End of Semester Reflection

This class has taught me quite a lot about different ways to use technology. I have never considered myself a technology expert. I've always struggled with it. However, with all the technological things we were doing in class, I feel a lot more confident now. The biggest thing I've learned is how to figure things out with technology. The final tech project was fairly difficult for me because I had chosen to use movie maker and had never before attempted anything on it. I literally had to just sit there and play with it until I figured out how to use it. I think that this new skill will help me with future technological things that I may come across. The skill of simply sitting down and trying to figure out how to use something instead of freaking out because I don't know how. This new epiphany is what I value most from this class.

I've also picked up on a lot of different teaching strategies from this class. For example, I more than likely will require my students to do blog posts for homework or as journal entries. Blogs are not difficult to manage, and they allow the students a technological outlet. I also really enjoy Storybird. If I can figure out a way to involve Storybird into my lessons, I definitely will.

I've learned what the state expects of me with regards to teaching technology. Before this class I didn't even know there were tech standards in place. This class has certainly prepared me to help my students reach their technology standards, and to reach my own.

This class has been semi difficult for me because I am so technologically challenged, but without the learning that I got from this class, I would be terrified to go teach middle school children using technology when they know so much more about it than I ever will. However, because of this class, I at least feel competent with technology, and that's a lot farther along than I was in the beginning.

Lesson Plans

I'm really sorry that my Lesson Plans are late. I completely forgot about them. I reviewing the necessary assignments on your blog just to make sure I wasn't missing anything and saw that these were due almost two weeks ago. I'm really sorry for not realizing this sooner, but here they are.

Symbolism/Mask Instructional Plan

Essay Instructional Plan

Once again. I'm sorry they're late.

Comments

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These comments are not in the order that I did them. =]

Reflection 12

This is a semi-continuation of my previous reflection. My boss did get fired, and is now replaced with a younger lady who apparently knows technology a lot better. However, she has horrendous inter-personal skills. She cannot communicate her objectives or her goals to the rest of the management staff. She doesn't even know how to deal with customers who have complaints, but she knows technology and that's is all that matters! WOOT WOOT. I think the company has made a horrendous mistake. They prefer technology over  somebody who actually understands people and their needs.

I feel really bad for my boss. He didn't deserve to be replaced with my new boss. All the changes are going to take a lot of getting used to!

Technology Project

My technology project is for a seventh or eighth grade class and has to do with symbolism. It is a step by step process
1) It requires students to post a journal entry on a blog discussing what they would like to do with their mask.
2) It then requires them to draw out what their idea is so on a paper template.
3) After this the arts and crafts can begin. the students will create a mask out of plaster. They will have their choice of color and symbols to represent them placed upon the mask.
4) After their mask is complete they will need to create a presentation using some form of technology to talk about themselves and why they chose to make their mask the way that they did.

The NETS that this touches are as follows...
 For students:

1. Creativity and Innovation: Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology.

• The students have their choice of technology to use, therefore it helps with the creative process, and they can think creatively about it. 

2. Communication and Collaboration: Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others.

• the students will be using their technology projects to communicate about who they are to the class.

6. Technology Operations and Concepts: Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations.

• The students will be creating projects using technology of their choice, so they will likely be proficient at using that piece of technology.

For teachers:

1. Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity: Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments.

• I will encourage students to use creativity in their project. I will help with any questions that they may have, and I will facilitate a healthy environment to be creative in.

 3. Model Digital Age Work and Learning: Teachers exhibit knowledge, skills, and work processes representative of an innovative professional in a global and digital society.

• I have already created a project of my own that sets the standard of what I want the students to do. I've modeled what is expected, and they now have something to go by.

So those are the standards that my project meets. Here is the rubric, template and all the finished components to the project.

Blog Post: This is the blog post that will be required as a brain storm to what the students are planning.
Template: This is where the students will draw the mask before making it.
Rubric: This is the standards that will be expected, and how the students will be graded based on those standards.
Final Project: This is the final project that I made on Prezi for my mask as an example for the students.

Technology Project Journal

Mask Journal

Color: I'm going to make it green because it's kind of a mellow color, and I'm kind of a mellow person.

Thundercloud: Nothing is every perfect!

Cross: Shine God's grace.

Peace: I'm a peaceful person.