Final ICT Post

Check out my final reflections that I have shared with Prezi!

New Ideas

As I have been researching and checking out different sites for my big upcoming ICT project, I have come across different sites that I can see being an asset to the learning process.

For example, you can order from Urban Barn on-line. But more than that, it has a room planner or "The Make Room" program, as it calls itself. I can see this program being used in a math class. I know that most students have to do a big project in drawing up the plans of their dream house. Through "The Make Room," students can take it a step further and create a actual legitimate plan of their home. Everything is measured and proportional. It might make sense on paper how big a student has decided to make the bedroom; but when it is time to insert a king sized bed on the program, only then will one realize that there is no room for a king sized bed if there is going to be a whirlpool in the corner. Another way to use this program would be to set a budget and re-do a room. The student would have to figure out how much paint, flooring, light fixtures and furniture would be needed and figure out the price of it all. "The Make Room" website is just attached to an on-line store but with a little creativity, one can use it for applying what has been learned.

Guest Speakers in the Classroom

Last week, we had two guest speakers in come to our ICT class. They came with different experiences and purposes for being in our class but both brought some good ideas that we can take with us to the classroom.

For example, we did a quick activity were the speaker recorded our voices all sharing some insight a person has passed on to us. He then took that recording, put music behind it and created an inspirational little clip. One way that this tool can be used in the classroom is by telling the students that at the end of the week, they will have to come up with one thing they learned or thought was interesting that they did in class that week. So all week, they will be thinking about what they are doing and figuring out what their one comment will be. Then on Friday, the teacher can record everyone saying their comment. The recording can then be put to music and shared at parent / teacher interviews or at an open house. If I could learn this method, I could see myself using it in  my classroom.

Pixlr Activity

Technology in the Classroom

These last few weeks, I have spent my time in a high school working in AP English classrooms. For the most part, technology did not play a large or even significant role in class.

• The smartboard was used as a glorified projector.
• Computers and laptops were never used. If anything needed to be typed out, that had to be in personal time. There was one computer in the room besides the teacher's but it was only used to put finishing touches on assignments.
• As for cell phones, the high school has a very strict policy on using them only in the designated areas which my students were exceptional in obeying that rule. I did give one class an assignment where I allowed them to use their phones for the internet use as well as videoing their skits. The students were super excited to use their phones in class; but as a teacher, once the phones were out, I couldn't make sure all 30 students were staying on task with the phones.
• Any other technology, like ipads, was not even an option.

Before I went out on my first placement, I worried that I would be left in the dust once I got to the school and was not able to use technology like my co-operating teacher. But once I got into the school, that is not what I found. This may be a technological time but, if the students live and breathe technology at home, why not give them a different experience at school? I know that, when properly used, technology can add to the learning experience but moderation and discernment should be a factor in the decision making process.

The Great Unknown

The final day of classes before pre-service teaching!! This last month has gone by super fast. Although I don’t necessarily feel ready for the classroom, I know that once I’m there, things will feel a lot better. The unknown can be really intimidating sometimes.

As far as using technology in my placement, I’m not sure how much I will actually use. I have been to visit my co-operating teacher and have seen the layout of the classroom. There is a smart board but after talking to the teacher, it is evident that she rarely uses technology in any of her classes. Maybe I’ll be able to bring something to the class that they have never done before. Either way, I’m excited to get out there and do my thing!

Playing with Pictures

This week in ICT, we’ve been working with photo editing and experimenting with different tools. Here’s a list of some them so feel free to check them and do some playing of your own!

• Tuxpi
• BeFunky
• Animoto

I can see how these can be excellent tools for the classroom. When kids come back to school in September, they can share about their summers in a unique way using a program like Animoto.

Check out some of my class work. I used Animoto to tell the picture story of my family.

 

Try our video maker at Animoto.