learning experience. For example, since taking the IP&T287 class, I have been able to incorporate different technologies into lesson plans. My favorite one included the use of Stellerium, downloaded for free, which taught the phases of the moon. This is an important content standard for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students.

Representations of different technologies include technological, visual, auditory, dynamic, and multimodal. This semester my two favorite dynamic learning technology representations are Stellarium, as stated above, and Google Earth. Both of which have motivated both myself and my two children to learn more about the planet we live on and beyond.

Week 10 PLE Post/12

After watching the videos from the "In Time Video Database," I think that there are several key points that young children must learn when working with technology. It is most important to educate young children about the ethics of copyright laws when working with technology. If children are aware that there are boundaries and guidelines, they are likely to follow them and encourage other children to follow them too. Also, it is important to teach children technology using the regular vocabulary that is used when working with technology. By providing plenty of hands on practice and the correct vocabulary, children will quickly pick up the use of these skills. They are also able to communicate with their peers about what it is that they are learning with technology. If children are allowed to work in small groups on a project together, they can teach each other and enhance their own skills through teaching one another. It is amazing how quickly children pick up the skills needed for technology if they are provided the opportunity to learn and the proper know-how.

*note - this is suppose to be post 12.

Learning the Phases of the Moon with Stellarium

http://

Science Challenge Planning Activity Sheet

http://sites.google.com/site/sheilareynoldsipt287portfolio/science-project-challenge

Week 9 PLE Post

If I have successfully integrated technology into my lesson my students should be progressing steadily in whatever subject matter is being taught. Also if I am the one who integrated the technology, it is successful anytime it works. If the technology used accomplishes the needed learning, then I would consider it a welcome addition to any lesson. I believe I will know when I have chosen to use the right technology when it is relatively easy to implement.

google earth

Week 8 PLE Post

1. What are some of the problems with learning TPACK skills?

One of the problems with learning TPACK skills that the article suggests is that although learning in small workshop based groups are good, learning from the source of the technology might be better.

There is difficulty with the integration of educational technologies in K-12 classroom instruction. Teachers instruction are activity-based and content focused. To integrate effective technology requires skills, one needs interdependent content, technological, and pedagogical knowledge.

2. What is the main idea of the article?

The article indicates that an approach is needed for teachers to help them better integrate technologies and directly link students to content-related learning needs, content-based learning activities, and related educational technologies.

3. What are some of the ideas in the article that led you to your main idea?

The article indicated that the integration of technologies in classroom instruction needs an easier approach. This approach should be based upon content-based learning activities. This is the primary element in instructional planning.

4. What are some reasons that this article might be important for you as a teacher?

As a teacher continues to integrate technologically-based instruction and activities in the classroom, this article might provide some quick and helpful insights directing one to an easier approach.

Week 7 PLE Post

1. What is the role of technology in creating dynamic experiences for my students?

Technology can be fun with its impressive hands on and entertaining style of learning. It can get the students excited about learning something they thought they didn't have any interest in. In addition to excitement, the involvement that happens with technology can aide in teaching reading, math, and writing, just to mention a few, and all of a sudden it doesn't seem like work. Wow, now that is dynamic!

2. What are some ways that technology might detract from learning?

One of the biggest ways technology can detract from learning is if it is misused. The ease of access to improper material or time wasted on too much entertainment can be a temptation for many young students.

3. What are three examples of effective technology use that I have used or experienced?

For Sheila Reynolds are these statements true or false?

Google Earth is an exciting tool that motivates one to learn more....TRUE

Digital story telling is a clever way to disguise learning as fun.....TRUE

A blog is a great way to keep track of all one is learning, from thoughts, assignments, other classmates, and teacher information...............TRUE

Would you believe I have learned all these new technologies in my IP&T class? It's true, I have. It has only taken less than six weeks to discover a whole new technology world.

Week 6 PLE Post

1. Other sensory experiences that might enhance a virtual tour are: Touch, smell, sight, sound, and taste. For example, let's take a virtual field trip to a string instrument shop where violins, violas, cellos, and basses are made.
It would be fun to virtually travel to different places around the globe to see where they are located and how they are set up including a guided tour through one of them. Now let's include some other senses: Touch (raw wood used to make violins could be brought in to be explored). Smell (varnish and wood stains could be brought in to get the smell of what a real violin shop would smell like). Sight (carving tools for the children to look at, and a real violin or other string instruments to see). Sound (a musician to play live music on a violin, viola, cello, and bass....a string quartet...now that would really enhance the listening experience). Taste (not a lot that needs to be tasted for this experience).

2. Virtual field trips that I downloaded and watched were: The 7 wonders of the World- I liked that it was the natural wonders and I learned about a few I did not know existed. James and the Giant Peach- I loved this idea. Children's books are one of my favorite past times and I would not of thought to use one for the idea of a virtual field trip. I had fun. Pearl Harbor WWII- I have been to Pearl Harbor and it is quite the experience to be there in person. This tour did a nice job touching on some of the main events that happened. It can't replace the actual experience going, but very thought out.

3. The plus side of a virtual tour in the classroom is..... money is no object! As a teacher you would have the opportunity at your fingertips to show and teach students about almost anywhere in the world. The downside to a virtual tour would be the simple fact that nothing can replace the real deal. Seeing a cow pasture with cows in it is a completely different experience then being in the cow pasture with the smell, touch, and sounds of what it is really like. So, as a teacher every lesson would not be replaced with a virtual field trip, but it would enhance the learning of places you know you could never take your students to.

Google Earth Activity Sheet

Digital Story Telling: "Writing Time With Hunter"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hymtrDiDQoc

Week 5 PLE Post

Google Earth is a crowd pleaser at my house. The simple features of zooming in and out, swiveling and rotating, and changing views from flat to aerial entertain both myself and my 5-year old daughter. My son enjoys some of the more complex features like actually flying to a location. Together we have enjoyed Las Vegas where we use to live, Australia where Mom was a missionary, Philadelphia where Dad was a missionary, and Paris where we some day want to go.

I think in a classroom setting it would open the world for children. Discovery is a seed when nurtured, can grow into beauty one never knew existed.

Review of storyboards

The storyboards that I visited and made comments on were: Andrea Smith, Karly Allen, Becca Blair, Haley VandeMerwe, and Anne Yamashita. I enjoyed seeing how out of one class assignment there could be so many different ideas. I think one of the greatest challenges is coming up with an idea. I think once an idea is found everything begins to fall into place. Lots of practice in making digital stories would need to occur in order to use the skill regularly, otherwise its just too stressful.

Week 4 PLE post

So far my son who is 8 years old has been the recipient of all my new found technology knowledge. He is loving (mostly loving, except when I hog the computer) that his mother is getting up to speed on the computer world. I have shown him my blog and wiki both of which he has security concerns over others having access to this information (cute huh). Also, the movie making digital stories have really excited him and after Mom finishes her assignment for class he wants to make one. Sharing this information with him is most rewarding not to mention very impresive how quickly he picks it all up.

Week 3 PLE post

A few points that I have learned from the Copyright and Fair Use Guidelines are:
1. Printed materials may be copied but, only from legally acquired originals and only one copy per student. A poem less than 250 words, articles, stories, or essays less than 2,500 words may be copied. If a work is longer than that then only 10% or 1,000 words, whichever is less. Consumables may not be copied.
2. The use of a video for viewing may be used as long as it is legitimately acquired and used in the classroom for instructional purposes.
3. The use of video and music may be used only in portions of 10% or three minutes, whichever is less.
4. Broadcasts may be used in the classroom for instructional purposes.
5. Computer software may be used if legitimately acquired and only one machine at a time may use the program. The number of users at one time my not exceed the number of licences.
6. Images from the Internet may be downloaded along with sound files and video as long as they are legitimately acquired and properly cited and follow the guidelines of Fair Use.

Storyboard
(add as many rows below as you need)
Names: Kristen Gardner, Brittany Beecher, Sheila Reynolds, Erin Farnes


Scene
Script/Description
Benny in bed writing his list


Benny wakes up and makes a to do list


Sitting at his desk, teacher at front, writing



Goes to school and writes about a fun family vacation

Emailing on a laptop


Then they write to their pen pals as a class


Handing a note to the teacher with an apple


He wrote a thank you note to his teacher


Reading the book with a pencil and paper next to him

When he gets home, he works on his book report

Handing her the note and getting a hug


He writes a love note to his mom

In bed, writing in his journal

He writes in his journal before bed



Mom giving him a kiss good night, pencil and journal in hand, bubble saying “I love writing!”


Good night Benny


Credit Page:

week 2 PLE post

This week I have learned to take at least three deep breaths before I sit down and work on computer and technology skills or I'm liable to start crying and then beat my computer up with my sons baseball bat. On the really bright side of it all I am learning stuff, not that I could explain it to anyone just yet. The biggest aha moment for me is that there is more than one way to get something done and when all else fails, shut everything down, turn the power off, wait 10 seconds, call my mom, and then start all over again. I sent a video email, not sure it worked. Also, I am still trying to figure out this wiki business.
I will get it, I will get it, I will get it, I will get it, I will get, I will get it, I will get it, I will get it, I will get it, I will get it! I figure a few extra positive affirmations couldn't hurt.

week 1 PLE post

Yippee! Yahoo! The world must be near its end because Sheila Reynolds has created a Blog. I can now add this to my list of technology skills which also include working a DVD player, CD player, cell phone (including text messaging), the ability to google, and very basic computer skills (impressed yet?). Yes, I have struggled with technology most of my life. Needless to say it often terrifies me. However, I am so optimistic about this class and feel lucky to be enrolled in such a thing that will motivate me to learn that which deep down inside I really want to. Skills in the technology world! The great thing about knowing so very little is at the end of the class I hope to receive the award of most improved.