End of Course Survey

I completed the End of Course Survey, Digital Literacy Survey, and ICT Self Efficacy Survey for my Instructional Technology Course. It is amazing to see how much I have learned and the increase in my confidence with using digital technology. I can remember being boggled by some of the same questions at the beginning of the semester, but now I can speak the "lingo" with ease. This class provided many useful tools that I will utilize once I am teaching. And for one last time, the ISTE NETS T standards that relate to the surveys completed are: 1.c. and 2.d. By utilizing survey tools, I was able to reflect on my learning experience in the course, and the surveys assessed various skills, which were aligned with the technology content standards of this course.

PhotoStory PSA

If you like PowerPoint, you will love PhotoStory! I created a PSA for Cyberbullying by using Microsoft PhotoStory. This was a fun activity, which was also challenging. I downloaded PhotoStory and then created my slides and provided narration. Then, I opened my PhotoStory withWindows Movie Maker and then uploaded it to YouTube (which took forever). By using PhotoStory, educators can make interesting videos that appeal to all types of learners (visual, auditory, kinesthetic). A teacher could post a lesson on YouTube or TeacherTube that students could review on their own time.This type of technology could also be helpful when a student is absent or when a teacher is providing differential instruction. This could also be helpful when communicating with colleagues. The link to my YouTube video can be found here: Cyberbullying PSA.
The ISTE NETS T standards that relate to this activity are: 3.c. and 4.b. Teachers can communicate relevant information and ideas (lessons, ideas for instruction, community activities) effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital-age media (such as posting videos on YouTube or providing videos in the classroom). Also, by using tools like YouTube and TeacherTube, teachers can address the diverse needs of all learners (visual, auditory, special education) by using learner-centered strategies (such as customized videos) providing equitable access to appropriate digital tools and resources (such as YouTube videos via internet).

File Converter

Bender file converter is something that I will use in my classroom and personally. By using the Bender converter, you can convert YouTube videos into many different forms (MP3, Wave, Flash, MPEG, etc.).  I was able to use this technology to convert this YouTube video into an MP3:

This was very simple with the Bender website, I only had to paste the URL of the video into the text box to convert my video to an MP3. I saved the MP3 to my Windows Media Player. This type of technology could be very useful in the classroom, as videos can be converted to other files, which can be saved on your computer for later viewing. By doing this, the video can become part of your media library, and you do not have to worry about the video no longer being available online. Files saved to the Bender file converter can be used in the classroom to play videos or songs that relate to the lesson being taught. This information can be viewed for students to review independently, which can allow for multiple viewings to increase comprehension. This technology makes your media more accessible. The ISTE NETS T standards that closely relate to this activity are: 3.a. and 2.a.By using this technology, teachers are able to adapt learning experiences that incorporate digital tools (YouTube video content) to promote student learning. Teachers are also able to demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies by using the Bender converter or any other file converter tool.

Jing Video Screencapture #2

 Jing is an exciting tool that was used earlier this semester. Now, I am using it to create an instructional video on how to use Wordle. I downloaded Jing earlier in the semester and used the tool to create a video. This was very easy to do. I then uploaded my video to my Screencast account. This technology provides an easy way to create instructional videos in the classroom. Jing could be used to create tutorials that students can view over and over, or could be used when students are absent. This tool could also be used in differential instruction to help students who are not comprehending the concept while the teacher helps the remainder of the class move on. The ISTE NETS T standards that relate this activity are: 1.d. and 3.c. By using Jing and Screencast, teachers can model knowledge construction by engaging in learning with students and colleauges in a virtual environment. Teachers are also able to communicate relevant information (lessons,activities,etc.) effectively to students and peers using a variety of digital-age media and formats (Jing and Screencast). My video can also be viewed at this link: screencast2.

Tiny cc/ Bitly

This assignment involved making URLs shorter.Shortening URLs is beneficial in many situations, such as: including URLs on a spread sheet, posting a URL in an e-mail or on Facebook, or text messaging a URL. Shorter URLs are easier to memorize, which could be useful in the classroom. First, I went to the Tiny website to learn about the shortening of URLs and then I chose a URL to shorten. I chose to shorten the URL:
http://www.amazingposts.com/2011/03/50-things-everyone-should-know.html?m=1. I then went to the URL shortening website Bitly and entered my chosen URL into the text box. This is my shortened URL:
http://bit.ly/dVywEH. The ISTE NETS T standards that relate to today's activity are: 3.a. and 2.c.. By shortening URLs, teachers are able to demonstrate transfer of current knowledge (the longer URL) to new technologies (the shorter URL). Also, teachers can customize learning activities to address diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources (such as providing a student with a list of URLs that can be used when completing an assignment).

Appropriate a YouTube Video

YouTube is a very popular internet site. I have always used it to watch music videos and tv clips, but had never thought of the potential educational value of YouTube videos. First, I had to find a YouTube video and download it onto my computer. After searching how to do this, I went to KeepVid.com, which is a website that allowed me to enter the URL of a YouTube video and save it to my computer. Next, I went to the martijndevisser.com website and downloaded the FLV player (it plays video files), which made it possible to watch the video on my computer. For the next part of the assignment, I needed to loop the YouTube video and upload it to my blog. In order to make my video loop, I used the website VTubeTools. I inserted the YouTube video i.d. into the text box and chose "yes" for the loop option under the settings. Finally, I was given the code to embed the looped video on my blog. By downloading a YouTube video onto a computer, teachers can easily access favorite educational videos to present to their class in a quick and dependable manner. This could also be used in a presentation. By looping the video, it can be played over again automatically, which can be convenient in the classroom environment or when giving a presentation. The ISTE NETS T standards that relate the these activities are: 2.b. and 3.d. By using YouTube videos for lessons, teachers can develop technology-enriched learning environments that enable students to manage their own learning (they can re-watch the video any time) and they are able to become active participants in their learning (as they could choose their own videos to watch related to a certain topic). Also, by using this technology, teachers are able to facilitate the use of current digital tools (YouTube or other video site) to support learning.

VoiceThread

VoiceThread is an interesting tool that can be used to by anyone to participate in a conversation. You can make comments, draw, add images/videos, and chat. My assignment was to participate in a VoiceThread,  where I was asked to give a little background on myself and my educational goals. I was able to upload a picture and hear the voices of other students in my class, which is an interesting occurrence  for an online course. This conversation can be found at the link: Who are you? VoiceThread is an awesome tool that could be used in online courses to ease the sense of "isolation" that often occurs in distance learning. This tool could also be used in a regular classroom for different projects and assignments. Students could have access to the tool at home, which could help them if they were absent from class. VoiceThread could be used as a means for students to express their opinions on a certain subject. VoiceThread activities are closely related to ISTE NETS T standards 1.d. and 3.c. VoiceThread allows teachers to model collaborative knowledge construction by engaging in learning with students in a virtual environment. Also, teachers can communicate information and ideas to students and colleagues by using digital tools (VoiceThread).

Podcast #2

I would integrate podcasting technology into my classroom for a variety of activities.Podcasting could be used when I am absent and dependent upon a substitute teacher to adequately deliver my lesson. This technology could also be useful for students who miss class (such as when an sports team has a tournament game during school hours and a large number of students will be absent). Podcasting could also be helpful for auditory learners. Students could also use this technology to create their own podcast for educational purposes.  A podcast activity that I would assign my hypothetical 7th grade Language Arts class would be to create and perform a play via podcast. This would meet WV CSO standard R.L.A.O.7.3.1.: Students are able to demonstrate effective oral communication skills through presentation of dramatization. This could be used with all students, including those receiving special education. Individual groups could record their play through Audacity and then uploaded it to the Podbean website. The podcast could be presented to the class through computer speakers, or downloading to an MP3 player. This activity would meet ISTE NETS T standards 1.c. and 2.b. Students would use collaborative tools to reveal and clarify creative processes through creating and performing their very own play. Students are also able to become active participants in managing their own learning through using technology, being creative, and collaborating with others.

Podcast #1

This was my first experiencing with podcasting and teaching a lesson. I was a little apprehensive about this assignment at first sight due to being unfamiliar with recording devices, but the Audacity website was very helpful and user friendly. With Audacity, I was able to create my podcast, add music, and manipulate sounds. I downloaded the Lame MP3 Encoder in order to export my podcast into MP3 format. The podcast was then stored on my computer. For the last step, to make my podcast available on the web, I uploaded my podcast onto Podbean.com, which was simple and easy. This assignment was a double whammy, as I learned about a  multitude of new technologies and  was able to gain experience with teaching a lesson.
This is the link to my podcast: Recognizing the Elements of Literature in a Short Story.
My script can be found at this link: Podcast script.
 The ISTE-NETS T standards related to this assignment are: 3.a., 2.c., and 3.c. By teaching a lesson through a podcast, teachers are able to customize learning activities to address students' diverse learning styles (such as auditory learners) using digital tools and resources (i-pods and other digital listening devices). By creating a podcast and making it available for students, teachers are able to demonstrate transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations (creating podcast, transferring it to MP3 format, and uploading it to a website to be viewed by students). Also, by using a podcast in the classroom, teachers are able to communicate information to students by using a digital age media (podcast).

Jeopardy

I created my very own Jeopardy game through the Jeopardy Labs website. The content of my game, English Class, was inspired by my PowerPoint and Prezi presentations. My game can be viewed at the following link: English Class Jeopardy. Jeopardy Labs creates a free and easy to maneuver website that helps anyone create their very own Jeopardy game. This can be utilized as a great learning and review tool in the classroom. Students could also be asked to develop their own Jeopardy game about a certain topic. We know that all students are more engaged in learning when they are having fun and engaging in healthy competition. This tool definitely fosters these types of activities and can also help to assess student learning in a less-stressful atmosphere. The ISTE NETS T standards that most reflect utilizing Jeopardy Labs in the classroom are: 1.c., 2.d, and 3.d. By assigning students an activity where they create their own Jeopardy game, they are able to reflect on their understanding and be creative regarding the topic. Teachers are able to model and facilitate the use of a digital tool (Jeopardy Labs) to support learning. Also, by using a website such as this, teachers can assess student learning in a different format than a typical pencil and paper quiz.

Prezi

This activity required that I create a Prezi presentation. I had to play around with the settings, text box, and "zebra" in order to figure out what I needed to do. Prezi provides an interesting format in which presentations can be created. It can be more visually appealing than Powerpoint, as you can only view one slide at a time on PowerPoint. With Prezi, items can be grouped and viewed together in a more appealing manner. One disadvantage that Prezi has is that excessive "zooming" and "panning" techniques can make the viewers dizzy. Also, it was difficult to frame some of my text/images so that it was displayed correctly once was "zoomed."  There is a specific tool that allows you to embed a YouTube video, which is also easy to use and provides more options to include in your presentation. For my presentation, I reviewed the WV CSO's for seventh grade Reading and Language Arts. I chose RLA.O.7.2.4, which involves using the five-step writing process in writing tasks. Prezi can be used as a great presentation tool in the classroom. Visual information, as well as embedded YouTube videos, can be beneficial to visual and auditory learners.The tools provide avenues for very interesting presentations and the zooming tool can grab the attention of all students. My Prezi can be found at the following link: MyPresentation. The ISTE NETS-T standards that relate to this activity are:  1.a., 2.a., and 3.c. Teachers can promote creativity and inventiveness by creating assignments in which students create their own Prezi presentation. By using Prezi, educators are able to incorporate digital tools that aid in student learning. Teachers can effectively communicate information to students, parents, and colleagues by using Prezi.

The Five-Step Writing Process on Prezi

Power Point

This has been my favorite assignment! I created a PowerPoint presentation through Microsoft Office, and then uploaded it to Slideshare.com. I chose the topic of my PowerPoint (literary devices) through the WV Content Standards for 9th grade English and Reading (RLA.O.9.1.7): explain the literary devices used to construct meaning and define the author's/reader's purpose. My presentation can be viewed at the following link: PowerPoint. Using PowerPoint in the classroom could be extremely useful when teaching difficult/confusing topics. PowerPoint can appeal to visual and auditory learners, and information can be presented in small, interesting chunks (which can help with processing new information). The ISTE NETS T Standards that related to this activity are: 1.a., 2.c., and 3.c. Teachers could have their students create their own PowerPoint presentations, which promotes creativity and inventiveness. Teachers can customize/personalize activities (PowerPoint) to address student's learning styles (such as visual and auditory learners). By using PowerPoint, teachers are able to communicate information through using digital tools (computers, PowerPoint).

Personality Profile #2

After completing the  Keirsey Temperament Sorter, I learned that my prognostication was correct. I am a guardian, and the website would not let me view any other styles that I may have scored high on without buying the full report. Knowledge of my personality type can definitely help me to better lead a class of students, a group of teachers, or a cadre of principals, as I can accentuate the positive aspects of being a guardian and possibly work on developing other characteristics that are helpful to possess in the field of education. Due to guardians be dependable and responsible, they probably make excellent leaders in the classroom. Their students and co-workers know that they can depend on the guardian to do their job and provide assistance with a problem or crisis. Guardians are also cautious and do not make decisions in a rash manner, which could also be helpful when dealing with students that have behavioral or emotional problems. The ISTE NETS T standards that relate to the Personality Profile activities are: 1.c. and 2.b. By having students complete this type of activity teachers are able to promote student reflection (their personality types in this case) using tools to reveal  and clarify students' conceptual understanding, planning (by determining the attributes that they can work on), and creative processing (by accentuating their positive attributes). By using these types of surveys, teachers can develop technology enriched learning environments that enable students to pursue their own curiosities (such as their personality type) and become active participants in setting their own educational goals and manage their learning by determining their strengths and weaknesses.

Personality Profile #1

I have taken personality tests for fun, and usually the results are accurate. In my profession, I view many psychological evaluations that conduct more scientific testing for developing the profile of one's personality, the results are usually spot-on (in my experience, but I guess it depends on the evaluator, as these are more subjective). For the four personality types, I think that my most prominent type will be guardian, as the overview fit me perfectly. I take pride in being dependable, responsible, and hardworking. I am the first one in my unit that arrives at the office everyday and I am usually the last to leave. I'm a very practical and levelheaded person. I predict that after the guardian, I am an idealist. Idealists are passionate about what they do and enjoy working with people. I am kindhearted, authentic, and feel that I have most of the traits discussed under this category as well. I cannot see many characteristics within myself that are described with the last two (rational and artisan), but I predict that I am more rational than artisan. I am skeptical and like to problem-solve (if the problem is interesting to me).

APA Paper

This assignment consisted of using my previous knowledge gained by completing spreadsheets on Microsoft Excel and using this information to create an APA style action research report that included charts and tables with appropriate citations. After creating this document, I saved it as a PDF, which was much easier than I expected. I then uploaded my document to Google Docs and then shared my research report with Dr. Pierce through Google Docs. This type of assignment could be used when conducting research in the classroom (such as comparing semester grades of students by category). The ISTE NETS T standards that relate to this activity are: 3. c., 3.d, and 5.c. Teachers are able to communicate relevant information such as grades and intervention strategies effectively to peers, students, and parents by using a variety of digital age formats. Teachers can also model and facilitate effective use of current and emerging tools (Excel programs, Word programs, etc. to locate, analyze, evaluate, and use information resources to support research (such as in a PDF document). Finally, educators can evaluate and reflect on current research and professional practice (such as interventions to improve student cooperation) to make use of existing tools and resources in support of student learning.

Spreadsheet 3

This activity was a little easier than the previous ones, I guess that I am finally getting the hang of Excel. For this activity, I was provided with pretest and post test scores for a group of students that was broken down by gender and status (traditional vs. non traditional). I had to use the formula function on Excel to compile the average scores and gains for all of the different groups. Click on this link to view my finished spreadsheet. Then, I created charts that reflected the data that was compiled. My spreadsheet/charts can be seen here.  This activity could be used in the classroom to provide visual information that relates to information in spreadsheets. The ISTE NETS T standards that relate to this activity are: 3.C. and 1.B. Teachers can use the spreadsheets and charts to communicate relevant information and ideas to students, peers, and parents using a variety of digital age formats (spreadsheets, charts) and students could use spreadsheets/charts to engage in real-world issues/solve problems using digital tools/resources.

Spreadsheet 2

This is another assignment that involved the use of Microsoft Excel. I have some sort of mental block with Excel, therefore, this assignment was also difficult for me to complete. First, I was presented with test grades, project grades, and assignment grades on a spreadsheet. I had to use a formula to determine the weighted average of these activities. I then created a formula to give each semester grade a letter value. Then, I created an average score for the class, the minimum and maximum scores, as well as the range. After completing this, I used a formula on Excel to determine the numbers of each letter grade. Last, but not least (this was my favorite part), I added a background color and borders to my worksheet. My spreadsheet was uploaded to Google Docs and can be seen here. By completing this activity, I have learned that Excel offers many features that can help educator's track student progress. The ISTE NETS T standards that relate to this activity are: 3.a. and 3.d.. Due to using Excel and uploading the spreadsheet to Google Docs, teachers demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge (Excel) to new systems (Google Docs) and teachers are able to model and facilitate the effective use of current and emerging digital tools to analyze learning (teachers are able to determine the progress that their students are making, and possibly make changes to their curriculum).

Spreadsheet 1

This has been the most difficult assignment for me this semester. I have always struggled with using Microsoft Excel. Today, I utilized a spreadsheet to determine the average grades of students and then place the averages in descending order. I had difficulty with coming up with an average between the three terms and it took a while for me to realize that I needed to include the "cell" for each term in my formula. Then, in the process of uploading my document to Google documents, I somehow lost it. I had to start all over again!  You can view my spreadsheet here: Spreadsheet 1. Using spreadsheets can be very useful in the classroom to maintain students records or to double check other methods of grade/record keeping. I feel like that Microsoft Excel is a useful tool, although I need to spend more time becoming familiar with it. I did learn a lot about Excel and patience while completing this assignment, and would use it in my future classroom. The ISTE NETS T standards that relate to today's activity are: 3.a and 3.d., as teachers can utilize Excel to demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current technology to new technology (uploading a Microsoft Excel document to Google Documents), and teachers are able to facilitate effective use of current digital tolls to analyze/evaluate information resources to promote research/learning (by using this tool, teachers can easily compute grades and other information to determine how well the class is doing in a quick manner).

Google Forms I

Today, I created a survey using google forms. First, I opened a spresdsheet on Google forms and then I chose the "Form" option at the top of the page. This form helped me to create a survey which was actually the spreadsheet, only in a different format. This was very easy. Then a couple of my friends completed the survey and their responses were neatly organized on the spreadsheet. This activity could be very useful in the classroom when gathering information regarding the habits, experiences, and opinions of students. My spreadsheet can be viewed at this link: spreadsheet. The ISTE NETS T standards that relate to this activity are: 1.b. and 3.b. Students could create their own surveys using this tool to explore real world issues and students can collaborate with other students, parents, teachers, community members using digital tools to support student innovation (such as creating a survey for community members regarding development of a local park). This is my survey:

Zoomerang.com

My survey can also be viewed at the Zoomerang website. Today, I created a poll on my blog (please see it at the top, left side of the webpage) and also created a survey. Creating the poll was easy, as I only needed to add a poll gadget to my blog. Creating the survey was a little more difficult. Zoomerang.com is a website that provides a variety of tools to help you create and personalize your very own survey. There are many templates and question formats to choose from. Both of these activities could be helpful in the classroom when getting to know your students and what interests them. It could also be a helpful tool for assessing student comprehension or assessment of the teacher/curriculum. Using these types of tools reflect the ISTE NETS T standards 1.a., 1.b., and 2.a. By creating and completing surveys and polls, students can be creative, inventive, and inquisitive while using digital tools.. Students or teachers could provide a poll regarding a possible new food for the lunch menu or ideas for a new gym activity. This could also help students think about real-world issues and solutions for these issues.

Online Graphing Tools

Today, I learned how to use technology to create a graph online. I was instructed to complete one activity relating to fourth grade reading scores. The second activity related to eighth grade reading scores. First, I gathered the information to use in my graph at NAEP and then entered the information at Kid's Zone, which is a website that helps to create multiple styles of graphs online. Then, I created my two documents (see the first two links above) on Google Docs. I uploaded my graphs to Google Docs and then included the required narratives as part of the documents.For the first narrative, I presented an argument for the need for more funding for reading programs, and for the second narrative, I presented an argument that the funding for reading programs is adequate.I was able to manipulate my graphs to back up my arguments. This was a very interesting and fun activity that could be used in a multitude of classroom activities, such as providing a visual aid that can strengthen an argument. The ISTE NETS T standards that relate to this activity are: 1.c.,  3.c., and 3.d. This is because this activity uses collaborative tools (graphs) to clarify the student's understanding, communicate relevant information to students, peers, and community (through the executive summary/graph), and students are able to facilitate effective use of digital tools (graphs) to analyze information resources to support research and learning.

 Please see the links above for the entire documents including the executive summaries.

Word Cloud

I created a "word cloud" using Wordle. I found a passage that was important to me and copied/pasted it in the wordle box. Then I saved the document and uploaded it to my blog. I used a passage from one of my favorite novels, To Kill a Mockingbird, which I would use in a high school English classroom. This is a really neat website that could be used to create interesting visual aids in the classroom and promote comprehension. Students could also use this website as a creative outlet. The ISTE NETS T standards that relate to this exercise are: 1.a. and 2.a. This activity can promote creative thinking and inventiveness in the classroom and can be used to design relative learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote learning and creativity, as students are able to create their own "works of art" related to the current topics being studied.

Batchgeo Part 2 Map Creation

View class map in a full screen map

This was my first time creating a map using Batchgeo.  Batchgeo is really interesting tool that makes a map from data gathered on a spreadsheet. My map can also be viewed through this address. Integrating this activity into my classroom would definitely make feel like a 21st Century teacher, as I could never imagine using this type of technology (even just a couple of years ago). Utilizing this technology provides many educational opportunities (practice with spreadsheets, geography, using modern technology, appealing to visual learners,collaborating with peers in a virtual atmosphere, etc.). Students in an English class could use this tool to create a visual representation of the birthplaces of the authors of classic novels.  The ISTE NETS T standards that most closely relate to this activity are: 1.d., 2.b., and 3.b. By utilizing this activity, I was able to create a map by engaging in an activity with my classmates in a virtual environment, develop an activity that enabled me to pursue my own curiosity and assess my progress (by completing the map and posting it to my blog), and I was able to collaborate with my peers using digital tools to support student success and innovation (by working with classmates in completing a spreadsheet).

Jing #1

Today, I downloaded Jing, and used it to create a graphic for my hypothetical English class. I downloaded the Jing tool and found an image of William Shakespeare that I could use with Jing.  This graphic can be helpful with introducing William Shakespeare, interesting facts about him, and an introduction to his works. I did have difficulty embedding the artifact on my blog, but once again used my snipping tool to do this.  Jing can be a very helpful tool when introducing visual information and organizing information in the classroom. The ISTE NETS T standards that relate to this assignment are: 2.a. and 2.c. This activity provides resources to help design relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools that can promote student learning (by providing a visual aid) and to customize learning activities to address student's learning styles (such as the visual learner) using digital tools.

Self Portrait

I created my self portrait at Picassohead.com. This was a fun activity and it was interesting to create my own "masterpiece." This activity could be useful in the classroom with all age groups and skill levels. It could also be useful when studying a lesson on Pablo Picasso. I experienced difficulty while attempting to place my art on this blog. After saving my image on the website, I tried to send the picture directly from the website to my blog using the "share" button, but only the link would show up on my blog. Instead, I utilized my newly learned skills with the Snipping tool and was able to "snip" and then insert the snipped image on my blog. The ISTE NETS T standards that relate to this activity are standards 1A and 2A. With this activity, teachers can promote creative thinking and inventiveness, and teachers can design relative learning experiences that use digital tools to promote student learning and creativity(such as a lesson about Picasso). Students will be able to use their creativity in creating their own personal "Picasso."

Snipping Tool

For today's assignment, I learned how to utilize a tool from Microsoft Windows called a Snipping Tool. I am not currently teaching, but am majoring in Special Education and English is my content area. So, for my hypothetical English class, I have included a "snip" of reference sources that could be used in my classroom. Due to my classroom being a special education classroom, some of my students may not know what a thesaurus is, or even how to use a dictionary. This image could at least provide a starting point for their understanding and comprehension.The snipping tool is actually very easy to use and I can see myself utilizing it often to provide visual examples for my future students. The ISTE NETS T standards that mostly relate to this assignment are: 1C and 2A. By utilizing the snipping tool, teachers/students can reveal and clarify understanding and teachers can design relative learning experiences that incorporate digital tools (visual aid) to promote student learning.

Google Profile/Reader

For today's assignment, I created a Google Profile and a Google Reader page. I subscribed to two blogs that appeal to new teachers, since I am new to the teaching field. The first blog that I chose is called Reality 101: CEC's Blog For New Teachers. This blog provides a glimpse into the classrooms of several special education teachers. Due to reading this blog (thus far), I have gained a better perspective of what happens in the classroom. The second blog is titled Tweenteacher.com, which provides discussion about topics such as teacher layoffs, teacher responsibilities, and the history of education. I learned about some of the professional issues that teachers encounter outside of the classroom from this blog.This activity can be used in the classroom to help students develop organization skills and become involved in the virtual world. The ISTE NETS T standards that mostly relate to this assignment are 1.d. and 3.d. By using Google Reader, teachers/students are able to model collaborative knowledge construction by engaging in learning with students and colleagues in a virtual environment, and teachers can model and facilitate the use of emerging tools (Google Reader) to locate and analyze information resources to support research and learning.

Diigo-Social Bookmarking

Today, I learned about Diigo, which is a social bookmarking website. I created an account and installed Diigolet for my web browser. My assignment is to reflect upon my experiences with web browsers. I usually use Internet Explorer and Safari. I have used Internet Explorer for years and I am partial to it due to it's familiarity. Recently, I have started using Mozilla, which I am starting to like. Mozilla is very useful for organizing information and juggling multiple pages. It has proven to be helpful when completing my coursework. Browser add-on is also a term that is new to me. Basically, a browser add-on is a tool that can help with browsing the internet and organizing information/downloads. These add-ons usually appear on your toolbar and can help keep track of the sites you've visited, link/share information with other sites (Facebook, etc.,), and provide useful tools that can help manage information. StumbleUpon is an example of an add-on, in which you can rate sites that you like/dislike and recommendations can be made for more sites that you may enjoy. I have recently started using this site and find it to be interesting. It was easy to download this add-on and I had no problems. I did have difficulty when installing the Diigolet , as I was dragging the Diigolet button to the wrong place (the bookmarks tab instead of the toolbar). Diigo can be useful in the classroom by providing students with a tool in which they can compile a collection of information from other websites and organize it in a meaningful manner. I think that the ISTE NETS T standards that most closely matches today's activities are: 1.d. and 2.c. Teachers are able to model collaborative knowledge construction by engaging in learning with students, colleagues, and others in a virtual environment (gathering and organizing articles, journals, etc.) and teachers/students can personalize learning activities to address abilities using digital tools and resources (using Diigolet to aid in gathering information and Diigo in organizing the information).

Philosophy

Today, I created a document, Philosophy, using Microsoft Word and learned how to obtain  a Flesch-Kincaid readability score, mine rated a 10.4. I then uploaded this document into Google Documents and published it.The second part of my assignment involved creating an avatar through Voki For Web. I inserted text from my second question into the avatar and my avatar will actually speak the text  that I entered. This activity could be used in an English classroom by having students evaluate their writing abilities through Flesch-Kincaid. Using Voki For Web could be used in students creating a character from a novel and using the text box to speak passages or quotations from the novel. The ISTE NETS T standards that relate to this assignment are: 2.a. and 2.c. This is because teachers can promote creative thinking and inventiveness (creating a speaking character through Voki) and promoting student reflection using tools to clarify students understanding and creative process (by applying a visualization of a character and text).

Publish/Make Your Resume

Today, I created a document (resume) using Google Documents for the first time. Google Documents is a free online word processing program which seems to have a lot of interesting features. First, I went to my g-mail account, selected documents, and then selected the template for my resume. I completed and saved my resume and then published it. I was a little apprehensive about completing this assignment, but it was actually simple. Google Documents can be used in the classroom as a universal word-processing tool. The ISTE NETS T standards that reflect this assignment are: 2.a. and 3.a. By utilizing and sharing Google Documents, teachers/students are able to design/adapt learning experiences that incorporate digital tools (Google Documents) to promote student learning, and teachers are able to demonstrate fluency in technology systems (Google Documents) and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations (such as using a Word Document and applying/transferring this information to a Google Document).

Locus of Control Survey

This assignment is the Locus of Control Survey. Locus of control is a term used to describe one's sense of empowerment. According to the site, the higher the score, the more likely one has a strong sense of empowerment and optimism. The survey consists of twenty-nine questions that contain two answer choices. The results are scored as follows: 

• 0- 4; Very strong external locus of control
• 5 - 9; External locus of control
• 10 - 14; Both external and internal locus of control
• 15 - 19; Internal locus of control
• 19 - 23; Very strong internal locus of control

I went to the website and answered the twenty-nine questions to obtain my Locus of Control Score. My score was 14, which indicates both external and internal locus of control. I agree with my score, as I do believe that thinking positive and accepting responsibility for one's decision making to be very important. However, I do occasionally let negative thinking guide me. I feel that I am more on the positive side. I find self-diagnostic tests to be fun, but also difficult at times due to their subjective nature. This activity can be used in the classroom to promote self-reflection. The ISTE NETS T standards that relate to this assignment are: 1.a and 2.b By using this survey in a classroom, teachers can promote innovative thinking by encouraging self-reflection. Teachers can also develop technology enriched learning environments that enable students to pursue their individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their own educational goals (by providing insight into their own sense of empowerment).

Introduction

My name is Amber Haller and I am a graduate student at Fairmont State University. This is my second semester in the M.Ed. Special Education program. Blogging is new to me and I am creating this blog as part of my EDUC 6305 course. I work as a Service Coordinator/Counselor at an outpatient behavioral health clinic. My clientele consists of children and adolescents and I hope to (one day) teach this population in the classroom.