Monday, June 22, 2015

Reflection Post







Throughout my educational path I have taken many online courses. I have to say that this online EME 2040 class is one of the best and most challenging virtual classes I have taken without a doubt in my mind. Being able to debate and elaborate on sensitive topics without being interrupted or offended played a critical role in my understanding of the material in this course. Learning how others feel about certain topics broadens my understanding about the subject that is being discussed even more. Although it is fairly easy to decipher through a realistic post and a “fluffed” one, it is always exciting to let others know how you feel about their way of thinking. This class has done nothing but prepare me for my future in the educational field as a career teacher. One topic that I vividly remember going over and consider to be extremely helpful talked about a “digital teaching portfolio”. I cannot recall for once in this class a subject that I didn’t think was going to of assistance to me in the future. Module 3 for me was the most influential chapter for me which covered problem solving, communicating and collaborating. In that chapter, I learned the importance and effectiveness of learning theories and project base learning. Being informed about how people learn through behaviorism really sparked my interest, “People have no free will – a person’s environment determines their behavior”. All in all, I can confidently say that I soaked up as much information I could have from this class and will highly recommend it to future students.

 Cited Resources :

 Behaviorism | Simply Psychology. (n.d.). Retrieved June 23, 2015, from http://www.simplypsychology.org/behaviorism.html

Prezi
Retrieved June 23, 2015.Prezi.com

Sunday, June 21, 2015

Digital Blog Post #F





The Role of Assessment in Teaching and Learning:
Assessment has three interrelated elements, the new teacher assessment, student assessment, and the student-self assessment. The new teacher assessment is what all teachers have to go through in order to be recognized as being prepared to take over their own classroom. They have to work alongside other teachers so they can make the transition from learning how to become a teacher to actually teaching in a classroom environment. The student assessment is how exactly you will be able to assess student’s learning, grades and your own success as an educator. The way that a teacher chooses to deliver a student’s performance is extremely vital to the students ability to recover from any academic deficiencies. The student self-assessment is when the students actually get involved with the learning and assessment process. There is nothing more important than being able to assess each other in both roles so they can maximize the learning experience.


Digital Teaching Portfolios:
As a teacher, it is important to be able to adapt to any situation you are placed in. Whether it is teaching without certain materials that you are accustomed to having, dealing with a students’ personal issues that’s impeding with his/her learning abilities or knowing how to teach a specific subject. Maintaining a digital teaching portfolio assists you in keeping all the materials, resources and advice you have collected on your way to becoming a teacher. It definitely makes it extremely easier for you to maintain a portfolio that grows along with you and your experience.


Technology Integration Stages and Issues:

Anything that brings positive and good results will always come with its cons. Technology has supported the demand for different and effective styles of education. Not only has it given teachers an easier and more operational way to communicate with students but it has helped students who already have a difficult time learning in person a different shot at learning on their own. There still isn’t a way to help student’s families who struggle financially. Some teachers are completely relying on students to have computers and for those who don’t, are facing a problem that in some cases are hurting the families more than helping. 

Resources:
Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.


Sunday, June 14, 2015

Digital Blog Post #E




Standardized Testing:
This form of testing has been around for a while and has always been an issue for many people who cannot seem to agree with it. Growing up I faced this form of assessment many times, but three of those times were extremely crucial. The one I took was called the FCAT, whoever is from Florida can relate. Many of these tests, including the FCAT, determine if you are going to pass or fail the grade level. Like everything, standardized testing has weaknesses and strengths. For many students testing time is a very nerve wrecking experience and cannot truly show their potential. But people who agree with this form of testing believe students cannot be afraid of testing if they’re planning to attend college. Some people think that it is not fair to compare students with one another too. I think standardized testing is a good way to detect the flaws of the education system. Although I do not agree with it one hundred percent, I do believe it helps teachers, schools and parents know where their student stands.


Assessing and Evaluating Students:
Assessing and evaluating students is a crucial job a teacher continuously works on throughout the year. There are many factors that come into play when creating tests or assignments for students. Grade level and subject are the two major factors that contribute to the process. The three elements that also strongly influence teachers when assessing students is their personal experiences standardized testing, and teacher tests. All teachers have their own ways of thinking and being when it comes to teaching because of their personal experiences. Standardized testing is extremely essential because it is the teacher’s job to prepare their students for any testing they will have to take. The teacher tests depend on the individual teacher and their feelings towards assessments. Some teachers prefer long tests, short quizzes, multiple choice or long responses. There are many ways to evaluate and assess students depending on their individual needs and learning styles.


Multimedia Technologies:
Multimedia technologies have changed the classroom environment forever. Today, teachers do not just teach a lesson using a chalkboard and a book. Now there are so many technologies that can relate and contribute to the lesson in so many ways. Even in the lower grades of elementary power point presentations are being used. Power points can be used in any subject and in any grade because the teacher is the one who customizes the presentation. You can also write on your presentations on a smart board using the special markers that it comes with. Videos on you tube are also a popular feature that many teachers are combining to their daily lessons. If your lesson is about animals, then you can quickly pull up a video on any particular species. Since technology is now a big part of our daily lives it is important to have it in our classrooms for means of engagement and inclusion for each student.






References:

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Sunday, June 7, 2015

Digital Blog Post #D

Educational Websites & Apps: Educational websites and apps are now the easiest and most accessible tools students can use and understand daily. Students are able can access these tools on their phones, tablets, and computers. It gives students the ability to learn at their own pace and in the comfort of their home as well. I have witnessed students enjoying and wanting to use these websites on a regular basis. They can relate to these resources because they are modern and use a lot of the same techniques that video games have too. Debates over Virtual Schooling:I can see why there would be a debate on this concept especially for older generations that would not in any way shape or form understand this kind of schooling. Virtual schooling today is from K-12 , which means students who are being home schooled can actually work with real teachers instead of just their parents. No matter what there is always going to be parents who do not want to send their child to school for whatever reason. But, it would definitely be an advantage to have those students be taught by teachers who are trained professionals. But there are many reasons why students cannot attend school and can definitely benefit from this kind of program such as students who are athletes or who have traveling parents. Text Reading Software: This topic is one that can also be debatable. Fortunately and unfortunately technology has taken many jobs from people, making it kind of easy to become lazier. Reading helps students with vocabulary, which significantly aids them in every subject they will ever have. I think reading should be done by the student or teacher in most cases. But if there are students who have special needs then they should definitely have the devices accessible to them. Resources: Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.