Post #10

1 paragraph on topics you found most interesting from reviewing your classmates’ blogs.

1 paragraph on what technology-related skill you would most like to learn next, and why.

1 paragraph on ways in which you might achieve your future educational technology-related goals.

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Sorry to say, but I found that a lot of my classmates are jaded when it comes to teaching. Some are a little too ambitious in their wishful thinking. They have a lot of the same (mis?)conceptions about things.I only hope that everything works out for each and every one of them...for the kids sake. :-)

I would like to develop my photoshop and pc movie-making skills...neither of which have anything to do with my future teaching skill progression... :-) But, that's what I want to learn so there you have it. Just selfish, I guess.

I'm a self-teacher, as well. :-) I don't really like to rely on other people unless I have to, so, I'll use a lot of self-help books and good ol' fashioned gumption.

Post #9

A 2-paragraph review of an interesting web-based tool or resource that you might use when teaching. Be sure to include a link to the tool or resource, and check out the ones that your classmates have shared as well.

A paragraph about how you think you will use Excel and similar programs as a teacher (see Chapter 13). Be specific about your subject matter area and the grade level.

A paragraph about your final course project -- plans, challenges, etc.

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I will most definitely use turnitin.com. Kids these days will do whatever it takes to make it onto easy street. Yes. They cheat. Turnitin.com forces them to at least be creative if they're going to cheat. :-) Seriously, it is a great deterrent and scares students into being honest.

Other than that, I don't really now what else I would use. I really believe in old-fashioned teaching. I am good talking so people listen. That is how I teach soldier's in the Army and hopefully that style will translate well into the high school classroom.

Excel is good for organization. It's good for keeping track of classroom rosters and making gradesheets. There's nothing grade- or subject matter-specific I would use it for. Not that I can think of. It would prove only slightly useful to me.

As far as the final project goes, it went along pretty smoothly. Me and Amanda discussed what would do and then came up with a general outline. She compiled the "who, what, when, where, why, how" list while I put together the powerpoint presentation. We reviewed all our work for errors and bada-bing. Done.

Post #8 or Powerpoint Me In the Right Direction

A paragraph discussing and critiquing your own PowerPoint 2 assignment using the concepts addressed in Chapter 8. Work in some screen shots as examples.

A paragraph about how you might integrate peripherals and non-computer audio-visual technologies in your classroom. How might you use them with computer-based technologies?

A paragraph on new skills you acquired in the last week that you think will be especially useful to you in your educational career and why you think so.

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My Powerpoint game is very rudimentary. Though, with Powerpoint, as well as many computer-based creation programs, it is very easy for anyone to make a rudimentary "anything" and still have it come across as professionally or at least whole-heartedly done. Of course, the material presented is basic, but rather irrelevant to grasping how to actually use the program. I used Powerpoint within its limited capabilites and am satisfied with the result of my game. I do not plan to use Powerpoint that often as a teacher, so I am comfortable with the extent to which I know how to use it.

Again, I just don't plan to find much use for advanced technology in my class. This may change later as I start to experience new things in an ever-changing world. But, I believe that the power of the human voice and human emotion can be used to engage every student.

If I ever do find myself in a situation where my students ask if they can play a game, or if I feel they are deserving of a game for extra credit points, then I might use the lessons I have learned.

Post #7 or How I Learned To Stop Worrying and Love the Powerpoint

A paragraph on what you feel are the biggest advantages and disadvantages of using presentation software in the K-12 classroom.

A paragraph on how you might use PowerPoint to support student learning at each knowledge dimension in a particular lesson. Be explicit in your example! Use Chapter 5 and online resources.

A paragraph on an issue related to educational technology that now interests you. You may provide information, ask questions, include links, etc.
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I'll start with the disadvantages. Though there are ways around this if you get creative, generally, powerpoint presentations aren't entirely engaging so, even if a teacher uses one, but their speaking skills aren't very strong, they won't be able to hold the class' interest. On the other hand, if the goal is to give students a visual that flows along with their strong oral presentation, the visual aid support provided by presentatio software can be great. Powerpoint is also good for student note-taking. The outline for the lecture is posted right there on the screen for students to copy and keep track.

As far as the dimensions of learning, if you create a game out of the Powerpoint presentation, such as Jeopardy-style or the like, you can allow the students to have fun while still maintaining the focus on learning. While observing the students answers and noticing their trouble categories, you can attempt to reteach and take note of weak spots within their learning process or your teaching process to better develop a curriculum.

For me, the actual advancement of the science of watching people's brainwaves to see how different parts of the brain are stimulated and engaged is very interesting and helpful. Granted, it's too expensive and painstaking to directly examine every single student, but the possiblites for the future are exciting!