Technology is changing and advancing constantly. The idea that someone has instantaneous access to all of your information regarding teaching (who you are, where you want to be, etc) is still mind-numbing. The amount of work and energy needed to properly maintain an electronic portfolio is equally intimidating.
Although my not-so-favorite electronic portfolio is simple and easy to follow, not all of the links work. This would make it quite difficult for viewers to obtain all of the desired information. I like the list fashion, however the author needs to check his work to make it useful.
A more decent portfolio exists here in that it contains an intense amount of information. It encompasses a lot of information, and creates a picture for the viewer as to what the author is like. His intentions and effort are excellent. I do feel that it is slightly congested, and makes me overwhelmed. A balance between the two portfolios would be nice.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Technology Presentations Galore
It is interesting to see the results when creativity and freedom are unlimited. At first the assignment of presenting a scholarly journal in a technological way can seem daunting. However, by focusing and being creative in the process, the results can be astounding. In addition to recorded powerpoints and videos, some students chose to present their information via online posters or even via written songs. The possibilities were endless. It is "easy" to write a paper and stand up in front of a class to present the information. However, creating a different "spin" to the presentation can be time consuming and difficult because there are so many ways the presentation could go.
One of my colleagues took the general powerpoint and recorded her "lesson" simultaneously. The lesson even included the links to the information of which she was speaking. This method would be very beneficial to the classroom - especially if the students or teacher were absent. It would be very easy for the work to be completed and understood as if sitting in the actual classroom. I like that more information was discussed than that which appeared on the screen. It 'forced' the student to listen to every word and to follow along so that nothing was missed.
Music is an excellent tool for education. Often times catchy tunes will not only capture the student's attention, but will help them to retain the desired information. ( In my own classroom, I often see students mouthing the words to a song learned to try and remember the information while taking a quiz or test). Writing a song to enforce information is a creative method of revealing ideas and engaging students.
Sometimes pictures are worth a thousand words. The video presentation on ELL engaged the observer while educating them on the topic of using Technology to enhance the education of English leaners. Even though there was not a voice to listen to, the music and words precisely revealed the concepts.
Using a variety of methods is key in the classroom, as each student learns differently and at different paces. By incorporating a variety of methods, the student will be assured to retain the information. Audial, Visual, and techtonic learners will be able to benefit from all of these methods if adapted appropriately.
One of my colleagues took the general powerpoint and recorded her "lesson" simultaneously. The lesson even included the links to the information of which she was speaking. This method would be very beneficial to the classroom - especially if the students or teacher were absent. It would be very easy for the work to be completed and understood as if sitting in the actual classroom. I like that more information was discussed than that which appeared on the screen. It 'forced' the student to listen to every word and to follow along so that nothing was missed.
Music is an excellent tool for education. Often times catchy tunes will not only capture the student's attention, but will help them to retain the desired information. ( In my own classroom, I often see students mouthing the words to a song learned to try and remember the information while taking a quiz or test). Writing a song to enforce information is a creative method of revealing ideas and engaging students.
Sometimes pictures are worth a thousand words. The video presentation on ELL engaged the observer while educating them on the topic of using Technology to enhance the education of English leaners. Even though there was not a voice to listen to, the music and words precisely revealed the concepts.
Using a variety of methods is key in the classroom, as each student learns differently and at different paces. By incorporating a variety of methods, the student will be assured to retain the information. Audial, Visual, and techtonic learners will be able to benefit from all of these methods if adapted appropriately.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Are you Smarter than...a Smart Board?
Interactive White Boards are the new wave of technology. They allow students to become a part of the class, and not just observe it. The novelty of being able to touch a screen and having all sorts of technological wonders manifest before you is mind-numbing. The advantanges of Smartboards are many, as the students are actively engaged in the lesson. The lesson may then be saved for those that were absent or for future reference. They are also helpful to the teacher, as exactly what was taught on any given day can be stored and referenced later. (This would be beneficial to prove to the students that a topic actually was covered!)
Although the advantangeous are numerous, there are also some disadvantages to be dealt with. For one, the teacher may be so obsessed with using the smartboard, that the essence of the class (classroom management, eye contact, etc) may be forgotten. As with any different form of technology, you are at the whim of the mechanics. If the program/board/screen/projector magically fail, the teacher must be able to think quickly to save the lesson. The smartboard also increases the amount of work necessary for the teacher. Although lessons may already be completed, much time is needed in order to turn them into valuable interactive lessons.
Even though their are some disadvantages, the educational benefits are too numerous to discuss (both for teacher and student). I would absolutely want one for my classroom. Teaching a foreign language, my students are constantly at the board to review answers or to discuss various concepts. The idea of an interactive board would only enhance their engagement, and perhaps their curiosity! Just today I was provided with a portable smart board tablet. Since my classroom is not provided with a Smartboard (and I begged for one), my principal provided me with a tablet that is able to do many of the same functions as the board itself. Although the use of the tablet keeps the students in their seats more than at the board, they will be excited to see their work turn into something for the class to see.
Although the advantangeous are numerous, there are also some disadvantages to be dealt with. For one, the teacher may be so obsessed with using the smartboard, that the essence of the class (classroom management, eye contact, etc) may be forgotten. As with any different form of technology, you are at the whim of the mechanics. If the program/board/screen/projector magically fail, the teacher must be able to think quickly to save the lesson. The smartboard also increases the amount of work necessary for the teacher. Although lessons may already be completed, much time is needed in order to turn them into valuable interactive lessons.
Even though their are some disadvantages, the educational benefits are too numerous to discuss (both for teacher and student). I would absolutely want one for my classroom. Teaching a foreign language, my students are constantly at the board to review answers or to discuss various concepts. The idea of an interactive board would only enhance their engagement, and perhaps their curiosity! Just today I was provided with a portable smart board tablet. Since my classroom is not provided with a Smartboard (and I begged for one), my principal provided me with a tablet that is able to do many of the same functions as the board itself. Although the use of the tablet keeps the students in their seats more than at the board, they will be excited to see their work turn into something for the class to see.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)