Blog Post #9

A flipped classroom is a type of instructional option where activities that would normally be used as homework are used in the classroom, and lectures and lessons are online for the students to learn on their own time after school. This classroom setting is almost the complete opposite of a traditional setting. I think this model of instruction would only work if the students were motivated to put in the work necessary to learn outside of the classroom. The following is a link to a website with educational videos: http://www.khanacademy.com

 I have briefly mentioned Teacher Tube before in one of my other blog posts. This web-based resource could help me in my professional development. Not only are there videos on the site that I could use with my students, but there are also videos specifically to help teachers learn and further their knowledge. http://www.teachertube.com

I learned how to make a PowerPoint in a non-linear way through completing the PowerPoint interaction assignment. I previously had not known how to hyperlink slides within a PowerPoint. I liked that I had the freedom to be creative and make my PowerPoint anything I wanted it to be. Next time I can create a different game or make it more instructional. This could be used in my future career as a way to engage students.

Blog Post #8

I think the technological advancement of the 3D printer holds a big promise in education. The 3D printer can be used to create a variety of tools for students, including specialized tools for special needs students. Also, using a 3D printer to make learning tools is very cost effective and pretty simple.

I am on the side of the digital divide that allows all students, regardless of the technology they have access to, to be given an equal education. I think that assignments outside of the classroom should not be web based or deal with technology, since not all students will have an easy time accessing these resources. The digital divide is something that I will have to be understanding of when I am a teacher. As a teacher I will make sure all technological learning and activities are done in class, and that the homework I give is primarily hand written, this way everyone can do it. If I do need to assign homework on the computer, I will make sure I provide ample time and opportunities for students to use the computers and technology at school so they do not fall behind.

I learned a lot from this PowerPoint assignment. I already knew how to use PowerPoint, however I had never really thought about how I would have to learn to use it to teach students in the future. I didn't really learn anything new, but it did give me good and necessary practice for my future. I also had never really used the speaker notes, but that is something I can definitely see myself using more. I think I can improve it next time by finding new ways to present the information. I think maybe using a different type of list than the one I used would be a good way to do this. In the future I will be creating PowerPoints like this for my students so I thought the assignment was very helpful.

Blog Post #7

Using Bloom's Taxonomy to support student learning in a particular lesson on powerpoint can be a useful tool. The create step of Blooms' Taxonomy is utilized when you create your powerpoint. The evaluate step is utilized when you evaluate if your student is learning and gauge their information retention. The analyze step is utilized if you depict graphs and charts on the powerpoint that help to enforce the topic. The applying step would be utilized when getting students to apply what they have learned to real world situations, and maybe embedding a video in the powerpoint that depicts this. The understanding step is utilized when you list key bullets on the powerpoint, but give an in depth explanation of each. Lastly, the remembering step is utilized if you include a short quiz or an interactive activity on the last slide of the powerpoint that will help students remember the lesson.

Adaptive technologies are devices such as hearing aids, word processors, braille, etc. They are used to support learners that may have a disability in a certain area and need the extra help. A guy in my high school classes was deaf and used a hearing aid to assist him in learning. The challenges I perceive in using adaptive technologies in my classroom is that they might not always work and then I would have to find other ways to help that student that needs support.

A acquired a lot of new skills from working on the Web Page Design assignment. I had never created a website before so trying to figure out how to make one was a slow but rewarding process. I liked that I had room to be as creative as I wanted and design the website to my own liking. The only thing I didn't like was that I couldn't figure out how to embed a calendar! I think this assignment will help me in my future because it provided me with the basic skills that I need to create a website for my future students and their parents.
http://msketchamsclass.weebly.com/

***Sorry this is late! I accidentally clicked save instead of publish yesterday!