Final Reflection

Lori mentioned on her Blog she can't believe it is the end. I can't believe it either. After taking this class, I can understand why Lori wanted it to be longer in duration. I agree it does need more time. More time would allow for more time to improve on your skills. We did cover alot, & I will be sharing with my teachers. Since I am already in the role of administrator, my days are very full. It was difficult for me to find time to Blog. It is an interesting tool, & I am glad I learn about it.

Have a great summer!
Rosalind

Peschool Literacy Sites

We have discussed many different websites in class along with how they can be used. I know Jill teaches in a Preschool & I thought she might benefit from this particularsite. Some of you perspective moms can also take advantage. It it called Literacy Center.net. It is an interactive literacy site. Many other valuable sites for preschool literacy can be found at http//www.literacy.uncom.edu/pksites.htm.

Rosalind

Role of Technology inTeaching & Learning Mathematics

I want to share the position th National Council of teachers of Mathematics has taken on the role technology in teaching & learning mathematics. The following appeared in the May/June issue of their New Bulletin," Technnology is an essential tool for learnig mathematics in the 21st century, and all schools must ensure that all their students have access to technology. Effective teachers maximize the potential oof technology to develop students' understanding, stimulate their interest, and increase their proficiency in mathematics. When technology is used strategically, it can provide access to mathematics for all students." It also point out that technology can't replace the teaching of concepts, computation or problem sovling skills. I agree with their position. What do you think?
Rosalind

Writing Program

In Reading Class last night we used a writing program called MY Access. It was a great program not lonly for students but for teachers as well. It is geared toward all grade levels. It provides information for teachers & students. A writing prompt is chosen & the students write about it. The type of writing is also schosen. the students can receive help with vocabulary, editing etc.
They can rewrite & submit for correction as many times as the teacher programed. It gives instant feedback so the students know where they went wrong & how they can improve. I think it is a very beneficial tool.
Rosalind

Article from Technology & Learning

I found an article about the digital classroom. It can be found at www.techlearning.com in the February edition, or maybe your tech person might have the maginze. The writer points out that the evolution of technology has been occuring for the past 30 years, and most people have tried to keep up with the changes. She say,"with three decades of digital experience under our belt, the time is ripe to begin instituting true change."

The students of today are different. They are used to using many forms of technology. She talks about studies that show 1/4 of today's students think school is meaningful, and less than 1/2 think school will have no impact on their sucess. The studies also showed that when media was used in the lessons, the students became more engaged. There then has to be a new kind of teacher who will create learning opportunties to motivate students to develop their skills and carry it through life.

The 21st century classroom will need to be able to do global networking be collaborative. We all know that technology keeps advancing at a faster & faster rate, but I don't think it should be used ffor everything in a classroom.
Rosalind

Power School verus Excel

Excel appears to be too time consuming & has way too many steps. Grading programs should be time saving for educators. Excel is made up of spreadsheets. They are made up or columns, rows, cells. Each cell is made up of a text, number data and formulas. I think its information is limited. Power School is a program by Pearson. It is teacher friendly. It doesn't only give grades. It also allows parents the freedom to view their child's grades as many times a day as they wish. They receive a protected password. Report cards as well as progressreports can also be generated. Attendance is done. Assignments, calendars, birthdays, and personal data can be obtained easily.The information is backed up daily & stored on servers if if the computers are stolen or crash. Power School offers so much more. Excel is limited to grades to grades only.

End of School

Our last day was Friday. Now I will be able to concentrate on all my administrative paper work that has piled up. Although I really have to make sure that I have all my work is done for this clacc & the reading class. That is what I spent most of the weekend doing.
Rosalind