Journal 9 First Graders with iPads?

Getting, S., & Swainey, K. (2012). First graders with ipads?. Learning and Leading with Technology,40(1), 24-27. Retrieved from www.iste.org/Store/Product.aspx?ID=2515


This article goes into attempting to use iPads in a first grade classroom. Although apprehensive to giving youngsters an expensive piece of technology, the real world benefits outweighed the negative aspect of the idea. The iPad makes life easier, why not take advantage of it. Teachers state that they were able to record higher test scores at the end of the year, compared to students who did not have an iPad. TOT means students time on task, which was also increased, thanks to the iPad. Teachers began to realize they were able to use iPads to entertain and be used as a positive behavior reward. Students love the iPad and were provided with a different ways to learn. There are many great apps that are out there to teach and help teachers. Along with this new and exciting idea of course comes come difficulties, technical issues. Nothing that can't be resolved, and it just takes time to adapt to and grow with. Teachers embracing technology will take learning about different tools out there, in the end it will most likely not only help you as a teacher, but inspire and keep your students interested in learning more.

What can be an issue bringing this technology in the classroom?

There are many benefits to bringing iPads into the classroom, yet there are a few obstacles. Along technical issues can be fixed, but iPads may cause a distraction and competition in the classroom. Students my fight for the iPads, or may be so zoned in on one app not being able to stay with the class. Also it is important to realize economically some kids may be able to have resources at home, but some may even have trouble having books at home. Keep the field equal in your classroom.

In your opinion would you use iPads, and why?
Yes! I feel we should embrace the technology growth around us. By supplying our students with the best they will have the opportunity to expand and learn in different ways. The iPad provides visual learning, audio, touch and keeps them interacted. Who doesn't want that in their classroom? Students can stay updated thanks to you.

Journal 8: Adaptive Technology

Tools for Communication & Tools for Accessibility

Augmentative and Alternative Communication(AAC) is any method of communicating that supplements the ordinary methods of speech and handwriting, where these are impaired.(Miller & Scott, 1998)

Communication



What is AAC?
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) includes all forms of communication (other than oral speech) that are used to express thoughts, needs, wants, and ideas. We all use AAC when we make facial expressions or gestures use symbols or pictures, or write.
 http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/AAC/

A no tech/free way of communicating that is commonly used is sign language. Sign language is a way to communicate just by hand gestures. It is a language that helps the deaf community or speech inpediment community thrive. If you have ever seen a translator or people communicating by hand it is remarkable. Not only is it hand gestures, but it body language and facial expressions. It can be used in the classroom for all students to learn and be inspired. By teaching your students, they will relate more and be more educated on the subject of the deaf community. Sign language will enhance children's communication skills. For a deaf student you will often see an interpreter that the other students are used to.  I find sign language so amazing and I would love to learn myself.


High Tech
A communication tool for AAC that it high tech and extremely helpful is DynaVox. A diagonal color display screen, which allows for more vocabulary to be displayed on a single page. This also benefits communicators with visual and fine motor impairments. There is a 7 lb, and also a smaller 3lb version to carry around. This device has made a huge difference in many lives. It gives people a voice and allows them to be heard and understood.

Today, DynaVox is the world’s leading provider of communication and education solutions designed to help individuals living with speech, language and learning disabilities communicate and reach their potential.

 Accessibility

What is an input device?
An input device is any device where someone can input information into a computer. Some often seen examples are a mouse and keyboard.
People with extreme disabilities can use these devices in their own way. There are many modified input devices for special needs.

A hardware example that has been modified for special needs is the The Little Fingers keyboard. As it sounds, provides smaller keys for smaller hands, along with the BAT One-Handed keyboard which provides full keyboard access for students with the use of only one hand! Technology is such a helpful tool that can be used in the classroom to keep everyone on the same page even if they have a special quality, no problem.


Left handed key board! ^


There are also softwares out there to assist. There is a popular software, Blooming Kids Software. Their software assist children who have learning disabilities such as autism, PDD and ADD. The programs and teaching technique come directly from proven teaching methods in the field. There are about 40 different programs provided that help anywhere from memory, colors, vocabulary, telling time, reading and much more. There website has so much to offer and helpful information to help anyone in need: http://www.bloomingkids.com/




Classmates Blogs with great ideas:
Shelby
Kristin

Journal 7 PLN

A PLN or Personal Learning Network is a way for people to communicate, share and learn from each other. There are many different networks to share and collaborate with other to expand your PLN. Through out this ED422 I have be able to build my PLN through sites such as; Twitter, TweetChat, Blogger, Diigo and Classroom 2.0. I have been able to connect and learn from different students and teachers, with resources and stories. These tools are simple and easy to use I can see them helping me through out my professional career. I will benefit from my PLN as a teacher by having constant resources around me. Being able to reach out and connect with others in the Teaching field can only help me grow. Taking advantage of technology around is a positive way to grow and learn with other people by your side (via Internet).

Twitter is a popular social network site filled with different topics and people sharing their thoughts. Building my PLN I made a professional Twitter account that I can use to hear from other teachers and see educational resources. My network consist of people I can share with and learn from. I have my classmates and professor in my network, along with other educational people I have come across. I am able to follow who I want, having access to there ideas, stories and resources. Being able to share and see what others share is a helpful tool. Twitter is constantly updated and changing. I am able to participate in chats lead by other educational professionals willing to share their wisdom.

August 1st at 5:00 #ntchat, on Tweetchat, held an open conversation for anyone to follow along with. Ntchat stands for new teacher chat and they have scheduled chats with teachers and future teachers. The topic I participated in was based on classroom design. I was amazed with all the participation and how fast the chat was begin updated. A constant flowing feed filled with resources and ideas for the classroom! I learned helpful hints, such as the best way to set up your room, and was able to follow the ones who I felt I want to see on my feed. Everyone was friendly and helpful. It was a great experience and makes me want to attend and explore the other chat options out there to improve my PLN.

Another helpful site for your PLN is Diigo. Diigo is a social networking bookmark site. It allows you to build your own library by bookmarking what sites stand out to you. You are able to tag keywords making it easier to go back and look up. By having an account you are able to look up your library on any computer. Also you can connect and see other peoples sites and ideas of what stood out to them! You can easily find others you relate to by seeing their tagged key words. Diigo makes a toolbar on your page that allows you to highlight and comment on articles or sites as well as bookmarking them. I am able to follow my classmates and professor along with others who share common interest and valuable resources. I benefit from my Diigo account by tagging sites that have been recommended to me and other sites that can help me in my career. All my tags are educational topics and helpful hints to run a smooth classroom. I was able to see what others tagged PLN and found many good websites. One goes deep into defining PLN and what it should mean to you. It gives you tips on how to better you own via Facebook, Wikis, LinkedIn and blogs like this one. A fun site I saved on Diigo that helps me is the A-Z educational Twitter hashtags, this way I can look up common education interest popular in Twitter.

I also joined The Educators PLN, the personal learning network for educators. I was able to make an account and connect with many different educators. I like the layout of the website, constant updates on posts, chats, videos, forums and blogs from others. August 4th Lynda Hall did a post on Wordle, how to make word clouds. There was a video included, along with a list of steps. The site is filled with details and other links that are helpful. You can also chat directly to other PLN educators.  It has been nominated for the best use of social network an best Twitter hashtag, along with many other awards.

Journal 6: No Homework!

Spencer, T. (2011, Sept 19).[Web log message]. Retrieved from http://www.educationrethink.com/2011/09/ten-reasons-to-get-rid-of-homework-and.html

This is a great article, filled with good points. John T. Spencer lays out 10 reasons why homework is bad or not effective. Each point he makes I agree with. I love his points of children are busy and children need to play. There is so much pressure for children to be involved in activities, yet we still expect them to do more school work after school. They do need time for themselves, time to play and learn on their own with out even knowing it. Growing up I felt homework was usually busy work. I support study guides, and the freedom to work on what you want, but the busy work I usually would just cram in and rush through...making it a waste of time. We should be teaching enough in class for the students to understand and work on more if they feel they need too. 
I liked how John explained his points, and got to the point. 

My ideas of 5 Alternatives to Homework:
1. Instead of worksheets, ask the students to get in groups and creatively show what they learned. Act out a skit, make art, short story, as long as they can reexplain the concept. 

2. Have students grocery shop with their parents and encourage them to count money and pay where they go. Even can ask parents to ask their child about discounts that show up. 

3. Use the outside surroundings and resources for the students to explore, keep them wanting to learn!

4. Don't put so much pressure on homework, scaring them away. Make optional if they feel they need more help. 

5. GAMES! A great alternative to homework. They can play with the family, and in class, with friends, and be learning while having fun and not feeling forced. You can make a game with them in class to go play with others.

Journal 5*Extra*

Journal 4: The Flock

Furguson, H. (2010). Join the flock. Learning and Leading with Technology, 37(8), 12-14. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Libraries/Leading_and_Learning_Docs/June_July_2010_Join_the_Flock.sflb.ashx

McClintok, S. (2010). Enhance your twitter experience. Learning and Leading with Technology, 37(8), 14-17. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Libraries/Leading_and_Learning_Docs/June_July_2010_Join_the_Flock.sflb.ashx

NETS-T 5

TWITTER!
These articles go in depth on building your PLN (professional learning network). They explain how to get resources to come to you and how to expose yourself. It is a way to learn and grow with complete strangers. Building a community via the Internet. There is different explanations of Twitter in these articles. They explain how to make one and how to make it useful, with ways that will benefit you along with your community. I learned so many different ways to build my PLN, even just by tagging or putting time in here and there. It is amazing to me how much technology is growing and how fast we can all obtain resources from each other. Before Ed422 I had a Twitter for fun, not realizing how much it can help me professionally. I was able to make a separate account where I will be able to build my PLN. 
The articles even teach you Twitter terms! Very helpful!

Questions:

1) Will Twitter enhance my profession and how will it help me expand my PLN?
I feel when used right Twitter is an amazing tool to be updates and constant resources. It is an easy way to expand my personal learning network. Learning how to use hash-tags and finding people with common interest. With new information being constantly updated there is an abundant amount of resources and stories. The chats available are helpful also, such as #ntchat, a great place to meet others in the profession. 

2) Can Twitter be used in the classroom?
Yes! By embracing Twitter you can expose students to many different resources and communities that they wont get anywhere else. You can expose students to a constant flow to updated stories and information. Making different groups also you can share what you learn. Having students follow different topics can inspire them to look more deeply, just by having the information handed to them. Expose them to the online connection to the world.

Journal 3: Flipped Classroom

Fulton, K. F. (2012). Upside down and inside out. flip your classroom to improve student learning. Learning & Leading, 39(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Upside_Down_and_Inside_Out.aspx

NETS-T 3, NETS-T 1

A new way of teaching is coming upon us as future teachers. It is amazing how the classroom can change and develop for the better. Minnesota's Bryon High School had their math department think outside the box wen they had no money for text books. The teachers worked hard together and flipped the classroom! This was a way to teach and learn without text books.

Like anything new it took time to work out the quarks, but they worked as a team and developed an effective way to teach. The students lessons are at home and they come into the classroom read to work. The teachers used new tools such as Moodle and You Tube videos to teach lessons. Students can virtually get a lesson anywhere 24/7 with access to the Internet! This idea is amazing to me, I like how much freedom it gives the students, yet they still have classroom time to work out any questions they have. Looking into Faulkner's class it seemed that the day ran smoothly and the students knew what was expected of them. They would get right to work on their own or in groups.
This way of teaching seems to touch on many different ways of learning, visually, auditory, you can work alone, you can work in groups, you can work on your own time. Also students are able to look at other teachers videos getting different angles of instruction.

Mixed emotions have been brought up about the flipped classroom but it seems to be having a positive impact on students and test scores! This new extraordinary way of teaching we will probably see flourish around us.

Questions:

1) As a student, I wonder how I would have done with a flipped classroom in High School?

I like the idea of the flipped classroom, it is just important that the student has self discipline. I would get my work done in class and made sure I used school time for school, but after school I had many other things going on and I worked! It might have been hard to get time to hear the lesson I needed for the next day. Maybe with one class flipped I could do it, but if the lessons took too much time outside of school I could see it becoming difficult. Now there is Internet everywhere it seems that it may be easier for students to get the lessons. I just comes down to being responsible with your freedom.

2. Can I see myself adopting the flipped classroom idea as a future educator?
Again, I do like the idea of the flipped classroom. I feel it touches on many different learning styles and gives students a chance to learn in a different way. I feel it is important to embrace the technology around us. Why not? Also it SAVES money.