Course Reflection

             When entering IT 365 for the first time, at the beginning of the semester, I had no idea what to expect. I knew the class would incorporate technology, and I knew the class would teach me ways of incorporating technology and what I learned into my future classroom. I did not, however, expect the class to  teach me so much about new, innovative resources and ways that other teachers and/or instructors are conducting their classroom. For example, the World Peace Games. The teacher who devised the games and conducts them in his classroom, gives his students the freedom to make their own decisions. The teacher does not run the classroom like a dictator; however, he still has the control and respect of the classroom. I loved seeing this and coming to the realization that that is the exact type of classroom I want to have for myself. I realize I will more than likely not be facilitating the World Peace Games, I hope to be teaching younger children, but I do hope to have the same freedom in my classroom while still maintaining respect and control of the environment. Other things I enjoyed in the class was constructing the website. I loved creating it as if I was already in my own classroom. In addition, the website allowed me really consider what I would want to do in my own classroom as far as a morning routine or how I would want to keep in contact with parents (i.e. newsletter, email, Remind 101, etc.).  Other projects that interested my in class were the Voki and XtraNormal videos. I learned a lot from all of these. I was able to bring something away from both of these projects. I was able to think about the ways I could incorporate these videos into my future classrooms, not only by teacher introductions, but by using the flower Voki to teach about plant cells, photosynthesis, etc. XtraNormal videos can be used to teach about the same types of things due to the fact that there are more options and there can be more than one speaker. This is just some of what I have learned in this class. In conclusion, I have learned a lot from this class. I hope to be a better teacher with the changes in technology due to what I have learned, and I hope to be able to include  more technology into my classroom to grab the attention of my future students.

Signed,
Anna Claire

Blogfolio - Final Project

My Blogfolio is a final project for IT 365 Spring 2013. I set this into a table format to make it easier to understand and read. I have also posted a link, below, to the NET Standards for Teachers as a reference.

NET Standards for Teachers

#	Assignment/Objective Addressed	Standard Addressed (NETS)	Description of the Nature of the Product
1	Intro Video	1a,5d	When completing this project I was able to learn my weaknesses and what I need to improve on before making another introduction video for my first classroom.  I was able to discover that I needed to have more prior practice, rather than “winging it” in order to make a more successful video. The project met the NET Standards 1a and 5d. In 1a it states that one must “demonstrate introductory knowledge, skills, and understanding of concepts related to technology”. In order to execute the project I had to operate a video camera and be able to upload it to my compute and blog. Secondly, in 5d the NET Standards state that, “use technology to communicate and collaborate with peers, parents, and the larger community in order to nurture student learning”. The entire purpose of the video is to engage my future students and parents and educate them on my interests, achievements, and goals for the upcoming year.
2	Concept Map	1a&b,2a,3b	When constructing my concept map, I really got invested in the project. I picked a topic that I thoroughly enjoyed, and I went full speed ahead with it. The concept map meets the NET Standard 1a&b  because it requires the author or designer to “demonstrate introductory knowledge. skills and understanding of concepts related to technology”. In “b”, the NET Standards also states “continual growth”. In order to complete the project I had to learn how to use a new software program that constantly is updated with newer versions. Also the concept map meets standards 2a due to the fact that the standard states “technology enhanced instructional strategies to support the diverse needs of learners”. For the concept map, we were required to include pictures and videos, making it visually appealing, words for the linguistic learners, and speak about the map for the auditory learners which the videos also apply to. All of these assist in teaching the diverse needs of learners. Lastly, NET Standards 3b because that standard also talks about the diverse needs of learners and using different strategies to adhere to those.
3	Khan’s Academy	1a&b,2a&b,3a&b&c,4a&b,5b	When watching the video about Khan’s Academy and after learning more about what the program is about, five out of the six basic NET Standards were met. Khan Academy is very specialized in what it does and it is designed for a specific purpose. There are ways for the teachers to track each individual student and in addition students work at home and at their own pace. Khan Academy is constantly growing and evolving with changing advancements. Khan Academy uses technology to do all of these things and to help students excel in math. Khan Academy uses evaluations of its own success to determine its next advancements and changes. For these reasons, and Khan Academy being an entirely technology based program, so many NET Standards are met.
4	Voki	1a&b,2b,3a&b	When creating my Voki, I really enjoyed it. I learned different ways, more creative ways, I could integrate Voki into my classroom once I become more familiar with the program. In addition the program can be used to engage those students that need a little more encouragement, interaction, or excitement in the classroom to become engaged. NET Standard 3b states, “use technology to support learner-centered strategies that address the diverse needs of learners”. Voki can be utilized in numerous educational ways, not solely for my personal introduction, and can capture the attention of visual, linguistic, and auditory learners all at once. I could program the Voki to ask questions and take pauses. I believe the children would really enjoy that. Lastly NETS 2b says to “apply current research on teaching and learning with technology”, I believe integrating the Voki into the classroom is doing just that.
5	Gap Minder	2a&b,3a,4b,6b	When discovering and learning how to maneuver and work Gap Minder, I was, honestly, very confused. After working with it for some time, I began to understand how it worked. Once I was familiar with the resource, I was able to realize its potential and place in a classroom. This resource also meets several NETS due to how technology advanced it is and how diverse its information is as additional instruction for the classroom. In NETS 4b it states “use technology resources to collect and analyze data, interpret results, and communicate findings to improve instructional practice and maximize student learning”. Gap Minder’s purpose is just that, to use technology’s resources and data and combine them into one place to be more useful to the classroom and to students.  The information on Gap Minder can be easily incorporated in classroom instruction in a higher level classroom.
6	World Peace Games	2a&b,6a&b	When learning of the World Peace Games and observing clips of the games, the game itself and how independent the students were in the game was intriguing to me. This is where NETS 6 a and b come in. NETS 6a states “model and teach legal and ethical practice related to technology use”. The independent practice of the students during the game with the access to technology and use of it during the game teaches the ethical decisions and practices talked about in 6a. Also, in 2a and b, the instructor designs and applies his research into creating a technologically advanced game for students that encourages their learning environment.
7	Movie Maker	2a,3a&b	When making the movie using movie maker, I had to think about what opportunities I could utilize this for in my future classroom. In addition, I enjoyed using a program that is more likely to be used on my future computers and is simple to use. The NETS met were 2a and 3a&b. In 2a it states “design developmentally appropriate learning opportunities that apply technology-enhanced instructional strategies to support the diverse needs of learners.” I believe the Movie Maker project meets NETS 2a because using a movie in the classroom to introduce or enhance a theme or unit is developmentally appropriate to elementary age students. In addition, it supports the diverse needs of learners by giving visual and auditory learners a better learning experience.
8	XtraNormal	1b,2b,3b	When creating my XtraNormal video, I really enjoyed the trial and error process as well as trying all different sound effects, etc. The XtraNormal service announcement met NETS 1b,2b, and 3b. It met 1b by “demonstrating my continual growth in technology knowledge and skills”. With the making of the XtraNormal Video, I was required to move from making a virtual video with one character to a video with two characters. NETS 2b was met because “current research on teaching and learning with technology” was required to discover the software and be able to utilize it in a meaningful way in a classroom. Lastly, 3b was met by “supporting learner-centered strategies that address the diverse needs of students”. This was met because the visual and auditory parts of the video appeal to different types of learners and engage their interest.
9	Software and Hardware Terminology	1a&b,5a&c	When learning and refreshing my memory of short cuts and definitions of what each important part of the computer is for.  The NETS met are 1a&b and 5a&c. In order to meet 1a&b one must “demonstrate knowledge and continued growth of knowledge” which is the entire purpose of this particular assignment. For 5a&c to be met, the shortcuts and knowledge about software and hardware must be used to “engage in ongoing professional development and increase productivity”, all of these are directly applicable to the assignment.
10	Website	1a&b,2a,d,&e,4c,5a&c	The NETS met by the website are numerous. NETS 1 a&b are met by “demonstrating the introductory knowledge, skills, and understanding of concepts related to technology” as well as “the continual growth in technology” that will be needed to continually update the web page. NETS 2a is met by the design of the web page being “developmentally appropriate” to the classroom you are teaching, the parents you are encountering, and even the school you are at. The web page needs to be appropriate for your setting. NETS 2d and e are met by “planning for the management of technology resources within the context of learning activities” and “plan strategies to manage student learning”. My personal web page can be utilized for student learning and reinforcement outside of the classroom, and I must plan for the management of my web page to keep it up to date. NETS 4c is met by “applying multiple methods of evaluation to determine students appropriate use of technology resources or learning”. The web resources listed on the web page can be used to observe students on the sites and how they interact on the sites and on the internet. Lastly NETS 5 a and c are met by “using technology resources to engage in ongoing learning” and “to communicate and collaborate with parents”. The web page can be used after the school year is over for reinforcement, and it is most importantly used as a reference for parents and a resource of information.

Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi

A PSA About Standing Up For What Is Right and Using the computer Responsibly

Robotz Movie
by: AnnaBurns

To All The Colleges That Rejected Me

       I feel like she is complaining, and not being prepared to apply and be accepted to the colleges she wished is her own fault. She stated that her parents clipped articles about young students making discoveries for her to read. Well, why didn't she take the hint and start trying to think of something herself? Or perhaps, just become more involved. Without much background I cannot determine as to which level she was involved in her community and school, but maybe she was applying to schools out of her reach. In order to get into an ivy league school, you have to be an ivy league student with potential. One with drive and motivation. Those types of schools are not merely looking for the "Average Joe", or someone who complains and envies others success. Those types of schools are looking for an exceptional, stand out student who doesn't need the motivation of others to do well in life, but is self motivating and will do something miraculous to reflect well on the university. Therefore, as I said previously, I believe she is simply complaining because she realizes she is as fault.

Signed,
Anna Claire

Lalee's Kin

         I believe this problem is still present in the Delta because not enough newly certified school teachers, or teachers at all, are willing to go to the Delta to teach. It doesn't matter the home life, what matters is the teacher's passion and motivation to help her students and get them the help that they need. In addition, we as future educators can solve this problem, if not by personally going there to teacher then sending supplies.  The amount of money given by the state, while is can be argued on by situation, should be increased. Lastly, the want of a student to go to school is usually not the entire situation, but some of it. To instill a want to learn in children is the most important part in my opinion and should be taken care of first.

Signed
Anna Claire Burns

Gap Minder

    I like Gap Minder, I believe it would be helpful for children of all ages. You can find more juvenile information as well as more advanced information. I love that you can choose the countries you want to view and what years. The more specified the information is, the more simple it will be for children of elementary age. I believe I will be able to use this in my classroom in social studies or even science lessons. It would also be helpful to let the children learn how to work things on their own. If a child doesn't know how to navigate a website, let him/her figure it out on their own.

Signed
Anna Claire Burns