Journal 9: Adaptive Technology

Communication:  research one no/low tech tool and one high tech tool that assists special needs students in the communication process.

AAC stands for Augmentative and alternative communication.  It refers to the different ways people with impairments or restrictions can communicate.  They help people either with speaking or writing down the things they want to communicate.  These tools can either be low tech or high tech.

Teaching Textures

A low tech tool I found was a set of teaching textures.  It comes with a bunch of different patches of materials, and each material feels differently, they all have different textures.  It incorporates sensory input into activities, and it can help students who are visually impaired or for students who need tactile cuing to help them understand language.  If a student was visually impaired, different patches could be placed around the room as to label things and areas so the student knows where they are, or what to do.

ALLREADER

A high tech tool I found was the ALLREADER.  This device may be used by students who have visual impairments, such as blindness or low vision.  This tool combines many different features, including a scanner, optical character recognition, voice synthesis, a Daisy player, and a CD-Rom drive.  A Daisy player just converts print to audio.  This would help a student in your class with a visual impairment read the assigned books.   Also it would allow the student to read a classmate’s writing so they could work collaboratively. 

Accessibility: research one hardware option and one software option

Easitrax

Input devices allow students to use a computer without the standard mouse and keyboard.  They provide other ways to accomplish the same tasks.  One such device is the Easitrax, which is a type of joystick.  This would be considered a hardware accessibility option.  It is used like a mouse, but it helps students with motor impairments.  It scrolls and moves with the joystick, and only requires fingertip manipulation.

A software tool that can be helpful for students with dyslexia is ClaroRead.  It turns writing to speech, and allows students to proofread their own work.  It also allows students to scan writing and it will read that writing aloud.  This would allow the student to read and write and keep up with the rest of the class without being hung up by mixing up the letters.

Journal 8: "Find the Truth About the Pacific Tree Octopus" NETS-T IV

Ferrel, K. (2011). Find the truth about the pacific tree octopus. Learning and Leading with Technology, 39(12011), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-august-2011.aspx

In this article students were required to do a research project.  They were required to either research the phrase “The Tree Octopus” or “All About Explorers.”  The “facts” that students discovered from seemingly reliable online sources were not factual at all.  Students were amazed that the information published online was unreliable.  One of the sources that they found false facts was actually created by teachers to educate students about unreliable sources.  The students learned that they need to check their sources to make sure they are trustworthy.  This was an eye opening experience for these students and it is beneficial for all students to learn early on.

1.  What are the five “W’s” to look for to make sure a website is reputable?

When checking to see if a source is reliable you should look for the who, what, when, where and why.  This will help you find out who is writing the information, what group they are with and what they are writing about, and what their motives for writing the information are.   

2.  What is a good way to know if a source is reliable right away?

If a website ends with .edu or .gov it is more likely to be reliable, so students are encouraged to use these sources.

Journal 7: My Personal Learning Network (PLN)

A Personal Learning Network, or PLN, is a connection of people who learn from one another and share a wealth of knowledge with one another.  Through the use of Twitter, Diigo, and Classroom 2.0 I have been able to make connections with other students and educators who share similar personal and professional goals.  As a teacher I will benefit from having a PLN because I will get resources, ideas and feedback from the members of my PLN that will help me grow and mature in my career. 

To get a start on building my PLN I became a member of Twitter.  On Twitter I have set up a Hootsuit deck that allows me to have multiple columns to follow different streams.  I have been able to follow my home stream, edchat and mathchat.  Some of the people I'm following include David Craig, Jill Thompson, Jennifer Harden, Julie Hill Reulbach, and Laura Laing.  By folowing these people and hashtags I can get resources and see ideas posted by the people who tweet in these streams.  I am currently following a number of my classmates, my professor, and some of the participants from a mathchat discussion. 

On Thursday, July 28 at 5pm I participated in the mathchat discussion.  The subject was “how do I stimulate students seeing connections in math?”  Luckily I used Tweetchat to view the chat because the experience was very fast paced.  There were some good thoughts, and it was cool to have so many different people involved at the same time from all over the world.  Some of the ideas included applying math to real life, bringing in guest speakers, and leading students to connections. 

Diigo is another great networking tool.  It allows you to see sites that other people have bookmarked.  So, if you follow people on Diigo who are interested in the same educational things that you are, then you can benefit from the sites they bookmark and use them as resources.  I found five people to follow on Diigo, Erin Remple, Lesley Reilly, Karen Soohy, and Mariln Western.  I searched the community for subjects such as math, education, lessons, technology and PLN.  By doing this I was able to find Diigo members who bookmarked valuable sites related to things I am interested in, and I now follow these people.  I tagged three sites under PLN.  First I tagged a site that discussed the steps of building your PLN.  Then I tagged a site that further described how to develop your PLN.  The last site I tagged PLN discussed ways to find good teachers to follow in Twitter.  These sites will help me grow my PLN and benefit more from my PLN. 

In addition to Twitter and Diigo, I became a member of Classroom 2.0, a social network for educators, and those interested in education.    While on Classroom 2.0 I watched a video called “Rockin’ Rhombus.”  In this video a man walks around and asks a handful of people, mostly adults, three questions.  He asked for the definitions of a rhombus, and isosceles triangle and a trapezoid.  None of the people knew the correct answer and these were third and fourth grade standards.  This was astounding to me.  These adults had forgotten things so easily.  It makes me realize that it takes something special to get students to retain information, and as the video suggested, songs help students retain things.  

Journal 6: “Student Voices for Change” NETS-T I, III, IV, V

Miller, S. (2011). Student voices for change. Learning and Leading with Technology, 38(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-june-july-2011.aspx

Miller writes about students from Van Meter Community School in Iowa.  They had a technology transformation in their school, and their students have given presentations to the Iowa House and Senate Education Appropriations Committee.  This school had gone to a one-to-one ratio of laptops to students and it changed learning.  Students are becoming technology experts, but what is more impressive is the student’s enthusiasm for learning.    These students are becoming advocated for change in the educational system and supporters of technology in the classroom.

1.  What is CEWL?

CEWL, Computer Efficiency Workers League, is a student technology group at Van Meter.  They support and assist students and teachers with their technology issues and questions.  They are technology experts for the school.  I think of them as being similar to Geek Squad at Best Buy, but not necessarily as advanced as Geek Squad.

2.  What are some of the things students presented to the Iowa House and Senate Education Appropriations Committee?

A fifth grade student showed her blog on which she has embedded widgets and included a Cluster Map.  Another girl talked about a virtual reality program on which students can create two dimensional or three dimensional virtual projects.  One student showed his Prezi slideshow on CEWL, and the role CEWL plays.  Other students showed YouTube videos they had made on various subjects.

About Me Survey

Journal 5: “Harness the Power of Technology” NETS-T V

Duncan, A. (2011). Harness the power of technology. Learning and Leading with Technology, 38(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-june-july-2011.aspx

Although we live in a world full of technology that we can use in the classroom, for the most part our teaching style has not adapted to these new advances.  The NETS created by ISTE help to hold teachers and students accountable for using and mastering technology.  The state is raising the standards for technology to ensure that students have the skills to succeed in the 21^st century, and the teachers need to be ready to meet these standards.

1.  What are the five goals for the federal government to advance the digital classroom?

The students will be engages with the learning and they will be empowered by the learning experience.  Technology will be used for assessment so we can measure what matters.  The teachers will be more prepared and they will be connected to a professional network for support.  Students and teachers will have access to learning infrastructures.  The education system will be transformed and redesigned to use technology to get the most out of teaching and learning experiences.

2.  What are some ways President Obama hopes to help bring all students into the 21^st century successfully?

He plans to bring broadband Internet to 98% of the country within the next 5 years.  Also, 7.2 billion dollars have been given from a number of groups to bring internet to unserved areas, to allow internet access during after school hours and to try to bring wireless internet into student’s homes. 

Journal 4:"One size never fits all" NETS-T II and V

Courduff, J. (2011). One size never fits all. Learning and Leading With Technology, 38(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-june-july-2010.aspx

Special education teachers have not been receiving the training they need to use the benefits of technology to the fullest in their classrooms.  They created a 3 tier system to help teachers integrate technology into their classroom.  Tier 1 has hands on workshops where the teachers learn how to use the tools.  Tier 2 has some face-to-face interaction, but also some online training.  They learn about e-portfolios, and they learn how valuable online communication is to their development.  The last tier, tier 3 consists of mostly online communication.   The teacher’s skills are further developed and refined.  The tools that they are introduced to help students do things they have never been able to do before, such as write a story or give an oral report. 

1.  What tool would be appropriate for a student who struggles with the physical aspect of writing and finding the motivation to write?

The speech-to-text feature in Microsoft Word would allow this student to say their writing out loud, and the computer would do the writing for the student.  The text to the story would appear on the screen.  This allows the student to do the writing without actually writing, and it is a more enjoyable experience for the student

2. What tool would be appropriate for a student who has emotional problems and will not give an oral report in front of the class?

The student could create a Power Point for the presentation.  Then the student could record himself giving the report, and then add the audio to the Power Point.  The student is then able to stand in front of the class and give the report without having to go through the anxiety saying the right thing in front of the class.

Journal 3:"Abracadabra–it's augmented reality!" NETS-T II

Raphael, R. (2011). Abracadabra–it's augmented reality!. Learning and Leading with Technology,38(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-june-july-2010.aspx

Raphael introduces new technology called Augmented Reality.  Basically this is where your computer or some technological device alters your view of an environment in real time.  The best example  for me was when the ghost appears in your seat when you look at your reflection in the Haunted Mansion as Disneyland.  We know the ghost is not actually there, but the image of the ghost is created by some projection device, and it appears to be sitting next to us in our seat.  Raphael says that soon there will be AR programs that can be used in schools.  One such program called Zooburst is an authoring tool where students can author and create their own pop-up books.  As technology further develops even more AR tools will become available.

1. Why is Zooburst a valuable teaching tool?

Zooburst is a creative tool, allowing them to write their own stories.  Older students can create portfolios with Zooburst.  Also, students can have discussions and provide feedback on their stories and the stories of their peers.

2. What are some other possibilities for AR?

He says that we may be able to point our phones at locations and our phone would provide us info about that location, such as a menu for a restaurant.  One suggestion that made me uneasy was that we could point our phones at people and our phones would give us information about that person, such as their Facebook account.  I do not want people to have the ability to look me up on Facebook with one point of their phone.

Journal 2: Join the Flock NETS-T V

Ferguson, H. (2010). Join the flock. Learning and Leading With Technology, 37(8), Retrieved from 

http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-june-july-2010.aspx

In this article, Hadley Ferguson explains how teachers can use Twitter to build their personal learning network, or PLN.  She gives step by step instruction on how to get more and more involved in a PLN, and it all starts with setting up a Twitter account.  She suggests including a picture and a bio on your Twitter account.  Following people is the next step, and by doing so you may gain followers.  You should look for people who have similar interests as yourself, for instance, I am interested in math education, so I should look for other people who share that interest an follow them.  You can play a silent role on Twitter and just watch things,  or you can become an active participant in your PLN.  Retweeting  helps get you involved, can help you gain followers, and is a great way to reach even more people with information.  Once you feel comfortable you can begin posting your own Tweets, and sharing your own wealth of knowledge.  The final step is to include hashtags to reach even more people.

1.  What are the kinds of things you should be looking for or sharing on Twitter to build your PLN?

Things you should look for are people who share your areas of interest.  You should look for resources people share that will help you in your own professional development.  You can share websites you found helpful when planning your lessons.  You can share certain tools you were successful within your classroom.  Also, you can ask your PLN questions when you are struggling and get feedback.

2.  Why does Ferguson suggest including a picture and a bio on your Twitter account?

Including a picture and a bio makes your Twitter account more personal.  Other Twitter users can put a face to a name, and the bio allows people to see what your interests are.  This makes you more real to people, and it increases the likelihood of people following you.

School 2.0 Tech Self Assessment

Reflection results for NETS-T Module: Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments

21st Century Teaching and Learning: Assessing New Knowledge

I investigated the NETS 2, Design Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessment.  This article talked about how technology can help assess the learning process.  Many times, the thinking process a student uses to get their answer is more important than arriving at the correct answer itself, and yet, the thinking processes are not usually what are rewarded.   I have seen students arrive at the correct answer and get marked down because the thinking process was not the teacher’s “preferred method.”  Technology allows process to be the focus of learning.  Technology allows the student’s thinking to be documented, so the teacher can see the steps the student took to get the end result.  Technology can help encourage new ideas, thinking outside of the box and alternate methods.  By having students use blogs, complete online assignments and work in groups in addition to regular textbook work, students have more opportunities to learn and teacher have more opportunities to evaluate the learning.  New technological resources are coming out, that can benefit teachers and students.  As teachers we need to research what is out there, to make sure we are using the best tool for the job every time. 

For this assignment I took a technology self assessment.  Then I reviewed my results.  Upon review I selected a NETS-S to learn more about by reading an article.  Then I reflected on what I learned.  Also I posted a screen shot of my results from the assessment on my blog.  This assignment covered NETS-T V.

Journal 1: 100 things that make me happy

1. God
2. The sun
3. Line dancing
4. Eating
5. Swinging
6. My boyfriend Troy
7. My brothers Nathan and Jonny
8. My parents
9. My best friends
10. My college roommates
11. Baking/ decorating Sugar Cookies
12. Making cards
13. Mexican Food
14. Vanilla Ice cream with Hershey’s chocolate syrup
15. Pinterest.com
16. Target
17. Working with kids
18. The Beach
19. Country Music
20. Going on cruises
21. Going to Church
22. Black Labs
23. Cowgirl boots
24. Back Massages
25. Mani’s and Pedi’s
26. Sales, good deals and coupons
27. Crafting
28. Chocolate Malts
29. Red Robin, ymmmmm
30. Tangerines
31. Ipods
32. The river
33. Waverunners
34. Jazz and modern dance
35. Sunsets
36. Disneyland
37. The Padres (when they win)
38. Family
39. BBQ’s
40. San Luis Obispo
41. San Diego
42. Cal Poly
43. Souplatation
44. Facebook
45. Say Yes to the Dress
46. Grey’s Anatomy
47. The Office
48. The Notebook
49. Sweet Home Alabama
50. Chick flicks
51. Camping
52. Flowers
53. Doing Michael Jackson’s dance to Thriller
54. Volleyball
55. Gymnastics
56. The Chargers (when they are winning)
57. Baseball
58. Pear Harbor (the movie)
59. Pink
60. Carrie Underwood
61. Tim McGraw
62. Summer Olympics
63. Love
64. Old Navy
65. Babies
66. Watermelon
67. Bacon Cheeseburgers
68. Snow
69. Scrapbooking
70. SLO’s Farmer’s Market
71. Reading Books from authors like Jane Austin ad Nicholas Sparks
72. Disney Movies/ Songs
73. Shopping (when I have money)
74. Singing in my Car
75. My 1993 Toyota 4-Runner
76. Looking at the stars
77. Fireworks
78. Hume Lake
79. Chocolate
80. Pandora
81. Math
82. Bonfires
83. British Accents
84. Costco
85. Red nail polish
86. Pajama Days
87. Girl talk
88. Swing dancing
89. Doing flips
90. Pictures of fun memories
91. Cardio Dance Sculpt
92. Sewing
93. Sun dresses
94. Cute clothes
95. Holding hands
96. Wii Fit/Just Dance/Sports
97. Mario Kart (any version)
98. Dance Central
99. Christmas
100. Pink Converse

Allow me to introduce... Lacey Bridges

My name is Lacey Bridges.  I am from Escondido, California, born and raised.  For elementary school I attended North Broadway Elementary.  Then I went to Rincon Middle school for sixth through eighth grade.  Then I attended Escondido High School.  This fall I will be going into my fourth and final year at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.  I started out studying architecture, and I pursued that for one year before I decided my heart was really in teaching.  After graduating I hope to attend Cal State San Marcos for their Multiple Subject Credential Program.  I am currently pursuing adding on a Single Subject Credential in Math, because I have realized later better than never that my real passion is teaching mathematics.  Over the summer I am living at home with my parents and two younger brothers.  I love sunny southern California, and I am looking forward to moving back when I finish up with school.

My technology experience is limited and random.  I am familiar with basic computer usage.  I have experience with Microsoft Works, Excel and Power Point from years of usage in school and on my home computer and personal laptop.  I use a PC but I have used Mac’s in labs.  After having problems with my new HP computer I have decided my next computer will be a Mac.  One of my classes while I was studying architecture was in a Mac lab where we explored the Creative Adobe Suit 3 programs, Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign.  We also used a 3-D modeling and rendering program called Form-Z.  I use email,  Facebook, and Skype, but I have never blogged or used Twitter.  I have never blogged because I really do not have much to say.  I do not use Twitter because I don’t really care to see what other people are doing or thinking all the time, nor do I think other people really care what I am doing or thinking all the time.  As much as I love Facebook, it is a time sucker, and I feel that Twitter is just another time sucker, gluing us to our phones and computers and preventing us from being productive.  I love technology, but sometimes I think we have too much access to it, and I feel that it can hinder us if we let it get in the way of really living life.  However, I know that if we are conscious of how we spend our time, we can achieve a balance where we can benefit from technology without letting it interfere with our lives.  With that said, I am looking forward to learning more ways to use technology in my classroom to further and enhance the education of my students.

Unfortunately, the Mission Statement was not a factor in my decision to apply to the School of Education (technically I have not applied to the School of Education yet).  I want to apply to CSUSM’s School of Education because I can move back home, and make connections in San Diego rather than the central coast, and I heard they have a great program.   However, reading the Mission Statement for the School of Education had made me even more excited about pursuing my Multiple Subject Credential at CSUSM.  The first thing that stands out to me is the emphasis they place on diversity.  California is such a diverse place to live, and we will be working with students from all different backgrounds, cultures and walks of life, and CSUSM’s commitment to preparing us for that challenge is comforting.  Another part that stands out to me is the first part of the statement, saying they want to “transform public education by preparing thoughtful educators and advancing professional practices.”   I read this and think, “I want to be thoughtful, I want to be professional,” and I am glad that they are committed to fostering those qualities.  Finally, it is important that they stress “life-long learning.”  As teacher’s we sometimes think, we only have to teach, but that is not true.  There is always more to learn, and we should be furthering our own learning throughout our career, and throughout our lives to be the best teachers we can be.  I look forward to applying to CSUSM in January, and I can’t wait to start school there next fall.