Reflective Blog Post

This course was so much fun ! I never thought I would enjoy an online course. Actually, EME 2040 was my first online course. At first, I was really nervous of taking this class online because I am a procrastinating person and I leave everything at the end. But overall I think I did better than I thought :) that I will be taking my second online course this summer semester. 

Photo credit to ForestForTrees on Flickr

I learned awesome things that I didn't knew at all like this Blog!!!! I never used a blog in my entire education, I didn't even knew how to open one. This blog helped me in many ways since this course is online. It got me to open the book and learn what we were actually learning. Also, I got to  learn how to use a different digital tool for each chapter, the bistrips and toondoo were my favorites. :)I will totally involve this activities in my curriculum. The discussions topic were really informative, what I liked the most was that I got to see everyone's opinion. Regarding to the lesson plan,  It was hard to work in a group since everyone had different schedule or plans. So, I enjoyed the WebQuest and the Teacher E-portfolio better even though I didn't got an excellent grade, but that was mine grade, not someone else's. I learned many things building these projects, for example, the importance of just having a website for your students as a reference, it means a lot. E-Portfolios are a creative means of organizing, summarizing, and sharing artifacts, information, and ideas about teaching and/or learning, along with personal and professional growth (Johnson). Learning how to critique a website it was cool. I felt like an actual teacher grading someone else work. As a future teacher it will help me alot because I wouldn't like to provide old information to my students. 

Photo credit to jennip98 on Flickr

However, teachers should take a technology course every 5 years, at least. Some Educators don't know the importance of being accurate with technology. It also enhances the relationship between the student and teacher. On this website, Technology Integration, Educators can explore new tools and strategies for empowering students to fully participate in a connected, technology-rich society. Overall, I extremely enjoyed and learned that technology can be challenging but worth it. ;) 

References:

Blended Learning: Making it Work in Your Classroom. (2014, September 11). Retrieved May 2, 2015, from http://www.edutopia.org/practice/blended-learning-making-it-work-your-classroom  

Johnson, L. (n.d.).  . Retrieved May 2, 2015, from http://eduscapes.com/tap/topic82.htm  

Chapter 12-Digital Blog Post #L

Chapter 6-Digital Blog Post #K

Being a teacher means being a constant learner about the subjects you teach and topics you find interesting and engaging (Maloy, pg 145). Especially if teachers are dealing with the advances of the technology. For example, I will be a math teacher. With the advances of the technology, hopefully, I will be using laptops, graphing calculators, or tables in my classroom. Since textbooks are quickly out-of-date, but school systems do not have the sufficient money to replace them as often as need.

Bookmarking for teachers now on days is heaven. Teachers of an earlier generation used files folders, notebooks, and other type of paper organizing system (Maloy, pg 146). Using a bookmark, teachers can electronically catalog and subsequently access Web pages with just one simple command. I think the hardest part of technology is  how to use Web resources with students while teaching. It becomes harder ageing. Even till this days, teachers from years of experience don't know how to use websites or this wonderful benefits of the technology.

There must be a better way...

Photo credit by nathanborror on Flickr

WebQuest are online inquiries by students-designed and guided by teachers (Maloy, pg 153). Technology offers teachers an additional resource that paper activities do not. That's the interesting part of technology! For example, WebQuests are designed so students will explore multiple options for content learning as they complete a series of tasks. Most include the following five stages:

• Stage setting
• Task
• Process
• Evaluation
• Conclusion

Technology can be demanding sometimes!

Resources:

Maloy, R., O'Loughlin, R., Edwards, S., & Woolf, B. (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.

Chapter 11- Digital Blog Post #J

Chapter 4- Digital Blog Post #I

Photo credit by BobboSphere on Flickr

Test assessments are a big controversy along the states. Students are tested to evaluate their academic performance and are ranked according to how low or high they scored. I totally disagree with state tests. Many students get stuck in 3rd grade just because they can't pass the FCAT? These children are little and their future depends on that test. How horrible! According to a new study on PBS article, says that students with good grades and modest testing did better in college than students with higher testing and lower high school grades. That's what I am talking about! GPA should be the most valuable score.


Technology makes our lives easier! In particular at work. To be a teacher now on these days is less stressful and way more fun. Many teacher use electronic grading software as a virtual recordkeeping system (Maloy, pg 71).  This program automatically calculates the overall grade without having to do some math. Isn't great? So, students can have immediate access to their grades, and allow them to see their progress during the semester.


Using technology in lesson planning is the most effective way to get the students' attention. The internet provides vast electronic resources for supporting lesson development using students learning objectives and understanding by design approaches (Maloy, pg 65). Also, using videos or pictures are a big attention gather for students. I love to see pictures as a examples. I learn more visually than hearing.

In conclusion, chapter 4 discusses the student learning objective, the use of technology to make lesson plans, how teachers evaluate their students, etc. Designing lesson plans with technology makes it better.




Resources:
 De La Garza, D. (2015, March 27). Untitled Banner. Retrieved March 27, 2015, from https://magic.piktochart.com/output/5254946-untitled-banner

Maloy, R., O'Loughlin, R., Edwards, S., & Woolf, B. (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.

(n.d.). Retrieved March 27, 2015, from http://www.brighthubeducation.com/student-assessment-tools/16137-the-pros-and-cons-of-standardized-testing/

Sheffer, S. (2014, February 18). Do ACT and SAT scores really matter? New study says they shouldn’t. Retrieved January 28, 2015, from http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/nail-biting-standardized-testing-may-miss-mark-college-students/

Chapter 9- Digital Blog Post #H

For example, digital cameras, digital projector, educational software with multimedia applications like PowerPoint, etc. Ideally, by presenting educational material in words, pictures, sound, and animation, teachers can take "advantage of the full capacity of humans for processing information" (Maloy, pg 244). 

Photo credit by hackNY on Flickr

Students enjoy using presentation software as a part of school assignments. Even though sometimes it can be embarrassing when there is a technology error! I remember when I took public speaking course, I was terrified. But, thanks to PowerPoint or Prezi my life couldn't be easier. Presentations provide visual dimension, key points, and also text can be combined with images. I felt much more comfortable with these awesome multimedia technologies. The Speak Up 2006 national survey of more than 23,000 K-12 students found that creating presentations and movies on the computer was a favorite school work activity (Maloy, page 246). However, creating interactive PowerPoint presentations it's not easy! It involves the following strategies: 

• use the slides as attention-getters
• develop your own PowerPoint learning
• display questions or comments
• promote visual analysis 
• use visual text
• make visual presentations

Another multimedia tool that is popular and effective teaching tool is video. Why use video in the Classroom? Teachers who use instructional video report that their students retain more information, understand concepts more rapidly and are more enthusiastic about what they are learning. With video as one component in a thoughtful lesson plan, students often make new connections between curriculum topics, and discover links between these topics and the world outside the classroom ("Resources").

Resources:

De La Garza, D. (2015, March 11). Voki For Web. Retrieved March 11, 2015, from http://www.voki.com/mywebsite.php

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.
 
Park, D. (2009, October 18). 10 reasons to use multi-media in classroom. Retrieved March 11, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRueMDK2-e8  

Resources. (n.d.). Retrieved March 11, 2015, from http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/ntti/resources/video1.html 

 

Chapter 10-Digital Blog Post #G

Technology supports learning success for all students. DI and UDL are often associated with instructional changes designed to meet the needs of students with special educational needs, gifted, and talented learners, or English language learners (Maloy, pg 277). It's amazing how we benefit from technology. I wouldn't imagine to be born in the past centuries!! Back then it was hard to success without technology support. Now on these days, all students can be someone important in life without obstacles. 

Photo credit by Toban B. on Flickr

Classroom learning with technology is the best !! Students will pay more attention if there is technology involve in the classroom, for example, videos, powerpoints, or just pictures. I would love to use high tech in my classroom since I am learning how to use other digital tools that I didn't know they existed. I wish students could use their tablets at school like we do in college because also this tools make it possible for individuals with hearing, sight, mobility, or cognitive challenges to translate text and understand spoken words and data with aid of a supportive tool (Maloy, pg 284).  


Calculators? what can I say about this "wonderful" tool. Now on days calculators make lives easier, specially for students of all ages. Also, this tool help students with disabilities, who have short term memory deficits and who lack confidence with number operations (Maloy, pg 287). However, I don't like scientific calculators that perform more than just complex operations. That's the reason why we don't use our mental math strategies. Many educators teach students how to do math only  in a scientific calculator, but  what about when they have to present a National or International test and universities will not allow to use them on the test? I want to be clear that I am not against these potential machine, but I thought that good math teaching was about developing mental skills, not on how to press buttons!  


Resources:

De La Garza, D. (n.d.). Tagxedo - Word Cloud with Styles. Retrieved February 24, 2015, from http://www.tagxedo.com/app.html 

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.

Chapter 8-Digital Blog Post #F

Teachers have to face an array of new choices about how to integrate communication technologies into their personal practices and related outside the classroom professional responsibilities (Maloy, pg 208). If it wasn't for this class (EME 2040) I wouldn't never knew how to create a blog. This is my first blog and I am really enjoying it. At first, I didn't like the idea of creating this blog, but now this blog is becoming part of my life. Thanks to this class (EME 2040) I am learning that there are many multiple communications technologies that I could use in the future as a teacher. For example,

• Email or instant messaging
• Teacher or classroom websites
• Blogs
• Online discussions
• Wikis

However, social networking like Facebook, Myspace, Webkniz, etc are part of our daily life. So, why not to make these social networking websites into educational networking? It could be awesome to get an email, online discussion or homework via Facebook. Social networking websites could be a faster way to communicate with students or teachers, also it could be an incredible learning tool! On this article, 100 Ways You Should Be Using Facebook in Your Classroom explains why facebook should be an educational networking. Instead uploading unuseful information on these wonderful websites, we should take advantage of them.

Photo Credit by Gavin Llewellyn on Flick

Blogs are a form of engaging students to become part of the educational process via online. Every english educator should implement this new way of learning as part of their assignments. I think this tool is way more fun than just writing a journal on a simple notebook. Also, students can comment on someone else's blog and develop more creativity. 

Resources:

De La Garza, D. (2015, February 22). Metro Teacher1. Retrieved February 23, 2015, from https://www.powtoon.com/show/cFRakHC4Nvn/metro-teacher1/#/

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.

Schwatz, J. (2011, June 9). Elementary Student Blogs: Innovative Classroom Technology. Retrieved February 23, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTToERnTKB4

Chapter 7-Digital Blog Post #E

Photo credit by Wayan Vota on Flick

Educational software refers to computer products and Web-based tools that are designed to promote student learning in school and homes (Maloy, pg 176). It's incredible how technology gives this new opportunity to children to have another way of learning. As the summer winds down and the students start packing their bags for school, they can't forget to load up their laptop as well. Windows has lots of great software that can help them study more efficiently and produce better work (Newman). Educational software can build the students' knowledge and led them into more studying.  

For example, educational computer games are the new way of learning for students from K-12. Math and Science can be difficult for some children, but video games can make it seem not as hard. On my own experiences, I have been into elementary classrooms for observation hours and honestly, children get so into the games that they don't even talk while they are doing their assignments. It's amazing!! Just by watching children it becomes very clear that they prefer this type of approach to learning. Also, schools should incorporate finals and midterms exams using games! That would be fantastic for children who are not good taking exams. On this video shows some educational video games we can use for our future children. 

However, I believe that educational video games has its cons as well. Some students can get bored or frustrated and lose interest in the games. Other children will play games repeatedly and spend so much time on the computer (Maloy, pg 194). Strategies to Increase the Intrinsic Value of Tasks in your Class talks about some strategies for using games with students.  

Resources:

De La Garza, D. (n.d.). Metro Teacher. Retrieved February 14, 2015, from https://www.powtoon.com/show/bRc5j0Qwnhf/metro-teacher/#/

Newman, J. (2014, August 20). The best educational software for students. Retrieved February 20, 2015, from http://www.pcworld.com/article/2466587/the-best-educational-software-for-students.html

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.

Chapter 4- Digital Blog Post #D

This chapter's learning goal highlights how teachers and students can realize the possibilities and meet the challenges of the vast library of information known as the internet (Maloy, pg 114). The Internet as became essential in our lives and has revolutionized the computers and cellphones worldwide. We use the internet to communicate, do some research, or entertainment, etc. Students these days don't have to deal with books or going to the library to do some research, they have the opportunity to become their own search experts. That's the cool part for me, I don't have to carry books or go to the library. It saves me a lot time.Good thing I was born in the 20th century!

Photo credit to Flick by technovore 

However, using the internet for research has its disadvantages".It is important to know that the Web is an unregulated resource. Because many unreliable sources exist on the internet, anyone – even people who have no expertise at all in your subject – can post anything at anytime" ("Using The Internet for Research"). For example, Wikipedia, which offers both resources and challenges for users. The key to success using the internet websites without getting irrelevant information is to use the library's electronic resources page (database), or websites ending with .org, .edu, or  gov..

Therefore, the biggest problem using the internet is when it becomes to plagiarism. Plagiarism can be really tentative since all we can do is copy someone else's words and paste into our work. But, what can happen if we plagiarism? One of the consequences of plagiarism in today's school is that student may be expelled from college or even lose their diplomas after they have graduated. On the other hand, "Plagiarism in one's professional life can have even consequences as well.  People in academic and scientific communities have lost their jobs and their reputations for copying the work of others without giving credit to it" ("Consequences of plagiarism"). Plagiarism in the job or school can have devastating consequences.

In conclusion, the internet is a great tool for everyone as long as we use it properly.  

Resources:
 Consequences of plagiarism. (n.d.). Retrieved February 7, 2015, from http://mail.baylorschool.org/~jstover/plagiarism/consequences.htm

Funny but teaches about Plagiarism. (n.d.). Retrieved February 7, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdOYE-FLNuo

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.

 Using the Internet for Research. (n.d.). Retrieved February 5, 2015, from https://history.colorado.edu/undergraduates/paper-guidelines/using-internet-research

Chapter 3-Digital Blog Post #C

Chapter 2-Digital Blog Post #B

How the new science of learning had changed. Back then, it was only one method of learning; transmission teaching- meaning the major focus and energy of a class comes from the teacher to the students ( Maloy, pg. 35). Today, there is many methods of learning, but the two most common are: Teacher centered (the same as transmission teaching) and Student centered- engaging students with academic material and real-life situations. I don't understand why teacher centered method still exist.  Federal school district make teachers to use technology, but not to change their way of teaching. The goal of a teacher these days is not just to "instruct in the most efficient way, but to work with students to resolve questions. Student centered should be the only learning method today.

Also, in Chapter 2 Transforming Learning with Unique, Powerful Technology, I read an interesting paragraph that talks about some technologies that teachers can use in their classroom to make the subject more fun!  "Technology offers many ways to promote creativity" (Maloy, pg 51). For example, podcast, photo editing, design programs, etc. Even right now that I am in college I love to watch academic videos at school or see other students presentations. It always catch my attention. I am going to be a math teacher, but I will try to use these programs as well for my future students. Many students learn by watching or hearing the material not by just instructing in the most efficient way.

Another interesting topic I found was the Three Learnings Theories: Behaviorism, Cognitive Science, and Constructivism (Maloy, pg 34). Now that I am reading further away in the chapters make me scared to be a teacher. Teacher must have skills for everything. How to treat children depending on their ethnicity, type of learning, type of intelligence, etc. Teachers must work with the understanding that their students bring with them. I still have a lot to learn.

In conclusion, I also learned the positives and negatives role for technology and how technology's impact on people's live.  Teachers have a big character to play.



Resources:

De La Garza, D. (2015, January 25). 'Teaching in the 1800s' Retrieved January 26, 2015, from http://www.bitstrips.com/r/0MRWZ

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.

Technology in the Classroom: Digital Media. (n.d.). Retrieved January 26, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbVKPhVCRFI


We're all against transmission teaching. (2013, January 30). Retrieved January 26, 2015, from https://websofsubstance.wordpress.com/2013/01/30/were-all-against-transmission-teaching/ 

Chapter 1-Digital Blog Post # A

Technology is becoming essential in our lives. When I was growing up ipads or smartphones didn't exist. Computers were becoming popular, but not as today; we can't live without them. As I was reading throughout the chapter 1, I found out some interesting statistics. "Even 85% of 9-11 years old and just over half of 5-8 years old go online!" Maloy, et al (2013, pp. 3) This is unbelievable for me. When I had that age I didn't had a computer or access to go online don't even at school. Also,  could been the lack of my parent's income, back then we used to live in Mexico. My schools used to be old fashioned. Till these days,  I barely started using a computer regularly. In Fact, "more white students use computers and the Internet than African American and Hispanic students." Maloy, et al (2013, pp. 4).

Photo credit to nmsanchez42 on  Flickr

Technology in the classroom provides more motivation to the students to learn about any topic. For example, those smartboards are incredible. We can actually see videos, images, or students presentations. I love it. All this technology in the classroom benefits the visual-spatial- and auditory learners. Therefore, on this article, The Most Powerful Tool in the Classroom talks about a very important question I always had, "What is to become of the role of teachers? Will they become obsolete?" Well, I am glad the answer is no! The video below demonstrate how technology makes students' life easier, but will never replace teachers.

However, my goal is to be a secondary math educator. I want to make math easier using our technology. For example, on this Youtube video demonstrate how this professor has fun teaching math with our "new technology." I can't wait to use smartboards ! Also, cell phones are a good idea to teach students. Now on these days everyone has cell phones, so why not be using cell phones as learning tool?

In conclusion, "Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting the kids working together and motivating them, the teacher is the most important." -Bill Gates

Resources

Loyola, Sarah Wike. "The Most Powerful Tool in the Classroom." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 20 Oct. 2014. Web. 16 Jan. 2015.

Maloy, R., O'Loughlin, R., Edwards, S., & Woolf, B. (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc. 

"Teaching Math with Innovative Technology." YouTube. YouTube, n.d. Web. 18 Jan. 2015