Final Post

During the course of Learning through Technology I have acquired several new technological skills.  I have learned many tools that will be useful during my endeavor as an educator.  Some of my learning highlights include blogging, creating a web-quest and learning about technology standards.  I have found how several teachers keep a blog.  I have also learned a way to store all of these blogs in Diigo.  From the beginning of class to now, I feel much more comfortable with integrating technology in my lesson plans.  I have gained a bunch of tools that will be relevant to elementary students. 

Course Objectives I have met during the second half of the term:

3. Illustrate through application how state and national standards are implemented within the curriculum

This objective was met during the creation of the lesson plan.  It was the first time I ever created a lesson plan.  I first picked my topic based on 4^th grade curriculum as seen in the state standards.  I also chose an online activity based on INETs standards.  It was a successful way for me to show how the standards could be applied in the classroom

5. Evaluate and reflect on emerging tools and trends by reviewing current research and professional literature

During class time, we reflected upon how we liked to use different tools.  Before creating the web-quest the class was broken up and we all learned a different website to create the web-quest in.  It was a great presentation of several items that could do the same thing.  I focused on Weebly.  I also leaned to use Animoto for digital stories.  I personally enjoyed using Prezi, a similar tool to PowerPoint but more interactive. 

6. Turn theory into practice by completing five hours of related field work

I visited a 3^rd grade classroom at Hooksett Memorial School towards the end of the term.  This was my first experience observing a class.  It was an eye-opening experience and it helped me prepare myself for the future.  I also learned how much technology is really being used in the classroom and how. 

Technology and Education in the 21^st century should be hand in hand.  It is important for teachers of all grade levels to be incorporating technology because of its vast use in today’s society.  Children are learning how to swipe open an iPad before they learn to walk.  Technology surrounds us and using it for education should be second nature.  A main barrier to technology is that teachers are uneducated in technology themselves.  Educators need to be comfortable with these tools and integrate technology in lesson plans.  I believe some teachers may feel they are behind with technology and embarrassed that the students know more than they do.  Teachers need to be comfortable with students helping them learn new technology.  It is ok for students to help teachers learn.  Several tools would help with technology integration.  Using Google would cover several helpful tools.  Students could have emails, worksheets and documents could be transferred through Google Drive and Google Docs, and students could have blogs on Blogger.  Diigo would be another helpful tool.  It could hold a list of websites the teacher could use for a variety on topics.  Lastly, Weebly, would be another great tool.  It would be a website for the teacher.  The teacher could use this to keep parents in the loop for weekly curriculum topics along with other items.  I very much enjoyed Learning through Technology and the insight I gained about integrating technology into my curriculum.  

CIPA WORDLE

Below is a Wordle I created about Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA)

Web-Quest

Castle in the Attic Web-Quest: Click Here

Student Artifact: Click Here
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Pre Lesson Plan Associated with Web-Quest:

Emi Clark- Grade 3

Lesson Plan: Castle in the Attic

“Big Idea” this lesson plan supports: Castle in the Attic character analysis lesson plan supports the learning of characters in literature.

Lesson Plan Component
Title	Character Analysis in Castle in the Attic
Common Core Standards and ISTE NETS Standards	CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.3.3 Describe characters in a story (e.g., their traits, motivations, or feelings) and explain how their actions contribute to the sequence of events ISTE NETS S- 1. Creativity and Innovation Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology. 1.    Apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes 2.    Create original works as a means of personal or group expression
Objective(s)	Students will be able to read at their grade level Students will describe the protagonist, William Students will compare William to themselves Students will think about traits they think William should have but doesn’t Students will create a wordle with words describing some of William’s traits
Materials	The book Castle in the Attic for each student iPads for each student to create wordle Printer to print out wordle
Anticipatory Set	Begin class by reviewing the chapter’s previously read in Castle in the Attic Engage students by having them imagine themselves as the protagonist of Castle in the Attic
Procedures	1.    Teacher will begin class by reviewing chapters read in the Castle in the Attic 2.    Teacher will ask students what they like about the novel thus far 3.    Teacher will tell students to close their eyes and imagine themselves as William 4.    Teacher will ask students to retrieve their Castle in the Attic books 5.    Teacher will begin discussion of what trait the students think William has 6.    Teacher will lead discussion from physical traits to personality traits 7.    Students will discuss for 10 minutes 8.    Teacher will lead discussion into having the students compare themselves to William 9.    Teacher makes sure all students who would like to participate in discussion are given a chance 10.                   Students will discuss for 10 minutes 11.                  Teacher will distribute iPads 12.                  Teacher will tell students to create a wordle with at least ten of William’s traits 13.                  Teacher will tell students to go to www.wordle.com 14.                  Students sign into website (as they have used before) 15.                  Students spend 15 minutes creating wordle, using at least ten words 16.                  Teacher will walk around the room, available to help students 17.                  Teacher encourages creativity, encouraging students to use different shapes and colors 18.                  Students will print out wordle when finished to keep on hand for any future reading comprehension quizzes 19.                  Teacher will ask students if anyone would like to present their wordle 20.                  Teacher will ask students what traits they think William is missing but could use in his situation
Closure	Students will be given the chance to present wordle. Students’ will also reflect on the lesson by continuing to read the book.
Assessment	See Rubric
Modifications/Accommodations	Teacher will help by leading discussion.  If some students have trouble with class discussions, they are able to come to me after the lesson to give some discussion answers.  I will be helping students in need with identifying William’s traits and comparing him to themselves. I will also be available to help students with their wordle.  During this time I will also have a teacher’s aid assist those in need with the creation. Students who need extra enrichment will be comparing and contrasting themselves to William.

Pre Lesson Plan Rubric:

Pre Lesson Plan Student Artifact:

Field Experience

I visited a third grade classroom that uses technology.  It was my first time observing and it was very informative.  I enjoyed viewing the practical application of technology.  Check out my field experience in detail here!

credit: http://hooksettmemorialschool.blogspot.com/2013/08/promote-good-digital-citizenship10.html