Course Reflection

           I have learned so many great things in IT 365. The things I have learned are great to take with me as a teacher for use in the classroom. I have learned to make a blog, website, movies, and use tools Google has to offer. I also learned to use web tools and Turnitin, which is a great plagiarism tool. My favorite thing I learned was how to make things easier for students with impairments.   

     My favorite assignment in the class was to make a movie on a personal experience or trip. I just had a great time making my movie. Once I learned how to use the moviemaker it was defiantly an eye opener. Teachers could use moviemaker for great ideas. Some of the ideas I thought of were an end of the year movie of how far the students have come, graduation parties, experiences that the class has had as a whole, and there are so much more. I also loved learning about the tools Google has to offer. I did not realize how much you could do with a Google account and it was free. Google has slides, docs, blogger, sheets, sites, and so much more. Everyone loves things that are free and both teachers and students can use these tools on Google at anytime. You can even allow people to see and edit your documents on Google.

My weakness in this class would be the website and blogger. I work at a school now and the school does not require or encourage teachers to have their own website. Teachers are so caught up in work and teaching that it is hard to fine time to manage the website and blog. The school has a website, which I love and it is great for parents to find out information. I think teachers would have a hard time managing time to create and update a website. I also did not like the blogger. Teachers in today’s world can only talk to parents through phone calls, conference meetings, or emails. There are so many rules, that teachers have to abide by.

I think that working in a school setting and seeing what teachers are doing in the classrooms is why I have weak points. I think everything that I have learned, in this class, are wonderful ideas though. I could improve on my weaknesses by giving ideas and pointers to help make the school website better and easy to access. I could tell other teachers about the advantages of blogs. I think that blogs are a great idea for high school and college students to keep track on what projects, assignments, and homework they previously had to work on.

I think every student should learn how to use technology, but only in positive ways. I remember when I was in pre-k three I learned how to play educational games on the computer. I also would play on the computer when I was at home. I have learned a lot more about using computers and different programs in this class. Exposing children to great tools such as computers, technology can brighten and give children experience. Students can write papers, track grades, make PowerPoint presentations, and learn how to search educational information on the Internet. I think every student should be required to take a computer class in high school.

When I become a teacher, I will use technology a lot. I love using Promethean boards because they are interactive and it allows the children to become plugged in and allows the students to learn from other students. Teachers can create interactive documents, notes, study guides and so much more using Promethean boards. I think every classroom should have interacted boards. They are fun for the students to use and easy for teachers to use.

This class has taught me so much and I cannot wait to use what I have learned in the classroom. I am glad I took this class and it allowed me to learn new fun and creative ideas that I can use now and in the future. I am very grateful about learning on how to make tools available for disabled and impaired students. My dream is to be a special education teacher. The parts of the chapters that talked about students with impairments and disabilities really impacted me and helped me understand different options and settings and tools that are out there for these children. Learning about those tools made me happy knowing that these children can do things like other students.

 

Assistive Technology

           The assistive and adaptive technology assignment was a great eye opener. I loved how we learned to change the settings of the computer to accommodate the student’s needs.  Since I work with special needs children this is a great tool to use and learn about before I let our students in my class use it. These tools can help the hearing impaired, visually impaired, and the physically impaired.  I think that every teacher should learn how to modify lessons, projects, and activities for students, who are having difficulties reading, seeing, and hearing. The knowledge of knowing how to use and where to find tools to help students achieve their goals is a great feeling as a teacher. In this lesson we learned how to use print screen, change page contrast for visual impaired, use magnifier, and ToggleKeys which made caps lock make a sound when it was turned on. We also learned how to use visual flash alerts, keyboard shown on the page, put sound clips and pictures on a page for hearing and visual impaired, sites with sounds and pictures, and learned how to fix the mouse to different settings. Learning how to use things on a computer for students with impairments and difficulties is an eye opener. It helps a teacher learn how to motivate the child and have children involved. These tools are great for special needs children and it’s easy to teach the students how to use them.

            Assistive and adaptive technology can facilitate and inspire students through learning and creativity. Teachers can teach and learn through technology to promote, support, and create experiences for students to express themselves and encourage them to learn in fun ways using technology. Teachers can inspire students in many ways. Teachers should always encourage the students to be themselves, to be creative, and to never give up on their hopes and dreams. Teachers are there for students whenever they are down, need help, and need a mentor. Students are egger to learn when the teacher gets them involved and when the teacher comes up with fun, interactive ways to remember important information. Technology can help teachers find “catchy” songs, games, and clues to remember information. Technology is a great way for teachers to express themselves and for students to become creative.

Assistive Technology PowerPoint

Web Sities and GoogleSites

            Websites are a great tool for educators. Websites are a great way for teachers to be creative and show their personalities to the parents. Websites help the parents stay up to-date with the class. Parents are able to see important dates that are coming up, personal achievements of the teacher, a biography of the teachers, and find a description of the class. Websites can be a great source for parents who like to stay involved with the school and with the class.

            GoogleSites are also a great tool for educators. GoogleSites have wonderful tools that the teacher can use to make documents, slides, calendars, sheets, blogs, and so much more. GoogleSite is a great place to use these tools and it is free. All you have to do is create a google account and you will have access to these things and an email account. GoogleSites will also have the information you have created, like documents, sheets, and slides, saved under that category. Once you have created documents, slides, or sheets you can change to a PowerPoint, Word, Spreadsheet, Rich Text, and other types of formats.

            Teachers can exhibit knowledge, skills, and work processes representative of an innovative professional in a global and digital society. Teachers can do this by using blogs, websites, and GoogleSites. Teachers can collaborate with students, parents, and community members by using digital tools and resources to support student success and innovation. Websites and GoogleSites can have access to a calendar that parents and students can see what is happening that month and what assignments are due. I think parents would like that access because sometimes children leave planners and homework sheets at home. I think this would help everyone by keeping people informed.

Website Link:  https://sites.google.com/site/msashliesspecialeducationclass/

GoogleGroups

           Online social networking, such as GoogleGroups, is a great way for teachers to use in education. Teachers should always make sure that the school approves the use of this material. GoogleGroups is an excellent tool for students. Students can work in group activities together. An example of the students working in groups would be using the doc option in GoogleGroups. Students can write their part of a story or project and once they are finished someone else in the group can continue writing. Googlegroups allows whoever is in your group to see what you are doing on a paper, PowerPoint, website, etc. The owner of their group can allow their settings to let the people they invited to edit material on their page. I think this is a great tool for students to allow them to help each other on a subject, paper, etc. This allows the students to interact with each other and get to know one another.

I think teachers should allow students to use GoogleGroups. It is easy to use and it is free. Teachers and students could benefit through GoogleGroups because it has much materials students and teachers can use. They could use Docs, like Microsoft Word, Slides, which is like PowerPoint, and sheets, which is like Excel. GoogleGroups could also be used by a teacher and could be shared with another teacher. Teachers could add others to their group. This would allow teachers to proof read documents, slides, papers, etc. for one another. This is a great tool to communicate and learn more about students in a classroom setting.

Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology, to facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments. I believe that teachers can use GoogleGroups to express all of these characteristics. Teachers can show their creativity through teaching and learning many things that GoogleGroups has to offer. I think that if teachers used GoogleGroups they would see more learning and creativity through the students. I also believe that a more stable relationship within the students would continue to grow with one another.
 

Parts of a Plant

Digital Movies

I think that everyone should have the opportunity to use movie maker to create digital movies. Digital movies are a very easy and creative way to make a movie. You can use video, music, pictures, narration and add your own touches. People can use a digital movie for the classroom, wedding’s, graduation’s, birthday parties, vacations, and any other memories that they may want to remember. Digital movies can be sent from person to person once the movie is published. Digital movies would be great for teachers to create lessons, class memories, and an end of the year program. We have to remember to have permission to use the children’s pictures. I love the idea of making a digital movie and it’s a great tool for everyone to use.

I think that teachers could use this in education by customizing and personalizing learning activates to address students’ diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources. I think if teachers changed up the way they teach more children would understand the lessons. Children like it when teachers are creative. I think the students would be excited to see a movie on how to do a project or a lesson on the subject question. You could even encourage the children to get in groups and create their own digital movie using narration, music, pictures research, and a title and credit page. I really think this could help teachers interact and incorporate fun and interesting things in their plans.

 

 

 

Web Tools

             I think that Web Tools are great for educators and schools. Web Tools can help teachers create study guides, test, quizzes, worksheets, rubrics, and more. Web tools make it easy and quick for teachers to use in the classroom. The worksheets teachers can create can be short answer, word searches, cross word puzzles, booklets, tracing, math problem solving sheets, etc. The test that teachers can create can be multiple choice, true and false, matching, fill in the blank, and you can combine all of these together and create a exam The rubrics that teachers can create are all up to the teacher. The teacher can assign what score each category can be, what categories can be used, and you can add any category you like.

            There are many ways that Web Tools help both the teachers and students. I think Web Tools help the teachers by being creative, quick, and easy to use. Web Tools benefit the students by allowing them to have fun learning through worksheets and study guides. I think if you make activities fun for students by using any way possible then the students will love to learn and will never become bored.

            Teachers should address the diverse needs of all learners by using learner-centered strategies providing equitable access to appropriate digital tools and resources. Teachers should realize which students need more work to help them stay on track and understand things. Some students are not as advanced as others. I think that Web Tools can help teachers find worksheets and other items that could help students become more confident and more knowledgeable in a subject area. If more teachers could give worksheets for students to work with at home and in class during spare time this could help the student do better in class and it would help students to not become bored and become discouraged.





Example of Rubric 

Example of Worksheet

Example of Crossword Puzzle



Turnitin and Plagiarism

           Turnitin and plagiarism occurs many times a day in College and High Schools. I believe many students think that they can get away with plagiarism. If students only knew that they will get caught as soon as the teacher runs the paper through a plagiarism program. Plagiarism happens when you do not paraphrase things in your own words. I know that many students do realize how much trouble that they can get into if they plagiarize. Students may be suspended and/or expelled. I think if students plagiarize then he or she must face the consequences.

Turnitin is a great program that can help teachers catch students who plagiarize. Turnitin is quick and easy to use. The teacher processes the item through the program and it will show the percentage of plagiarism. I think every teacher and school should have a plagiarism program.

I think that teachers should always review and explain plagiarism. I think the more teachers explain and emphasize on how much trouble the student could get in, then the students would take the teacher more seriously. Students tend to procrastinate whenever projects and papers of any kind are due. I think when students wait to complete an assignment at the last minute this is when plagiarism occurs. I think this is due to pressure and stress and that the student wants to get it done as quickly as possible.

I think that many teachers could help students by exhibiting and reflecting on current research and professional practice on a regular basis to make effective use of existing and emerging digital tools and resources in support of student learning.  A good example of this, in my opinion, could happen when the teacher first talks to the students about plagiarism. The teacher could have each student look up reports of plagiarism and compare all of them with each other. This may help students realize this topic isn’t a joke. Teachers should also come up with fun interactive ideas to keep the children moving and learning at the same time. This topic is serious but make it fun for the students.

 

When a teacher assigns a paper or research paper, they should review the consequences of plagiarism. When using information from the Internet, students should also be careful.  Teachers should review all the rules of copyright infringement on the Internet with the students. Plagiarism occurs when student’s copy information word for word and does not say or record where they got the information. Students and teachers should be careful when downloading and using songs and recordings from the Internet. You should always read information from the site you are getting material from. Many sites require you to contact the provider, put the source in the project, or sometimes you can take the song without providing information from the source. Teachers and students should always be aware of the social, ethical, and legal issues of the Internet. Always be aware of what sites you use and make sure you do your part in making sure to include your source in anything you take form the Internet. 

http://turnitin.com/

 

Concept Map for Math in Special Education

Concept Map Reflection

I think concept maps are great to use in a classroom. I think concept maps help students learn visually. Inspiration and kidspiration are great programs to make concept maps or any other diagram teachers may need. For my personal concept map I used kidspiration. I loved using it. Kidspiration is easy to use and there are so many features available to use. There are pictures, fonts, colors, arrows, bubbles, etc. I think this program can help teachers be creative when making study guides. Teachers could even allow students to create their own concept map and this could help students with projects, reading, research, and planning. If students used concept maps they would, in my opinion, feel more confident and knowledgeable on any subject or project.

            It would be great if all teachers model and apply the ISTE Standards for Students if for no other reason they will all be on the same page so to speak in their professional careers. Teaching is the bringing out the best in each child by challenging them and inspiring them to help reach their potential. This is more challenging I feel when you have a group of special education children. This is the complete package so to speak, in the fact that in the five areas of the ISTE Standards (NETS) all aspects of teacher/ student involvement with the use of modern technology and resources are covered.

            ISTE (NETS) standards help the children to build critical thinking skills, which in the long run connect to make smarter and more productive students for many years to come.

Teacher Standards by ISTE

Standards for Teachers

Effective teachers model and apply the ISTE Standards for Students (Standards•S) as they design, implement, and assess learning experiences to engage students and improve learning; enrich professional practice; and provide positive models for students, colleagues, and the community. All teachers should meet the following standards and performance indicators.

 

1. Facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity

Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments.

• Promote, support, and model creative and innovative thinking and inventiveness
• Engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources
• Promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students’ conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes
• Model collaborative knowledge construction by engaging in learning with students, colleagues, and others in face-to-face and virtual environments      

2. Design and develop digital age learning experiences and assessments

Teachers design, develop, and evaluate authentic learning experiences and assessments incorporating contemporary tools and resources to maximize content learning in context and to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes identified in the Standards•S.

• Design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity
• Develop technology-enriched learning environments that enable all students to pursue their individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their own educational goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress
• Customize and personalize learning activities to address students’ diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources
• Provide students with multiple and varied formative and summative assessments aligned with content and technology standards, and use resulting data to inform learning and teaching

3. Model digital age work and learning

Teachers exhibit knowledge, skills, and work processes representative of an innovative professional in a global and digital society.

• Demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations
• Collaborate with students, peers, parents, and community members using digital tools and resources to support student success and innovation
• Communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital age media and formats
• Model and facilitate effective use of current and emerging digital tools to locate, analyze, evaluate, and use information resources to support research and learning

4. Promote and model digital citizenship and responsibility

Teachers understand local and global societal issues and responsibilities in an evolving digital culture and exhibit legal and ethical behavior in their professional practices.

• Advocate, model, and teach safe, legal,and ethical use of digital information and technology, including respect for copyright, intellectual property, and the appropriate documentation of sources
• Address the diverse needs of all learners by using learner-centered strategies providing equitable access to appropriate digital tools and resources
• Promote and model digital etiquette and responsible social interactions related to the use of technology and information
• Develop and model cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with colleagues and students of other cultures using digital age communication and collaboration tools

5. Engage in professional growth and leadership

Teachers continuously improve their professional practice, model lifelong learning, and exhibit leadership in their school and professional community by promoting and demonstrating the effective use of digital tools and resources.

• Participate in local and global learning communities to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning
• Exhibit leadership by demonstrating a vision
  of technology infusion, participating in shared decision making and community building, and developing the leadership and technology skills of others
• Evaluate and reflect on current research and professional practice on a regular basis to make effective use of existing and emerging digital tools and resources in support of student learning
• Contribute to the effectiveness, vitality, and self- renewal of the teaching profession and of their school and community

ISTE (NETS) standards help the children to build critical thinking skills, which in the long run connect to make smarter and more productive students for many years to come.It would be great if all teachers model and apply the ISTE Standards for Students. 

 

I believe every teacher should review the National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers. There are great ways teachers can improve teaching and allowing students to learn while having fun.  The ISTE Standards for teachers allows the students to engage in activities, projects, homework, and experiences. Students can improve learning while interacting and having fun. Teachers can show students how to become creative and teach students in interactive ways.  I love that students learn through games, songs, and activities. This way I believe that students will remember more information and will allow themselves to be open to learning new things.  Teachers should always encourage their students and allow them to be creative and strive for their dreams and meet their goals.



Website Link:

http://www.iste.org/docs/pdfs/20-14_ISTE_Standards-T_PDF.pdf

All About Me!

      My name is Ashlie Moran. I am twenty-two years old and have four younger siblings. I am currently working toward an elementary and special education degree at the University of Southern Mississippi. I am currently employed at Delisle Elementary School as an assistant in the special education self-contain class. This is my dream job and I love working with children. Last year, I was employed with the college internship program at Walt Disney World, and worked with Disney for seven months. This opportunity changed my life and I am very grateful to have had the chance to experience working for a Fortune Five-Hundred Company. When I worked for Disney, my role as a cast member was as a character attendant. In this position, I had the chance to work with multiple different characters. My favorite characters to work with were Aladdin, Jasmine, Ariel, Marie, Alice and White Rabbit, and the fabulous five. The fabulous five include Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Donald, and Goofy. During my internship, I met many people from around the world. Disney provided the college internship applicants with housing through out my stay. I had five other roommates. The two roommates that I became best friends with were from Japan and Ohio. My experience at Disney helped me grow as a person and become more independent.

 

      I love my faith, friends, and family. My faith is very important to me. I attend mass at St. Thomas the Apostle Church and help out every Sunday night with mass and Lifeteen. Lifeteen is a time for teenagers ninth through twelfth grades to become closer to God, learn more about God, and grow deeper in their faith.

 

I am pretty good when it comes to using technology. I am a fast learner and can figure out how computers, phones, cameras, etc. work. I took technology classes in high school and also classes in my second semester of college. In the class I learned about Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Access. These classes taught me many features about these programs that I would have not known on my own. I love using technology and it amazes me how much it has changed from when I was in high school.

I think all educators should use technology. It is a great way to help children become involved. I also think it allows children and young adults to be creative in creating documents. Technology is a great tool in which to teach children when they are young because they will remember and become familiar with the different features of the computer. Teachers can also use Promethean Board in classrooms. Promethean Boards are a great technology tool to use in classroom. These “smart boards” have multiple uses for classroom settings. The smart board is a great interacting tool to use with students to have them become involved. Teachers can show PowerPoints, movies, music, graphs, and so much more on Promethean boards.

My career goal is to one day achieve a full-time teaching position with special needs children to improve their quality of life. I work in a classroom with special needs children and I love every minute. I have found my calling and this is where I feel comfortable. I also want to obtain a degree in elementary education. I love children and I love to help them strive for their dreams and goal.The purpose of a Blogfolio, is for someone’s personal use to look back on down the road or in the future to help remember things I have done. A Blogfolio can be for school, family, our personal life, hobbies, and anything you like. My personal Blogfolio will be for my computer applications class for elementary teachers. This Blogfolio will help look back when I become a teacher to help me prepare lesson plans, computer related things, and become more creative in how I will present and create lesson plans.