Week Seven--Top Ten List of Tech Tools

I have learned so much taking this class. All of the assignments were applicable to classroom. I admit that I was definitely challenged in this course, but I am thankful for the opportunity to learn so many useful tools that I will implement into my lessons. TOP TEN LIST OF TECH TOOLS 1--PUZZLEMAKER (DISCOVERY)--I like to use this online tool to make crossword puzzles that serve as an introduction to my chapters in world history. 2--GLOGSTER--I plan on using this tool to enhance lessons that I teach. I feel that students will find this tool visually appealing. 3--CLASSTOOLS.NET--This online website contains so many useful tools for teachers and students. My favorites are the concept map, Fakebook, and Venn Diagram. 4--SLIDESHARE--I ran across this when I was trying to find things to embed into my glogster. Many useful PowerPoints on topics I teach are available on this site. 5--RUBISTAR--This online tool was very effective for producing rubrics. When I assign projects, I always grade using a scaled rubric. In my opinion, students perform better when they know your exact expectations for assignments such as these. 6--WIKI--I enjoyed this assignment the most. As I prepared my wiki, I could see how effective this kind of assignment could be in history. I like the idea of the students having to post to the wiki. 7--iPad--This is probably my most favorite hardware tool. I like the compact shape of the iPad; however, I feel that it is just the right size for reading from the internet. I have found several useful apps related to world history that I will be using in my classroom. 8--PowerPoint--I know this is probably considered "ancient," but I really like PowerPoints for presenting chapter and information to my students, as opposed to writing notes on the whiteboard or using the overhead transparency. I also like to assign as least one PowerPoint group assignment each semester for my students to prepare. 9--LCD PROJECTOR--I use this tech tool everyday in my classroom. I can project PowerPoint presentations--mine or the ones that students prepare for projects. I also can quickly surf the internet for a picture or video to enhance a lesson I am teaching. 10--ZAMZAR--Because I cannot access YouTube from my school due to the filter that is in place on our server, I use this website to convert YouTube videos from my home computer into a file that I can email to myself and open at school. If you have a similar problem with server filters, try this website.

Week Six--Mobile Apps

World Book is an interactive calendar that gives historical events for the current day or any selected day. Photos, illustrations, music and speeches are also available. This app plays the national anthem of countries on the day they became a nation. Inaguration speeches can be found on this app, as well. With Maps of World, students can explore the world through interactive maps illustrating geoliptical and geographic shifts over time. It has access to older maps and present-day maps, so that users can see how borders have changed with time. The Ultimate History Quiz app has thousands of questions on everything including U.S. Presidents, pop culture, military heroes and ancient civilizations. The faster you answer a question correctly, the more points the user receives. History for Kids is a colorful interactive app with tons of facts that take kids through history. Each section begins with audio narrative summaries of events. Animation, interactive clues, facts, maps, charts and audio clips are also included in the narratives.

Week Five-Digital Citizens

It is important to be a good digital citizen because anytime you post to the internet, it remains for a very long time. I have a Facebook account that I use mainly to keep up with friends that I don't get to see very often. I am surprised at some of the things that people post. As an educator, and a parent, I attempt to teach my students and own children good netiquette. Our media specialist at our school (also, my wife), does a lesson for classes on Netiquette. It is very effective. Students do not realize how posting on social networks affects their reputation. I noticed another student in this class posted that potential employers check networks like Facebook before hiring an employee. I have heard that same thing.

Week Four-Material Generators

As I reviewed the list of material generators, I found one that I have used extensively. When I start a new unit or chapter, I always make a crossword puzzle using important information from the chapter reading that I assign to my students. I try to use as few bold terms or vocabulary terms as possible from the chapter reading, because I have found that students will scan the pages for these words, and they will not read the entire chapter. I also try to include terms from the sidebars on chapter pages to see if they have read all information. RubiStar is another useful tool that I have used a few times. When I make project assignments (PowerPoints, Pamphlets, etc.), I like to use rubrics for 2 reasons--(1)my students know what I expect up front. There should be no surprises in their grade if they have clearly read and understood the rubric. (2)Rubrics are extremely useful when trying to grade objectively. If students know what the requirements are, they tend to perform better on these assignments. I have never used test generator; however, I am interested in this software site for obvious reasons--saving time! This would be an excellent tool for preparing vocabulary tests or short quizzes. I plan to use this website next school year to save time.

Week Three--Types of Software

Drill and Practice--Allows the learner to work out problems and get feedback. Example:Math.com URL--http://www.math.com/students/practice.html Tutorial--Simulates a human tutor. This type of software instructs and teaches an activity, much like the teacher in a classroom. Example: MathTutor URL--http://www.mathtutor.com/ Simulation--Models real systems, or imaginary, to show the systems work and to demonstrate underlying concepts. Example: COMSOL Multiphysics URL--http://www.comsol.com/products/multiphysics/ Instructional Game--Increases the motivation of the student/learner by adding games to regular drills or simulations. Example:Laureate Learning URL--http://www.laureatelearning.com/products/category/games.html Problem solving--Helps with acquiring problem solving skills for the learner. Also, teaches the steps involved in problem solving. Example:Universal Math Solver URL--http://download.cnet.com/Universal-Math-Solver/3000-2053_4-75211021.html

Week Three-Web 2.0 Assignment

http://elawrence2.edu.glogster.com/renitalian http://www.classtools.net/widgets/timeline_2/bSoo8.htm http://www.classtools.net/widgets/venn_1/3pkp1.htm http://animoto.com/project/qLBJ9CbTsodNBso801NvUA The above links are the assignments included in the Web 2.0 assignment. Creating these activities was a learning process for me. However, everything that I have learned will be extremely beneficial to me in the classroom. Animoto, glogster and the classroom tools activities are things I would like to incorporate in next year's lesson plans. Students will enjoy these sources and I believe they will better connect with the subject matter through the use of these.

Week Two: Should Wikipedia be forbidden in Students’ Social Studies research?

I do not think that Wikipedia should be forbidden in social studies research.  Wikipedia, despite its weaknesses, does have a lot of valuable information when using it as a research tool.  If nothing else, students can use this site as a place to begin in their research.  I usually warn my students that they probably should not use this site as a source for a paper or research project; however, its information is very useful.