My Beliefs

I feel that technology advances daily, and if I, as a teacher don't keep up with it, I will be doing myself and my students a HUGE disservice. Many teachers don't feel comfortable using technology in their classrooms, mainly because it will take too much time preparing and besides, they have taught the material enough years that it has become perfected.

This is unfortunate. I do not want to look past using technology. Thank goodness my husband is religiously interested in everything up and coming. I learn alot from him, or at least get a general interest in the new technology and he is more than willing to have my computer be a guinea pig.

The main concern for me is to make sure I use the technology in a way that will enhance a topic, and not just use it because I can. If writing 2 x 2 = 4 on the white board will suffice, I don't think I should waste extra time setting up my computer and projector to show the exact same thing. On the other hand, there are many computer games that students could "play" and end up practicing their times tables while playing an internet game... see www.prongo.com

I already am frequently asked to help out others who are having difficulty working on a computer. This is the best way to learn, since I am not remotely as stressed out as the person with the question. I can calmly assess the situation and work towards a solution. It is usually solved by the person themselves, once they talk through what's not working.

I see myself being the "go to" person (just like you, Doc Waters) to help out other teachers trying to use technology in the classroom. If it gets more teachers to be willing to try it out, then it will be worth it.

Yay for technology!

Lessons Learned

When we showed our digital story, the electrical plug on the cart which had the projector hooked up to it was very faulty. We had tested it while the kids were out to recess, but the projector only worked on that first test run.
After trying just a few troubleshooting tips, I decided to just use my laptop as the screen, and have a more intimate showing while the kids sat in the back of the classroom on the floor. My University Supervisor commented that you can never count on technology...which has helped me to learn at least two lessons.
Lesson 1: Don't base your whole lesson on technology only...always have a backup plan.
Lesson 2: Don't panic when technology doesn't work. If you need to, write down possible troubleshooting techniques (in case you panic and can't think straight in the heat of the moment). Most of the time there is a back door approach that can get you up and running just the same.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Before taking this class, I felt like I had so many strengths and very little, if any weaknesses in using technology. I have been teaching classes for Microsoft Office products and Word Perfect products for over 10 years. Because of my experience, I was allowed to test out of the technology class needed to be taken before this one. The first week in class was very eye opening. One of my weaknesses is thinking I know enough... this will never be true. btw, This week has been a whirlwind of unplanned personal time as I have needed to support my sweet mother-in-law who lives in SLC (yes, I said sweet. She is truly a gem.) is dying of Leukemia and has already lived past her 2 month time limit. Also, my 16 year old nephew (same side of the family) was in a snowboarding accident over the weekend where he was taken to Primary Children's Hospital due to two compressed vertibrate fractures. He is not paralyzed, thank goodness, but we are very close to him and I honestly totally forgot about reading so much before posting these three blogs... Having mentioned this, I didn't finish all the reading and viewing on this assignment but here is my attempt at completing this PDP assignment. Please consider giving me some credit for trying.

MY Strengths:
I am willing to try out new programs and learn something new. I have learned that most computer programs are designed to be similar to others....in where to save, how to find the main info, etc. For example, WordPerfect and Word were created to fulfill a need, and thus till have many features the same. Because of this, the user-friendly attempts in each program I have been introduced has been

I love to have the spirit of discovery. Many times I find myself nervous to test out a new computer program, but I plug through it just the same, since I always am glad that I did. My husband is the king of trying out new technology, and it has somewhat rubbed off on me.

I'm not afraid to search for help online, or using the help feature in any program.


MY Weakenesses:
As I mentioned above, I sometimes am complacent in certain programs to think I know enough about how to use that particular program. It has been eye opening to realize there are so many options the developers have put into programs that many end users never even find out about.

I need to make sure the technology I use will actually make the lesson plan better, rather than just look cool. (I am all about using cool technology which is not a weakness, but can be used incorrectly and not enhance a specific subject).

My Field Experience Learning Project Reflection

Park View Elementary School has an enrollment of 551 students. Demographic information includes: 10% American Indian, Asian/Pacific Islander, and Black. The remaining 90% is White. Almost 40% of the students qualify for free lunch. In Mrs. Ewell’s (our cooperating teacher) 4th grade classroom, there were 30 students. The classroom setup had five hexagonal-shaped tables with six students at each table.

Mrs. Ewell was pleasant and welcoming from the very beginning. She was flexible and allowed for adjusting her schedule so we could be observed when Susan Stone, the UVU University Supervisor came two different times. She included us in discussions about the student’s progress and helped us to feel we were part of the classroom. We were also allowed freedoms while teaching to utilize classroom management as we saw fit.
I don’t know exactly how Mrs. Ewell feels about the technology piece we (Jessica G. and I) created because there was a lot going on during the time we showed our digital story and she was taking care of other matters (in another classroom). The digital story was about Mountain Men and Tall Tales. This was our “hook” for a writers workshop lesson where the students would be writing their own tall tale during the last part of the lesson time.
The lesson we created was integrating social studies into the writing time scheduled for the students. Mrs. Ewell would always comment how prepared we were and that she appreciated that from us. I feel she was happy with how this lesson went and the children were very good about staying on task. The creative tall tales which were read in front of the class were fantastic! One of my favorites was about a man who could blow cheese out of his nose. This character helped out a small community from starving. What great creative minds!
The training session had to be brief due to time constraints. The day before the training session, I was permitted to install Photo Story 3 (free version) to her computer desktop. During recess break the next day, we had her sit down at the computer and actually create a digital story together with us. She selected many class pictures taken during the field trip to the Utah State Capital just days earlier. As we walked her through each step, Mrs. Ewell could see first hand how user-friendly and intuitive this software is. We had her explore in the music section and she created a fun, exciting song and attached it to her Digital Story. Later, I sent her an email with a link to the USOE folk music website. This is where we selected the songs we used on our own Digital Story. Within a few minutes she played her digital story and it looked very impressive. Her smile told us she enjoyed it too.
Being a part of this service-learning project has been a good experience. I am a believer in improving anywhere you are. Helping the teaching community utilize and understand how much more technology can enrich everyone’s life can always be a positive endeavor.
I feel my cooperating teacher gained new knowledge of this PhotoStory Program, it’s capabilities, and her ability to create one without taking up too much of her time. She was already somewhat savvy with uploading pictures from her camera to the computer. So, learning this program was naturally the next step. It was great timing for her.
I always gain enjoyment when I have been able to share some of my knowledge with someone who wants to do something easier or better. It’s even better when they realize it was beneficial to welcome change and learn something new. When you try to help others, it is important that you teach in a helpful and not condescending way. That way the person will accept the new knowledge and not feel pressured.
I feel that this assignment was definitely worth it because I don’t think any student teacher would feel confident enough to present a digital story the first time they taught in an authentic learning environment. I appreciate the opportunity and because I feel it was a success, I plan to incorporate more technology all throughout my teaching career.

Field Experience #12-Presenting the Digital Story in the Classroom

What:

This past week we were observed on Monday and we presented our Digital Story to kick off the Mountain Man Unit. Our teacher asked us to teach social studies during writers workshop time. The cart that was plugged into the wall and to the projector had faulty wiring and it was VERY frustrating to keep the cord at just the correct angle to make sure power would be continual. After a few minutes of troubleshooting, I made an executive decision to not use the projector. Moving the laptop to a back corner of the classroom, I asked the students to come sit on the floor and get to where they could see my laptop. They were extra quiet since the speakers on the laptop could only get so loud. We were also able to easily have a short discussion right after the digital story finished. It was a more comfortable setting.

So, after enjoying the digital story, we read a Tall Tale about Paul Bunyan and then asked the students to create their own tall tale. I feel the students were more focused on the assignment than usual because they had connected to the digital story more than they would have been connected to the assignment without showing the story.

Now What:

In any digital story I share in the future, I will remember to have the students not watch it from their desks. It was much more memorable and made a greater impact when the students were sitting close to the screen and sitting comfortably on the floor. (Although, I know for many adults "sitting comfortably on the floor" is an oxymoron. lol ) I was very proud of this digital story and shared it with close friends and family. Thanks for providing this experience.

Reflection # 10? or 11?

What:
This past week in field was spent teaching our 5 lesson plans to the 4th graders at Park View Elementary. This class is very social and I have learned alot!! One of the lessons was to take the students to the computer lab. During this time they were to follow instructions on their handout to take them to a specific website which tells more about government explorers (Kit Carson, John W. Powell, John Stansbury, Capt. Bonneville, etc.) Each student had been assigned a specific explorer and to become an expert on them.
So What:
I liked that the students were able to do research online in a protected setting. I hope it was liberating for them to know there is so much information available at their fingertips. We had a few not follow directions or computer login problems but that was to be expected. All in all I felt this particular lesson was a positive experience and very memorable.
Now What:
I want my future students to feel comfortable and be well informed about how to use the internet in a beneficial way to learn . We need to keep up with the times.

Reflections #9

What: Being able to meet on Monday and having the experience in the actual classroom on Wednesday was quite a transition. The first two days of field were 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and the first day was very draining. I was glad for the experience to see how a class functions for an entire day, though. The teacher used a "projector" that shows whatever paper is under the "camera" area. She especially used it during math modeling and reinstruction.

So What:
It was good to see that this school has a laptop which hooks up with a projector, and that the teacher was interested in learning about our digital story and how it was made.

Now What:
Our five lessons we have created has one which includes a WebQuest lesson for the students to use the computer lab to find out additional information about their assigned Utah explorer. It will be a great experience to teach (or review) the children how to find out information and use that ability in future assignments. I appreciate the technological advances that, when used appropriately can make teaching even better.

Digital Story -

What:
This week since you were gone, we still met in the classroom and all worked diligently with our cohort partners. It was really nice to have that allotted time set apart to catch up on anything pending, and especially perform research together for our Digital Story. Normally when you go into the Computer Lab during free time, it is very quiet-- like a library-- since no one wants to disturb others. But in our computer classroom there was much more talking ...it was not loud enough to understand anything being said, but still a low rumbling of voices...I was ok with it for that specific time and purpose.
So What:
I think our cohort really benefited mentally to be able to have this time available during the time we are already at school. Every class we are taking is getting to the pivotal moment of experiencing and succeeding in field, and it was great to be able to take a step back and review and recheck all our class expectations. Thanks :)
Now What :
You may want to consider setting aside some time like this with future classes. Maybe not spend quite so much time on learning all of the Copyright laws and replace it with time to regroup and reassess what is coming up...It really helped my psyche.

btw, I hope your conference and presentation went well.

Sincerely,

JaNae

Reflection: Digital Story 2

What:
It was interesting to see the evolution of the copyright laws. My section had to do with music. It was a good message to know that just because you can find info, pics, etc. on the internet, it doesn't mean it is free. Although, I will have to spend at leas a few more hours reading up on all the other sites listed (especially the two you pointed out)
So What:
I like that you have us protect our work by assigning us place a copyright on our own. It is good to be respectful to everyone's creativity.
Now What:
Anything I create I want to share with others. I am a big fan of not reinventing the wheel, and sharing good ideas. When I do copyright my creations, I will allow others to use them and also make it better. It will be fun to teach my cooperating teacher how to make a digital story. She is very interested in them and a willing learner --- yeay.

Digital Story 1

What:

It was awesome to see the examples of digital stories. Especially the one you presented. It was quite intimidating to think I will need to come up with an idea that could be as powerful and create so much emotion from those watching as the one presented in class.

So What:

Jessica and I have spoken to our cooporating teacher and she is very supportive of us teaching in her classroom. From what I have heard from some other partners, we have potential of this being a fantastic experience. We know we will be covering the "mountain men" in social studies and also during writing time.

Now What:

Jessica and I will now start looking for pictures, and information with which we can create a motivating, interesting, and informative digital story. I am very excited to learn how to do this, and then teach it to our cooperating teacher who is very interested in learning from us too.

Vidcast - Key Assignment Reflection

“Succeed at School” Vidcast
JaNae Wilson and Tamara Krause

5th Grade Core
Health Education Standard I:
Students will learn ways to improve and manage mental health and stress.

The topic of improving mental health and stress became an interest to us (and our fellow classmates) as we began our first block in the UVU Education program. We wanted to share some helpful ideas with our fellow co-hort classmates. We soon discovered that these simple, easy steps could apply to our 5th grade classroom as well. A public service announcement (PSA) was our choice of format. By using the acronym “PASSING,” we wanted it to be easier for kids to remember all of the steps.
P is for Prioritize.
A is for Aerobic Exercise.
S is for Sleep.
S is also for Study.
I is for daily “I” Affirmations.*
N if for Nutrition.
G is for Goals.

*Many may think of daily affirmations as silly, but they are really effective at
building self-esteem and positive EQ (emotional intelligence).

We want to teach our students that by practicing these simple steps, they will not only pass tests in school, but develop life-long strategies that will help them throughout their lives to be successful and happy.

Our podcast connects to Nets Standards by promoting and modeling creative, innovative thinking and inventiveness. It also connects by communicating relevant information and ideas efficiently to peers and students using a variety of digital-age media and formats. With customizing and personalizing learning activities to address students diverse learning styles, these working strategies and abilities using digital tools and resources are also included.

The podcast also connects to INTASC Standards. In 2 (c) design and articulate instruction aligned with Utah. In 2(g) centered curriculum across multiple content areas. And also in 3(e) differentiate instruction to meet individual student learning needs.

A possible drawback to using this presentation in our future classroom is that the level of information may not be detailed enough for 5th graders. It would, however be a great intro to the topic discussion. Some of the topics could involve adopting behaviors to help maintain mental health; reading; exercising; life long learning and abstaining from substance abuse.

Future plans for this series would possibly include the students making their own podcast for the classroom. They would work in small groups and could even present on other subject areas (social studies, health, even math) as well. This would also be great start of a series of mental and emotional behavioral topics that are included in the Health Core curriculum. All students need to be able to handle the stresses of school and learn to balance and maintain a healthy mental life. This Vidcast is not only fun and entertaining but teaches important tools for students of all ages.

Vidcast Reflection

What:
Tamara and I decided to enhance our podcast from the last assignment and use that topic as our vidcast. Making a vidcast is alot of work. We changed our minds a few times when considering which programs to use to make this happen. We also felt we needed garage band, so we talked Mike into helping us again to record our voices.
(p.s. I really liked the video link about why blog in the classroom. Giving ownership, collaboration, motivation, interaction, and all of the other reasons presented made sense to me. It is very important to help prepare today's students with tomorrow's digital future.)
So What:
I am realizing how much effort it takes to make a vidcast, and the topic needs to be something you value or definitely plan to use in the future. Knowing that you created a vidcast is very empowering as well as just fun! Planning ahead makes things much easier, but also being willing to make adjustments is key.
Now What:
I am excited to finish the PowerPoint and put in the sound clips on each slide, then if there is time during class, I also want to try making a vidcast using Photostory3. In future classes, the students can work in groups and create their own vidcast. This could be used in Art, Social Studies, Math, etc. Then we can watch them all at a party at the end of the unit. (Older students would seem to be easier to do this with than the younger, K-2 grades).

Reflection #3 - Podcasting

What: I liked that we partnered up during this class to create a psa podcast on any topic we wanted. Thanks so much for breaking up the assignments from really time-consuming the last two weeks, to one that we could acutally finish in class. It was fun and cool to see how Podcasts are made.

So What: It was neat to consider the possibilities of using this medium to record me giving a lesson, or even record a spelling test, or a song the students need to learn. (Btw, it would most likely not be me actually singing...). My only concern is that I don't have easy access to a Mac computer to use garage band. I am sure there are other ways to create an MP3, so I'll have to call upon my spirit of discovery to find a way...

Now What: When I am a teacher, I want to remember to not always assign long, time-consuming projects without breaking them up by placing a shorter assignment in-between. I really appreciated Doc Waters doing that this week. :) Thanks. I am also looking forward to learning about vidcasts. I can't wait until the next class!

Google Sites 2 Reflection

WHAT:

This last class was full of many tasks to learn and utilize Google in order for us to catch up with the Wednesday classes. Going over Google programs and creating our own Google site is very helpful and I appreciate knowing what more technology is out there for our benefit.

SO WHAT:

I have LOVED and also struggled to complete this assignment. All of the many google programs are so ingenious and I can see the value of using these options in many aspects of my life. When I told my husband about this assignment he smugly reminded me that he had tried to show me Google calendar months ago and the value of sharing calendars with others. (He had set up all birthdays from each side of our families using two separate calendars.) I guess it is true that you have to be told from two different sources until you will consider something to be valuable information!

My daughter is on an accelerated soccer league and they have quite a few practice changes and game locations changing as well. Right after class I went to their website and noticed the soccer schedule was created using Google Calendar and so I clicked on the link to add it to my calendar. It was very exciting to see Thursday's change of game already updated on my calendar without me doing one thing! Thanks to you, Doc Waters!!! (ok and a little bit of thanks to my husband who, technically was the "first" one to introduce me to Google Calendars)

NOW WHAT?

I am very excited to use this idea of a website in my future teaching career. I can easily see how setting up a place where my students and their parents can go to get any needed information is very valuable. I love the idea of having files saved to this site, thus allowing access to these files from any computer. Also, the homework list topics will not only help a student who has missed class, but will help me plan ahead for future lessons and keep on top of things.

I was exercising my spirit of discovery and totally embedded a video to play a song about the sun. You'll have to check it out on my Resources page. I also put a link to the website where to find this video, but the ability to play the video right from my site was so neat! Thanks for the great assignment!

Reflection #1 Fear of the Future?

What:

Starting as a full-time student this semester in the Elementary Education Cohort has been an eye opener for me. I have always felt VERY ready to step in and have my own class to teach, but I now realize the old adage is true: The more you know, the more you realize there is so much more to learn!!!!

So What:

I am already loving taking all 7 prescheduled classes for this semester. There is so much information to learn and as I learn I am increasing the prospect that I will become an even more phenomenal teacher. One very valid fear of mine is that I will never be able to remember and apply everything that I come in contact with during my schooling at UVU. It is not possible, is it? What if, after a few years of teaching, I get in a "rut" and don't utilize this gold mine of knowledge?

Now What:

My focus in facing my fear (alliteration --I love it) will be to take in as much as possible while I am here at school. After schooling, I plan to research whenever needed to relearn or learn new strategies especially in the technology side of teaching. After my own experience, technology will be my greatest asset when I offer only the best to my students. Then I really won't need to fear the future after all.