Week 13 (Chapter 11 & 12)

What advantages can broad bandwidth and wireless networking offer schools? Describe the current technologies available for wireless connectivity.


Wireless networking is a giant step in progress for classroom instruction. This advancement in technology is important for both the teacher and the student. Wireless and the Internet are key to future of instruction and learning. The first advantage for the use of wireless is in cost to the school district. With wireless communication, there is no need for extra desks, extra cables, extra plugs, extra anything! Now, the classroom can improve the physical layout and accessibility by using handy laptops in lieu of the bulky desktop cpu and monitor configurations.

Another advantage is for the instructor. The instructor does not have to be tied down to one location for use of the internet. Oftentimes, the room had to be physically configured around the site for the instructor’s device. Now, more mobility makes it less cumbersome for all involved. This wireless technology allows students and teachers to access personal class information from anywhere on campus. No longer does the instruction for that class end once you are outside the four walls of the classroom. Now, without taking cumbersome books and materials, the class can easily be relocated to a field trip, library, outside activity, or another room to accommodate repairs, etc.

For Internet access, WiFi (wireless fidelity) is the most familiar term to the general population of wireless computer users. This technology allows you to access the Internet from practically anywhere – limited the same way a cell phone is limited – no tower. This technology is a great advancement for the classroom. It is quick, easy, cordless, cableless, and keeps information at the fingertips. Almost obsolete is the dial-up connection to the Internet.

The current technologies available for wireless connectivity include Bluetooth technology. This is a key improvement for all involved in cost, configuration, and instruction in education. Again, this technology allows the communication of various forms of technology without the use of cables, cords, etc. The various communications with other devices make teaching and learning a much more mobile approach. The best example of the great development is printing. Now, the computer can send the print job to the printer without the use of cables. If you have ever had to purchase a cable for your computer, you know the economic impact of this development. Further development of this technology will make the classrooms much more compact, but much more physically attractive and conducive to learning!

Week #11 (Chapters 9 & 10)

What is visual literacy? Where and when is it learned? Why is it important? Contrast Internet broadcasts, live cams, and Net meetings. How can each of these Internet-based video technologies be used in teaching and learning?

 Visual literacy is the ability to interpret graphics accurately. One of the easiest examples to understand what visual literacy is is to think about the term “universal sign”; this is something everyone can understand. The most frequent use of universal signs/visual literacy is road signs. Every road has some sort of visual cue for the driver. Think about it – hospital, interstate, highway, zoo, emergency route, parking, eating, restrooms, and other such important signs. It is possible for all to understand these symbols. These types of visual meanings are learned over time; familiarity is what makes these signs have meaning.

 Visual literacy is important because our society has become a much more visual world. The availability of information is so much faster, and comes from all over the world. The need to communicate to different language-speaking folks is imperative. We travel more, and we hear more from other countries so the visual component of communication is big!

 Time is also of importance to people. There does not seem to be the interest to sit and read news and information as in the past. Now, people want news in a microwave fashion – in 30 seconds or less. The only way for that to happen will be a picture (which is worth a thousand words) and the meaning needs to be clear and concise. It seems that comprehension is in segments; no long novel type information for the busy folks of today.

 Various types of visual communication are now available to everyone. The Internet broadcast, live cams, and Net meetings each have a place in visual communication in the classroom. The difference in each of the medium is significant. Each of the methods would have a specific use in a classroom. The Internet broadcast would have best use for announcing information to a large group at the same time. The information could be from anywhere in the world. It is a one-way communication that would not require everyone be brought together in a single room, but each group could see/hear the information over the computer in the individual classes.

 The live cam is a great way for learning from all over the world. The video is directly from live cameras placed strategically to gain educational information. The limitation is that if a camera and Internet access are not available, then you do not get the information. This is ideal for learning about animals, ways of life in all parts of the world.

 The Internet meeting is the optimal for active communication between participants. This is a relatively inexpensive means of sharing information, brain-storming, and general communication. This is an ideal method to communicate with classes around the world, and to see the class as it takes place. Meeting the students and freely communicating right then is a great way to learn!


So much is available to use to learn, and sometimes there is just not enough time to learn it all.

Course Reflection

I remember what I thought when I saw the list of projects for this class. Wow, this will be great was not among the thoughts I had. This class consisted of new information to me. I was scared from the moment I read the syllabus. Maybe I had a little experience with one or two of the lessons, but overall, it was foreign to me. I admit that most of what I was reading initially interested me. I am curious by nature, and I like to think I am informed about new technology.

 Hindsight reminds me that the lessons were step-by-step instruction, and there was no need to be apprehensive about accomplishing any of the assignments. It was just the getting started that made this such a tough class. I admit that once I started a lesson, it was simple. The instruction was clear, concise, and the explanation on use made this an enjoyable assignment each time.
 I struggled with the concept of blogging. I do not like to blog, or to read blogs. I do not like the idea of using them as a learning tool in class for my high school students. I think a blog is too unstructured for student use, and for teacher use too much of an opportunity to bloviate. I am glad I had the opportunity to develop a blog site, but since most schools do not allow use, I am not sure when I would use it again.
 The flyer assignment is a great tool for me as a teacher. One area of improvement for teachers should be written communication between students and parents. How much more interesting would be simple instructions, meetings, and the like, if it was more creative and visually appealing. The visual reinforcement of information is a powerful tool. I guess I was just waiting for someone to give me the go-ahead to communicate like this with students and parents.
 The progress chart is an excellent tool for teachers. It seems that most schools have a program designed to track required information. I do believe there is more class specific information that would be better understood if tracked on a less formal way; this progress report is a good tool. I will be able to use it right away in my class since it is a unique program, and no formal format is in place.
 It is impossible to ignore the use of the quiz in the classroom. Using PowerPoint to present a quiz is a fantastic way to check student progress. This is especially helpful for visual learners. Once the quiz is set up, it is easy to make it a permanent fixture for learning. This tool can also be designed to any subject matter for the classroom.
 The other tools I worked with were the puzzle maker, test maker, and the Rubric. Well, I can tell you that these tools have a place in the classroom every day. With the varied learners in each class, these tools will make it possible to meet the needs of many students. The Rubric is one tool I knew something about, but I never thought about its utility. I now understand the need for the Rubric. The Rubric is especially important to me, because it will help me focus on what I am trying to accomplish. The student will see this as a value in understanding expectations for an assignment.
 A Web site has a lot of potential for a classroom. I did not know anything about the design and set-up of a Web site before this class. I plan to use this tool, even if it is not specific to my class. The school has a Web site, and I cannot do anything online for my class. Again, I think some school systems have space for teachers to do a small Web site, but that is not everywhere. I also believe that the Web site will require a lot of time, if it is to be effective. The information on design was helpful. Not only did I learn how to best design for my class, but I now know how to look for the best designed sites for parents and students. My recommendations should be credible.
 TrackStar is an excellent tool for teachers. It will provide information about useful Web sites for the class. Since there are so many Web sites, it is imperative that the teacher provide help in determining which the best are for both parent and student. The Listserv is a tool useful to create easy-access to information for your specific audience. I see the utility, but am not sure how useful it is without a Web site.
 Lights, camera, action. . .this tool is fantastic. I do not believe it should be used just for a Web site. This is a tool for classroom use. The students can collect, organize, and evaluate information to present in a movie. At my school, there is a requirement that the students tape the reading of one essay. How much stronger this will be, when the student uses Movie Maker to complete this assignment. The student will be able to see what they are doing – doesn’t get any better than that for learning!
 For me, I still have a lot to learn. I will need to continue to use these tools to become proficient and comfortable in using them. I have to be careful not to let these tools take over my teaching. I still have a place in the classroom as a teacher. I want to be innovative, but I must let these tools find a place in the lessons. I plan to continue developing better ways to use technology in the classroom. If I stay with the school where I am now, the smallest amount of technology is big. The most useful tools for me in this setting are all the tools that do not require access to the internet.
 I highly recommend this class to anyone who will be teaching. I also see it as valuable to anyone involved in training, or general communication to a group. Once more, it was scarier looking than it really was to accomplish.

Week 12

This was an interesting assignment. I did not know anything about Windows Movie Maker, and now I do know something about it! It is handy for creating a learning tool. I thought it would be easy, and it was relatively so. . .I found a way to make it more difficult!
 I believe the utility of this program is restricted to classroom learning, and for use on a Web site. This is not a program that would be easy to use at home. A limitation is that it will not play in a DVD player, so the viewing space is limited to the size of the computer screen used to view it. It might not be the most appropriate media for getting a parent involved with a lesson. It is great for providing a tutorial to a student, when computers are available in the classroom.


This program will also be useful to help a student. I would recommend this program for a student to use as a practice for an assignment. This would be especially helpful for a student to see just what is being presented and evaluate his/her presentation. The creativity this would allow a student to produce is a positive addition to any research paper, or routine class presentation. I can imagine the information gained by a student just from creating a movie about the research subject matter; picture the following: photos of a vegetable grown in a foreign country, and then explaining the process to get that vegetable into our home in the United States. This project would require discerning important information, putting it in chronological order, and most of all, preparing the audio to accompany the visual. What a fantastic learning event for a student!


This tool is one that should be used early in the school year. The best way to start may be small projects that will culminate into a final research presentation, or a tutorial for the rest of the class. The list of uses is endless, and again, limited only by imagination. I also believe this will have the biggest advantage because it will require repetition of the information used by the student. Anytime you can get a student to re-read, re-write, practice fluency, and other such skills, you have a winning combination.


Oh, but back to my personal experience with this assignment. I thought I had it completed, and for some reason, I always get it wrong the first time.

Miss Byrd's Math Class

Web Site Reflection - Week 10

Here I sit thinking back on the emotions I felt when this assignment had to be started. I was scared stiff! I completed it and I do not think it warranted all the fear, anxiety, and confusion that I gave it. I have always heard that “hind-sight is 20/20”; now, I know what it means. Of course, Dr. Wang has heard me whining all the way from Sumrall, MS. I must thank her for her patience and the fact that she never gave in to all my complaining.

When starting the Web site, I was overwhelmed with what to do first. Once I got started, it kinda all fell into place. Google has truly made it a simple task. The first template I tried, I kept for several days. I went back to look at it numerous times. It just did not work for me. It almost appeared too elementary in appearance. I was trying to use a template that was definitely “education” in presentation. I have decided it is fine not to overdo the education motif.

As for the utility of this Web site, I think it would be great. My only concern is whether or not the school district will allow the use of it. I know the school where I teach now will not allow me to have a Web site; the school has one and they keep it updated with PR type of information. I have a friend who teaches, and her school provides Web sites for all the teachers. My friend’s students and parents can access testing information, assignments, and everything I used on this Web site. My friend believes the Web site is an asset to her class. She believes it is an excellent resource for the parents.

I will stand by my comments I have made from the beginning. All of this is great, but if I am not proficient, or if I do not keep the information up-to-date, it is all for naught. There must be a purpose for everything placed on the site. The site will also require a lot of time to maintain properly. I also believe this site could wind up being detrimental to communication with parents and students. Just like e-mail, people begin to rely too heavily on the written communication. It will be important to put only information that will be general in nature. It is imperative that regular meetings and phone calls remain as the number one method of communication for the teacher.

Please visit my Web site: GED Fore Golf

Week 8 - Experience

This activity was loads of fun! I enjoyed the learning activities more than I did the evaluation activities. I discovered that Web sites I find useful, may not be up-to-date. I say that because I could not readily find the information regarding “last updated”. I know I have seen the notation last updated on professional group Web sites; e.g. physician associations, educator associations. I just do not recollect seeing it on sites such as the ones I have been using. Now, I will know to look for that date. With math, unlike many subjects, I am not certain how much “new information” is readily available.

Since my teaching experience is in the area of GED preparation, I guess the only new information I would expect to find would be that of GED testing requirements. Math, pretty much remains the same, so I am not certain I am bothered when I do not find a new revision date listed. Now, I do find the newest copyright information. This info includes the origination date of the site, and two of the three sites listed 2010 as the second range date. I am guessing that is the revision date, huh?

I also noticed that the Web sites were more specific with the math appropriate age range than I thought. I just have never looked at the age recommendation information. I just know the site included information I needed, and with the varied skill levels I teach, it was a benefit that some of the information was more remedial than most may want to use in class.

Let me back up for a minute to the puzzle and test. These were superb tools for a new teacher, or anyone. I find I can use the test maker for daily isolation skill building tests, or for the more involved tests. This site will also be beneficial to developing individualized tests – not the struggle it has been in the past! I mean, I can make the test as soon as class is over!

The puzzle center was not my favorite. I find Discovery Education has a better site for creating useful puzzles. I found I could only get 10 of the 20 definitions included in the puzzle center creation, and I was able to get all 20 in with the Discovery Education puzzle maker site. I do not mind if the puzzle is spread out, I just need all the vocabulary to be available. Otherwise, it is not as useful.

Great time with this assignment!

TrackStar
Rubric
Quiz
Puzzle
Progress Report
Flyer

Week 7 - The Web for Teaching and Learning

How can a classroom web site improve communications with students, parents, and community? What is an acceptable use policy? What impact does it have on the use of the Web in the classroom?


I do not believe my thoughts on a classroom Web site is the popular thought. I do find merit in making use of the internet as a great tool for learning, but I do not find it necessary to have a personal Web site for each class. With that being stated, I do find advantages to the use of the Web site as an educational tool. As stated in the chapter, it is limited only by imagination.

The Web site will offer a communication route to the student, parents, and teacher. Many parents have access to the Web throughout the day and in the evening, and this could be a much faster communication system. It will also allow more up-to-date communication, because it is the most recent activity posted on the classroom Web site. A parent can be informed on what is being studied at all times; pretty close to being considered involved. There would be no “phone tag”, or future meetings on a problem that is taking place today.

There is also the possibility the results of a test, or classroom assignment, can be returned as soon as the “submit” button is pushed. It is often that a teacher does not return the graded papers as quickly as would be best for the student. This same idea of feedback is also important for the parent, and the teacher. Parents can more easily follow-up on a child’s progress, or lack thereof, if they can track this via the classroom Web site. The teacher will have a faster means to check for need to re-teach, if the assignment is graded immediately.


It will allow you to tailor the lesson(s) and mode of teaching to the various skill-levels of your students. The tools available are limitless. There is video, photographs, and written information available from government sites, other school districts sites, news media sites, and corporation sites. There is no need to spend countless hours developing tools. Now, it often takes hours to choose which information is best, but that is an entire chapter topic. These resources provide educational tools to the most financially deprived school districts and to every school with internet access.


With all of this information, it is imperative to develop a policy and guidelines for this Web site. While the policy may be the only “limit to imagination”, it is important that overuse or inappropriate use of information does not take place. I find that when you think you do not have to state a reasonable point, it is often then that you should. People do dumb things every day, and a classroom Web site is a very public arena that opens up a can of worms when misused. For the classroom, with so many people being able to access the site, it will be impossible to police to prevent problems.