Science Unit for computer class.
For my science unit I decided I wanted to do an older grade than kindergarten, I decided to do 4th grade. With 4th grade I am able to do much more complicated things than I would be able to do with kindergarteners.
1 My first idea is to do a plant unit with the students. I really want then to grow plants and take photos of them growing, then compile them onto frames to make a movie. Along with this unit I would have them send emails to my father. Why my father you may ask? My father has been working at a green house for over 16 years and has gone to flower conferences and is extremely knowledgeable. I was thinking along with the photos of plants since that probably won’t take much classroom time to plant the plants and take care of them that we could have field days and go outside and categorize plants. I remember doing that in 4th grade and it was so much fun.
2 Another idea I was thinking about for a science unit is a unit about the solar system. Students would learn about all the different planets and major stars. They then could make models using different materials. They could make clay ones and then make a video about each planet. They would draw on pixie constellations and how they are formed. They could do research on the histories of constellations telling the story behind the name in a pod cast.
3 Another unit I could do is a unit on rocks. I took geology is college and both my parents are geology majors so I have a lot of back ground information on it. If I did this unit we would study different kinds of rocks. And use a computerize microscope (yes there is one) where I grew up there is a copper mine and about an hour away is a granite quarry, we could take field trips. Make movie documentaries on how we get the granite out of the earth and use it in today’s society. One of the best things I ever did with rocks was determining them by hardness. Students could make a pod cast explaining how you classify rocks, and add pictures of them doing it.
4 Students could study a body unit, in that unit I would probably have them each work in pairs to make a Wikibook about the body’s major systems and functions. I remember studying the body and it was allows so dull. But if they were able to show others what they learned and know that their work was being publish and had a purpose they would enjoy doing it so much more.
5. My last idea for a unit is environments like tundra and rainforest. I think a terrific project would be for students to creative their own niche either in pixie and make a Wikibook. Not only would they have to design the place but add animals that live there and facts about the place. If they don’t want to make a Wiki they can write a song about each of the different environments.
I found it really hard to come up with other ideas for this unit because I knew what I wanted to do the minute science unit was said. I want to do the plant unit because I think it would be soooo much fun and allow students different projects to work on, which aren’t way to hard but very useful and creative for this
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Blog C assisive technology
Assistive Technology
Assistive technology what is it? When I was first asked this question my answer was a computer because it help you type, a tape recorder because it allows you to record a memo or interview. An assistive technology is a device that helps you with a normal task like a computer does with typing. After going to the Kalikow center I realize that assistive technology is so much more. Assistive technology comes in so many different forms, it enable students to learn differently, assist students struggling find a new way, and most of all allows students to become more creative.
Assistive technology can really help a teacher make her classroom more inclusive tools like finish books allow students to listen to books much like an audio tape. But they are on the computer and allow the student to read the story with the audio as the words are highlighted. Another great feature is that they have comprehension questions and content questions. This tool can help a teacher because it also contains worksheets for students, so that a teacher doesn’t have to make one. By having more time teachers are able to come up with more ideas for students to do in the classroom at all different levels. Board makers are great because they are an alterative way for students to get oral presentations even it they have a hard time with written language. Board makers provide visual cues for the students so that they can still impress their peers and not feel so left behind. When students don’t feel left behind they have a high confidence and a more positive attitude.
A very important thing to consider when planning your classroom is Section 508. Section 508 is a government standard. Essentially its purpose is to enable people with disabilities access to technologies that can help them. This is important to be aware of as a teacher because in order to help your students you might want o be aware of some of the tools accessible for students with disabilities that can help then participate in class and learn. One of these really nifty tools is the Tango. The Tango allows students to type messages that are then read by the machine, as well as play standard greeting, messages, and questions. This enables student who may not be able to express them selves as well a way to do that. One really neat feature on the Tango is the digital camera built into it. Not only can students take pictures of things that interest them, it allows students to become special and soft after in the class. The other classmates will want to be apart of the new tool and as a result meet and talk, and hopefully befriend the student using it.
A really interesting assistive technology I found at Assistive Technology Training Online Project (ATTO) was a page turner. I wouldn’t think a page turner would be of much use but after reading about it I realized how much it can help a student. The student puts the book in the page turner and then has there hands free to point to the words as they read. They also now have a better position for reading, making it more comfortable to read. Lastly they no longer have to worry about then pages sticking together and wasting time struggling to turn the page.
I had never given thought to assistive technologies but after looking at all the different tools in the Kalikow center and looking online I am really interested. I can’t believe all the different kinds of things there are to help students learn who are having a difficult time. Another great thing about them is they don’t have to be just for students with disabilities they can be for anyone. They give students an entirely different way to learn and because of that students will be able to make connections that they might not have been able to make before.
Assistive technology what is it? When I was first asked this question my answer was a computer because it help you type, a tape recorder because it allows you to record a memo or interview. An assistive technology is a device that helps you with a normal task like a computer does with typing. After going to the Kalikow center I realize that assistive technology is so much more. Assistive technology comes in so many different forms, it enable students to learn differently, assist students struggling find a new way, and most of all allows students to become more creative.
Assistive technology can really help a teacher make her classroom more inclusive tools like finish books allow students to listen to books much like an audio tape. But they are on the computer and allow the student to read the story with the audio as the words are highlighted. Another great feature is that they have comprehension questions and content questions. This tool can help a teacher because it also contains worksheets for students, so that a teacher doesn’t have to make one. By having more time teachers are able to come up with more ideas for students to do in the classroom at all different levels. Board makers are great because they are an alterative way for students to get oral presentations even it they have a hard time with written language. Board makers provide visual cues for the students so that they can still impress their peers and not feel so left behind. When students don’t feel left behind they have a high confidence and a more positive attitude.
A very important thing to consider when planning your classroom is Section 508. Section 508 is a government standard. Essentially its purpose is to enable people with disabilities access to technologies that can help them. This is important to be aware of as a teacher because in order to help your students you might want o be aware of some of the tools accessible for students with disabilities that can help then participate in class and learn. One of these really nifty tools is the Tango. The Tango allows students to type messages that are then read by the machine, as well as play standard greeting, messages, and questions. This enables student who may not be able to express them selves as well a way to do that. One really neat feature on the Tango is the digital camera built into it. Not only can students take pictures of things that interest them, it allows students to become special and soft after in the class. The other classmates will want to be apart of the new tool and as a result meet and talk, and hopefully befriend the student using it.
A really interesting assistive technology I found at Assistive Technology Training Online Project (ATTO) was a page turner. I wouldn’t think a page turner would be of much use but after reading about it I realized how much it can help a student. The student puts the book in the page turner and then has there hands free to point to the words as they read. They also now have a better position for reading, making it more comfortable to read. Lastly they no longer have to worry about then pages sticking together and wasting time struggling to turn the page.
I had never given thought to assistive technologies but after looking at all the different tools in the Kalikow center and looking online I am really interested. I can’t believe all the different kinds of things there are to help students learn who are having a difficult time. Another great thing about them is they don’t have to be just for students with disabilities they can be for anyone. They give students an entirely different way to learn and because of that students will be able to make connections that they might not have been able to make before.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Podcast
The Podcast I listened to....
The Teachers' Podcast episode 1 of the school year mainly covered many different topics. The podcast began with talking about the new improved website that as been created for easy use. They talked about a new devise they have on their website that allows uses to leave voice messages, they emphasis this could be a great tool for students. They talk about a podcast convention that is taking place and how they are going to be attending and covering it. It talks about No Child Left Behind but a majority of the pod cast is spent talking about resources like the new Zoon from Windows that is similar to a ipod, and websites where parents can learn strategies to help their children with homework. It was really useful I thought although I felt like the ideas they covered did not flow together very well.
The Teachers' Podcast http://teacherspodcast.org/2007/09/15/episode-91707-reasons-to-be-cheerful/
The teachers' podcast episode 1 accessed February 25th 2008
What I think About Podcast
The Teachers' Podcast episode 1 of the school year mainly covered many different topics. The podcast began with talking about the new improved website that as been created for easy use. They talked about a new devise they have on their website that allows uses to leave voice messages, they emphasis this could be a great tool for students. They talk about a podcast convention that is taking place and how they are going to be attending and covering it. It talks about No Child Left Behind but a majority of the pod cast is spent talking about resources like the new Zoon from Windows that is similar to a ipod, and websites where parents can learn strategies to help their children with homework. It was really useful I thought although I felt like the ideas they covered did not flow together very well.
The Teachers' Podcast http://teacherspodcast.org/2007/09/15/episode-91707-reasons-to-be-cheerful/
The teachers' podcast episode 1 accessed February 25th 2008
What I think About Podcast
I think pod casts are great, they can really add to a classroom. Podcast can be a great resource for teachers. Like the podcast I listened to it can give teachers resources to aid teaching. Pod casts allow teachers to become aware of conventions, breaking news, and new products. Pod casts can also aid students. Podcast can provide students another source of information than their teacher. I know I get sick of listening to the same person talk, a podcast breaks up the monotonous of the teacher's voice. Many podcast I looked at were much like audio books, they allowed students hear many different stories, sometimes with different voices for each character. Podcast also can give students something else to do besides a oral report they can publish a podcast, spreading what they to many more than just a classroom. Podcast can be extremely useful in a classroom but with in reason we do have to remember all students learn differently.
Podcast for Literacy?Podcasts could be used for literacy as well. There are podcast out there that focus on grammar mechanics. Students could listen to a daily podcast to learn some of this skills. Students if they are making a pod cast based off a book students will have to read the book in order to make the podcast.
Podcast in Kindergarten?Five ideas for Using podcast in my practicum classroom. Definitely! Podcast can be used to get ideas about what to do in my class. There is so much out there on the Internet. It could be an idea about a new gizmo. It could be an idea for an activity. It could be an idea for a website to visit. I can listen to a podcast on oceans and ocean life when they do their ocean unit. I could listen to doctors, dentist speaking for their unit on healthy lifestyles.
Podcast could also be used to have the students listen to they could listen to other students reading a story. They could listen to interesting news (for Kids) daily. There is probably a pod cast out there with individual lessons for letters, words and sounds that could be used, kind of like Sesame Street.
I think students could make their own pod casts although it would be rather difficult for them as kindergartners I think. They could each read a short short and we could compile them into a little segment called kindergartners favorite stories.
Monday, February 11, 2008
5 ideas for Language Arts unit
Option 1
I'm thinking of doing a unit with my kindergarteners for the literacy unit surrounding the ocean. Students can learn about the many creatures in the ocean. They then can use a paint program and draw pictures of the many animals. Then saving the pictures that class can create a video. They can each do voiceovers for their pictures telling the story of that animal. We can then publish the video onto a site such as youtube. The students will be able to share their knowledge with others while having a ton of fun in all the work they have accomplished to do this project.
Option 2
Another option is for students when they are studying the weather. Student can first be exposed to different books about many different kinds of weather. Then students can take trips to the computer lab and using kids inspiration create a web using pictures of the many weather conditions and how they are related. This will probably be a bit tricky for kindergarteners so it will take a few sessions to exposed students to the program. Then I would probably have students make a hard copy of the web before starting the project.
Option 3
Another option is students can work in small groups each reading a simple story. They can act out that story while being recorded. Students could work on simple fairy tales and stories like Mrs. Wishy Washy and the Three Billy Goats Gruff. They can make sets and get costumes together. After we have recorded their show they can add music for the introduction and conclusion. To display their work we can publish the movie online and or have a neighboring class come into the classroom to watch the finished product with their fellow peers. I have never done this before and I think it would be a fantastic experience for me to learn how to do. Since I am very involved in theatre and music it would be a great way to connect my interests into the classroom.
Option 4
When students are studying dinosaurs I feel that students can read short stories about dinosaurs. After they have a basic idea about what a dinosaur is and a few types I hope to have them use their creativity. I think a great was for them to continue their writing is to have students write their own little short story about a dinosaur. They can write about how dinosaurs died, or a day in the life of a dinosaur. After students have written their story we cold travel to the computer center and have student type their stories. The typing may take a little time. After typing their story students can wither print their story and hand draw pictures or find pictures and paste them to tell the story of their dinosaur.
Option 5
Lastly when students learn about plants and spring I have a project planed. It will probably take a longer time than 2 weeks. I remember being in elementary school and growing plants. It was an amazing feeling to take care of a living thing. For this project I was thinking students could plant flowers. Everyday students will take photos for their plant. After the plants have grown students can take their photos we will create a mini movie of the growth of a plant. Along with the plant students can also read books about plants. I think what would be really interesting for this project would be to give students a variety of plants flowers and vegetables. Students can write a little story about how they took care of their plant. I really think this would be a fun project because I have always wanted to watch plants grow and by taking photos students will really be able to see the process the plant made over the amount of time.
I'm thinking of doing a unit with my kindergarteners for the literacy unit surrounding the ocean. Students can learn about the many creatures in the ocean. They then can use a paint program and draw pictures of the many animals. Then saving the pictures that class can create a video. They can each do voiceovers for their pictures telling the story of that animal. We can then publish the video onto a site such as youtube. The students will be able to share their knowledge with others while having a ton of fun in all the work they have accomplished to do this project.
Option 2
Another option is for students when they are studying the weather. Student can first be exposed to different books about many different kinds of weather. Then students can take trips to the computer lab and using kids inspiration create a web using pictures of the many weather conditions and how they are related. This will probably be a bit tricky for kindergarteners so it will take a few sessions to exposed students to the program. Then I would probably have students make a hard copy of the web before starting the project.
Option 3
Another option is students can work in small groups each reading a simple story. They can act out that story while being recorded. Students could work on simple fairy tales and stories like Mrs. Wishy Washy and the Three Billy Goats Gruff. They can make sets and get costumes together. After we have recorded their show they can add music for the introduction and conclusion. To display their work we can publish the movie online and or have a neighboring class come into the classroom to watch the finished product with their fellow peers. I have never done this before and I think it would be a fantastic experience for me to learn how to do. Since I am very involved in theatre and music it would be a great way to connect my interests into the classroom.
Option 4
When students are studying dinosaurs I feel that students can read short stories about dinosaurs. After they have a basic idea about what a dinosaur is and a few types I hope to have them use their creativity. I think a great was for them to continue their writing is to have students write their own little short story about a dinosaur. They can write about how dinosaurs died, or a day in the life of a dinosaur. After students have written their story we cold travel to the computer center and have student type their stories. The typing may take a little time. After typing their story students can wither print their story and hand draw pictures or find pictures and paste them to tell the story of their dinosaur.
Option 5
Lastly when students learn about plants and spring I have a project planed. It will probably take a longer time than 2 weeks. I remember being in elementary school and growing plants. It was an amazing feeling to take care of a living thing. For this project I was thinking students could plant flowers. Everyday students will take photos for their plant. After the plants have grown students can take their photos we will create a mini movie of the growth of a plant. Along with the plant students can also read books about plants. I think what would be really interesting for this project would be to give students a variety of plants flowers and vegetables. Students can write a little story about how they took care of their plant. I really think this would be a fun project because I have always wanted to watch plants grow and by taking photos students will really be able to see the process the plant made over the amount of time.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Technology is....
Technology is an amazing tool. It allows you to keep in contact with friends miles and even continents away. Technology allows you to create interesting power points, graphs, pictures, and photos. It allows you to type your words neater, faster, and edit easier than hand written. Technology enables people to play games when they are bored, see pictures from all over the world with an easy search. Technology allows you to
access massive amounts of information.
Technology can be dangerous though and we need to beware. Hackers can see information you wish wasn't seen. You can contact people you might have not connacted before, Children can bully another child even when they are safe at home.
While technology is an amazing tool we must be careful.
access massive amounts of information.
Technology can be dangerous though and we need to beware. Hackers can see information you wish wasn't seen. You can contact people you might have not connacted before, Children can bully another child even when they are safe at home.
While technology is an amazing tool we must be careful.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Technology in the classroom?
Videos and Articles 1/25/08
I really believe that technology is an amazing tool for classrooms but I think it has its limits. Presentations with PowerPoint technology is amazing and really can add to a presentation capturing the audience. Computers can be so useful when writing papers, rather than the old fashion hand writing and type writers. Computers allow easy editing and useful tools like spell check. There has been mention to having students use cell phones in their education; I feel that this is strengthening technology. How can you control what students are really doing on the phone while they are supposed to be texting you. Do you have the money for all the expenses for texting; also do all of your students have cell phones. I know I didn't get one till I was a junior in high school. Also there has been mention of students using cell phones to communicate with students from other countries, while this is a great idea I feel that cell phones may not be the best way to communicate due to long distance phone bills. The Internet using email or group discussion boards is a great way to communicate with other students from around the world.
Technology has become part of our educational system. When you have to write a research paper what do you do first? Browse the internet for resources or imagines. Even our math classes are using a type II technology in the form of graphing calculators. I spent much of my high school math classes learning all the functions that the calculator could do as short cuts. I would have had a much different learning experience in AP calculus and probably would not have done as well in the class without the calculator.
In this day and age students spend an insane amount of time on computer multitasking whether it is video games, instant messaging, emailing, face booking, blogging, uploading videos and photos, and burning cds. Many students know more about computers and others technology tools more than teachers and parents. Naturally it makes sense to apply a tool that students use daily to bring something to their education.
It is also important that we remember that not everyone prefers computers. I personally love making my own posters by hand, and even writing letters by hand when I have the time. It has been feared that the reliance on computer technology could cause future generations to lose skills such as penmen ship and proper English. I fell there much be a balance between both. Neither is good alone and they can be combined to create amazing tools and works of art.
Its amazing how technology has improved over the years. I can remember in 6th grade we did a class website every student had a page that we first organized. We were given 4-5 assignments that we then typed. Next we learned common HTML codes we would need to use for our website. In groups of 3s or 4s we would on our page with the computer technician. It was tedious work and the codes were complicated and frustration when we would view the page and find the page not what we wanted. Now for instance this blog is an amazing thing, I can write what I want, chose what color font, what kind, load pictures if I chose, its amazingly easy and encouraging.
I really believe that technology is an amazing tool for classrooms but I think it has its limits. Presentations with PowerPoint technology is amazing and really can add to a presentation capturing the audience. Computers can be so useful when writing papers, rather than the old fashion hand writing and type writers. Computers allow easy editing and useful tools like spell check. There has been mention to having students use cell phones in their education; I feel that this is strengthening technology. How can you control what students are really doing on the phone while they are supposed to be texting you. Do you have the money for all the expenses for texting; also do all of your students have cell phones. I know I didn't get one till I was a junior in high school. Also there has been mention of students using cell phones to communicate with students from other countries, while this is a great idea I feel that cell phones may not be the best way to communicate due to long distance phone bills. The Internet using email or group discussion boards is a great way to communicate with other students from around the world.
Technology has become part of our educational system. When you have to write a research paper what do you do first? Browse the internet for resources or imagines. Even our math classes are using a type II technology in the form of graphing calculators. I spent much of my high school math classes learning all the functions that the calculator could do as short cuts. I would have had a much different learning experience in AP calculus and probably would not have done as well in the class without the calculator.
In this day and age students spend an insane amount of time on computer multitasking whether it is video games, instant messaging, emailing, face booking, blogging, uploading videos and photos, and burning cds. Many students know more about computers and others technology tools more than teachers and parents. Naturally it makes sense to apply a tool that students use daily to bring something to their education.
It is also important that we remember that not everyone prefers computers. I personally love making my own posters by hand, and even writing letters by hand when I have the time. It has been feared that the reliance on computer technology could cause future generations to lose skills such as penmen ship and proper English. I fell there much be a balance between both. Neither is good alone and they can be combined to create amazing tools and works of art.
Its amazing how technology has improved over the years. I can remember in 6th grade we did a class website every student had a page that we first organized. We were given 4-5 assignments that we then typed. Next we learned common HTML codes we would need to use for our website. In groups of 3s or 4s we would on our page with the computer technician. It was tedious work and the codes were complicated and frustration when we would view the page and find the page not what we wanted. Now for instance this blog is an amazing thing, I can write what I want, chose what color font, what kind, load pictures if I chose, its amazingly easy and encouraging.
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