Tuesday, December 18, 2012

A Message of Inspiration to Newtown, Connecticut

Why, Why, Why

Lord bless the little children,
The little children of our world,
Bless the little boys and the little girls,
It's a shame, a sad, sad shame,
That we take mental illness as a game,
We feel as our people, they are the same,
But really, really these people only seek fame,
Fame to see our hurt and pain,
Fame that is so harsh and lame,
But in the end, we all are to blame
Blame to the mental illness that we see,
How long will we let this illness be,
Oh, Mr. President hear our cry,
Or else continue to let our country die....
As many parents say goodbye,
All I think and say is why, why, why....

God bless the families of Newtown, Connecticut, my heart goes out to you,
You all are forever in my prayers!!!

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Assistive Technology

Technology has opened many educational doors to children, particularly to children with disabilities.  For all students, technology makes things easier.  For students with disabilities, technology makes things possible.  Children come in every shape, size, and type and learn at different rates; one size does not fit all!  Teaching can be made to accommodate for the different learning needs of most children inside the regular classroom.  Some children with disabilities will need instruction in one-on-one or small groups.  But, other children (more severe disabilities), who need help to keep up with other students can benefit from machines designed to help them learn.  Such "assistive devices" helps their learning, understanding, and participation in the regular classroom environment.

Assistive technology devices are any item, piece of equipment, or software used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a student with disabilities.  This technology is important because for some students without assistive technology they would not have access to or be able to benefit their educational program.  The decision whether a student with disabilities requires an assistive technology service and/or device in order to benefit from his or her educational program is an IEP team decision.  In making this decision, the IEP team must consider the individual student's assistive technology needs in relation to his or her education program.  Children with disabilities often feel better about themselves as a result of using technology.

Mild Disabilities
For students with mild disabilities, I would utilize books on tape, close circuit TV to enlarge books, an electronic dictionary, screen enlarger for computer text, screen readers, and use markers and ruler to guide reading.  I would use a Penfriend to help students to write faster and promote better spelling and grammar.
Aspire Reader http://www.axistive.com/aspirereader-4-0.html; this software helps with students reading comprehension and word by word/sentence by sentence highlighting.
Classmate Reader http://www.humanware.com/en-new_zealand/products/learning_disabilities/_details/id_107/classmate_reader_audio_book_player.html; this software helps students gain reading independence.

Moderate and Severe Disabilities
For students with moderate and severe disabilities, I would utilize smart pens to take notes and record lectures for easier playback.  Communication boards, computers, head sticks, and adaptive switches to allow disabled children to communicate effectively with others.
Penfriend http://www.penfriend.ltd.uk/; helps students with writing skills.

Physical Disabilities
For students with physical disabilities, I would use voice output devices, text-to-voice software, and software that allows communication through the use of pictures and symbols.  For motor skills: bigger pencils, large pad keyboards and foot pedals that replace the mouse on a normal computer, and voice recognition software that allows the students to type by speaking.
Inspiration http://www.inspiration.com

Sensory Disabilities
For students with sensory disabilities, I would use talking computers and calculators for the vision impaired; braille writers, translators, screen magnifiers, and large print books;
ALVA Access Group http://www.aagi.com/
Read Please http://www.readplease.com/
The National Library Service for the Blind & Physically Handicapped http://www.loc.gov/nls/

For students with hearing impairments, I would use close captioning, telephone, headphones, and communication boards.
Independent Living Aids http://www.independentliving.com/

At Risk Behaviors/Situations
For at risk behavioral students, I would use a self-monitor to reinforce positive behaviors like Pay Attention, Be Positive, and Focus, throughout the school day.  This will give the students a sense of control, improve their attitude, and organizational skills.
Watchminder http://watchminder.com/uses/ad-hd-ld-and-autism

Gifts and Talents
For gifted and talented students, I would give them projects or reports to publish on the Internet.
Project Poster http://poster.4teachers.org
 

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Web 2.0 Tools

Utilizing Web 2.0 Tools

I guess the best thing I can truly say about the Web 2.0 tools is that they are AWESOME!!!  I never had so much fun utilizing them.  I don't know which one is the better, because I enjoyed them all.  The Glogster is definitely on my to do list in the classroom.  I know the students will be so engaged with this tool, no matter what they're creating.  I must have created two or three glogs before I decided on the one I really wanted to use.  The topic I chose for my social studies unit was the five oceans in the world.  Since my lesson plans were on the nine planets and the seven continents, I decided to do a lesson on the five oceans.  I created my games from the Classtools website.  It was so easy to use.  I created 20 questions and answers based on my glog and  with one click of my mouse, the test was prepared and ready for the players.  This tool is definitely a must have for any classroom.  The games are like arcade games and the students have to shoot "rockets" (I call them), on the correct answer advancing to more levels when they complete one.  It even had a flashcard game in which students could study and guess what the answer was and check their answers to see if it was right.  I created another game (forgot the names, I was so excited), in which they have to aim "pellets" (my own name for them), on the correct answer.  It has speed to it so the students do have to be quick on their feet.  I just could not stop playing the games.  I think creating games on the lessons taught to students reinforces the lesson concepts, plus add enjoyment.  Some children of today are fascinated with video games, so why not give them what they want in an "educational" way with the rewards of pure intelligence.  Now, the video I created on the Animoto website kind of gave me trouble at the start, but I am a fighter and am very determined to get what I want and I wanted my video and I got it.  After many deletions, I finally got the best 30 second video I've ever made in my life.  And I must say, I was very, very proud of my accomplishments.  As I sit here and write this blog, I am just so enthused about my creations so I think as an adult to be so happy about my work, I could wonder how it would make a child feel.  The Web 2.0 tools are excellent technology tools that will be very effective in teaching and learning.  I have to say this was the best assignment that I really, really enjoyed completing and very confident of.  You all have to visit my creations, I posted the links below and please let me know how you enjoyed them.  Test your knowledge about the five oceans and play the games I created.  Remember to add your name to the list after you successfully complete (pass) each test.

Glogster Address:
http://bunchee.edu.glogster.com/Sailing-the-Oceans-Blue/

Classtools Address:
http://www.classtools.net/mob/quiz_11/Oceans_of_the_World_srEdh.ktm

Animoto Address:
http://animoto.com/play/DzuBgK2K8N5wA1c4Jjwbiw

All About Twitter

For starters, this entire course has been such a rewarding experience.  It has completely opened my life up too many challenges, yet enriching experiences.  I finally feel like I "fit in" and "belong" to the technology world.  I have learned about technologies that are very new to me, but they have always been in existence.  I guess my overall favorite technologies are Twitter, Glogster, and Prezi.  It took a while to get it but once I did, there was no stopping me.

Twitter is an excellent resource tool for consuming and learning.  It has a great number of resources to help students follow other people who will be useful to them based on technology being used.  It is a personal learning network to connect, share, and network.  I've learned how to follow interesting people, read their tweets, and learn from them.  Then, I share it with my followers or classmates.  The hashtags have helped to point me in the right direction.  It is a continually process.  You have to interact with Twitter occasionally to check in, reply, and participate to keep the conversation and learning going.  It's a digital pot of learning, growth, and inspiration.

I have so many organizations and people that I follow, but only a few whom I am very interested in the most.  The Edudemic organization always have just the right article on any technology device I am researching.  Jeff Dunn wrote an article about different ways to utilize the iPad in the classroom and explained various apps to help teachers in the classroom as well.  I found the Miss Speller and the 3D Human Anatomy to be my personal favorites.  It goes right along with my beliefs that students learn best by doing.  Julie Adams, another person of interest that I follow, wrote an article about the effects of utilizing iPads in the classroom.  It explained how some teachers in a Maine school district gave positive effects of their use of the iPad for classroom instruction, however, one teacher had the fear of losing the students motivation after the iPads are put away.  Chris Adams also reported the same positive effect of the iPad in the 1:1 classroom on students learning.  In the classroom, I would assign students to research lesson concepts on a weekly basis (as Dr. Ray has), I think it helps the students to get a better understanding of what they have learned and/or never knew, building on their prior knowledge.  Another idea would be to assign the students different people of interest to follow and learn about, then do a report of that person and/or organization.  For professional development, teachers could be assigned to research about ways and/or ideas to incorporate various programs in their schools.  I have read a lot of tweets about school programs that have been proven to have a positive effect on the school environment.  Margaret A. Storey wrote about the impact of social media on software engineering.  Her company, IEEE Software has reasonable software for school districts to incorporate in their schools that counts down on the spam, viruses, etc.  

I totally agree with the integration of technology in the classroom, as it is needed for students to learn in this everchanging global world of ours, but technology should not be the primary focus, the focus is on the learners.  I feel that education is so centered around various technology devices and many other useful tools that pedagogy is thrown out the window so the devices can be supported.  Do any of you agree?  The educational plan should be having a clear mental image on how student learning goals can be supported with technology.  When this happens, purposeful and meaningful learning can take place.  As educators, we must continually be growing and finding new ways to learn and reach our students.  Twitter can bring about a positive pedagogy change in my teaching. 

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

ALL ABOUT APPS...

iPads in the Classroom

Edudemic is an organization that I follow on Twitter.  The website always has interesting articles on everything about technology.  As you can see in my blog, there is a wealth of information on Apps for every subject and lifestyle in life.  Apps are becoming very popular in the classroom.  There are very convenient in teaching and learning.  I think the Mobile apps are a great tool for students, since every child practically has one, why not download some educational tools to enrich their learning.  I found several interesting articles on different apps to utilize in the classroom.  The article, 10 Must Have Apps for the Classroom has some great educational apps for the classroom.  I love them all, however, I will only describe four of them and you make sure you check out the other ones, I have.

1. Study Blue- This app helps students review and take practice tests.  The students can create online flashcards to study classwork.  http://www.studyblue.com

2. Fotobabble- This app helps students demonstrate their understanding of lesson concepts by allowing them to use pictures and a voice recording.  In math, they can take a picture of the problem and record the steps involved to solve it. http://www.fotobabble.com

3. Evernote- This app helps students with their creativity and organization.  Students can create a digital file to hold all of their class assignments, projects, and notes. http://evernote.com

4. Fakebook- This is an educational form of Facebook.  This app is a collection of online digital tools and resources for the classroom, teachers, and students. http://www.classtools.net/fb/home/page

Check This Out!!!

Here's another article by Edudemic about some apps(itunes by Apple), that teach math concepts: http://edudemic.com/2012/00/7-apps-that-teach-math-concepts/

The 25 Most Used Mobile Apps in Education: http://edudemic.com/2012/10/most-used-Mobile-apps-education/

Honorable Mention: Edudemic Magazine has an app that features news rundowns, in-depth research, and a list of recommended apps... just to name a few.

Twitter References
The 25 Most Used Mobile Apps In Education @Edudemic ow.ly/fjGck
20 Educational Apps Approved By Parents @Edudemic fb.me/12OJ53DY
30 Recommended Apps For Online Students @Edudemic ow.ly/fdDVO

Monday, November 19, 2012

Different Types of Software

There are a wide array of computer softwares for instructional use in the classroom.  Computer software serves as a purpose for teaching and self-learning.  It is an important decision for teachers when selecting instructional software for use in their classrooms.  There are a variety of steps to ensure the product will be an appropriate and effective choice for their classroom, such as, system requirements, age level of the students, time requirements, and the cost of the product.  A big problem for some school systems is the cost and the limited amount of funding.  However, there are some computer softwares that are totally free and can be utilized in the classroom.  Below are some different types of software that will serve that purpose.

1. Sheppard Software: http://www.sheppardsoftware.com
The website has a lot of interactive activities, educational games, and quizzes on all subject areas and grade levels.  The best part is that it's all FREE!!!  This software could be utilized in the classroom as Independent Practice for students to reinforce lesson concepts or skills.
EX: A Geography lesson on the 5 states.  Students could use the interactive software to answer question about the locations of the states on a map.

2. Inspiration/Kidspiration: http://www.inspiration.com/kidspiration
This software is great to utilize in the classroom for students to make visual connections about lesson concepts and skills.  The software strengthens students' reading and writing skills, builds their conceptual understanding in math, and helps them to develop strong thinking skills.  The software has free 30 day trials for desktops or web-based softwares.
EX: A Science lesson about the parts of a pumpkin or the steps a pumpkin grows.  Students can create a picture view of the pumpkin and its parts and/or how the pumpkin grows.  Students can also expand their ideas into written expressions.

3. Starfall: http://www.starfall.com
This is a FREE website to teach students to read with phonics.  The website has exciting phonic games and online interactive books for Pre-K thru 2nd grades, special education, homeschool, and English language development.
EX: I would utilize the software during centers.  In the computer lab, students could practice with phonic and phonemic awareness skills.

4. Renaissance Learning: http://www.renlearn.com
Accelerated Reader is a very popular software used in public schools in Mobile, Alabama.  Students are given assessment tests to find out their reading level.  They are only to select books on their level to read and take a test on.  Students are required to make a passing grade or they must re-read the book and take the test again.  I think it is an excellent example of extrinsic motivation.
EX: During Reading block, students read books and take tests daily.  They will keep a log of the books they've read and their test grades.  I would establish a point system, in which, students would have to read a certain number of books (set a goal for each student), and pass their tests.  At the end of each month, I would reward the students who achieved their reading goals with trinkets or food coupons.

5. IXL: http://www.ixl.com
This website is great for the reinforcement of students' mathematical skills.  It allows the students to practice math skills based on the lesson concepts and it keeps track of their progress.  Teachers can know how long it took the student to work on a certain problem; their stregthens and weaknesses.  Teachers can also set goals for their students, and even assign IXL as homework.  It also has a reward system, in which, students can win prizes as they practice.  Another great thing about this site is that it gives math skills to practice for state standards tests.  The program gives a 30-day free trial for a class. The cost is $100 to for a class to join.
EX: During Math block, I would have students work as Independent Practice to reinforce a previously taught lesson.  Students can also be split into teams and compete to solve the math problems. Teacher can set a timer and give points to the first student who answers the problem correctly. If the student cannot answer the question, the team may assist them.  If the team cannot answer it, then the other team has a chance to earn the point if the question is answered correctly.  The team with the most points win.

***Check This Out***
A good article about the effects of educational softwares on students (all ages),academically at Education.Com "Educational Software and Academic Benefits" http://www.education.com/reference/article/educational-software-academic-benefits

Free Software For Students: http://www.freesoftwareforstudents.org/uk/index.html
A great website with free software for teachers, students, or parents need to use computers for school work; AT NO FINANCIAL COST!!!

Degree Central: http://degreecentral.com/great-free-software-for-students
Another website with some great FREE software.

Twitter Reference
Microsoft Sees A New Image Of Itself In Windows 8: http://buswk.co/TjcP5L via @BW

Thursday, November 15, 2012

iPads and its Effects in the Classroom

I found some very interesting articles about the effects of the iPads in the classroom.  Edudemic has an article about the early results of an iPad classroom @ http://edudemic.com/2012/11/the-early-results-of-an-ipad-are-in.  Also, another article explaining where education has gone wrong with technology @ http://edudemic.com/2012/11/where-education-has-gone-wrong-with-technology.  Now, I want to say that I do agree with the use of the iPad in classroom instruction because it is by far, a great motivator and engager, however, as I have argued, does it sustain the students' motivation and engagement levels when they are put away (iPads). 
I researched this question on the Web and found a lot of articles and studies about this same question and majority of the results were about the costs; the schools funding of the iPads.  However, I did come across an interesting article @ http://innovativescholar.com, in which, the author also asked the question is the iPad the correct tool to aid learning in education.  Well, his answer was yes and no and he thoroughly explained each. 
Well, finally, I found a very informative argument on the effectiveness of technology in the classrooms/education.  It explains my concept of all the usage of technology in the classroom; is it improving learning?  Please read it and see if you agree with the author and her question, Do we really need technology to learn?  The link is http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/04/technology-in-schools-faces-questions-on-value.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

I found it to be a very debateable topic!!!!
 


Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Teaching with iPads

iPads in the Classroom

Children of all ages are familiar with computers, but iPad apps provide them with novel and engaging methods of learning curriculum subjects as well as a new way of accessing books and preparing presentations.  The article, "iPads in the Classroom are Changing the Face of Education," discuses the use of iPads in two Maine school district classrooms.  It identifies the iPad as "a chameleon in the classroom with the flexibility to adapt to any kind of curriculum.  All that's needed is a school administrator who is willing to adopt to it."  The iPad has shown "poerful potential" in reforming education, however, "the true usefulness of an iPad in the classroom is something that's still up for debate."

A nine week case study was performed at an Auburn School District, in kindergarten classrooms, with "aims to raise literacy and numeracy skills from 63% and 60% (Spring 2011), to 90% in the 2014-2015."  The kindergarten classrooms that utilized the iPads "showed increased improvement results over the non-iPad classrooms.  The results show that the iPad can initiate positive change."  Michael Muir, the school district's change specialist, explained how they choose the program because of the anecdotal evidence that it would work and plans "to expand the test program to first grade next year."

The Foxcroft Academy implemented "a one-to-one program" that gave each student and teacher a 16 GB iPad 2 with Wi-Fi, plus copies of iWork and iMovie.  The students had individual IDs for access of apps for usage with their iPads at home.  Jonathan Pratt, Asst. Head of School for Academics, explained that "the iPad had interesting possibilities in terms of helping students access what they know [while interacting] in a very different way with material and information."  Pratt conducted student surveys "to truly measure the use of iPads."  83% of the student body felt more interested in school when they used an iPad and 86% said it was easier to gather information.  Pratt concluded that "there's something different when you're touching the screen instead of using the abstraction of a mouse.  I don't know if it's unique to the iPad or the ability to just Google (something) in their hands."

However, on the other hand, there are some challenges in bringing the iPad into the curriculum as noted by a teacher at the academy, Julie Willcott.  She explained how she has to completely adjust the way she teaches and finding sufficient time and knowledge to fully implement the use of the iPad in the classroom.  She went on to say that she has to keep eyes on the students making sure they are on task and the iPad is "another item for teachers to manage in the classroom and the frequency of students being off task usually decreases once the novelty of the device wears off."
Even though , it is evident how the iPad is useful in the classroom and has a significant impact on technology and education, there still is a problem of the cost; "finding the money to pay for them."  Pratt feels that it's more cost efficient in the long run to invest in apps for the iPad rather than buying textbooks every few years.  So, what do you think.....iPads or textbooks?  Certainly, I am for the new technology and the advantage of "every student having immediate access to the Internet."  From the words of Apple VP Phil Schiller, who said that " education is deep in Apple's DNA."  I couldn't agree more.

Classroom Activities 

Community Helpers: Have the students take pictures and/or video of their role play activities.  Create a multi-modal book about community helpers using their personal visits to the community helper of their choice; doctors, nurses, post office(postman), baker, police, fireman, librarian, school teacher..... I would allow the students to dress up in their role play costumes.  The book could be read and enjoyed on the iPad within the apps.

Famous People: Who Am I:  Could be a Black History Month activity or an Introduction of themselves (during the first weeks or month of school); Use the iPad to take a good full face head and shoulders shot and have the students record 3 questions and who am I?  The students then guess who the famous person is.  The students could dress in costumes of the famous person.  This activity could be used as a game with teams.  Can be combined with any subject area.

Math Drills: Individual or groups, students can practice mathematical skills; the app keeps track of their scores and progress.

Miss Spell's Class: Helps students become better spellers and expand their vocabulary.

The Skleleton 3D Anatomy: Can be used to examine a person's skeleton and dissect a human body.

The Map Projector: Students learn about historical events and what happened through the event.

Reference

  Ion, F. (2012, April 18). Ipads in the classroom are changing the face of education. Retrieved November

     10, 2012, from the Mac Life website:

     http://www.Maclife.com/article/features/ipads_classroom_are_changing_face_education

Twitter Resource

 Edudemic@Edudemic; 15 Ways to Use the iPad in Classrooms

Web Resources

I found two very interesting videos about integrating iPads into the instructional lessons.

The Ipad Classroom
                                                       How to Use iPads in the Classroom

This link has an awesome video about the iPad use during a Writer's Workshop. I thought it was too cute not to mention.
http://www.scoop.it/t/ipad-lessons/p/3253463583/writer-s-workshop-poetry-lesson-with-the-ipad














Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Introduction to my blog

Hello there classmates.  I am happy that you all stop by to give me a visit.  I am so excited about my new blog site, I just don't know what to do with myself.  I am trying to really figure this course out and it is kind of hard, this darn new technology is something.  I am discussing my favorite technology, in which, all of it is but I must say I really like the eBooks. The eBooks make it easier for teachers and students to view, communicate, and share information, regardless of location.  I feel the electronic books support literacy learning.  Students learn how to manipulate the font size and page orientation to suit their individual preferences, highlight text to mark key passages, insert notes in response to the text, access the built-in dictionary to develop new vocabulary, and use a text to speech feature to practice reading fluency.  Teachers can learn much about their students' skills and progress as readers.  Ebooks also support comprehension, improve fluency, and enhance the reading experience.  It's more convenient for students.  Instead of waiting for library day at school, students can log in at any time and browse digital bookshelves (provided they have access to a computer and a password).  In fact, some e-picture books have computerized whiteboards so more children are experiencing literature on big screens.  WOW, talk about an upgrade with technology!!!  Some researchers consider providing kids with easy access to an abundance of nonfiction and fiction books, however, on the other hand, other researchers feel that children will lose a sense of what books are and how they feel without holding and touching and learning how to take care of them.  So, what do you all think, are electronic books a help or a hinderance?  Well it does set technology into instruction while saving the schools money on books. 

My Twitter name is EBurke_ClassyE

The video about eBooks in the classroom:

The link to an article, Are eBooks Any Good?