Twitter Blog

At first, I was really hesitant on establishing a twitter account.  I am not a person who works well with technology until I took this class. This summer I have learned so much about technology and how to incorporate it in my content.  I am not saying that I am an expert on technology, but I am working my way there.

Establishing a twitter account has helped me connect with people and technology that will help me become a better teacher.  For example, PBS teacher is a great resource on twitter.  They just recently tweeted a great way to teach the Constitution through this hash tag #HistoryTeacher   ow.ly/mYb19. Teacher.Net is also a great resource on twitter.  They have a chat where you can ask questions and comment to another educator.  Just the other day someone tweeted “A1. Is bringing wonder, passion, and imagination back into the classroom for students and teachers. #iledchat”

I really enjoy reading everyone tweets and learning new teaching methods on twitter but the thing I   enjoy most is the information I obtain about Social Studies.  I met this amazing man name Dave Burgess.  He conducted a workshop I attended and his teaching methods really blew my mind.  I follow him on twitter and he gives great teaching tips and he gives information about professional development workshop.  He sometimes uses the #tlap.

I have benefited from using twitter.  I probably will continue to use it to help me as a teacher and a life long learner.

Symbaloo Webmix

I think that social bookmarking will be helpful tool in teaching.  This is the link to my social bookmarks. http://www.symbaloo.com/shared/AAAAA_9XBSoAA41_V9QixA==

Great website on Assistive Technology. http://t.co/oDj0m8pglw............ #ED5059413UWA

— Kendra A. Cook (@kendrac456) July 17, 2013

Assistive Technology

    After completing the module on assistive technology and reading chapter 15 in the textbook, I have so much knowledge on assistive technology.  I remember when I was doing my student teaching I had a student who used a portable keyboard to complete his assignments.  I did not realize then that for this portable keyboard to be used by a student it took a lot of training and meetings with the Implementing Team.

   There are several different types of disabilities that student deal with every day.  There are several methods in technology today that help students with disabilities to receive the same education as regular education students.  Students with mild disabilities can have problems writing a paper, therefore they can use voice recognition to help them with an writing assignment instead of writing on paper.  Students with a more severe disability need the lessons broken down. www.ablenetinc.com  is a great resource to help students with severe disability.  Students with physical disabilities can use an alternative to using a keyboard by using switches for controlling and getting input to the computer.  Teachers may have a student with a sensory disability like hearing loss.  The teacher can use a wireless microphone and the student can wear a receiver that amplifies the teacher’s voice as a form of assistive technology to help the student hear her clearly.   Students who are at risk of failing can use websites like www.brainpop.com to improve their learning.  Gifted students can create web pages and engage in self-directed research.

     Assistive Technology is a great resource to aid in the success of students with disabilities.  Reach One Teach One with assistive technology.

Watch my video on @animoto called "3 Branches of Government" http://t.co/q843nVGfr9

— Kendra A. Cook (@kendrac456) July 9, 2013

Branches of government Blabberize

My Video on Three Branches of Government

Make your own slideshow with music at Animoto.

Glogster Post

Web 2.0 Resources

It’s week six and I think this was the toughest assignment so far.  I enjoyed learning about Web 2.0 resources but it was difficult putting everything together.  I watched youtube tutorial for help.  Our textbook describes tutorial instruction in chapter eight as “offer instruction and information on topics” (Roblyer & Doering 2013).  I don’t think I would have completed the assignment without the tutorial. 

In chapter seven of our textbook, it discusses distance learning.  One of the free choices Web 2.0 resources we could have use was voice thread and it is used for distance learning.  I used blabberize and it was fun putting my voice over pictures.  In chapter six of our textbook, “audio resources are hypermedia authoring programs offers users a number of ways to incorporate audio clips” (Roblyer & Doering 2013).  Our textbook has been a great resource for these assignments.

 I made glogster posters which turned out to be nice once I figured out how to use it.  The biggest problem I had with glogster was it took too long to save.  I loved the animoto it is easy to maneuver.  I think this will be a great icebreaker to begin a lesson.  I hope you enjoy my Web 2.0 resources.

Mobile Technology In The Classroom

Your cell phone is not just a phone anymore.  Mobile technology is so important in today’s society.  Everywhere you go someone is texting, social networking, and taking pictures with their mobile devices.  In chapter one of our textbook the author states, “In the early 2000s, portable devices such as the Apple IPhone, and iPad made Internet access and computer power ubiquitous” (Roblyer & Doering 2013. p9).   After reading chapter 4 in our textbooks I learned that software tools are flexible and can be transferred to mobile device and this makes learning flexible for students and teachers.

As a Social Studies Teacher I find it hard to use mobile devices in the classroom.  In chapter 12 of our textbook, it discusses the woes Social Studies Teachers face when using technology in the classroom for example, Social Studies is such a broad subject and contains tons of information, this makes it hard to find apps that contain everything in this content.  Technology on this scope can also be costly.  As I continue to research I found that several apps that can help me use technology in my class.

1.        World Book is use on iPad.  This app describes this day in history using photos, music, and speeches. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/world-book-this-day-in-history/id364739528?mt=8

2.       Google Earth can be used on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.  This will be great in my geography class.  My students can look at planet earth with a swipe of the finger.  https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/google-earth/id293622097?mt=8

 

3.       Geocaching App can be used on the smartphone.  www.geocaching.com   This app will be great in my class.  We can have treasure hunts around the school campus.

 

4.       National Geographic World Atlas can use on the iPad.  I can teach my students how to use an atlas. http://www.nationalgeographic.com/mobile/apps/world-atlas/

One of the newer devices that are being used in the classroom is QR codes. “QR codes are small two dimensional barcode-like images that can be scanned with mobile device such as a smart phone in order to send the user to an Internet site” (Robyler & Doering, 2013 p218).  I don’t think that I am ready to use this in my classroom yet.  Everyday technology is improving therefore we have to continue to improve with it as educators.  I plan on using Geocahing in my class this school year.  My students will work in groups to find people and items around the school. This will help my student understand GPS and GIS.  I am excited about using more technology in my classroom.

 

 

 

 

Mobile Technology in the Classroom Video

Great article on Introducing technology into your classroom. http://t.co/tMhBpj4KMv............ #ED5059413UWA

— Kendra A. Cook (@kendrac456) July 1, 2013

Check out this site for instructional software for social studies. http://t.co/lzal5lgc2U .... #ED5059413UWA

— Kendra A. Cook (@kendrac456) June 25, 2013

Instructional Software

First let me say that I enjoyed working on this assignment because I founded some interesting software programs that I can incorporate in my class.    These chapters about software were helpful.  In chapter five, I learned about material generator software tools. I actually use Exam View in my class.  It is excellent I cannot live without it.  I did not realize that software was classified in different categories. I think that the drill and practice type of instructional software will be useful in my social studies classes.  Roblyer and Doering describes drill and practice as software functions provide exercises in which students work example items, usually on at a time, and receive feedback on their correctness.  This would be great to help my students review for test.  I am excited about starting my lesson plans for the new school year.

Drill & Practice

Sheppard Software is free educational game website that provides many drill and practice games for social studies and other content area.  www.sheppardsoftware.com This software will help my student’s with practice in geography.  This will also help them prepare for their chapter and unit test.

Tutorial

Talking walls by River deep is a software and literature bundle that takes students through contemporary history by examining famous walls throughout the world.  From this software my students can access Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego Treasures of Knowledge. Students can build their world geography and problem-solving skills while involved in challenging missions, solving puzzles and uncovering stolen treasures.  www.riverdeep.net

Stimulation

Our textbook defines stimulation as “a computerized model of real or imagined system that designed to teach how the system works” (Roblyer & Doering 2010). In this program, Oregon Trail 5^th Edition by River Deep want all students to assume the role of various characters as they wagon train across U. S. to reach Oregon and West Coast.  My student can benefit from this software because it builds real-life decision, problem-solving skills, and writing skills.  www.web.riverdeep.net I will use this as extra-credit assignment for early finisher.

Instructional Games

Imperium Romanum by South peak games have instructional games for the class. www.southpeakgames.com   This software puts student’s in the role of Roman provincial governor.  My students can use this program in civics to help them learn where we get the foundation of our government.  This program also contains time-lines and that can give my students practice at reading and writing time-lines.

Problem-Solving

Problem-solving is center around a goal that must be achieved.  Breaking the Code software teaches student how to interpret hieroglyphics. www.superkids.com I can use this in my class I introduce ancient civilization in geography.

Integrated Learning System

I feel that I will benefit the most from integrated learning system in my classroom. “Integrated learning systems are networked or online system that provide both computer-based instruction and track and report on student progress” (Robyler & Doering 2010).  Clickers are an interactive technology that enables teachers to ask students question and immediately collect and view the responses of the class.  Clicker work great in my class.  I can review for test and my students enjoy playing a game.  These sites have questions that work with clickers. www.engaging-techologies.com www.sf.factmonster.com

 

 

Follow Dave Burgess on twitter. I attended one of his workshop. It was amazing..... #ED5059413UWA

— Kendra A. Cook (@kendrac456) June 25, 2013

Check out this website on 1:1 computing http://t.co/VXrINuPqvG........ #ED5059413UWA

— Kendra A. Cook (@kendrac456) June 18, 2013

Article Critique

1. Provide a complete article title and author

The title of the article is Evaluating the Implementation Fidelity of Technology Immersion and its Relationship with Student Achievement



2. State the intended audience.



The intended audience of this article is anyone interesting in improving teacher and student outcomes when focusing on 1:1 computing.




3.What is/are the research question/questions or hypothesis/hypotheses

The hypotheses are:

"An improved school environment for technology is expected to produce teachers who are more technically proficient, use technology for professional productivity have students to use technology in the classroom, and use laptop and digital resources to increase the intellectual rigor of the lessons" (Kelly S. Shapley, Daniel Sheehan, Catherine Maloney, & Fanny Caranikas-Walker 2010).

“Change school and classrom conditions are expected to improve students’ technology proficiency, learning experiences, collaborative interactions with peers, personal self-direction, and engagement in school and learning” (Kelly S. Shapley, Daniel Sheenhan, Catherine Maloney & Fanny Caranikas-Walker January 2010).


 

4. Describe the subject(participant)and the procedures(methods)used by researchers?



The participant in this study were 21 treatment schools and 21 control schools that enrolled grades 6 to 8 students. Each student and teacher was given a laptop. There was wireless access throughout the campus, curricular, and assessment resources, professional development, and ongoing technical support provided.



5. What were the conclusions of the researchers? Do you agree or disagree with the conclusions? Support your position.



"Results across three years for 21 immersions schools show that the average level of school support the Technology Immersion and teachers' Classroom Immersion increase slightly while Students Access and Used declined"(Kelly S. Shapley, Daniel Sheehan, Catherine Maloney, Fanny Caranikas-Walker 2010). I agree with this conclusion because the I think the researchers should have focused on one study at a time. There was too much required for the schools to improve up on. I also feel there were too many school involved in the study.



6. What suggestions for further research do the authors suggest? What other suggestions for future research would you suggest?



The authors suggested that Technology Immersion can be implemented with fidelity if districts and schools are committed to model's specifications. My suggestions for future research would be focus more on student involvement. I feel that if we show students how technology would benefit their future they will be more acceptable to using it. The authors of our textbook discusses how illustrating real-world relevance through visual presentation can help student's connect their school work to their future life and work.(Doering & Roblyer 2013).

Digital Citizenship Project

     Technology is changing every day and we as teachers have to teach our students about the changes in technology. According to International Society for Technology, digital citizenship is a way to prepare students for a society full of technology.

     The three topics I chose for my digital citizenship project are the risks of online social networking, the new plagiarism and academic dishonesty, and the best practices with technology. I am very interesting in these three topics because I feel they affect me as a middle school teacher. Our class textbook has given me important information on each of these topics.

   There are several risks of online social networking and one thing I know that a lot of my middle school students face is cyberbullying. According to Roblyer and Doering (2013), cyberbullying used in social network harassment is a growing concern that mirrors similar bullying done on school campuses. A study of over 1, 450 adolescents aged 12 to 17 by Juvonen and Gross (2008), "found 72% of adolescents reported have been cyberbullied," (116). Cyberbullying is a serious problem in our school; therefore, we need to teach our students how to avoid and to report these situations.

Help stop cyberbullying. Please visit: www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/

     With the new improvements to online information, there will always be a risk of a student using information as their own. The new plagiarism and academic dishonesty is also known as cyber cheating or online cheating (Roblyer and Doering 14). Online schools try to avoid this by using remote proctors like we do at University of West Alabama. Turnitin is also a site that helps prevent plagiarism incidents.

     The last topic of my digital citizen project was the best practice of technology. The best practice of technology is to teach students how to use it correctly and how to avoid risky situations online.

 

 

References

Filigree Consulting (2012). Instructional technology and collaborative learning best practices: global

     report and recommendations. Retrieved from SMART Interactive Solutions website: http://vault

     Smarttech.com/assessment/education_whitepapers_web.pdf?WT.ac=edresearch

Mishna, F., Cook, C., Gadalla, T., Daciuk, J. and Solomon, S. (2010), Cyber bullying behaviors among  

     middle and high school students. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 80: 362–374.

     doi: 10.1111/j.1939-0025.2010.01040.x

OhioCommissionDRCM (2008, December 3). Talent show - cyberbullying prevention commercial    

     [Video File]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdQBurXQOeQ

Ribble, Mike. (2013). Digital citizenship: using technology appropriately. http://www.digital

    citizenship.net

 

Roblyer, M. D., & Doering, Aaron H. (2013). Intergrating educational technology into teaching.    

     Boston: Pearson Education, Inc.





History Resources

If you would like to learn more about history, the websites listed below are a great tool for you.

www.besthistorysites.net
www.ushistory.org
www.history.com
www.historyteacher.net

Follow me on Twitter!

You can follow me on Twitter at @kendrac456 to find out more information about the fantastic technology resources that can be used to enhance lessons in the classroom.

Discovery Education

Discovery Education is something that I use in my classroom on a regular basis to show videos that relate to my lessons. I can show videos on geography and civics to help my students better understand the content being taught.

I love using this tool in the classroom because it helps students who are more visual learners. Lower-level students are given the opportunity to be able to fill in learning gaps and also have a mental recognition of key concepts and ideas I am conveying through my instruction. This method is easily adaptable to inquiry-based instruction which will allow students to ask questions and/or make connections to lessons they have learned.

Discovery Education offers a wealth of resources that can be used in any classroom. It is an excellent resource for teachers looking for multimedia additions to their lessons.