Tech Savvy Teacher

An effective teacher knows how to use the resources surrounding him or her. Technology is one of the greatest tools a teacher can use as it is constantly growing providing new opportunities. It is a way to reach all students in new and creative ways and provides hands on experiences to help master the subject. An example of this technology is using Kidspiration. We chose 4th grade standard 5 objective 2: Describe the common plants and animals found in Utah environments and how these organisms have adapted to the environment in which they live.

Our first step in this process was to identify common plants and animals found in different habitats in Utah. These habitats were wetlands, forests, and deserts. We use an activity on Kidspiration where students selected animals and plants and had to put them in the correlating habitat. This allowed them to brainstorm different possible environments familiar animals live in. Then next task was to create their own web of plants and animals found in the three habitats
in Utah.

After completing the brainstorm activity of the different characteristics. The teacher does a mini lesson where she or he talks about the different habitats and what lives in each. To assess the students learning we have them go back to the Kidspiration and have them write specific animals characteristics that allow particular plants and animals to live in specific environments.

This technology helped students predict and classify different plants and animals into specific environments found in Utah. Kidspiration allowed students to participate using their hands and acts as a visual representation of what they are studying.

Angie Jack, Christina Murray, and Alesha Abraham

The first picture is of the final product, or the final web that students will create. It is categorized into three habitats and includes weather, animals and plants in each group.

The second picture is of the chart that students will write why they put each organism where they did and in what ways it has adapted to its enviornment.


The third picture is of the beginning stages of the new concept map. It shows how the students will go about making it.

The fourth picture shows how students will begin the activity by sorting different plants into different habitats.







The fifth picture is of them sorting animals into different habitats.

Science/Math Technology

One of the technologies I explored in class was the digital microscope. I thought it was really cool how it would hook up to the computer so that you could not only take pictures of the items being viewed but also take videos. It was a lot of fun to use and you could see a lot of different items very well and magnified at different levels. Students could use them for a lot of things. I really liked the example that was shown of the ant. You wouldn't get to see something like that with out a microscope and computer program like that.

TPACK

TPACK stands for technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge. I learned that this is using technology to enhance teacher's methods and strategies of pedagogical, content knowledge. It is so important to use all of these different knowledges in combination because it creates a whole and completed learning experience. Using technology can help us as teachers and our classes experience and explore things that we wouldn't otherwise be able to experience without it. It is also a great opportunity for students who are hands on learners to really become apart of what they are trying to learn. With the way technology is developing and constantly growing in today's world it is so important to use it in the classroom not only to help the students learn but also to help familiarize them with all of the technology that is out there to help them. The more they can learn to use technology in the classroom and the more teachers use it, the better off both will be.

IPT Quiz # 3 Questions

1. Examples, relevant & irrelevant attributes, and definitions are three of the four necessary lesson components. Which of the following is the fourth lesson component?
a. Hook
b. Name
c. Assessment
d. Instruction

2. Which of the following is an example of functional fixedness?
a. Susie's marshmallow roaster got dropped into the fire, and instead of using a hanger or branch/stick she spent ten minutes looking for a new one in the garage.
b. Matt couldn't figure out how to solve the math problem he was working on because he couldn't use the representations in the same way he had on other problems.
c. Holly had been out looking at cars and finally came across one she really liked. She found out all of great features it had. She was so excited about it she didn't find out it already had a lot of miles on it.
d. John wouldn't get help on a homework problem because he believed he already knew how to do it, even though others kenw he didn't.

3. Which of the following is NOT a source of creativity?
a. Domain-relevant skills
b. Intrinsic task motivation
c. Belief perseverance
d. Creativity-relevant processes

Answers
1. b 2. a 3. c

Web 2.0 and RSS

I was really excited to learn about web 2.o and RSS. I really had no idea about any of these things and I look forward to using them in the future. I learned that a lot of resources used by teachers and others can be shared through Web 2.0. It is a great way to stay connected with others in your field and that hold similar interests. It enhances communication, information sharing and collaboration. I was really excited to learn about RSS Feeds. I learned that instead of having to go out and search for information, you can use RSS to pick the information you specifically want and then have it sent to you. I had no idea that most websites have an RSS. As a teacher I can use Web 2.0 and RSS to stay updated and connected with other teachers and updating and changing information. It is also a great way to have quick and easy access to useful resources.

How I learned to make an Origami Frog Reflection

For this reflection I decided to learn how to make an origami frog. My first step in this process was finding a website online that would walk me through each of the steps. The website I found was very helpful. I learned that in order to make a full out frog I would have to learn one of the basic folds, a square fold. This fold is used as a basis for a number of other origami figures, so it was helpful to learn about it. After getting a hold of that, I decided to start with a flapping bird. I was amazed at how I couldn’t get it immediately. I had to sit and look at some of the pictures a number of times just because I had no clue what it was showing me to do. Finally after a couple of mistakes I created my flapping bird. I was very excited; it was time to embark on making a frog. I will admit hands up, that this one was a bit more difficult. Once again I couldn’t figure some of the pictures out, I would spend several minutes on one step because I wasn’t getting the desired result. After struggling through some steps I finally made an origami frog!
Throughout this learning experience I felt frustration, excitement, and satisfaction. There were times when I thought I should just try an easier animal to make because there was no way I could go on if I couldn’t figure out the right way to fold the paper. However, on the other hand it was exciting to see how each step led to the finished project and with each step it started looking more and more like a frog. It was very satisfying to see the final product. I think that one of the things that hindered my learning was my frustration. I was tempted to give up and try something else. Some of the things that supported my learning was trying different ways to approach it, I watched a video at one point that showed me exactly what to do and then I also asked for others opinions or for them to explain it if they understood it better then I did Overall it was a lot of fun and I can’t wait to show someone else how to make an origami frog!

Technological Background

Well I would have to say that my technological background is probably average. It isn't the best it could be but I am capable of getting by with the knowledge I do have. Throughout my education I have been required to take certain classes that have helped develop my understanding and use of technology. The one that specifically comes to mind is the one I took in high school. In it I gained skills to help me better use the programs in Microsoft office. I learned a lot from that class and it has greatly benefited me through out my continuing education. Although I have learned a lot of skills pertaining to technology, I find myself constantly hitting road blocks, where I get stuck and can't complete an assignment or project because I am not completely aware of how to work something. I am currently working at a copy center on campus and it has been interesting to see how technology is used in our center. We just barely bought new printers/copiers that are much more technologically advanced then the ones we had before. It has shown me how much I don't know about all that is taking place technologically and how the more I learn the better off I will be.