555- Reflection #1

I have been very anxious, wondering what this portfolio was going to be about. As an Alverno grad, I have already experienced the process, however, that was about 10 years ago. I appreciated being able to review others' portfolios. My nerves settled and I am beginning to get excited about putting it together.

In my group, we had a good discussion about the many components and design styles of the samples we came across. The great thing about having a portfolio is that you can tailor make it to accommodate your needs. We saw some created for professional usage and others for class/degree program studies.

I decided that I want my presentation to show the NETS as the focus. I, also, spent a great deal of time trying to get a better handle on the google sites tool we are going to be using. Now that I am comfortable with the site tool and have an idea about the organization of my portfolio, I am much more at ease about the final product. (Or else, I have just transferred that anxiety to the culminating experience proposal!!!!)

550- Week 6 Reflection

My students are gaining 21st century skills by . . .

My students are not gaining the 21st century skills that they should be. They have regular access to computers, but that's it. The DPI mandates that have been placed on the MPS district have really hindered efforts to integrate technology. In my school, there aren't enough computers for students to have any meaningful usage. The interactions are very task oriented, for example testing.

I understand the Virtual Schools Legislation in Wisconsin and am concerned/excited about . . .

I am excited to see how much virtual schools have gained credibility. I am concerned about the charter school movement in general, which applies to virtual schools. I have personally seen the effects on a district whose enrollment has been significantly impacted by charter and choice schools. Although, I do understand that there are certainly quality issues that have helped get MPS to where it is now.

My district involvement in online learning includes . . .

I tried to get in contact with someone who could give me information on our districts online activities. Unfortunately, this was a busy week and I was unable to get all of my questions answered. As I understand it thus far, MPS hosts 2 sites, one for students (SLC=Student Learning Community)and one for teachers (TLC=Teacher Learning Community). These sites seem to be mostly resource oriented.

During the module I was excited to learn about . . .

I was excited to learn about the increased interest and legitimacy of online learning. I am deeply disappointed in the Milwaukee Public School district for not making technology enough of a priority, especially in the online learning arena.

550- Week 5 Reflection

• My experience with online communities has been …

• My experience through this particular program has been great. I have appreciated the many collaborative opportunities because they have helped to deepen my understand through the consideration of other perspectives. My previous experience was one of isolation. The discussion opportunities were not genuine and only seemed task oriented, rather than opportunities for valuable interactions.
  

• I believe the biggest benefit of collaborative groups is …

• I stated previously the biggest benefits of collaboration groups. The interactions with other participants makes a considerable difference in the quality of learning. For me, the interaction solidifies the learning and makes it more authentic and memorable.
  

• I believe the greatest challenge is/would be …

• The greatest challenge is the management of group dynamics. Although, my experiences with this cohort have been fantastic, I have been in groups where there are participants who don't hold their weight, are less motivated, and/or who dominate the group. It is important to maintain open communication; be honest and forthright; be dependable and prepared; and to be mindful of respectful and professional communications.
  
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• My thoughts regarding the social development and socialization issues are …
• Positive social development is an ever present problem in the community I live and teach in. The traditional teacher centered framework is not helping! I have truly enjoyed my online experience because of the vast opportunities it has provided me for worthwhile interactions with my classmates. Although, I am a fairly confident person, when it comes to sharing in an educational setting, I can only imagine how online education can be life-changing for those who are more reluctant to share.
  

550- Week 4 Reflection

• In reflecting on my teaching experiences to date, I would say that the proportion of teacher centered versus student centered lessons has been …

• I would have to say that I've presented about 50% of my teaching in a teacher-centered setting, which would make 50% student-centered. I must say, though, I have to be careful at times not to lecture. I really enjoy learning from my own students, which comes from watching, listening, and giving them opportunities to demonstrate their learning processes. Developing relationships with my students helps me to facilitate this process more. When I don't spend enough time watching and listening, I become more removed from their learning and more inclined to take over. This becomes increasingly a challenge when I am feeling specially pressed for time.
  

• I was able to identify more than one authentic assessment to measure mastery of a single concept lesson when I …

• I gave my students the opportunity to show their progress and understanding by giving several check-in opportunities through the use of the postcards. These postcards made way for the final brochure assessment.
  

• The rubric I created for my lesson clearly defined expectations and scoring for the lesson so that my students could …

• I really wanted to give my students some flexibility with their final products. My rubric allowed for them to present the information that they felt was most important to include while still showing me that they accomplished the goal of "exploring Africa".

• While working on this module I had success/difficulty while doing something new involving …
• I had a difficult time considering how to infuse differentiation into my lesson. I had to keep in mind my main objective. I want students to come away with more knowledge about the countries in Africa. For this lesson, I am less concerned about whether or not the information is read or seen on a video or through photos.
  

550- Week 3 Reflection

• What is the greatest challenge that I have encountered as an online teacher/facilitator and how did I manage it? (If you have not yet taught online what do you think would be the greatest challenge for online teachers/facilitators?).
• I have never taught an online course before. I would imagine that my greatest challenge would be providing timely, effective feedback for my students. Well, the challenge wouldn't be making the feedback effective as much as making it timely. The success of online education is largely due to frequent communication. I would be tempted to comment on every little thing my students submitted. I guess this is more a challenge of setting reasonable limitations on how much time I make myself available.
  

• Some things that I feel are really important to consider about synchronous and asynchronous facilitation as I prepare to facilitate my threaded and web conference discussions are. . .

• An asynchronous discussion reminder is to post early and respond frequently. It is, also, important to provide clear instructions to initialize quality discussion within the group. For synchronous discussions, the facilitator must provide frequent affirmation and invitations for participation. This will detour from a lecture setting and encourage sharing and valuable participation.
  

• I choose my particular discussion topic because . . .

• I chose the topic of online learning myths because I was quite a skeptic initially, myself. I am interested in sharing ideas about personal experiences and how to dispel these myths.
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• One thing that I thought about when developing rubrics for the 2 different discussions is. . .
• One thing I kept in mind was trying to stay focused on the actual intended outcomes. What was the purpose of the discussion? What did I want the participants to walk away with?
  

550- Week 2 Reflection

• Identify at least two synchronous and two asynchronous online learning tools that would be appropriate for your targeted online learners.

• Asking questions to encourage higher level thinking and acknowledging contributions to provide timely feedback are important synchronous online learning tools. Providing materials ahead of time and giving clear and concise directions gives students all they need to get and stay organized.
  

• List four different types of activities that you might use with your targeted online learners and identify an appropriate online tool to use in implementing that activity.

1. blogging: blogger.com
   
2. video conferencing: tokbox or Skype
   
3. wiki: pbworks.com
   
4. virtual classroom: Elluminate
   

• Is my initial contact warm and inviting? Are there things I did particularly well or could do better in the future?

• My initial contact conveys a warm and inviting message by showing interest in the success of the intended audience. I spoke consideration of their time and their hesitance to try something new.
  
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• Is my initial contact clear and concise and yet user friendly? What are some strategies that help to format your contacts to make them as clear and concise as possible?
• The information presented showed a clear schedule of what the participants will be learning from the course. It may be more helpful if I provided a screen shot crash course tutorial on how to get around the wiki. It, also, includes contact information and course expectations.
  

550-Week 1 Reflection

I can relate the examples of online learning to my own experience in the following ways. . .
I certainly can relate to needing a masters program that could accommodate my family and work schedules. Even more importantly, life happens! In the last couple of years, I have struggled with a health issue resulting in the removal of a tumor just a couple of months ago, the same day I lost my grandmother. (March-May were really the pits!) If I hadn't been in this online program, I surely would've had to drop out.
In addition, I have really benefited from all of the professional development, not to mention the needed credits to keep current with my license.

These are some problems I had navigating the course management system and utilizing the discussion boards, can you help me with . . .
Reviewing the system before our first class session was a little confusing. During the first class, I got the needed clarifications to enable me to browse and use the site effectively.

I can imagine using Elluminate Live! for a web conference in order to . . .
As a first grade teacher in a building full of technology scaredy-pants, I can't imagine using Elluminate professionally. I definitely see it's potential when trying to plan family functions with relatives out of state. I wish my husband's job would get hip. They have phone conferences every morning and a full in person meeting every Wednesday. This is an inconvenience because the staff all live and work at sites all over southeastern Wisconsin.

I tried something new while working on this module and it made me think that . . .
I can't think of anything new I did that was significant enough to give me any uh-huh moments. I do like the system. It would be great for high school students.

540-Week 6- Final Thoughts

Although, I strongly dislike statistics as a practice, I appreciate the value they add as descriptors. Statistics are necessary to be able to organize large and complex amounts of data. I get that. What I don't appreciate is how they can so easily be used to mislead and deceive! If you are not familiar with the process of collecting and analyzing data, you wouldn't know how to question or challenge information as it is presented to you.

I enjoyed the challenge of searching for data to organize and analyze. I had not previously thought of searching for statistical data on the internet. This is good knowlege to have if you are interested in the true impact of topics and issues in our communities. I have never been comfortable with relying just on the information presented in the media. Now, I know how to search for more of my own understandings!

540-Week 5- Wicked Worksheets!

This week I struggled over the z-score worksheets. Since my experience is teaching in an elementary setting, I find it difficult to conceptualize how this information is applicable to my daily first grade responsibilities. I don't consider myself to be a very analytical or intellectual person. Learning does not come easy to me. So this experience with statistics reminds me of some of those frustrating times throughout my education experience where I am able to learn the how-to of a concept, but I have tremendous difficulty with the application. Going over our worksheets in class is very helpful. The problem I have is that I understand in the moment, but an hour later I'm lost again. UGH!!

540- Week 4- What Does the Future Hold?

This week I was introduced to the work of Bill Tancer, whose business is online market research. I enjoyed listening to his fascination with data. His ability to question, challenge, find and interpret trends has proven to be most helpful to many online businesses.
Even more interesting than Bill Tancer was the Futurist Discussion. Upon first glance, I thought coming up with a new age career field would be easy. As I talked with my group, my creativity was greatly challenged. Every idea I came up with had already been thought of. The internet is amazing! Thinking about the hidden potential of the Internet is mind-boggling. In regards to education, these endless possibilities make instructional technology even more important. The better we equip our children with the tools available on the internet now, the more competitive they will be in the future of online resources.

540-Week 3- And The Survey Says...

This week my group put together our survey. I never realized how challenging this could be. Our approach to the assignment was to use a simple idea that would help us focus on the actual survey process. What is most important is the ability to create questions that will provide a database of valuable information that can actually be analyzed and used! By looking at the data we collected, we were able to identify how we could have fine tuned our questions to provide more useful information. I appreciated going through the process of having to evaluate the collected data with a purpose. It helped me to understand how survey information can and is used. I don't think the average person has this understanding, which is why marketers are able to manipulate the public. Everyone is familiar with the commercials that proclaim 4 out of 5 dermatologists/dentists/doctors/so-and-so's use a given product. Now, I am listening to statistics with a new ear.

540- Week 2

This week's class and assignments brought about much more understanding for me. Although, I am still finishing up the Descriptive Report, being able to go through the process of analyzing actual data has been interesting. It's kind of like solving a puzzle. Statistical information can, not only, be used to prove a theory or support an cause, but it can be used as a set of clues to help guide research and other inquiries.

I am so impressed with the Capterra tool that I have sent word of it to everyone I know who might have a use for it. My husband's family is humongous, making communication and preparation for the yearly reunion difficult and time consuming. I suggested to the family advisers that we use Capterra to find a suitable software tool for any family data collection and management needs.

Finally, the Two Terms activity was difficult for me. I am familiar with all of the terms in general. However, some of the reading got a little technical for me. I ended up doing a lot of reading and re-reading!

Statistics Show Confusion Spreading Amongst Students of CEDO 540!

I am totally confused by the technical nature of statistics. One minute I think I understand clearly, and the next minute I get lost in my second and third guessing. I've realized that I have somehow separated the mathematics of statistics which I learned previously, like calculating mean, median, mode, range, etc., with the technical application of it. Thus far, the guided practice sheets have me scratching my head. I am very interested in how to properly create, use, and interpret statistical information. I expect class #2's discussion will be enlightening.

535- Week 5

Google Earth is one of the most fantastic web tools I've ever used/heard of. I remember my brother downloading it for me in 2005. I put in my address and a was able to see a blurry view of what I suspected was my house. Now, I can see my house clearly from every angle! It's as if I am standing in the middle of the street looking at my neighborhood. This tool has so many features that make it relevant to everyone who uses it, and everyone who should be using it.

Skills that were once thought of as being used only by professionals are now being challenged by the progression of the Read/Write Web and other Web Tools. Much of my frustration lies with the reluctancy of schools/districts to totally buy into it. Social media is a part of our lives, whether we like it or not. We need to be guiding our children through their possibilities instead of blocking them. Another frustration of mine is that once I win the fight for more access for my students, I won't really have the time to use it to it's fullest potential. Allow me to stand on my soap box for just a moment. Our failing district status has convinced the powers that be to focus on, in my opinion, bandaid fixes and tunnel vision approaches. These initiatives and mandates have congested the falls of learning with stressed scheduling, fleating specials, and non-stop, ineffective assessment worries. When are the children going to become as important as the process? When they do, technology will likely take a huge step up in the process.

535- Week 4

I was really pleased to discover just how easy it is to create a screencast. This tool will help me tremendously to provide my inexperienced first graders with tutorials showing how to navigate the tools we will be using this year. Those students who are more advanced users will be able to work more independently, while I assist others.
This week, I also began working on my classroom website through Google. I want my parents and students to be able to use this tool as a central location for all necessary information that will be pertinent to their family. As I began this assignment, I was astonished to discover how easy it is to point and click your way to your own website! I remember being in undergrad learning how to create a site using "the language"!

It's Too HOT!!

A Tribute to Spring Bulletin Board
Originally uploaded by erin swan

I don't know about anyone else, but I've think I've been slowly melting for the past couple of weeks. I love the heat, but the humidity is making being outdoors unbearable!

535- Week 3- Feed Me!

After this week's readings, I finally understand RSS feeds! I'm so excited to learn that I will be able to keep up with reading in such an efficient way. My quest before school starts is to find RSS sites that will be appealing to the teachers I work with. I would really like to begin showing them little nuggets of useful technology to motivate them to use their computers more. With the school website being everyone's homepage, I could put a link to an aggregator that would be easy for all to access. Many of my co-workers really avoid technology like the plague, which is disappointing to say the least. However, unless they are ready to retire, which several are, they are going to have to get acquainted with the computer lab sooner rather than later. I have just learned that my district will be mandating a quarterly assessment for grades K4 through 12th that will be given on the computer! Unfortunately,from the school buildings to the teachers, right on down to the students who've had limited access, I believe much of the district is not ready for this.

535-Week 2

Twitterworld...
This week I have done something I thought I would never do, not even if someone paid me. Now, I've not only signed up for a Twitter account, but I paid for it (tuition)!!! Although I have done some playing around with Twitter, I must say that I have not yet recognized this tool as having a significant value in my life. Professionally, I barely have enough time to keep up with a normal day. I understand that the Twitter appeal includes a timely service, especially beneficial to those whose time is limited, for supplying communication connections in your area of interest. However, it seems like just another thing to check or keep up with. I am hoping that my viewpoint will change as I use it during the next few weeks. I am certainly open to it if it will improve my ability to teach children.

Wiki Revolution...
The thought of the masses contributing to create more accurate information makes me cringe. I am definitely one of the teachers the chapter talked about who has a difficult time accepting that Wikipedia is a legitimate vehicle for research. Who's truth is it anyway? Then I thought about it. Is it any different than the "truth" we read from any author? We should be teaching our children to think critically about all information, so why should Wikipedia be exempt? Again, like internet safety, this is a great opportunity to teach our children how to navigate in this new world, not discourage them from it.

535-Week 1

I really enjoyed the readings from our text for this week. There is much controversy surrounding the use of weblogs for educational purposes. As I read about the importance of staying relevant in the classroom through technology and the resistance from schools to embrace this I felt a tad discouraged. I understand, and share, the fears that people have with the malicious abuse of these applications. Actually, until this week, these fears kept me from allowing my son to explore the use of his own blog. He and some friends have been trying to get together to establish one for the past year, but my husband and I wouldn't allow it. As my understanding of the paradigm shift that has taken place between our youth and technology grows, I see how I have been holding him back. He has a brilliant little mind and he wants to share it! Who am I to discourage this? Anyway, I am excited to introduce blogging to my students. I agree that we may not be able to protect our children from the abusers of the internet, but we can't solve that problem by trying to keep them locked away from the world. We are going to have to model and use the technology with them to show them the appropriate and most effective ways to use it. I teach my children how to deal with strangers and emergencies. The fact is that we are at a place where we are going to have to add internet safety and responsibility, too.

530- Week 5

I especially appreciated the list of readings regarding how to evaluate and purchase hardware and software. I am currently using my digital camera for video. However, I'm certain that my husband didn't consider all the significant features that I would like and use when he bought it for me. When I opened my gift, I was just excited about the fact that it was small enough to make a happy home in my purse. (I'm love whipping my camera out on whim!) When my Best Buy junkie husband drags us out on a look-see, I find myself being drawn to the digital camera and camcorder area. I methodically pick up and inspect each camera. Passers-by would never imagine how much I don't understand about what I am examining! After about 20 minutes, I just laugh at myself for my ignorance and go collect my drooling hubby:) After combing through the readings, I feel fully competent and ready to make a purchase...If I only had the money.

The rubric exploration was very helpful. Knowing how to put together a good rubric makes for more effective and informative assessments. I find it especially difficult to focus when it comes to evaluating my students when working with technology and web-based resources.

530-Week 4

This week was a doosey, cram packed with an abundance of valuable information and helpful guides. I enjoyed learning about Prezi. The directions were simple enough that I'm sure that I can use it with my students, within a modified framework. I can think of many instances when I can begin to map out a concept and my students can use one or two of the tools to complete the presentation. I am excited about making this a regular activity and using it as an additional assessment tool.

The most challenging task this week has been the Pecha Kucha story-board, by far! I have had a difficult time deciding what my presentation will be about and sticking to it. I had my heart set on doing it on my grandmother/second mother as a healing attempt since I lost her kind of unexpectedly in April. However, I am finding that I'm not quite ready to be engaged in this way regarding my memories of her. None the less, the 'green' subject I decided on is still quite a challenge. I am being very hard on myself in terms of worrying about making it meaningful enough to wow my audience. Given the fact that this is my first attempt at a Pecha Kucha, I need to just get over it, take a risk and jump in with both feet!

530- Week 3

I am looking forward to using Animoto with my students. I am envisioning having my students use a camera to take pictures and create their own. They could spend the year recording moments that are important to them, guided by me of course. Then, they could create an animoto of their first grade experience!

The Original Slideshow assignment has been a little more difficult for me. I don't really use slideshow presentations for informative purposes due to limited technology access, with the exception of Stritch assignments. I wanted to use a slideshow that would be relevant to my classroom experience. I decided to use someone else's and make it Zen-tastic! This presentation will fit in with my new and improved technology enhanced teaching plan that I will roll out next school year.

The Digitales chapter gave me a lot to think about. Having the right tools and resources before you begin a project makes all the difference in the world. It is important to understand exactly what you envision for your project so that you are able to properly determine your toolkit needs. Personally, I am interested in using the Morpheus Software free download to transform pictures into other pictures. This will enhance the creativity of some presentations. Although MAC's seem to be more suited for digital creations, there are plenty of resources for Window's users to access. I appreciate the checklists provided at the end of the chapter. They help to sort the toolkit options in a way that is palatable for the aspiring production artist.

Digital Storytelling in First Grade

The digital storytelling resources presented this week will definitely be useful in my first grade classroom. My classroom has 3 computer stations. In addition, my school has a computer lab that we use for 30-60 min. every week. By the second semester of school, I was able to begin to do more than just logging in with my students! I started teaching them how to maneuver around email, Google Search, Google Earth, Discovery Education, and assessment probes. I have used Youtube to show them videos that are related to what I'm teaching, however, it is difficult to find exactly what I need. I would be better off creating my own resources! This course has come just in time!

I don't believe in sugar coating life with my first graders. Many of them have already experienced more than many adults have. For this reason, one of my favorite resources is Story Corps. I viewed many of the stories during Week One. I love the idea of showing real people who have overcome real challenges in life.

As I introduce higher level thinking to my students, using Voice Thread for sharing and interactive discussion is a great way to integrate technology to accommodate several educational standards.

I am totally inspired to begin using what I am learning through this course. My toughest challenges will include taking on the philosophy of the Presentation Zen. As expressed in the reading and video, preparation requires "unplugging" from the computer to truly focus on the essence of what you are creating. Your "stickiness" depends on it!

Story Teller

I love to tell stories! As an educator, I have found that there are frequent teachable moments that arise everyday that involve a clenching application story. It's like being a good preacher, using elaborate illustrations to make points more relevant to the audience. I am very much looking forward to the things I will be learning in this class. Once the technology needs in my school are met, it will be important to be able to effectively use alternative presentation venues that will captivate my students. I already have experience creating slide shows and slide show movies. Learning how to give them focus and intentionality, as expressed by Garr Reynolds of Presentation Zen, will serve to make my presentations, no matter who the audience, more pertinent. I believe this is the crux of what we should take away from this week's lessons.

525- Week 5 Strategies

Identifying Similarities and Differences
Every year I teach my students about what it was like being in school during the Civil Rights Movement. I ask them to compare and contrast their school experience with the experience Ruby Bridges had. This year, I had my students type up their thoughts in a word document. Another way I addressed this strategy using technology was to have students watch two videos through Discovery Education and compare them by answering questions using Survey Monkey.

Homework and Practice
I value regular practice both at school and at home for my students to help them build confidence and get their parents involved. Have access to the computer lab only a half hour a week, at best, makes it difficult to integrate technology for every strategy. One way that I have managed to do it is to have my students participate in Raz Kids. I have three computers in my classroom, so I have assigned students different days to spend time practicing their reading using Raz Kids.

Generating and Testing Hypotheses
This is a strategy that I work with my students on. My students certainly have many questions about life in general. It is important to get them to begin thinking about the causes and effects that impact the world around us. As to how to integrate technology to address this skill strategy, I am short on ideas and welcome your thoughts. One thought that I have, which I haven't attempted with students yet, is the use of spreadsheets. I am intimidated by the complexity of this tool, but value all it's potential. Any thoughts?

525- Week 4 Strategies

Cooperative Learning
Being a teacher of younger grades, I am immersed in an environment that makes way for many cooperative learning experiences. My students' assigned seats are in groups, and I facilitate an additional 3-4 cooperative learning activities everyday. These activities are primarily hands-on. Since beginning the Masters Program, I have taken this opportunity to challenge myself to give my students more opportunities for cooperative learning using technology. Some ideas I've come up with include email, blogs, and online survey and checklist tools. In addition, I would like to work with the district's IT department to allow use of a class wiki.

Reinforcing Effort
This strategy is also very at home in a first grade classroom. I believe in trying your best at all costs, and I impress that upon my students. This year, the district subscribed to Discovery Education. This site includes an online assessment component that has a fun extra feature for the students. As teachers create their assessment probes, we have the option to include a game feature. The way it works is that for every question, or couple of questions, that the students complete, a game will pop up as a reward for answering. Another way I have come to reinforce effort through technology is to use an online checklist to keep track of weekly assignments. My students are able to monitor their own progress and are held accountable to the amount of effort they show with completing assigned tasks.

525- Online Mapping Tools

The resources I reviewed include Exploratree, Webspiration, and Education Oasis. All three are useful online mapping tools.

Exploratree provides a wealth of ready-made thinking guides, while still giving users the option to submit their own guides. The guides can be printed or used online. Users have the capability to edit and add graphics to the guides. As a first grade teacher, I could use this with my students to create a very simple idea web. I don't feel comfortable with the site's design to do more with my students. It is a little complicated for younger grades.

Webspiration is very similar to Kidspiration and Inspiration. This version is totally online, which allows for collaboration between users. Documents created on Webspiration are downloadable to Inspiration, which offers more advanced editing features. My school district has purchased licenses for In/Kidspiration, so my students are already familiar with the Webspiration style of mapping. This is an ideal online mapping tool for me to use in my classroom.

Education Oasis is the tool I liked the least. It only offers 58 pre-set organizers. The available organizers must be printed to be used because there is no editing feature. This tool is not designed for collaboration. The site set-up is user friendly, with categories to organize the options. As I looked through the Misc. section, I noticed that there were several organizers that are a part of the CRISS Strategies that my school uses.

525- Week 2 Article Reflection

I reviewed the article "Feedback That Fits" by Susan M. Brookhart. There has been a big push in the last couple of years for teachers to reevaluate how we give feedback and how important it is that we give it. This article was of particular interest to me for that reason. I have never been comfortable with my ability to give appropriate of feedback with intentionality. I do believe that I have gotten by because God has gifted me the natural inclination to do so, however I understand that God intends for us to hone His gifts through study and application!

I appreciated Brookhart's attention to the student's perspective when it comes to the effectiveness of feedback. As I reflect on the interactions I have with my students, I realize that I tend to do this sub-consciously as I give feedback, but it is something I never think about intentionally. However, this thought provoking, nugget of wisdom has shown me how I've missed some pivotal opportunities with some students. In an effort to show my students how not to sweat the small stuff and to "buck up" and not be afraid to make mistakes, I'm sure there were/are times when I fail to truly consider how the impact of that "tough love" can be damaging with certain students and circumstances.

The article also discussed the importance of giving feedback while students are still thinking about the work. This is an important piece of giving effective feedback, and one that I feel most discouraged about. Effective feedback takes time...period! As an elementary teacher at a school with NO specials, failing district mandates, and decrease supplemental assistance, the freedom to apply valuable professional development is a joke! It's getting to the point where all I do is triage what is most important at the time or take time away from my family by staying at school late or bringing my work home (more than usual)! UGH!

I took to heart Brookhart's warning not give in to the temptation of fixing everything you see. I have to constantly remind myself to stay focused on the learning targets! The example of the 4th grade writing piece on cats vs. dogs as pets is precisely why I love using rubrics and checklists. I can predetermine my feedback based on my objectives. This helps me stay focused with my feedback, keeping my students focused, also. Ultimately, effective feedback is crucial to providing quality education. It encourages higher level thinking and valuable self-evaluation skills, while developing a well-rounded, life-long learner.

525- Learning/Teaching Principles

The principles of learning and teaching provide incredible insights into the essence of education. Learning Principle #7, to become self-directed learners, students must learn to monitor and adjust their approaches to learning, speaks to the students ability and willingness to self-assess themselves. As an Alverno grad, I am well versed in this area, and see great value in it. The action of honestly looking at one's own understandings, strengths, and weaknesses builds a solid foundation for self-direction.
Teaching Principle #1, effective teaching involves acquiring relevant knowledge about students and using that knowledge to inform our course design and classroom teaching, speaks volumes about the importance of developing meaningful relationships with our students. Taking the time to get to know who we are teaching is the difference between being quality educators and people who just instruct. When you know how your students learn, you know how to effectively communicate and facilitate learning.

520~Week 3

This week's Wikipedia debate gave me a new angle to think about. I have not ever encouraged my students to use this search resource because I thought it couldn't be credible when anyone is able to edit the information. I decided to bring up the discussion with my first graders! With a little guidance from me, they were able to express some valid arguments both for and against Wikipedia. I was very proud of their critical thinking! The discussion resulted with the idea that Wikipedia is okay if you can match the information through another location.
The search engine information was definitely valuable. Of the teachers with whom I work, many still have a block against using their email. They think they are really doing something when they have their students do a Google search on a subject and call it internet research. To be honest, until recently, I thought Google was the only way to search, too. With the help of the search engine resources this week, I feel much more confident about how I use them. Mega-search engines...What a concept! However, I can't imagine how such a beast can really be efficient.
Finally, the Tom March quote proved to be quite a discussion piece. Understanding that March gets paid to be emphatic, I actually appreciated the quote for expressing the pressing need educators have to gain the knowledge and tools to effectively integrate technology into their teaching.

520- Week 1

Okay, okay! I know I'm late in posting my thoughts for week one. I allowed the demon of procrastination take over just because I felt like I didn't have anything profound to say that had not already been stated in the other Week One assignments. But, here goes...

The readings about Internet Learning Resources were significant sources of clarification for me. I hadn't ever really thought about the internet taking a direct focus for the purpose of education. I have always treated it's usage primarily as a source of research, entertainment, and social/professional communication. Historically, the application of it's use with my students, or as a student myself, has been superficial at best. This has not been due to lack of desire, but more so to the lack of awareness and/or training support. I greatly agree with the March quote. In my own words, as educators, we will never move past the first levels of Bloom's Taxonomy when it comes to using the internet with our students unless we make that paradigm shift to begin to locate and embrace those Internet Learning Resources that are available.

515 Final Reflections

I am truly excited about the tools we've explored. The possibilities are endless! I have been especially challenged to expose my first graders in a way that 'technology natives' deserve. The Technology Learning Plan helped me to evaluate and set attainable goals to meet the needs of my students. My approach to the use of technology with my students has forever changed. I have a better understanding of the true integration of technology with my teaching. The text had helpful information by providing a systematic approach to technology in the classroom, especially for teachers who feel stuck with a desire and without the know-how. I found great reminders of values and useful strategies that I can apply and share with my colleagues.

Technology is not as scary when you take it out of isolation and use it with purpose. Throughout our class, this realization has been the most profound for me.

Session Five

What we are studying this week, and throughout this class, deeply affects how I am teaching. One of the most beneficial parts of the reading for me was the discussion of about 'technology natives' verses 'technology immigrants'. I had heard the terms before, but never considered myself as an immigrant. I, also, had never considered how that explains why it is, somewhat, a foreign concept for many in my generation to integrate technology into our teaching. Our own schooling experiences were mainly trips to the computer lab and word processing. As common as it is for us to use technology ourselves, it is not natural for us to include it in our lessons. This understanding has given me much to reflect on.

The reading, also, enlightened me to the necessity for proper professional development. My experience has been very limited to how to use certain technologies. It has not included how to effectively integrate it into my teaching.

I'm glad we got a chance to review different evaluation tools for software. I have been spoiled by a district wide technology department who handle everything for us from the technicians to the staff designated to search and implement software and hardware as they deem necessary. This has been a blessing and a curse. The evaluation tools we reviewed impressed upon me the considerations one should have when choosing suitable software for students. I now look at what my district has chosen through new lenses. It is important not to be blind to what I am exposing my students to.

Session Four

I had a difficult time viewing the videos on this site. However, I was impressed with the quality of lessons I reviewed. They were well thought out and included valuable resource links. More sites like this should be made well known to teachers, as technology isn't going anywhere. It provides useful ideas to encourage teachers to make a better effort to integrate technology into their lessons.

I would definitely be interested in using the information provided to supplement what I teach my students. Although, I fight time constraints linked to curriculum mandates, I have learned to work my schedule creatively enough to include time for necessary supplemental experiences for my students. I can search this site easily for lessons that will enhance through the use of technology. The lessons I found, also, helped me to brainstorm lessons that would directly enhance what I am teaching my classroom. However, the videos are an important feature of this site, and as of right now, I have not been successful in viewing them. After reading my classmates' blogs, I believe that I would greatly benefit from the video collection provided.

Session 3 Reflection

I had so much fun with the spreadsheets this session! I had only recently begun to use them for more than a budget calculator, through documents created by someone else, to manage data for our after-school program. Now, I feel comfortable enough to work confidently within those workbooks without worrying about screwing up the format.

The reading this session helped to bring some concepts home with my personal teaching philosophy, specifically the chapter on creativity. My school experience growing up was in creative arts schools. Looking back, I realize how my success as a lifelong learner stemmed not only from my home influence, but was allowed to flourish and develop in a creativity driven environment. I was encouraged to live and breathe exploration and individuality through a variety of regular opportunities for self expression and collaboration. Applying this same environment in my classroom will motivate my students to grow to new levels. Integrating technology is just another way to appeal to everyone while preparing them to successfully contribute to society in the future. This chapter helped to provide a framework for me do grasp and hone in on the power of creativity to make me a better teacher and all of us better learners.