Welcome!

Welcome!

Welcome to my IT365 Blogfolio! This blog is full of my writings and reflections from each chapter throughout my time experienced in this class. I want to teach second grade and this class has helped me better prepare myself for my future. I have really enjoyed learning about computers.
This blog has been created to show others what I have learned during my time in IT365. The "My Artifacts" link can be used to explore all of my assignments and projects done in the class. You can also use it to read through my reflections from my readings in the book. My blogfolio includes chapter reflections, NET S standards for educators, web tools, a web site, a photostory, and more! I have spent lots of time creating and formatting this assignment.
By reading my reflections hopefully you will learn more about the many things I have learned during this semester. I hope that you enjoy reading more and find my page easy to navigate.

Standard Five

Standard Five
5. Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership
Teachers demonstrate improvement in the classroom and community by using digital tools and resources.
Performance Indicators for Teachers:
• Attend global learning communities and learn more about applications to improve the classroom experience for their students.
• Show leadership by demonstrating a dream of technology infusion to improve technological skills of others.
• Stay up to date with the newest technology.
Reflection:
It is important for teachers to strive for excellence. A negative attitude from teachers towards technology could negatively influence students. If teachers all over America would take this into consideration our children would benefit greatly. Wanting to help others improve their technology skills is a necessity for teachers. In my evidence that I met this standard I included Assistive Technology because it shows that I understand the importance of knowing the newest programs for handicapped students. Allowing those with handicaps to be relieved of their problems because of technology is amazing. It shows that I understand the importance of the influence technology has on the lives of students. I showed that I am eager to learn about the latest and greatest for those students. I included my youtube video because it shows that I understand the importance of learning from others. It is a great way to get others ideas on a subject. This website has definitely changed education in today’s world because you can find a video on almost anything. It allows not only our country to communicate, but the entire world. I also included my website because it would show my students and parents the importance of technology. It would help to improve the technological skills of others.
Artifacts/Evidence:
• Assistive Technology
• Youtube Video
• Website
Future Learning Goals:
My future goals are to go out of my way to learn about the latest technology and computer programs. I also would like to attend workshops on ways to improve my classroom using technology. I believe this could help me to give students enthusiasm about learning computer skills. I also would like to use youtube videos to allow students to learn something from someone other than their teacher. I believe this would help them put trust in what I have taught them because they could hear it from someone else.

Standard Four

Standard Four
4. Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility
Teachers exude a positive ethical and moral attitude towards technology and pass this on to their students.
Performance Indicators for Teachers:
• Teach and model how to respectfully use others work and ideas.
• Show proper etiquette when using technology
• Communicate with students of all cultures and us the digital-age to their advantage.
Reflection:
Teachers are responsible for teaching children their boundaries on computers. Using other’s work is unacceptable and they should be aware of this matter. Showing them how to appropriately use someone else’s work or ideas is important to establish at a young age. It is also important that they know the dangers on the internet. Students can get in a lot of trouble for exploring illegal material on the computer while at school. They should be taught not to open files from their email due to viruses. They should be taught of all of the dangers that can be caused by the internet. I showed that I met this standard by the following artifacts. My digital movie showed communication with people of all cultures because this is a public video. It allows comments and conversation for those of all races and cultures. It is important that I am respectful to those of all cultures. I used turnitin to show that I understand the concept and importance of not using others work. I showed that I understand the difference in copying and pasting something and reading it to gather my own knowledge. This is a very important issue to me. I believe that it is really important for children to understand how bad it is to use something that is not rightfully theirs.
Artifacts/Evidence:
• Digital Movie
• Turnitin
Future Learning Goals:
My future goals are to use my webcam to communicate with educators around the world. America could benefit from this to better our entire country. If teachers across the nation took part in this we could talk about what we are doing in our classrooms and what we can do to improve them. I will also use turn it in for my students to be sure they understand that cheating and plagiarizing will not be tolerated in my classroom.

Standard Three

Standard Three
3. Model Digital-Age Work and Learning
Teachers share their technology skills with students, parents and peers.
Performance Indicators for Teachers:
• Collaborate with parents using tools and resources to support student success.
• Apply knowledge to situations and technologies.
• Relay information using pictures and formats that are available.
Reflection:
Being a mediocre teacher or an outstanding teacher relies on the understanding of advancement in technology. It is the teacher’s job to use all of the technological programs to the classrooms advantage. Learning for children should be consistent and somewhat entertaining. It takes effort from the teacher, student, and parents to be successful in this. I show proficiency at creating ways to communicate through technology. Evidence of this is shown through my website. On my website I have created an environment to collaborate with students and their parents. This will make it easier for parents to keep up with what their children are doing in class. It will also help my classroom stay organized and stray from any confusion. I also used pictures and a format to make it more appealing to the eye. By creating a rubric I have met the standard by applying my knowledge of the subject into the criteria. I am using information I am familiar with and applying it to a situation used in the classroom. Once again, photostory has showed that I met this standard. Relaying information by telling a story with pictures shows that I am well informed on how to use this program.
Artifacts/Evidence:
• Website
• Rubric
• Photostory
Future Learning Goals:
My future goals are to create a website for my classroom including pictures of what we do in class. I want not only for my students to learn, but also for the parents to be able to see what we are doing in class. I want to form good communication with them. I also want to use the internet to communicate with other teachers and get ideas for my classroom. I also would like to get historical pictures and put them on a photostory to create a fun and entertaining lesson for my students. This would add diversity in my teaching and allow me to reach my children on another level.

Standard Two

Standard Two
2. Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments
Teachers accommodate a classroom that makes every child comfortable with technology.

Performance Indicators for Teachers:
• Incorporate digital tools and resources to further students learning and creativity.
• Establish a technology friendly atmosphere that allows all students to pursue interests students might have.
• Acknowledge diversity in learning styles, strategies, and abilities.
Reflection:
It is important that every student has equal opportunities to explore their curiosities through technology. It is the teacher’s job to make students feel comfortable with digital tools and resources being used in the classroom. Being educated on the many uses of computers is vital to the success of teachers’ students. It is the administrator’s job to ensure that each student is granted a fair share of the equipment. It is also their job to use their judgment on what tools are absolutely necessary to have in the classroom, and which ones are not. It is especially important for students with disabilities that they do not feel as if they are being left out due to their disability. Teachers make a sizable impression on students. If a teacher does not used technology in the classroom, children may not see it as being important. I feel as if I have used several programs and I am comfortable with my creative abilities when using computers. I feel as if I could make room for improvement in learning about the different programs for handicapped students. Artifacts listed below demonstrate my capability to use technology to assist my classroom as needed. My digital movie shows that I know how to edit and organize video’s to expand the knowledge of students. My photostory exemplifies my understanding of tools used to create captions and images to better explain material being taught in class. The assistive technology assignment I completed shows my understanding of the different programs used by impaired students. These will all help improve the quality of my teaching skills.
Artifacts/Evidence:
• Digital Movie
• Photostory
• Assistive Technology
Future Learning Goals:
In the future I would like to learn more about all the many ways to help students with disabilities. Someone has to show them all of the ways they can use these programs to their advantage. I believe as a teacher this should be my job. I also would like to create several photostories to assist my lesson plans. These are a good way to stay organized and I personally believe the best quality to have as a teacher is organization. Video’s have always been an interest of my so I feel like I have got a handle on this aspect of technology. I will definitely find ways to incorporate videos in my classroom.

Standard One

Standard One
1. Technology Operations and Concepts
Teachers demonstrate basic knowledge of computers and use technology to advance student learning.
Performance Indicators for Teachers:
• Demonstrate knowledge on the basic functions of input and output devices.
• Promote innovative thinking.
• Use technology in real-world situations using digital tools and resources.
• Demonstrate technical knowledge that can be used to expand creativity.
Reflection:
Teachers are responsible for applying technical programs to their classroom. It is their job to be sure that students are grasping the many ways computers can make learning fun and easy. They should not only use them in their lessons, but should also allow students to create and explore the boundless possibilities a computer has. I have always found technology to play a major role in my education. In our world today it is very important for students to understand the many ways technology can improve and expand our knowledge and creativity. Artifacts listed below show that I have met this standard. They show that I am capable of fixing general problems that occur when using technology. They also show that I have a basic understanding of functions of input and output devices. My concept map was used as a way to explain history, which is my endorsement. I successfully showed my capability to link the ideas and give an explanation for each of them. My worksheet shows my basic understanding on how to manage websites. My digital movie helped me meet this standard because it required thought and creativity. It also shows my knowledge on downloading pictures and video’s. I believe teachers should be required a certain amount of time and experience with programs used in the classroom. This has been a great way for me to improve my skills and familiarize myself with several programs such as photostory, which I had never used before.
Artifacts/Evidence:
• Concept Map
• Worksheet
• Digital Movie
Future Learning Goals:
My goals for operations and concepts include finding ways to use these in the classroom. As a history teacher, I want to learn more and deepen my understanding of concept mapping. This tool could be used in various ways and I find it to be a creative way to explain history to my students. It is a good way for visual learners to grasp a concept or idea. I would also like to learn more about creating worksheets. This is a handy way to make an assignment look more professional. Digital movies are a fantastic way to visually incline student’s studies. A mental image will help students to see images and discuss them as a class.

Chapter 12 Reflection

Reflect on ways to use the classroom website with students
Websites are becoming more and more popular in the classroom! I find this very interesting and important. When I was younger, I would have never imagined that the internet would become such a big part of education. This has become a handy tool used by teachers. It allows them to keep in contact with their students and their parents. Children can sometimes forget to tell their parents everything about what is going on in school. It is a good way for teachers to allow the parents to stay updated on what is going on in class. One way this is beneficial is by putting up a class supplies list. It is also a good place to put up homework assignments and class policies. This saves ink and paper, which saves money for our schools! It is a good way for teachers to avoid any confusion or excuses of why a student might not be prepared for class. These websites are a good way for parents to keep up with what their children are doing in the classroom.

Chapter 11 Reflection

Reflect on the advantages of using web-based tools in your classroom to create
slideshows
Web-based tools have many advantages when used in the classroom to create slideshows. All students have access to them. They allow students to be creative. The internet is huge and allows students to have endless possibilities to what they access. Slideshows are amazing for the visual learner. It makes a lesson go much smoother. It also makes a lesson much more organized. They are much more fun than text books. They allow the classroom to have pictures and examples of their studies. Slideshows also enhance the creativity of the students. Editing pictures is always a great way for students to get acquainted with their creative side. They also learn a great deal about computers while having fun, which is always a plus. Working together allows them to use teamwork and use skills that most classroom projects would use. Using web-based tools in the classroom is definitely something that I will be doing in my classroom. It allows students to check other students work, along with teaching them about computers, and teamwork.

Chapter 7 Reflection

Reflect on ways to integrate digital images into your classroom.
Pictures are very important to a child’s education. Images are a great way to show students things that they will never see otherwise. They are also good for visual learners. Power point has become a very popular program. It allows pictures and images to be shown to give students visual examples of what the teacher is talking about. Overhead projections are also becoming very popular in the classroom. This is a very good way to show the entire class images without having to pass pictures around. For example if a science class was talking about trees, the teacher could show pictures of different trees to show the students what they look like. It is a good tool to expand on whatever a teacher is teaching. It gives students a better understanding on each subject. Images may even trigger something in their mind that will help them on tests. Using web graphs would help students understand concepts that might otherwise be hard to teach. CD-ROMs help learners have more fun with school. It makes learning a little more appealing to students. Pictures are a great way to enhance the classroom experience.

Chapter 5 Reflection

Identify Web 2.0 Tools and how they can be used in the classroom.
Web tools now allow students to elaborate on their studies. Technology has become a vital part of learning for students. It also allows teachers to form things such as podcasts. These allow teachers to post them and students can use them later. This is very helpful to those who need to listen to the lecture a second time. Recording lectures also helps students who are ill and must miss class. This is a great way for students to get caught up on their work. It is also good for students who are studying and need to listen back and be sure that they are right about what the teacher has said. It is also good for audio learners.
Wikis is a website used for many people. It is handy because it allows many people to be able to edit the information on it. It is good in today’s world because it is hard to find time for everyone to meet. Students can now simply put it on this website. This site is not always reliable because some people base things they put on their on their opinion rather than fact. This is why this is not a legitimate resource for students site in an official research paper or project.
Web tools are a great application to use in the classroom. Teachers and students can use them to their advantage!

Chapter 8 Reflection

Adapting for special learners is discussed throughout the chapter. It is not fair that teachers assume that all students are healthy in every aspect of the word. Some students are less fortunate than others and it should be a matter that teachers take into their own hands to be sure that students with disabilities are treated with respect. Knowing about the newest technology that disabled students should be using might help students. Teachers should teach the students more about what they need to know about their technology device. Inspiration is new software available to teachers. It is a great way to help students visualize what is being taught in the classroom. It allows them to make concept maps, and story maps. It creates an image for the student to relate the information to. This is great for a slower learner. It can be used for many different subjects. Having my endorsement in history, I did my Inspiration project on history. I made my center circle history and branched out to different types of history that I have learned about. I like it because it is very organized and makes information clear to students.

Chapter 3 Reflection

Discuss the characteristics and functions of operating system, application, Internet, and assistive software.
The main point I learned from this chapter is how to pick out a good computer to buy. First off, there are three main operating systems to choose from. An operating system is used to manage the hardware on a computer. This allows software on the computer to function properly. Software is a program or application that can be run on a computer system. An example of software would by word processing or database packages. Microsoft Word has changed life in the classroom drastically. It has made writing papers much easier and more organized. Excel is also very popular. It allows the user to make a spreadsheet. It can be used for various tasks in the classroom. Software can also be used in different forms such as communication. We can chat on AOL instant messenger, email each other, and even use blogs. Facebook is rapidly growing and has become popular worldwide. This allows users to share information and pictures with one another. As mentioned in chapter one, assistive software is used for handicapped students. This makes me very happy to know that the less fortunate students have just as much of a chance to learn as the healthy ones.

Chapter 2 Reflection

The importance of access to technology
Years ago technology was not critical to teachers and students. Teachers should be familiar with the latest technology to keep their students at their highest level of education. Over the years technology has made teaching much easier. The smart board is one new advancement to the classroom. It makes teaching much easier and much more organized. Another form of technology that teachers have started using is the internet. Using things such as blogs to inform parents about what is going on in the classrooms has also become popular. Using a digital camera could benefit a teacher also. Learning to use memory cards and printers would allow the teacher to be able to display pictures of their students for everyone to see. Along with what I learned from chapter one, chapter two also talked about technology helping handicapped students. One of the main points that stuck out to me was helping students with poor eyesight. I enjoyed reading about this because I cannot see very well. Growing up, some teachers were not very sympathetic to my vision problems. It is comforting to know that there are now ways to help students with similar problems to mine. It is absolutely amazing how many advancements our society have made in technology. We have changed the way students learn and I believe if teachers understand technology their jobs will be much easier.

Chapter 1 Reflection

Reflect on the characteristics of special learners.

When deciding on becoming an elementary education major I did not think of dealing with students who use different dialect. The thought never crossed my mind of having students who have physical disabilities. I also did not think about the fact that some of my students might be impoverished. Assistive technology has become popular in recent years. This is any technical device that makes life and learning easier for this disabled. It is important for teachers to know about technology so that when a disabled student enters their classroom they will know to handle the situation. The market is trying to promote these devices towards teachers. This way more than one disabled student will be able to use them. They would do this for students with more common disabilities. Those with more critical handicaps should purchase their own technical device to improve their lives. Educators are a prime target for sales of assistive technology. I have actually used assistive technology myself. I cannot hear very well and sometimes I have to use a recorder to play back to myself after class. After reading this chapter I will definitely spend more time checking into ways to help my students with disabilities. I feel like I will go out of my way to try to help all of the students in my classroom.

National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers

1. Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity
Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments. Teachers:
a.promote, support, and model creative and innovative thinking and inventiveness.
b.engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources.
c.promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students' conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes.
d.model collaborative knowledge construction by engaging in learning with students, colleagues, and others in face-to-face and virtual environments.
Having knowledge of computers will allow me to show my students how to make life easier by using a computer.


2. Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments
Teachers design, develop, and evaluate authentic learning experiences and assessment incorporating contemporary tools and resources to maximize content learning in context and to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes identified in the NETS•S. Teachers:
a.design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity.
b.develop technology-enriched learning environments that enable all students to pursue their individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their own educational goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress.
c.customize and personalize learning activities to address students' diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources.
d.provide students with multiple and varied formative and summative assessments aligned with content and technology standards and use resulting data to inform learning and teaching.
I find it important to make technology fun. I want my students to enjoy their time on the computers.


3. Model Digital-Age Work and Learning
Teachers exhibit knowledge, skills, and work processes representative of an innovative professional in a global and digital society. Teachers:
a.demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations.
b.collaborate with students, peers, parents, and community members using digital tools and resources to support student success and innovation.
c.communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital-age media and formats.
d.model and facilitate effective use of current and emerging digital tools to locate, analyze, evaluate, and use information resources to support research and learning.
I will try to show my students how technology is used in our everyday lives and how important this knowledge is.


4. Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility
Teachers understand local and global societal issues and responsibilities in an evolving digital culture and exhibit legal and ethical behavior in their professional practices. Teachers:
a.advocate, model, and teach safe, legal, and ethical use of digital information and technology, including respect for copyright, intellectual property, and the appropriate documentation of sources.
b.address the diverse needs of all learners by using learner-centered strategies providing equitable access to appropriate digital tools and resources.
c.promote and model digital etiquette and responsible social interactions related to the use of technology and information.
d.develop and model cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with colleagues and students of other cultures using digital-age communication and collaboration tools.
This is definitely an important standard. It is important because students show know that their are boundaries on a computer and also that using someone else's work is not acceptable.


5. Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership
Teachers continuously improve their professional practice, model lifelong learning, and exhibit leadership in their school and professional community by promoting and demonstrating the effective use of digital tools and resources. Teachers:
a.participate in local and global learning communities to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning.
b.exhibit leadership by demonstrating a vision of technology infusion, participating in shared decision making and community building, and developing the leadership and technology skills of others.
c.evaluate and reflect on current research and professional practice on a regular basis to make effective use of existing and emerging digital tools and resources in support of student learning.
d.contribute to the effectiveness, vitality, and self-renewal of the teaching profession and of their school and community.
This is also important because teachers should use technology to their advantage. They can use it for communication in many ways.

Computer Class

Hello, my name is Sarah Ellen Green, but my friends call me Rah.

"I am from a small town where the only thing to do for fun is sit around a camp fire with friends."

I am a junior elementary education major. I am also working on getting an endorsement in history. My intentions are to continue my studies by getting a masters degree in Child Psychology. I am creating this blog for my computer class at the University of Southern Mississippi. I have to take this class to become a teacher. I am glad we are doing this because I have been thinking about making a blogging site but I have not had the time. This is forcing me to do something I otherwise would have probably put off. I would have to say that my knowledge and skills with computer are advanced. I grew up around technology and most of my generation finds it to be second nature. I find technology crucial in teaching and learning in schools today. It is important that not only the teachers learn about technology but that they also extend their knowledge to their students. Although I take school very seriously I also enjoy being silly and having fun with my friends.