Learning the Phases of the Moon with Stellarium

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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.