Picasa
What:
In class we were supposed to learn about Picasa. Because the computers were not cooperating with us in the lab, we didn't really get to experiment with it very much. I did get some pictures downloaded and was able to see how you can manipulate your photos.
So What:
Being able to have all of your pictures in one place is great, and being able to edit, crop, change and distort photos is fun. I would like to be able to spend some more time using Picasa and learning about all of its great features before I make a decision on whether I like it or not. I'm not even sure of all of the ways that I can use it, since it didn't really work great in class. I will have to download in on my home computer so I can actually use it and learn about it, and then I'll be able to make a more informed decision.
When I told a friend that I would be learning about Picasa, she told me that she uses it all of the time. She takes pictures of her sons' soccer team and then puts them on Picasa. She shares them with all the players on the team. They can all get on there and see the pictures that she has taken. She said that she loves it because it is easy to share with others, and it's free! This is a feature that I would love, too. With my kids involved in sports and scouts and other activities it would be great to be able to take and share pics with other parents and have them do the same for me.
Now What:
How will Picasa help me as a future teacher? I'm not really sure yet. Of course, anything that creates a way to share and collaborate with other teachers is a great tool. Using Picasa in conjunction with a digital camera to teach could be really good. I haven't made a final decision on it yet. That doesn't mean that I'm writing it off, I'm just going to do some more research and discover the great things that Picasa has to offer for myself, then I'll decide whether I will use it when I'm a teacher, or not.
Video:
This weeks video was funny. I liked how he not only talked about mistakes that you can make on a power point, but then he showed them while he was talking about it. It was funny, because everyone has seen power point presentations like the ones he was talking about, and many people have even made power point presentations like those. We laugh because we see the mistakes and we know we've made them, too. It did make me think though. When I make power points in the future, I will probably remember this funny clip. If I try to make a slide with too many graphics, I know that his will pop into my mind. It took him an hour and a half to make the one slide and it was too much. His busy, crazy slide will remind me not to make the same mistake.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
REFLECTION #7
Digital Cameras
What:
This week we talked about using digital cameras in the classroom. We had the opportunity, as a team, to use digital cameras to take pictures of a subject that we could teach in our classroom. We also read some articles and searched for websites about digital camera use in the classroom.
So What:
There are so many great things about digital cameras, and not just for educators. First, they are so easy to use. After making sure that you have a full battery and a memory card, all you have to do is point and shoot. One of my favorite things about digital cameras is that you can take as many pictures as your memory card will hold. When I had a 35mm camera, I was always having to be careful about how much film I had and be careful that I wasn't going to run out. Not a problem with digital cameras! I can take as many pictures of the elephants at the zoo (or whatever) as I want to, and if I do fill my memory card up I can insert another, or quickly go through and delete a few picutes that I might not want. It's great!
As a parent, I use digital cameras all the time to document the lives of my family. I also use a digital camera to entertain my kids. When they are bored at a soccer game or something, I give them the camera and they take pictures of trees, their feet, the head of a guy 20 feet away, whatever. It doesn't matter, because I just delete it later. No film wasted, and a few minutes of peace and quiet. I love it! As a student and future teacher, there are many things that I can do when it comes to digital cameras. I can start to learn about programs that are available for editing photos. I can research more ways that teachers have used digital cameras and start to keep a list of ideas, websites or links. I can keep a record on my UEN so that I will always have access to it. I can start taking pictures when I travel, or when I see something that I think might be interesting or educational for future students. I can carry the camera with me all the time so when the opportunity comes, I am ready.
Now What:
As a teacher, I know that I will use a digital camera in my classroom. I always thought that I would because it it so easy to use and kids love to see pictures of themselves and their class. The thing I've learned, is that there are so many ways to use a digital camera. More than just documenting fun things that happened, which is what I would have used it for. Now I know that the possibilities are endless when it comes to using a digital camera. I love the idea of using a camera to make books, power points, posters, etc. If I am teaching a subject like addition I could use pictures that I've taken as a center where students would count objects in the picture and add them to the same object in another. I also think it would be fun to have reward centers or fast finisher activities like making a 'Where's Waldo' or 'Where's _______' (whatever) book. As a teacher, I think I would love to let students use digital cameras to make projects, plays, or take pictures for other things.
I would love to be able to share photos with other teachers and have them share with me as well. Especially, if we discussed at the beginning of the year, or in meeting, a topic that we might be going to teach. All teachers could be on the lookout for photo opportunities that would help teach that topic. We could share the photos, and all the students in that grade level would get to see the same photos as they learned that unit. Digital camera use is another great way for teachers to work together.
The one concern that I do have, and I guess I would have to research it, is privacy or confidentialilty rules. I do wonder if it is okay to have pictures of students. I know that at the beginning of the year I have to give permission for my kids to have their picture used in certain situations at school. The principal or district would probably be able to tell me what the regulations are if there are any. I guess I would just have to be cautious of that and ask questions if I was worried.
Video:
Was the point of the videos to see what you can do with digital cameras?
The videos were pretty entertaining. I think that the point of watching them was to show that through editing you can make some fun projects. Like the David Letterman one, I really thought we were going to watch David Letterman. Then it switched to someone else's video clip. It was cool how they kept switching back and forth from Letterman to their own homemade top 10 list. Plus it was kind of funny. I liked the one about wipes becoming your best friend. As far as the 'Mashup' video goes, it was entertaining but a little overwhelming. I liked how they used the different windows so you were seeing 4 or 5 or more different people playing at the same time. Honestly though, it just made me feel overwhelmed. The thought of creating a project like that is overwhelming because I don't know how. It will be fun to learn how to do stuff like that. Perhaps with practice and a lesson or two I'll be able to edit cool things with a digital camera, too. Who knows?
What:
This week we talked about using digital cameras in the classroom. We had the opportunity, as a team, to use digital cameras to take pictures of a subject that we could teach in our classroom. We also read some articles and searched for websites about digital camera use in the classroom.
So What:
There are so many great things about digital cameras, and not just for educators. First, they are so easy to use. After making sure that you have a full battery and a memory card, all you have to do is point and shoot. One of my favorite things about digital cameras is that you can take as many pictures as your memory card will hold. When I had a 35mm camera, I was always having to be careful about how much film I had and be careful that I wasn't going to run out. Not a problem with digital cameras! I can take as many pictures of the elephants at the zoo (or whatever) as I want to, and if I do fill my memory card up I can insert another, or quickly go through and delete a few picutes that I might not want. It's great!
As a parent, I use digital cameras all the time to document the lives of my family. I also use a digital camera to entertain my kids. When they are bored at a soccer game or something, I give them the camera and they take pictures of trees, their feet, the head of a guy 20 feet away, whatever. It doesn't matter, because I just delete it later. No film wasted, and a few minutes of peace and quiet. I love it! As a student and future teacher, there are many things that I can do when it comes to digital cameras. I can start to learn about programs that are available for editing photos. I can research more ways that teachers have used digital cameras and start to keep a list of ideas, websites or links. I can keep a record on my UEN so that I will always have access to it. I can start taking pictures when I travel, or when I see something that I think might be interesting or educational for future students. I can carry the camera with me all the time so when the opportunity comes, I am ready.
Now What:
As a teacher, I know that I will use a digital camera in my classroom. I always thought that I would because it it so easy to use and kids love to see pictures of themselves and their class. The thing I've learned, is that there are so many ways to use a digital camera. More than just documenting fun things that happened, which is what I would have used it for. Now I know that the possibilities are endless when it comes to using a digital camera. I love the idea of using a camera to make books, power points, posters, etc. If I am teaching a subject like addition I could use pictures that I've taken as a center where students would count objects in the picture and add them to the same object in another. I also think it would be fun to have reward centers or fast finisher activities like making a 'Where's Waldo' or 'Where's _______' (whatever) book. As a teacher, I think I would love to let students use digital cameras to make projects, plays, or take pictures for other things.
I would love to be able to share photos with other teachers and have them share with me as well. Especially, if we discussed at the beginning of the year, or in meeting, a topic that we might be going to teach. All teachers could be on the lookout for photo opportunities that would help teach that topic. We could share the photos, and all the students in that grade level would get to see the same photos as they learned that unit. Digital camera use is another great way for teachers to work together.
The one concern that I do have, and I guess I would have to research it, is privacy or confidentialilty rules. I do wonder if it is okay to have pictures of students. I know that at the beginning of the year I have to give permission for my kids to have their picture used in certain situations at school. The principal or district would probably be able to tell me what the regulations are if there are any. I guess I would just have to be cautious of that and ask questions if I was worried.
Video:
Was the point of the videos to see what you can do with digital cameras?
The videos were pretty entertaining. I think that the point of watching them was to show that through editing you can make some fun projects. Like the David Letterman one, I really thought we were going to watch David Letterman. Then it switched to someone else's video clip. It was cool how they kept switching back and forth from Letterman to their own homemade top 10 list. Plus it was kind of funny. I liked the one about wipes becoming your best friend. As far as the 'Mashup' video goes, it was entertaining but a little overwhelming. I liked how they used the different windows so you were seeing 4 or 5 or more different people playing at the same time. Honestly though, it just made me feel overwhelmed. The thought of creating a project like that is overwhelming because I don't know how. It will be fun to learn how to do stuff like that. Perhaps with practice and a lesson or two I'll be able to edit cool things with a digital camera, too. Who knows?
Sunday, February 14, 2010
REFLECTION #6
INTERNET SAFETY
The internet is really a must in educating children today. There are so many great things about the internet, and I think that not using the internet would put students at a disadvantage. Using the internet gives us access to more information than we can ever use. It's true that some information is unnecessary and even harmful, but there is so much that is good. It brings another dimension to teaching and to learning. Research is at our fingertips. Games and activities allow students to practice the things they learn in the classroom. Communication like email allow us to learn about other cultures and to speak to people around the world. The internet opens up the world to us, in a way that books can't. The benefits are endless, as long as we are aware of the risks.
Whether students use the internet at school or not, it is almost certain that they will use it at home. That is why it is so important, as teachers, that we educate are students on the importance of being safe on the internet. I think that we as educators must learn how to recognize and use good websites, and then pass that information on to our students, so that students can make wise choices as well. When I come across a website that I am unfamiliar with I ask myself the following questions before I decide to use the information I find there.
-Who is the sponsor of this website? How did I link to it? Is it easy to find again?
-What is the URL? Are there any red flags? Is it a personal website?
-How does the information make me feel? Do I doubt anything that I'm reading?
-Are there too many advertisements? What are the advertisements?
-Is the website secure? Do I see a lock symbol on the bottom of the page?
If I have any doubts when I think of these questions, then I choose not to use the website. If the website passes my scrutiny, then I feel confident that I can recommend it to my students. I will encourage students to ask themselves these same questions as they surf the internet. If they know the reasons why they need to be careful, and then they know how to be careful, they will be armed with the ability to make good choices. I will also encourage them to always follow rules that are set by their parents and by the school, and to always ask questions if they are unsure. After they have been taught, I believe they will be ready to use the internet safely.
Video:
This week I watched the video Internet Safety Movie. I believe it was made by 7th grade students, and if that is the case then I think they did a really good job. I like how they had taken the pictures of kids on the computer and I liked how they presented the information. I think that they touched on the important things when it comes to internet safety. They came up with good rules that, when followed, would keep them and others safe on the internet. What I really learned from this video though, is that it is a great idea to have students research internet safety and do some kind of project on it. When they present the information, rather than just listening to a teacher lecture on it, they learn more and are more apt to remember the information. I think that assigning a project like that has great value for the student.
The internet is really a must in educating children today. There are so many great things about the internet, and I think that not using the internet would put students at a disadvantage. Using the internet gives us access to more information than we can ever use. It's true that some information is unnecessary and even harmful, but there is so much that is good. It brings another dimension to teaching and to learning. Research is at our fingertips. Games and activities allow students to practice the things they learn in the classroom. Communication like email allow us to learn about other cultures and to speak to people around the world. The internet opens up the world to us, in a way that books can't. The benefits are endless, as long as we are aware of the risks.
Whether students use the internet at school or not, it is almost certain that they will use it at home. That is why it is so important, as teachers, that we educate are students on the importance of being safe on the internet. I think that we as educators must learn how to recognize and use good websites, and then pass that information on to our students, so that students can make wise choices as well. When I come across a website that I am unfamiliar with I ask myself the following questions before I decide to use the information I find there.
-Who is the sponsor of this website? How did I link to it? Is it easy to find again?
-What is the URL? Are there any red flags? Is it a personal website?
-How does the information make me feel? Do I doubt anything that I'm reading?
-Are there too many advertisements? What are the advertisements?
-Is the website secure? Do I see a lock symbol on the bottom of the page?
If I have any doubts when I think of these questions, then I choose not to use the website. If the website passes my scrutiny, then I feel confident that I can recommend it to my students. I will encourage students to ask themselves these same questions as they surf the internet. If they know the reasons why they need to be careful, and then they know how to be careful, they will be armed with the ability to make good choices. I will also encourage them to always follow rules that are set by their parents and by the school, and to always ask questions if they are unsure. After they have been taught, I believe they will be ready to use the internet safely.
Video:
This week I watched the video Internet Safety Movie. I believe it was made by 7th grade students, and if that is the case then I think they did a really good job. I like how they had taken the pictures of kids on the computer and I liked how they presented the information. I think that they touched on the important things when it comes to internet safety. They came up with good rules that, when followed, would keep them and others safe on the internet. What I really learned from this video though, is that it is a great idea to have students research internet safety and do some kind of project on it. When they present the information, rather than just listening to a teacher lecture on it, they learn more and are more apt to remember the information. I think that assigning a project like that has great value for the student.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
REFLECTION #5- UEN
UEN REFLECTION
Through completing the assignment for this week, I learned that there is a wealth of information and resources for teachers, students and parents on the UEN website. The amount of information is almost overwhelming. I learned about so many things that a teacher would have access to, that opens up just with the entering of a password. Not only that, but so many more things that I don't even know about yet. I think it will take many hours of using the website to come close to learning everything that UEN offers, but I can already see many benefits of the web site and I will definately use it both as a parent and as a teacher.
There are so many things on UEN that I could use as a teacher. I love that the state curriculum is available and right at your fingertips. I imagine, as a teacher I would use this feature all of the time. It is so great that not only the standards and objectives are listed right there for you, but that also there are lesson plans and links available. I love the links, which give you access to wonderful games and other tools. I think that the availabiltiy of the lessons plans and links would be invaluable to me as a new teacher. It would help me to be prepared with a variety of instructional tools. I also think it is great that if you want a video or some other form of media, it is there in the emedia section of the Pioneer Library. Even better than just being there, is that you can search based on grade or state curriculum and find age and level appropriate material. These are just a couple of examples. There are just so many things available to teachers on UEN.
As a parent, I think that UEN is wonderful. I love that I can get on the web site and see what my kids are suppose to be learning in their grades, according to state core. At home we could utilize many different things to enhance the education they are getting at school. If a teacher gave my child access to the Pioneer Library we could use that to do research. It is so much better than just surfing the web because I, as a parent, don't have to be right there monitoring websites. I know that the Pioneer Library is a safe place for my children.
UEN is a great tool for teachers and would definately benefit parents. Even better though, is the great benefit it would have for students. At home students could use the interactives to reinforce what they are learning at school. For example, if we were working on subtraction at school, I could ask the students to practice at home using a math interactive on UEN, like Hoots Subtraction Game. At school we could use UEN as well. Students could watch videos, or do research or play games. I love the idea of having a computer in the class room and having UEN as a reward for fast finishers or those doing what they are suppose to be doing. I could let them play a game, or even better, I could have them look for something, just like we've had to do with this assignment. For example, something that happened on this date in history. That would be interesting and constantly changing. They could find some fact about Utah, or even the fun fact of the day. There are so many options for students and it would really enhance their education.
VIDEO:
The video this week was entertaining and thought provoking. I think that he had a point, in some ways. Public school probably does tend to lesson creativity. Teachers are often so worried about just getting through each day. They have to teach the required curriculum well enough that their students will pass their end of year exam, and they have to teach to so many different students who learn in so many different ways. And, they have to teach while they are dealing with discipline issues. Teachers have a diffiuclt job, so I can understand why they teach the way they do. There isn't enough time in a school day to teach required core and expect that each kid will have dance or art in their day as well. A good teacher may be able to figure out a way to include a wide variety of things that enhance creativity. I'll have to give that some thought, so I can try to include creativity in my classroom. I agreed with him, that we do tend to teach kids to think only one way, he called it something like 'up and slightly to one side'. As a teacher, I want to try to help students learn in many different ways and try to encourage their creativity.
Through completing the assignment for this week, I learned that there is a wealth of information and resources for teachers, students and parents on the UEN website. The amount of information is almost overwhelming. I learned about so many things that a teacher would have access to, that opens up just with the entering of a password. Not only that, but so many more things that I don't even know about yet. I think it will take many hours of using the website to come close to learning everything that UEN offers, but I can already see many benefits of the web site and I will definately use it both as a parent and as a teacher.
There are so many things on UEN that I could use as a teacher. I love that the state curriculum is available and right at your fingertips. I imagine, as a teacher I would use this feature all of the time. It is so great that not only the standards and objectives are listed right there for you, but that also there are lesson plans and links available. I love the links, which give you access to wonderful games and other tools. I think that the availabiltiy of the lessons plans and links would be invaluable to me as a new teacher. It would help me to be prepared with a variety of instructional tools. I also think it is great that if you want a video or some other form of media, it is there in the emedia section of the Pioneer Library. Even better than just being there, is that you can search based on grade or state curriculum and find age and level appropriate material. These are just a couple of examples. There are just so many things available to teachers on UEN.
As a parent, I think that UEN is wonderful. I love that I can get on the web site and see what my kids are suppose to be learning in their grades, according to state core. At home we could utilize many different things to enhance the education they are getting at school. If a teacher gave my child access to the Pioneer Library we could use that to do research. It is so much better than just surfing the web because I, as a parent, don't have to be right there monitoring websites. I know that the Pioneer Library is a safe place for my children.
UEN is a great tool for teachers and would definately benefit parents. Even better though, is the great benefit it would have for students. At home students could use the interactives to reinforce what they are learning at school. For example, if we were working on subtraction at school, I could ask the students to practice at home using a math interactive on UEN, like Hoots Subtraction Game. At school we could use UEN as well. Students could watch videos, or do research or play games. I love the idea of having a computer in the class room and having UEN as a reward for fast finishers or those doing what they are suppose to be doing. I could let them play a game, or even better, I could have them look for something, just like we've had to do with this assignment. For example, something that happened on this date in history. That would be interesting and constantly changing. They could find some fact about Utah, or even the fun fact of the day. There are so many options for students and it would really enhance their education.
VIDEO:
The video this week was entertaining and thought provoking. I think that he had a point, in some ways. Public school probably does tend to lesson creativity. Teachers are often so worried about just getting through each day. They have to teach the required curriculum well enough that their students will pass their end of year exam, and they have to teach to so many different students who learn in so many different ways. And, they have to teach while they are dealing with discipline issues. Teachers have a diffiuclt job, so I can understand why they teach the way they do. There isn't enough time in a school day to teach required core and expect that each kid will have dance or art in their day as well. A good teacher may be able to figure out a way to include a wide variety of things that enhance creativity. I'll have to give that some thought, so I can try to include creativity in my classroom. I agreed with him, that we do tend to teach kids to think only one way, he called it something like 'up and slightly to one side'. As a teacher, I want to try to help students learn in many different ways and try to encourage their creativity.
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