Week 14 Prezi Reflection

Here is the link to my Prezi Presentation.

Week 13 Keystone Assignment

Keystone Lesson Plan 
Implementation Report
Teacher Interview
New Literacies Reflection

Week 12 Glogster

Glogster is a great learning tool for both teachers and students. While exploring the site I came to the realization that it is great educational that can be used in an educational context of the ELA classroom. Students can create presentations using a variety of templates. It can include audio sound, videos, text and graphics. It can be used for book reports, writer's biography and digital storytelling. Students can also share their link to others to view and comment.

Glogster is a great way to help students develop their literacy skills as they collaborate with their classmates as they work on projects. The website is kid friendly and a great way to help students use their creativity in a fun and educational way. I will definitely make an effort to use it in my classroom.

Week 11 Reflection& Voice Thread

Assignment #1:
After reading the article titled Using Voice Thread to promote learning engagement and success for all students by S.B. I have learned a lot about how VoiceThread can promote learning engagement and success for all students. Since the world is so full of technology and our students breathe and live it, we must make sure that our classroom is just as exciting and stimulating for our overstimulated students. We must make an effort to engage all students with their specific learning styles and we all know that technology is the number one key to success in this area. VoiceThread is a sample technological software that provides opportunities for students to demonstrate understanding in their own creative style. Voice thread was created to allow users to create audio or visual recordings on any topic. VoiceThread is the way to go in a 21^st century classroom. Teachers can use it to demonstrate the topics that is being taught and students can use it while working on a presentation. The best part is that the site generates a shareable URL address for every VoiceThread and it also allows peer editing. Teachers should actively research about this learning tool and make an effort to incorporate it into their curriculum.

S.B., S.B. (2011)Using Voice Thread to Promote Learning Engagement and Success for All Students. Council for Exceptional Children

Assignment #2:
Here is the link to a voice thread I created

Week 10

Week 8 Article Reflection

In the article titled “The impact of using blogs on college students’ reading comprehension and learning motivation” by Hsu and Wang, discuss the effects that blogging has on reading performance levels. A study was conducted on a group of college students to examine the effects blogging had on their reading performance levels.  The results showed that the reading performance levels did not differ much between the blogging and non-blogging class. However, the only difference was the communication level and connection the students established between each other. The blogging class came out stronger in that aspect. One other difference was the retention level, with the blogging class coming out strong once again.

The article also discusses how college professors are reluctant to use technology because they don’t feel that comfortable with it. This proves my belief that educators must be taught how to use technology for the purpose of learning so that they can confidently implement technology in their classroom.

Week 9 Digital Story

Here is the link to my Voicethread on Brushing Teeth.

Week 7 #2 Second Life in the Classroom

Second Life is a wonderful tool that can be used during ELA instruction. When using this software, there are many opportunities for ELA teachers and students alike. Students can use Second life to virtually experience places they are learning about. They can also explore the world, meet and interact with characters, and solve problems. The fact that users can create 3D objects adds a visual element in every subject matter. The audio chat and text option is a great way of improving language and communication skills. Second life is great way to promote collaboration and build an online community where students connect with one another. As an ELA teacher, I look forward to integrating this technology to help enhance student learning.

Week 7 #1 Article Reflection

Theories and Practices of Multi-modal Education:

The article on multi-modal education by Hassett and Curwood, analyzes the use of multi-modal text in Early Childhood Education. It was a real eye opener to read about the benefits multi-modal texts have for both teacher and student alike. Simple things like font, illustrations and coloring can really affect the learning experiences of the students. It helps keep students engaged and makes reading exciting. Studies have proven that students gain a very concrete reading foundation when reading multi-modal texts. When integrating multi-modal texts, teachers must step into the roles of co constructor of knowledge, design consultant and resource manager. However, these efforts will be well worth it when the teacher sees that her efforts bear fruits and reading is an enjoyable experience for both teacher and students. And most importantly, she has catered to her 21^st century students.

Using the Addie model to design second life activities for online learners:

In the second article, Wang discusses how to use the Addie model to design second life activities for online learners. Second life is a virtual reality platform in which users use avatars to present themselves. When classrooms are out due to weather conditions or the like, Second Life is great forum on which social interaction can take place. One can use the chat feature, the voice to voice conversations etc. to interact with peers. Being that Second Life can be very enticing and distracting due to all the exciting features, teachers should plan well so that the experience is a safe and enjoyable one.

Hassett, D. D., Curwood, J.S. (2009). Theories and Practices of Multimodal Education: The Instructional Dynamics of Picture Books and Primary Classrooms. Retrieved from: The Reading Teacher.

Wang, S., Hsu, H. (November, December 2009). Using the ADDIE Model to Design Second Life Activities for Online Learners. Retrieved from TechTrends, Volume 53, #6

Week 6 Assignment 2-2 Edmodo features

Edmodo is a great technology tool that ELA teachers can use in the classroom. Some of the features Edmodo has include the quiz option, assignment, what’s due, and messaging tab. Teachers can post assignments for the class to do. The teacher can put a due date that will be visible for students to see. The teacher can also grade the assignments on the forum. Quizz builder can be used to create quizzes that can also be put up on this forum for students to access. Another awesome feature is the fact that parents can always have access and track progress. Another great thing is the messaging tab, in which parents, teachers and students can interact and ask questions. ELA teachers of students who are old enough to use the forum independently will benefit greatly by opening a class page and using the forum to promote higher level thinking, learning and discussion.

Week 6 #1

The journal article, “Middle School Science Teachers’ Confidence and Pedagogical Practice of New Literacies” was an interesting read. It discussed the importance of integrating new literacies in the classroom and how teachers must be given the support like professional developments to help boost their confidence in being able to teach their students to master ICT skills.

The second article “Using Social Networking Sites to Facilitate Teaching and Learning in the Science Classroom” encourages teachers to use social networking sites to facilitate learning. As the world advances in Technology, it is imperative for teachers to take the opportunity to learn how to use technology for their benefit. One must realize that students have so much access to technology that teachers can greatly benefit from using it and integrating new literacies into the classroom. The educational software available is mind-boggling and at our fingertips. Software available promote higher thinking in students, teach communication skills as well as Science and technology skills. It is integral for teachers in this generation to attend professional development training on how to integrate new literacies properly. When teachers will use technology smartly, all parties will benefit. The students will be actively engaged and learn critical skills and the teacher will have a eager and cooperative class.

Hsu, H., Wang, S., Runco, L. (June 2012). Middle School Science Teacher’s Confidence and Pedagogical Practices of New Literacies. Retrieved from: Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2012.
Wang, S., Hsu, H., Green, S. (March 2013). Using Social Networking Sites to Facilitate Teaching and Learning in the Science Classroom. Retrieved from: Science Scope.