Blog Post #10

As a teacher, I think data collection can be helpful to gather information from parents. A Qualtrics link could be sent out to each parent to fill in information about their home address and email as well as any things I should know about their student. Because I am able to export the data as an Excel file, this would save paper and make it easy for parents to give me important information. This could be used for any class and grade level because it is something every teacher needs. Aside from gathering basic information, I can also use data collection for parents to sign up for classroom duties as volunteers.

The topics I found most interesting from viewing my classmates blogs were PowerPoint and assistive technologies. I also read a blog on AR/VR that had some cool ideas on how this can be used in the classroom. It was fun to read how my classmates plan to use technology in their classrooms. We have big dreams! There is a general consensus that we learned new features from programs we have been using for years. Especially the nonlinear PowerPoint project.

Next, I would like to learn about Smart Tables. I had not heard of them until class today. I think Smart Tables would be best for elementary school students to interact with technology. I can see how academic games can be used on them. I can also see how they are good for multiple students to use at the same time. As of now, I don't have access to a Smart Table, but I can research them! I would like to know how they work and testimonials from school that use them.

ILP #2 - Participation

For my final ILP, I interviewed a teacher who has been in the education system since 1990. She has taught at two schools, each in a different time period for education. This ILP allowed me to learn how technology in the classroom has changed over time. Since this teacher experienced two different eras of technology in schools, she was able to tell me her opinion of each. I think interviews are one of the best ways to develop a PLN!

Here is a link to my voicethread: https://voicethread.com/share/12392533/

Blog Post #9

For Blog Post #9, we were tasked with creating a Flipgrid with our opinion on the Flipped Classroom. The Flipped Classroom is an instructional method that sends class lectures and materials outside of the classroom, often online. Students teach and learn at home, and then come to class to complete assignments and/or homework. I like this idea, but I do have concerns with its implementation. Often students need help learning the material AND then completing assignments. I think students would be frustrated having to teach themselves online. 

Open Education Resources are those that are free to use and share. Often, students don't perform as well or end up dropping a class because they cannot afford the textbooks. Textbooks today are so expensive! As a student, I can vouch for this. Have you ever had to pay $150 for an access code? It's ridiculous! Here is an article that lists sites with OERs. These are super helpful for students and educators!

https://library.educause.edu/topics/teaching-and-learning/open-educational-resources-oer

For the PowerPoint assignments, I really enjoyed the second assignment where we had to create a game. The first assignment was helpful in that it taught us how to create a lecture. However, I liked the second assignment better because I had never learned how to create a nonlinear interactive PowerPoint. Below are screenshot of the first assignment lecture and then the second assignment game. For improvement in the future, I would like to do more with the lecture. I think there are opportunities to make it more engaging for students.