Smilebox and Storybird

I really enjoyed learning how to use Smilebox and Storybird; I realize that these two web tools have very different uses, and since I am more interested in taking pictures than writing, I found Smilebox more exiting and fun to use than Storybird. I will probably use Smilebox in the future to make collages and even invitations, and I am very glad to know that web tools like this exist. I think Storybird could be very useful in an elementary classroom; this would be a very interactive way for children to create stories on the computer. As we discussed in class earlier, this web tool probably would not be as effective in high school classrooms.

ABC Scavenger Hunt

Slideshow

Glogster and Picnik

Today we learned how to use Glogster and Picnik; I find both of these very useful. I think Glogster would be a good way for students to be creative; also, I think students would have a lot of fun creating their glog. I enjoyed learning how to use Picnik too; it was really fun editing pictures. In the future, I know I will use Picnik. This can also be used in the classroom, and I think students would really enjoy this.

Reflection on Evaluating Websites

When I first looked at this website, I assumed that it was a great resource for children. It provides children with many engaging activities that help them with their reading skills. Once I started examining this website, I found that some of the aspects seemed a little strange. I found that this website is highly recommended by homeschool.com and when I looked at that website, all it contained was articles about homeschooling. Therefore this did not seem very reliable to me. Also, the website provider the reader with many quotes from parents about how good the website is. I felt that educational institutions should have reviewed the website in order to see how beneficial the article really is. 

After reading the information provided on this site I would recommend this website with reservations. 

Through evaluating this website, I have realized how important this process is when picking out websites for children to examine. There are so many websites available to children; however, it is incredibly important for children to be using quality websites in order for children to get the most out of the activities. As a teacher, it is essential to explore the websites in depth before sharing them with the children. I feel much more prepared to share websites with children now that I know how to fully evaluate a website.

Website Evaluation

I found this site from Lesley University; it appears to be a valid website that outlines the criteria for evaluating web resources. This website provides a list of other websites that are hoaxes. At the bottom of this website, a list of references are provided citing other websites.

My Learning Goals for this Course

There are many goals that I hope to accomplish throughout this course. Since I am not too familiar with how to use all of the technology that is available, I hope to learn how to use a lot of new technology effectively. Also, I hope that I will come away from this course with an understanding of this information and be able to explain to other people how to use other technology. Throughout this course, I hope that I can find easier ways to do the tasks that I already know how to do. I hope that this course will allow me to think about how I will incorporate technology into my own classroom when I become a teacher.

Introduction to the Class

Informal Introduction to class
I’m from Knoxville, TN and have lived here my whole life. I went to Karns High School, which is a fairly small high school compared to the other schools in the area. I have wanted to become a teacher for as long as I can remember, and when I became a teacher’s assistant for the classes with the younger students at my dance studio during my senior year of high school, this helped to confirm my decision to pursue education. I would like to become a first or second grade teacher; after spending so much time with children of varying ages, I have realized that I enjoy working with children of this age group the most. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends; in September, I am going to become an aunt for the first time, so I am spending a lot of time helping my brother and sister-in-law prepare for their baby. I have a lot of experience with computers, but I do not know too much about all of the technology that is available. I am very excited about learning how to use technology and being able to use this technology in my own classroom.