Technology Assignment #4

Technology can really improve my lesson. I think that if I were going to add a video it would help the students understand matter much better. They could watch experiments being done on the internet. This would save time and space. The students would probably grasp information better this way than by direct instruction.

One thing that I did want to change to my lesson plan was the use of computers. Instead of working with paper and pen, the students would be creating a PowerPoint presentation for the rest of the class, and their caretakers. I believe adding technology to a lesson will reinforce the information. Students would also have a lot more fun doing it this way.

Adding any technology to a lesson can help visual, kinesthetic, and auditory learners. It gives kids a chance to actually do something that most enjoy doing anyways. I think that my lesson would be better with technology and hope to keep it in my lesson.

Some tools that I would need for this lesson are computers, overhead, and Microsoft PowerPoint. I would want enough computers for 3 students, or less, to share. By using technology, like computers, students are more likely to figure things out for themselves. There is more that the lesson that is being learned. Students are learning technology at the same time. The teacher can be there for guided practice, and direct instruction can be shortened. Students want to be busy, not sit and listen to the teacher all day.

Some challenges might be keeping the kids on task. This can easily be dealt with with a computer program call SynchronEYES. The teacher can watch what the students are doing on her computer and write messages the the students. She can also send web link directly to their computer.

The NETS covered are I.I, I.II, II.I, II.II, II.IV, IV.IV, V.I, V.II, V.III, VI.I, and VI.III.

Here is a link to my lesson plan. I wanted to do a 3rd grade Science lesson because I LOVE science and I think students need to be taught that science and math can be lots of fun.

Computer Programs and Websites I am Familiar With

Programs that I am familiar with, or have used at some point in my life.
1. Microsoft Office
2. Nettrekker
3. PeopleSoft
4. Helpstar
5. Altiris
6. Promethean Planet
7. and others like Photoshop, but only the basics

A person has to keep up will software because technology changes very fast. Microsoft Word has changed so many times from the original software. A good way to keep up is to download the latests versions and use them.

Reflection #8

My cooperating teacher showed me a great program called SynchronEYES. When the students are in the computer lab the teacher can see what each of the students are looking at with the main computer. The teacher can then write anonymous messages to each of the students that will show up on their computer. She doesn't even have to be in the same room as them for this to work. I think this is a great program because she can monitor what they are doing to make sure that they are on task.

Another thing this program does is send websites to their computers. When she is giving a lesson instead of all having them type in the website she can just send it to all of their computers. This is a great way to keep them on task and to save time.

I am sure that there are other great things that this program does, but I was really excited that technology has come this far.