My Beliefs

I can see where the next generation is heading as far as technology is concerned. I grew up without owning a computer. I didn't take my first keyboard class until 9th grade--using a TYPEWRITER!! I used a typewrite all through high school and when I graduated I got a job at DHI in Provo and I learned how to use word perfect. It was AWESOME!!!

I've seen a change in technology even since my oldest son was born. We bought him a few CD's so that he could play games on the computer. Now, our children can download anything off the internet. My youngest son has no fear when it comes to computers. He is in first grade and I still remember when he came home from school a few months ago to show me that he could copy and paste pictures of flamingos. He had just learned it that day in computers.

I know that technology is a must and I'm willing to put in the effort. I think web quests are so much fun to use in the classroom. I believe that classroom websites are a must and I LOVE digital stories. I loved putting it together.

My belief is this--We have been blessed to live in a world where anything is possible. I think we need to look at advancements as exciting and get on board and stay on board so that our future students aren't BORED. HA HA. WOW!! It must be late. :)

Lessons Learned

I think the most important thing I learned was that technology enables learning. It engages students in a way that teacher instruction cannot. It is also intellectually challenging for students to use technology.

In science, students are able to visualize and model their way through experiments. The article says that students stay on-task during these types of lesson because they aren't bored.

I learned during field that students learn in different ways. So, technology will benefit students that have different learning styles. The article states that it enhances the student/teacher relationship as well.

Thanks for encouraging me to have a Spirit of Discovery this semester. I've really made an effort to work hard. I appreciate your time.

Strengths and Weaknesses

When I took the UNI Survey and NET Standards, I realized that I am low because I am not currently designing authentic learning activities for students yet--other than the projects from your class. I am also in the apprentice stages when running projectors for power point presentations. And, I was able to learn a little bit about the document camera while on field, but I'm new at that as well. I am a pre-novice when it comes to smart boards.

My strength however, is the ability to work hard and be willing to learn. I want to be a teacher that uses technology so I am going to keep working at it. I am pretty good at power point, word and other programs. I enjoy using the computer.

I have a list that I have kept from Dr. Hudgins, Computer Technology in Education class. I have watched many tutorials and have read websites that she has suggested.

Brain Pop, Citation Machine, Table Talk, Internet Safety, Smartboard, etc. I've looked at a lot of websites that will help me in my future classroom.

Field Experience

I had a great time during my field experience. I was fortunate to be in a very good classroom with disciplined students and a great mentor teacher.

The students loved the digital story. We showed it at the beginning of our 5th and final lesson. They didn't make a peep during the story. I could tell that they were really enjoying it and putting together all they had learned from the unit.

Our teacher liked the digital story as well. She is a 2nd year teacher and recently graduated from UVU so she appreciated the time and effort that it took to put together.

In the time that we were there, she did not use a lot of technology. She did use her document camera during math time. It worked really well so that she could have the students follow what she was doing. She also used her document camera when reading a story so that the class could see the pictures while she read it. The other time that she used a digital story was for the 5th grade program. The 5th grade team put together a story about the soldiers who have fought for our country in the past century. It was very moving.

Now What--I do want to change a bit of our digital story. When we finished our unit, I noticed some holes, but haven't had time to make the necessary changes. I will try to get it done before the final showing.

Overall, a VERY good experience. So, I won't be in class tomorrow. I will work on the PDP at home like you suggested. See you a week from tomorrow. :)

15 March - Digital Story 2

What - Learning Copyright Laws. First of all--I have to say I enjoyed the way you taught it to us. It is a good idea to have the students research and share the information. However, ha ha..... I did have to get after group/slide #5...ha ha again. No, just kidding. It was very interesting to find out that Victor Hugo played a part in copyright law. Les Miserables is one of my all time favorites!!

So What - Thanks for showing us how to use the Creative Commons site. We were unsure how to use it properly. While working on our project the past few days.....we have been saving URL's and so it was nice to find a few pics that were unnecessary to cite.

Now What - I'm better equipped to put together my own projects in the future. I feel like I KNOW a bit more on copyright law and hope to keep learning so that I won't get put in prison. :) Also, I like having a little more knowledge about important things so that I can share it with my future students and colleagues.

We are having a great time putting our digital story together. We are just trying to tweak the music and podcast into the storyboard and hope it comes out like we are hoping. Thanks again for your preparation. It's been an enjoyable learning experience.

8 March - Digital Stories

What: Digital Story. We are creating our digital story about the Civil War. We are teaching a 5 lesson unit on the battles, causes and end to this war. We thought the digital story would be a great finale to the unit.

I was very moved by the movies that you presented to us in class. I can't believe how much can can be learned and felt through images and music. The Holocaust story was haunting and tragic, but it is a good reminder that it did happen. The Jewish people were treated horribly. Their legacy will continue to live on through our REMEMBERING. The next tragedy would be if we FORGOT what happened to them. Maja Angelou has said, "When you know better, you do better." I hope that we all continue to learn about what went on and make sure that we do better and never allow it to happen again.

So What: We have decided to start by putting our project into "chapters". We will have an introduction, then follow with battles, information, slavery and ending. We are grabbing images and have located music. We found the music on PBS' website on the Civil War. We thought the music would be a perfect fit.

Now What: I plan to use this technology on the units that I teach when I become a teacher. It's a great way to introduce a topic or an excellent way to wrap up a topic as we'll be doing during our field experience with our Civil War digital story. I think 5th and 6th graders would love participating in the production of a project like this. I plan to learn all I can so that I can pass it on and inspire my future students.

22 February - Vidcast Reflection

What - After much discussion, we decided to teach the Fifty Nifty United States song. We are teaching 5th grade during our field experience and thought it would be a fun teaching tool. We used PHOTOSTORY. Marlena was the project manager. We each took 1/3 of the project and found images and then put it together last Friday. It was fun to learn how to use Photo Story. Marlena put me in the "chair" and forced me to edit the images and set it correctly to the music. I appreciate her for allowing me to work on this project and not just watch. I have never worked with Photo Story before, so it was a challenge for me and because of Marlena, I feel like I can do it again and be successful.

So What - It is challenging to set images to a song. You have to be very patient and use a lot of trial and error. However, I have found that making mistakes causes you to gain knowledge because you have to FIX what you did wrong. We had about 80 images in our vidcast. We spent a lot of time choosing the photos that were creative, fun and different than what you'd expect. It would have been boring to use the outline of the individual states only. My personal favorite was our Florida image--so cool. :)

Now What - I see myself using vidcasts in my future classroom. What a fun and unique addition to a classroom website. Children will watch it over and over and the learning can extend beyond the classroom. Also, I think parents will enjoy watching the vidcasts so that they are able to see what their students are learning. I am learning that we need to step out of the box as teachers and help children to discover, imagine and grow in order for them to stay engaged. The vidcast is a great way to do that. I have some great ideas for future projects in my classroom.


Learning the States in America
5th Grade Core
Standard 4

We chose to make a vidcast of the states of America because that is one of the units that 5th grade students cover. When my children were in 5th grade, they had an award they could earn called “Give Me Liberty. They were asked to memorize states, capitals, presidents, preamble, etc. One of the ways that I helped them learn the states was by singing the Fifty Nifty song that I had learned when I was in 5th grade. That was over 30 years ago and I still remember that song. It is a great way to learn for visual and audio learners because the tune is catchy and the images were beautiful and unique.

In the future, I think it would be fun to make a vidcast that would help them match capitals with the states. I don’t know if there is a song out there that does that. I’ll have to look. Another great project would be learning the Presidents of the United States in order using the same concept. Also, learning the Preamble or State Symbols would be another good way to use with a vidcast.

8 February - Podcasts

What a fun project!!!! I had a great time learning what a PODCAST was first of all. I had no idea that I had been listening to podcasts for years. I think the thing that I'm enjoying most is the feeling of empowerment this class gives me. I am learning so much and enjoy the process.

Every week, when I get on your site I read the note that says "bring your spirit of discovery". That is a very comforting phrase for someone like me. I get nervous because computers are not second nature for me, but that quote calms me down and reminds me to have a good time.

Also, I feel grateful for the opportunity. It sounds silly, but I feel so blessed to be attending such a great university learning new things that will make me better.

I went home and played with garage band a little as well. Lacy and I had already made our podcast during class, but I wanted to check out the garage band. It is very cool. I'm sure I will be using it in the future when I add other things to my classroom website.

In my future classroom, I love the idea of being able to record my lecture or class discussion for a student that was absent. Or, maybe sending a quick personal note to a student or parent.

I'm going to transfer the podcast to my resource page. I've been reading your instructions on how to do that so I'll sign off here and get that transferred. Thanks again for your preparation and excitement for instructional media. It's a great class.

1 February - Google Part 2

I learned how to use Google Calendar. I had a great time color coding my calendar and getting organized. I think the best thing I learned about Google Calendar was that there are simple, clever ways to get organized and it will make your life run more smoothly. I also learned how to navigate the website a little bit better. I like having a digital organizer at my fingertips

So, I plan to use this calendar on my classroom website. There is a lot I have to learn, but I am willing to put the time in to make it work for me. The homework tab and announcement tabs are so exciting!! I love this. I'm horrible with computers, but I'm having a good time trying to figure it all out.

Now What: I know that one of the best ways to have a good relationship with parents is to have good communication. This calendar will provide that. I also love the Homework/To Do detail for parents as well. As a mom, I'm always trying to figure out what is due for my children and when???!!!!! Being organized and prepared is a stress reliever for student, teacher and parent.
I definitely plan on using all of these tools on my website in the future. CAN'T WAIT TIL I'M A PRO!!!

Thanks for all your patience and help. I will come to your lab this next Thursday. Sorry to read that you were sick with the flu last Thursday. I was looking forward to some one on one help in the lab. So, beware----I'm coming.

25 January - Google Part 1

What: We talked about google documents, forms, presentations, spreadsheets and the online quizzes.

So What: I did not know that google docs existed. I didn't have a gmail account until this semester. Now, I am using google docs daily to collaberate on lesson plans and other group assignments.

Now What: I plan on playing around in the other google areas. I am unfamiliar with them, but plan to get more acquainted very soon.

I enjoyed the website assignments. I can't believe all of the fun FREE websites available at our fingertips!!

18 January - Introduction

I love everything about school teachers. I have many educational heroes--in and out of the classroom. I come from a long line of educators. My younger sister is currently a principal at Northridge Elementary in Alpine School District. I have watched her for nearly two decades and am inspired at all that she accomplishes. My mother taught school for 18 years and she was a wonderful science, writing and arts teacher. She was just a great teacher. My maternal grandfather was a math teacher and vice principal during his career in Alpine School District. He has been retired for twenty-five plus years. He is 91 years old and continues to love education. My uncle was the superintendent of Alpine School District and now works for Brigham Young University. So, it is in my blood to love teaching. Each of these people are heroes in my eyes because they truly love students.

As a mother of five students, the quality that endears me to a teacher is her ability to communicate well, love teaching and inspire my children. So, I think the thing that I will learn from this class that will be very helpful is in communicating. I want to be able to communicate with my future students and parents so that there will be a connectedness. I'm thrilled to be in your class.

I have always wanted to be a teacher, but chose to have a family first. Now, my youngest of five children is in first grade, so I decided it was time to finish the El Ed program and follow through with my goal. I would actually love to teach any grade, but would most like to teach 4-6 if given the opportunity. I had a great teacher in 6th grade and would like to pay it forward someday by becoming a 6th grade teacher.