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. 

Week One

My name is Eric Lawrence.  I am from a small town in south Alabama, where I live my wife, Candy, and our three children.  I currently teach 9th grade history in a public high school.  I enjoy fishing, hunting and pretty much anything that has to do with the outdoors.  I am looking forward to this summer session at UWA.