PowerPoints, Webpages, and Other CRAP

Using PowerPoint in the classroom has become almost essential and inescapable these days.  PowerPoint could be used to demonstrate every aspect of Bloom's Taxonomy.  For all of the components (create, evaluate, analyze, apply, understand, and remember), I would use PowerPoint to somehow incorporate them; I would create my own work in order for my students to better understand the material, and supply important bullets that allow them to study and remember what they are learning.  The information from my PowerPoints would show ways to apply the subject matter to everyday life or the tests.  I think that making PowerPoint presentations according to Bloom's Taxonomy would be extremely beneficial to the teachers and students, because they both would have the tools to really absorb the information rather than just memorizing it.

A wide variety of adaptive technologies in the classroom is more than just beneficial; it is crucial to the overall education of the students.  Different students learn differently and have to overcome various obstacles.  Examples of adaptive technologies are JAWS (an online reading software for the blind), handheld amplifiers that allow the hearing impaired to increase conversation volume, and Braille Note PDA (a refreshable braille display and keyboard) among many, many others.  These adaptive technologies allow those who may be in need of assistance or have any type of disability get the same level of education as those who do not.  It levels the playing field for every student and shields them from possible social ostracizing by his or her peers.  A challenge that a teacher could face while using these technologies could be that it would require consistent monitoring or something similar, but I think that these inconveniences on the teachers are worth the ultimate result; every child deserves the same opportunities as the others.

From completing the Web Page Design assignment (pictured left), I realized just how easy it can be to create a web page for yourself or class.  There are many reliable websites that make it possible to create a professional looking website that is easily accessible to students, parents, and employers.  I liked this assignment because it really tapped into our creativity and ability to design something that looks nice, following the CRAP (Contrast, Repetition, Alignment, and Proximity) principles.  I think this assignment can be used beyond just a future career.  Knowing these principles and how to apply them to creating a webpage that is worthwhile is very important and you could use them to create a personal blog, educational website, or something outside of websites like a magazine design.

Schools Online

Looking back at my elementary school's (Sculptor Charter School) website, I can see many tabs that show where you can look to find information about the school.  I did not see any tabs that show any specific information for classes.  They probably only show those pages to the students, parents, and teachers who have log in information.  On the page, however, you can access policies, enrollment requirements, academic calendars, and information for parents.  There is more that you can look into on the school's website, but those are just a few.  The school goes from Pre K to 8th grade, so there is much to choose from.

Right now, I'm hoping to pursue a job in publishing and editing, so using some type of technology is an absolute must.  I have to be proficient with Word, editing and publishing programs, social media, and many more technologies.  I will also possibly be required to utilize Excel to create spreadsheets and keep track of assignments or tasks.  Using advanced technologies (such as a Smart Board) would benefit me as well, as they could help to keep people engaged and they are a more interesting way to show ideas or topics.

I was not able to complete the Web Evaluation assignment because I was home with bronchitis.  I did look at the slides though.  Being able to create a Wiki page would be incredibly helpful in order to get a lot of information into one easily accessible page.

Blog Post 5

Web 2.0 technologies are available to help students become more involved in the classroom.  These technologies can be used to create educational blogs, become engaged with tech savvy students, and create new fun ways to express information, among other things.  The podcast mentions Twitter, which I really agree is very helpful for student-teacher relationships.  Through Twitter, the teacher can post assignments, reminders, and a lot of other useful ways.  Students can also interact with each other through this platform.  YouTube is another tool that I find to be extremely useful in a classroom setting.  YouTube is home to millions of videos (educational and fun) that can definitely be used to enhance the learning experience.  Minimal equipment is needed to utilize these tools.  A computer/laptop, projector, and a Smart Board, if possible.

I chose to review Scribd.  I feel as though this would be perfect for so many educators.  It is an online database that allows access to a digital library which includes, PDF files, audio files, and many other different types of work.  It also permits its subscribers to publish their own documents, making the available for the use and enjoyment of others.

This website is extremely valuable for everyone, teachers especially.  With a subscription to their services, you have access to over 400,000 published titles.  Here, they are readily accessible, making it possible for all of their students to be able to participate in a lesson on them.  They also have mobile formats, so reading on the go is more than possible.  Anyone would definitely benefit from utilizing this resource.

I haven't completed the concept mapping assignment yet, so I cannot reflect on how the aspects could be used in my future career.