Reflection of Technology Guru ( of sorts)

This class has come to a quick end.  I am rally surprised at how quickly it ended.  When reflecting upon my brief time in TPTE I can recall a few things worked well for me. For example, the digital story was what I consider my biggest accomplishment.  Between that and the photo slide shows, those are the two most popular tools I think I will use in the classroom.  I can not stress how essential photos are to a positive and enriching learning environment. It is exciting that I can incorporate technology into this aspect.  The one thing that I struggled the most with was the Interactive Spreadsheet.  I have had little to no experience with them to begin with.  When you add in a grade, it became my most difficult task in the class.  Even though it proved to be complicated and somewhat stressful, I am glad I had a finished product.  In addition to being something I struggled with, the spreadsheet holds little value in early childhood.  Granted I could use them for record keeping, I see little use or benefit in using them.  The only thing that I would have done differently is ask more questions.  Questions about the program or tool we were learning about, and about what we were supposed to produce.  It was difficult for me personally to know what exactly was supposed to be completed for each project.  The rubrics were not always clear, and coincided with what we discussed in class.  I would have also liked to explore Piknik.  I know a few friends that use it, and I had tried in the past.  It usually ended with my getting frustrated and quitting.  I do have to say that Wordle was one of the funnest projects.  It was an experience exploring and unmasking different aspects of this web 2.0 tool, and since I knew nothing about web 2.0 tools I could be proud that I successfully went through the discovery process.  Now I have the knowledge to go out and find new tools and hopefully be able to integrate them into my future classroom!

Blogging about Blogging

This past month I have become a blogging pro using Google Blogger.  I have been able to post artifacts from classroom experiences, some have been better than others, but overall blogging has been one of the simplest tasks I have completed.  Before completing this blog I looked back at my past posts.  I have posted about by struggles, strengths and ideas about our class projects. What I really enjoyed about blogging, was the fact that I had an audience.  At first blogging was just an assignment, but I found that I was proud of what I had learned thus far and wanted to post so that my family and friends could read about my experiences.  It is helpful to write and reflect upon the knowledge that was gained, but writing for an audience gives me an extra boost to share everything.  I guess that is why I want to use a blog for my classroom.
Creating the blog was the most difficult, just because there is not really room for error.  I learned that the difficult way, changing the name of the blog is not an option, so I had to create a whole new blog on the first day.  Posting blogs, adding pictures, and links were the easy part.  I was even surprised how easy it was to embed slideshows and artifacts from Web 2.0 Tools. If I had to choose a single tool that I would use in the classroom, this would be it.  It is very versatile, but also is something that I enjoy.  Since it is something I enjoy, I think it is safe to say I would frequently update the blog and post artifacts from our classroom experiences. 

Websites with Google

Who would have thought that I would create my own website...not me! I guess I proved myself wrong.  Creating a website with Google sites was very easy, however a few aspects of it took some patience.  Creating the basic layout was very simple, Google provides you with a variety of templates.  I was surprised at my confidence I had going into this final project.  I guess this class has provided me with a higher self-efficacy in regards to technology.  I created my site, navigation bar, (which was much simpler than the wiki navigation bar) and felt very accomplished after. My biggest issue with this project was mostly about making the website aesthetically pleasing.  Creating the appropriate white space-color space ratio was difficult.  I was pleased with the fact that I was able to find where to change the colors to the background, text, links, and much more through the manage site function.  In addition I had difficulty finding royalty free photos.  I found that the sites that provide photos that are not copyrighted were mostly posed.  They reminded me of the photos that are in picture frames when you buy them.  I eventually found what I was looking for after fishing for them, using most of my class time.
This project showed me how easy it is to create and modify a website, which is a tool that I could use for my classroom.  Having a page devoted to games, and online activities that my children can use could really be useful to them and their parents.  I am really excited about this creation, and hope that I am in an environment that my families with access and utilize this website.

PB Works Wiki

Using a wiki was a complete foreign concept to me before this class.  I really had no clue what it was about, or what it event meant.  I was thinking it was more of a widget or gadget, boy was I wrong.  It took me a few tries to get it down, but by the end of this class I feel like I am pretty fluent in the wiki world.  Using PB Works was very exhausting at the beginning.  By the end of the first day I was almost in tears over the navigation bar.  I learned that copy and paste does not work very well.  It will change the page link to a website link. That particular equation is wrong!  That was my biggest issue with the wiki, and it took about two days to figure out the navigation bar.  Adding content was very easy.  I was surprised by the ease of adding text, photos, and web links (not in the navigation bar).  Next time I would like to explore a little more with the sidebar, changing the layout or something to make it look a little more creative.  This tool can really be useful in my classroom.  It is an innovative way of communicating with family members, but it also provides the families with a form of communication between each other.  I am interested to explore and find other uses for the wiki in my classroom.

A digital story about South Africa

Creating digital stories are easy to create.  I was very surprised at the simplicity of Movie Maker.  The step-by-step directions were helpful, but I am confident that I could have figured out everything eventually.  My biggest issue overall did not have anything to do with the program.  My issue was with copyright.  Since I was going a digital story about my trip to South Africa, and including the animals, history, and people I really wanted to use a song that reflected the South Africa that I fell in love with.  Shakria's song "Waka Waka (This time for Africa)." This song was the official song for the FIFA World Cup 2010, and really portrays the Africa that I love so dearly.  Unfortunately because of copyright, it would be impossible to use.  I was then directed to freeplaymusic.com and their music selection was amazing.  It took me a total of two minutes to find the perfect song. Working on the project I learned that there a variety of ways that I can use technology to share projects and field trips with families.  In addition, I learned the importance of using storyboards.  I like to have a plan, and know what I need to work on and what I need to make modifications to.  I ended up doing two storyboards, my original and revised. Creating storyboards is probably kept me clam during this process.  I can be overwhelmed by technology, but this assignment was a lot less stressful for me.  The only  change I would make  for next time, would be my time frame.  I would have liked to have longer to work and change things around.  Since I do not have the software on my personal computer I was more limited on time. Yet, overall I feel as though I completed this assignment successfully. I am excited to use these in the classroom, and possibly my personal life.  Digital stories are easy to create and can portray a variety of lessons or meanings. I almost wish I would have done a story about Nelson Mandela alone, and what he has done for South Africa, but I was happy to share the South Africa I know. 

Interactive Exel SpreadSheets

Today working on the interactive spreadsheet in Excel was the hardest thing we have completed so far. Creating one on my own seems horrifying and intimidating. I do not dispute the usefulness of it, however it is something that I have a lot of desire to use. Is there a benefit for using interactive spreadsheets for ECE? That is the question, and the answer is going to require so research and conversations with mentor teachers. Even though the process was stressful and exhausting I did feel a sense of accomplishment when the finished product was posted. Hopefully I will develop a better understanding and learn more about Exel interactive spreadsheets through the solo assignment.

Google Forms

Web Diagram

Kidspiration is a very interesting program. While using it. I had a great deal a fun, however I really did not see it as a tool that I would use in the classroom. It would be a great program for older elementary children, but Kindergartners are just too young. The tools on Kidspiration are very child friendly. However, I was a little disappointed at the teacher functions that the program offered. It would be nice if the software had more options of teacher modifications. I could see it being used by teachers more than the child in my particular discipline. Pictures are a great tool to reach out for when trying to help your children understand a concept. This would be a great resource for children in many different subject matters. I would recommend this program to fellow teachers who are working towards a Prek-3 license.

Do you Glog?

Using Smilebox :)

This free photo collage generated with Smilebox

Wordle

Using Web 2.0 Tools sounds a lot more intimidating then it really is. When exploring the uses of Wordle I was able to see how easy and useful it really is. Wordle is a program that combines words that you enter into the computer and then generates a word cloud. While Wordle has many more purposes for children who can read, I was still able to find uses for my classroom. This assignment made me move outside of my comfort zone. I am really good at following step by step directions, but when it comes to exploring on my own I struggle. This assignment forced me to explore, and I found myself to be a lot more competent than I thought. Using Wordle in a preschool class would allow me to translate what children say, so that their parents can view it on my blog. In addition it would be an interesting way in which to create word webs, when we are discussing different topics. It can also be a simple way to introduce words. For example you could create a Wordle with Colors being the Keyword, you could then add the color words. After the Wordle was created you could hang it up in the writing center, so that the children can practice. There are several topics that a teacher could use. Exploring Wordle was a way in which to begin researching Web 2.0 tools with ease. After realizing how easy and accessible it was, I am now looking forward to learning about other tools from my classmates.

Hunt

The video scavenger hunt was a great opportunity to use technology inside the classroom. I usually on relate technology to classroom computers. However, this activity gave me an opportunity to see how I can really use technology in a preschool setting. It was be very easy but also meaningful to let the children take photos during projects and activities. Using programs like Picasa and Google Presentation would allow me to show parents what exactly their children do during our time together. Both of the tools were very easy to navigate. Picasa has more options for editing and creating,which would be more useful for my classroom purposes. Google Presenter is very easy to use, but is also equally as limiting. This tool would only be useful to me when trying to create a project is a short amount of time. The most difficult aspect of working with these tools is resizing the photos. The main lesson I learned is that it takes exploration and a little creativity to use these programs in my classroom, which makes me excited to begin incorporating them.

What is a WebQuest?

Like most other topics in the class, I had no clue what a WebQuest was.  After working on today's assignment I have become much more familiar with them, and their purposes.  Using WebQuests allows children work together and to research a topic in depth.  When we began exploring the WebQuest I immediately became doubtful.  How can I use this tool in ECE? What I eventually discovered is that it may not be a tool I utilize often, but there is potential.  I will just have to search for it.

When we were working on the WebQuests about WebQuests I was really interested in the variety of topics.  For some reason I was under the impression that they would only be about math and science.  The topics for elementary children varied, and included a variety of skills.  I found that I was wishing I participated in these activities when I was in school.  When we were evaluating the WebQuests I was the Efficiency Expert and Affiliator.  Doing both these tasks really allowed for me to take an indepth look at each WebQuest.  I was able to see how important the quality of a WebQuest is from several standpoints.  Just because a WebQuest has a lot of potential in one area, does not mean that it is strong in the others.  In fact it may be seriously lacking in three other areas.  The importance of evaluation is becoming a theme in this class.  As an educator it is my duty to provide only quality resources for my children.  Evaluation is key to completing that duty successfully.

After we finished the WebQuest about WebQuests, we began searching for a WebQuest that we felt had potential for ECE.  I was a little doubtful that I would find anything appropriate, but I have been surprised every time thus far, so why would this tool be any different? After searching I found a promising WebQuest based on Eric Carle's Work.  The WebQuest proved to me that they can be accessed for young children.  The process touched on a variety of skills that a child would be working on.  

Evaluation of a Website

 Last night I felt like a detective, searching through the pbsteachers website.  When evaluating the website I was surprised about the amount of details that I have not really paid attention to in the past when looking at websites. During the evaluation I was searching for items that would support the creditability of the site and nothing was really there.  However, because it was a branch of the pbs network there is already a positive and respectable reputation.The website was teacher and child friendly.  Navigation was very easy, and the aesthetics of the page was easy to follow.  
While looking at the website I was exposed to a new resource that I will be able to use in the classroom.  The site provided me with information that can be useful for me and my children. The great thing about this site is that I can work with a child on the website, or a children can work solo, or even in pairs.  The biggest lesson I learned is that evaluation is very important, unfortunately it is something that I have never really paid attention to. Being in the classroom and providing children with technology, I feel as though I owe it to the children to provide them with reputable sites and information. 

Technology for a Preschool Teacher?

TPTE 486 sounded like it would be an interesting course, especially since I am a prek-k student.  I do not know a whole lot about technology, and that may be why im unsure of how preschool aged children can benefit greatly from it.  However, I am looking forward to learning more about technology and how I can incorporate it in my class. 
I am not really sure what to expect from the class, other than it will take lots of time and patience.  I am starting to see how using a blog can really be useful when it comes to communicating with the family members and caregivers of my children.  I am also expecting to learn a lot about photos and their uses.  This class will hopefully give me insight to the exciting and always changing world of technology, and I am ready for the ride!