Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Journal 7 PLN/NETS-T V


My personal learning network is a web based feature that is small for right now but something I plan to work on from here on out. I plan to create relationships with others all around the world that share the same interests, ideas, and creativity that I do to help with my future students. My PLN can include an array of people (educators) or from websites such as my delicious/blogger accounts. Having a variety of educators will help with many aspects such as diversity, differentiation, creativity, ideas, and resources to learn from. A bonus into having a PLN is that it is very easy to access, I can communicate with others, anywhere, anytime, and be up to date with the in’s and out’s of education.
            Twitter is one of the newest ways to communicate these days, and is growing everyday. Twitter can provide a great deal of information, from something such as education or maybe you just have a general education, you have a pretty good chance at finding it through Twitter. My current network is again small but a work in progress, most of the people that I am following share something in common, education. I also currently have some of my fellow classmates on their, I think this is very useful because we can always keep in touch and learn from each other from any experiences we may face, or just share any ideas that come to mind.
            Delicious I find is one of the BEST tools out their, and something that is very important to include in my PLN. My delicious already includes: WikiSpaces, Cool Tools for Schools, Lesson Plan Page, Multicultural Education, and many more. They are all great sites or resources that as a future educator I can use to reference back to when I need help with a certain subject in the classroom, or even just save so that anyone that I am connected to can use as well. Multicultural Education helps teachers to learn about being more open to the different cultures we will see in the classroom. Lesson Plan Page is where an educator can go and get some ideas about many lessons, just in case they ever hit this road block and can’t think of anything.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Journal 10

List 100 Things That Makes Me Happy:

  1. My grandpa (mom’s dad)
  2. My grandma (mom’s mom)
  3. My grandpa (dad’s dad)
  4. My grandma (dad’s mom)
  5. My mom
  6. My dad
  7. My brother
  8. My aunts
  9. My uncles
  10. My cousins
  11. My life
  12. My family
  13. My husband
  14. My son
  15. My daughter
  16. My mother in law
  17. My father in law
  18. My sister in law
  19. My brother in laws
  20. Donkey Kong
  21. My WII
  22. My car
  23. My health
  24. My house
  25. My dog lancer
  26. My dog razzle
  27. My puppy snickers
  28. My cat Ivy
  29. My future career
  30. My job
  31. My accomplishments
  32. Music
  33. Friends
  34. Internet
  35. Email
  36. Library
  37. My education
  38. My college
  39. My professors
  40. My new tv
  41. Christmas
  42. Looking at Christmas lights
  43. Thanksgiving
  44. Valentines Day
  45. The fourth of July
  46. Halloween
  47. My birthday
  48. Disneyland
  49. Sea World
  50. Six Flags
  51. The Zoo
  52. Lions
  53. Tigers
  54. Cats
  55. Ocean life
  56. The movies
  57. Going out to eat
  58. Baking
  59. Having a cell phone
  60. Super Mario Bros.
  61. The military (for what they do)
  62. Parties
  63. Reading books I love
  64. Twilight
  65. Moons
  66. Stars
  67. The beach
  68. The ocean
  69. The mountains
  70. The snow
  71. The desert
  72. Riding quads
  73. Riding jet skis
  74. Swimming
  75. Mexican food
  76. Starbucks
  77. Fruit smoothies
  78. Shakes
  79. Chocolate covered strawberries
  80. Watching football
  81. Watching MMA
  82. Working out
  83. Watching the sunset
  84. Watching children learn
  85. Taking pictures
  86. High school memories
  87. Coloring
  88. Shopping
  89. Attending weddings
  90. Attending baby showers
  91. Going on vacation
  92. Making balloon arrangements
  93. Wrapping gifts
  94. Making family videos
  95. Traveling
  96. Hawaii
  97. Cancun
  98. New York
  99. Japan
  100. The U.S. flag

Journal 9/NETS-T I & III


Hill, W. (2010, November). Scribble Maps Helps Students Visualize Their World. Learning & Leading, 38(3), 40-41.

Summary: Wanda Hill talks about a very useful resource that students can use to help with their geography skills. Geography skills are an important aspect in life to learn about, but when do our students get the chance when they are so pressured into focusing on reading, writing, and math. A program called Scribble Maps allows students to make and share maps. Students can add text and pictures to their creations. Students have the option as to how they would like to view the map, such as: map, satellite, hybrid, or night sky. Students can learn great information such as: population, landmarks, landforms, climate, animals, etc. This sounds like an awesome tool and something I wish I had growing up because I am sure it makes geography projects a lot easier. Easier to gather information but also easier put it all together.
Q1: Does the Scribble Maps program cost anything?
A1: No, Scribble Maps is a free resource, you do not even need to login to create a map you can just start creating what you want. For students, if they are working on saved projects all they need in order to retrieve their projects is use their personal log in which consists of their student ID and initials. This makes it easy for them to remember.
Q2: What if a student has trouble using the program?
A1: Students have easy access to the Contact Us e-mail (for Scribble Maps) and will usually get a response by the end of the day and often by the end of the class period.

Journal 8/NETS-T V

Frey, T.J., Houlton, A.L., & Gruis, E.D. (2010, November). I Can See Me: Webcams in the Classroom. Learning & Leading, 38(3), 36-37.


Summary: Wow technology just gets even more useful with the times. Who would have thought the webcam could be used as an educational tool? The article I Can See Me: Webcams in the Classroom gives some great ideas and explanations of how webcams can help a lot of students and not just those at grade level status but those that may have a learning disability. According to the article there are many uses for the webcam for students K-12. The authors point out that one of the reasons this makes such a great tool is because students love to be able to see themselves; it is part of what they call “I can see me” principle. For example when it comes to the subject reading, if a child was struggling they would very easily learn how to use the webcam and read aloud in front of it. Once the student has finished he/she could go back and watch themselves. Students can observe their own error patterns, fix the errors, and then see new and improved performance over time. This really inspired me to want to learn how and see what other technology tools will be useful in the future classrooms.
Q1: Is this too complex for students where the teacher’s attention needs to be focused on helping with the use of the webcam?
A1: No, the webcam is very easy to use. Obviously for the first time students will need a run down of what to do and what not to do, but using a webcam is very easy and once get view themselves on the screen it is like an incentive to want to learn how to use the webcam on their own, without help to be independent.
Q2: Is this something that will cost a lot and take up a lot of time to set up in the classroom?
A2: Today there are such a big variety of webcams that are inexpensive and easy to install. To supply a classroom with webcams would not cost very much, but who should be putting a price on learning tools that will help students to be more successful? Installation is not rocket science so it will not take up much time; however, it is important for teachers to learn themselves about the newest technology so that they can help their students and not rely on only those teachers that know how.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Journal 6/NETS-T V

Rebora, A. (2010). Change agent. Teacher PD Sourcebook, Retrieved from http://www.edweek.org/tsb/articles/2010/10/12/01richardson.h04.html?cmp=clp-edweek&intc=bs&sms_ss=delicious&at_xt=4cb7dc75d0303b73,0

Summary: This article was very interesting and headed in the right direction with how the world is today as far as technology. Will Richardson, a former high school English and Journalism teacher, who is no an educational technology informant. Richardson strongly and encourages the use of technology in accordance with students growth with learning. Schools and educators are strongly encouraged to integrated learning networks into their curriculum. He believes that with all the safety aspects students are taught about the internet they should be taught about useful things. Things such as the variety of resources they can encounter and use for school. This not only gives the students access to some great information but opens opportunities of creativity. Richardson’s goal is to revolutionize teaching and to enhance learning in order to keep up with the ever so changing digital world.
Q1: What is another benefit for students?
A1: This will offer students the opportunity to use technology for something else beside social networks. Social networks are great to a certain extent; however, they do have a lot more negative features than positive. Learning networks will give students the chance to not only help their personal growth but educational growth.
Q2: What are some benefits to schools, educators, or their communities?
A2: School, educators, and the community could use networks as a way of communication on a daily basis. They could share ideas and opportunities that could benefit one another and help those most important, the students.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

iMovie PSA

NETS-T III
I created a short video using iMovie to inspire future Cal State San Marcos students why this is a great school and family to be a part of.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Journal 4/NETS-T II & III

Johnson, D. (09/10). Computing in the clouds. Learning & Leading with Technology, 16-20.

Summary: Computing in the clouds, a very good and informative article. It was interesting to be able to connect with this article; I just in the past year learned about resources such as Google Docs and have come to love it, even though I do not know all the features it has. In these days where the world does not slow down programs like these are very helpful because then students (K-College) do not have to worry about carrying around any type of USB drives or any other storage devices. Now students do not even have to be in the same room to work on a project (since it is very hard to get together for projects). I believe it could save schools plenty of money (since they are free) and be put to use in other more beneficial ways.
Q1: Are programs like these suitable for all school age children?
A1: Yes and No. If these programs are taught and learned at a young age, then students have a better chance at being able to navigate them; however, if they are barely being introduced in high school or even college it can be a challenge to learn in a timely manner and frustrating.
Q2: Is it realistic that all parents are willing/able to pay for Netbooks?
A2: No, there are going to be many families with multiple children and will not want to buy multiple Netbooks. In addition, there is the simple fact that some families will just not be able to afford even one. To top it off parents may not have trust in their children to carry around an expensive item. Lastly, some parents may think it should be the schools responsibility to provide.

Journal 3/NETS-T II & V

McDermon, L. (2010). Bring the world into your classroom. Learning & Leading with Technology, 34-35.

Summary: I feel videoconferencing could be very beneficial and something I would love to use in my future classroom for the purpose of “taking fields trips” and being able to learn from various museum websites. “This not only benefits the students but the school as well, the schools would be able to save money; however, this does not mean they should completely eliminate all field trips. Students still need the hands on moments and those days where they are not in a classroom all day long. I feel the Read around the Planet is also beneficial but to a certain extent. It would be good because then students can see how different other people are, and the many ways we can do something to accomplish the same goal.
Q1: Will students enjoy this type of education?
A1: I feel students will enjoy it to a certain point, but some may not be exactly comfortable getting in front of a camera and acting. Many issues could be at stake here. For example, language barriers, disabilities, stage freight and so on.
Q2: Does this take value time away from the normal class day?
A2: I think it all depends on how much time is being used for video conferencing and how it is being used for knowledge and learning purposes.

Journal 2/NETS I & II

Ferguson, H. (2010). Join the flock. Learning & Leading with Technology, 13-14.
Ferguson, H. (2010). Enhance your twitter experience. Learning & Leading with Technology, 14-17.

Summary: I have to admit these articles were hard to read because I dislike the whole Twitter Scene. I do have to say that I did learn a lot more about Twitter. I never knew Twitter had so many features to use. However, I feel that many of these same aspects, Facebook has as well and is easier to use and I guess more of the in thing today. The only features Facebook may not have are the organizers and Bookmarklet, which from the reading can be very useful, however Facebook still has my vote. Another aspect not mentioned too much was security (very important), but on Facebook that is something the individual has complete control of.
Q1: With so many other technology tools, does society see this from a learning perspective?
A1: I do not believe so because there are so many other sites out there that can assist in learning, teaching, or organizing without the hassle of having to “work at” as the article explains.
Q2: Does being involved in something like this take time away from students?
A2: I believe if teachers do not know how to control themselves and divide up their time could affect the students negatively because they are looking at other people’s ideas and not using their own as much, or putting in valuable time into teaching.

Journal 1/NETS-T III

Bass, K., Donovan, L., & Green, T. (2010). Taking laptops schoolwide. Learning & Leading with Technology, 12-15.

Summary: This article really opened my eyes as far as how technology in schools should/could be integrated. I have always had a strong opinion for laptops/computers to be an everyday learning tool; however, I never took the time to think about how or what it would take. Technology is such a huge part of our lives today that it is almost scary if you do not know how to use it. Yes, so many parents have a fear of their children having internet access but there is a way around it. While at school students will only be able to view certain sites because there are ways to block what you do not want students to view. I find it odd how many schools have not implemented technology after hearing or reading how successful schools are becoming. I agree to the fullest about the four factors (school climate, communication, collaboration, and progression of use) that should be taken care of when trying to implement technology in a school. As a parent I would want to feel comfortable that my child is actually learning (and not messing around) but also building onto their skills. An outline of how the student will be working from grade to grade is number one priority. Second would be a classroom webpage (or something similar) so that as a parent I can see what is going on.
Q1: Does laptop/computer use benefit students?
A1: Yes, I believe so. Not only does it provide an easy access to do work (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) but to be able to do research and to explain subjects one may not understand. It also provides great use for those who are visual learners.
Q2: Will parents be able to adapt to this?
A2: I believe once parents nerves are settled they will. Things such as communication, support, and involvement will help the situation. An outline and/or classroom webpage are great things to use to give parents proof as to what their students are learning and accomplishing.

Wiki Page/NETS-T V





On this classroom Wiki Page I created a page on my own. The information I provided was on a tool that I tried out, and created an example to show my peers what Lovely Charts can do, and how it can possibly be implemented into the classroom.

CyberSafety Site/NETS-T IV





While using Google Sites my group and I created a child appropriate/friendly site that gave them important information on what can happen and how to stay safe while using the internet. There are images, videos, and links provided that can be used to search for more information.

Inspiration/NETS-T V




While using a program called Inspiration I created a map of what the NETS for teachers consists of. I also used images, gave examples, and explained why the assignments correlates to the NETS.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Intro Letter

Hello my name is Jessica, I am married with two children. I have a little girl and a little boy, the best of both worlds! I was born and raised in Escondido. When I was a baby I was able to live in Germany and Kentucky because my dad was in the military; unfortunately I do not remember anything. Other than that I have not had the chance to travel very much but plan to do so. I currently go to school full time, work with an internship, and work part time, so I always have something going on.I am currently in the ICP program here at Cal State working to become a teacher. My husband also goes to school full time, works part time, and is in the military.  From Kindergarten to second grade I attended Conway Elementary, third-fifth grade I attended Rose Elementary, then Hidden Valley Middle School, last but not least Orange Glen High School, all of Escondido.

I have to be honest I probably am not as good with technology as I should be. I can do the basics but anything else I need some help. These days everything is all about technology, so I do understand the need to know how. I am a visual learner so it makes things easier when I can see it done and then give it a try. However I do love the whole computer thing, I have a laptop and I just about live off it, I listen to music, watch t.v. shows, do my homework, pay my bills, and the list goes on. So being in this class to become even more knowledgeable about what is out there in technology is something I am very excited for.

To be honest I have never looked at the college mission statement until now. I picked Cal State as a school I wanted to attend based on other reasons. What school had the best teaching program and how close it was to my house were factors that I thought about. However I think that the part that speaks to me the most is, "We are committed to diversity, educational equity, and social justice, exemplified through reflective teaching, life-long learning, innovative research, and ongoing service." I feel this is very important because I think it in a way describes what all people should live by, not just teachers. It is important to have these aspects to live by in order to be successful.