Digital Badge #E Chapter 7

Exploring Problem Solving with Software, Apps, and Games

"Steps in Solving Problems"

This topic is the first one that I would like to reflect on in Chapter 7. This is a good reflection for me because I am going through a lot of "problem solving" with the difficulties I am having with some of my online assignments. So after reading this, it made me realize that there is no need to panic you just need to learn the strategies that are mentioned in the textbook to figure things out. Students are known to get overwhelmed when problems occur, (especially me.) Understanding the problem, Using problem-solving strategies, and checking results are all steps that should be taken to solve your problems. (Woolf, 159) I am looking forward to being able to teach my students the strategies on problem solving.

"Types of Software"

In the text it states many of the different types of software that people use. Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc. I was unaware about the two different types, (system software, application software.) I am hoping that I am able to learn more about all of these programs so when I become a teacher I am able to making my teaching much more interesting with all of the new technology and software programs out there. 

"Computer Games as Learning Resources"
This is a very interesting topic for me to reflect on in Chapter 7 because I think that games catches students eyes, and is a great way for students to learn and be interested at the same time. There are so many different types of games that adhere to every students interests and needs. Gamification is nice to learn about because I now understand how lots of companies get customers to come back and purchase their products. I think that is is so awesome that schools are even able to use this with games in the classroom, to create practice quizzes in game forms to make it more appealing for students, etc.

This is a photo that I got from the sight flickr to show what one of the programs that is used today called Excel. Excel is a great program to use for a variety of things, grading would be one thing that a teacher could use it for, or keeping attendance, etc.

Resources:  Woolf, B. (2014). Exploring Problem Solving with Software, Apps, and Games. InTransforming Learning with new technologies (Second ed., p. 98). Upper Saddle River.

[Untitled photo of Microsoft Excel] Retrieved Sept. 28th, 2014. From: https://www.flickr.com/photos/daz4590/3010083171/in/photolist-5zZsRH-5zZsQM-5A4KLm-5A4KKo-6kxuyB-34FxE9-aN9qdX-aMDtgp-KXnx7-25sUhj-aDrBga-ebUbM6-8xsmiU-b8J4ec-8popHH-nJX89S-9uQk96-9AwQWD-8E2V1L-7kS7xQ-9p4vNt-9p4vTB-9p7Baj-9p7BmG-9p4wj4-9p4xaK-9p4xdZ-9p7AHE-9p7zXs-9p4wdr-9p4xhx-bBqvgQ-aF1HMX-7wNnP2-dJTEWY/

(Chapter 5)

 (Chapter 5)

"Teaching Information Literacy and Digital Citizenship" 

Becoming Fluent with Technology

This is an interesting topic in this chapter for me because I believe without fluency with technology, your teaching would not be the same. In the textbook it states that being a fluent technology user, is the goal for every teacher. If you know the ins and outs of newly updated technology as a teacher it will open up your ways of being able to teach your students, with things other then chalk boards. I like to reflect on this because I wouldn't think that even students in kindergarten have very much access to learning with technology, but that is wrong. It states that all grades are able to be using technology in schools. There is more to learning then just using notebooks, and pieces of paper. 

Teaching Students About Internet Searching

What would life be without google? That is a good question. I am reflecting on this topic in Chapter 5 because people are so dependent on internet searching in today's society. With any small fact that someone is interested in knowing, all you have to do is google it and see what that brings you. Statistics say that google is the most popular search engine today. It is important for students to be aware of internet searching because if they are interested in getting help with something, they can rely on the internet to help them if they have no one around.

Electronic Note-Taking

This topic I saved to reflect on last because it it one of my favorites in this particular Chapter. It is so much easier to sit on your laptop and type what is needed rather then cramp your hand with tons of information written down. Being able to use technology for note taking, not only helps yours hands, but is much more efficient and students will have less of a chance of missing something being said to be able to get down for notes. The textbook talks about different types of programs that are available for anyone that is interested in organizing your note taking. These are very good ways to stay organized which will help you be more successful in school. I know when I was growing up using my pencil for taking notes was a pain in the butt, now that I am able to use my laptop in class, I am much more efficient and motivated to take notes for my success.

I really enjoy this picture because it is a combination of just about everything I talked about in my post this week. It shows google, the most popular search engine on the internet right now, while at the same time this image is showing a tablet and a phone to take your notes with electronics.

Sources: Woolf, B. (2014). Teaching Information Literacy and Digital Citizenship. InTransforming Learning with new technologies (Second ed., p. 98). Upper Saddle River.

[Untitled image of google/ipad/iphone] Retrieved Sept. 26, 2014. from: http://www.google.com/mobile/ios/

Digital badge #D- Chapter 4

Chapter 4: Digital badge #D

"Academic Content (What to Teach)"
This topic is something that I would like to reflect upon. Every school system is different and has specific guidelines that teachers have to meet throughout the school year. This is something I would like to talk about more because yes each teacher has a guideline of what they need to teach, there is no frame on how it needs to be taught. In today's society there are so many different types of ways to teach a subject, and be creative about it with technology. You can come up with your own creative ways to teach subjects to make it more entertaining for your students and I am looking forward to finding ways to teach boring subject in fun ways!

"Assessing and Evaluating Students" 
There is nothing more rewarding then seeing that your students are comprehending and successfully learning what you are teaching. A lot of preparation and planning goes into teaching lessons as I am learning the more and more I read. I would like to learn and research more about how teachers evaluate students to see what they are being successful with and what they need to work on. This topic is very important because it can determine what you need to change about how you are teaching to help every student become successful.

"Standards-Based Assessments" 
These types of tests are state, national or district wide. They are tests that show if students know what they are expected to know at that specific time of their education process. Many schools that I have been to growing up have been against these standardized tests because the lessons throughout the school year are based on just preparing for these standardized tests. The people that create these tests believe that the tests are testing to see how effect the teachers are on the students. I would like to reflect on this topic more because it is something that plays a huge role in a teachers job, not just a small role. So it will be a huge part of my future job.

This is an image of the "FCAT" which is a huge standardized test that every student has to take throughout their education as a student in Florida. (When I was in school at least.) 

Resources: [Untitled image of FCAT]Retrieved September 18th, 2014.
from: http://slcsbweb1.stlucie.k12.fl.us/lucielink/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/image28-1.png

Woolf, B. (2014). Designing Lessons and Developing Curriculum with Technology. InTransforming Learning with new technologies (Second ed., p. 325). Upper Saddle River.

DIGITAL BADGE #C (Chapter 3) REDO

Digital Badge #C (Chapter 3) REDO

In Chapter 3 there were many things that I would like to reflect on. The first topic in the textbook I would like to share would be "Online Problem-Solving Environments." The internet is something that is an everyday use for more children. There are a lot of sites on the internet that could cause distractions for learning of the students, while at the same time there are so many educational sites out there that can be useful. Even online games on computers need critical thinking and strategy for results. So if you are telling your family that playing games (other then social networks) in my opinion is a negative thing, then you may be wrong! Even a game can help a student with their critical thinking without them even realizing it.

The second topic that I would like to reflect on in this Chapter is "Groupwork and Collaboration." This is a huge factor in education. Every student learns efficiently in different types of ways. In order to adhere to all students, different type of teaching is a great way to make sure each and every student is going to be successful. Working in groups is a nice way for students to reflect on eachother's thoughts. It also gives opportunities for students to work at different activities at the same time, and builds responsibility.

"Redefining Creativity" is the third topic in the Chapter that I am going to reflect on. This is an interesting topic for me because it relates to social networks and social media. Also everyday activities for today's society. Not every student considers themselves "talented or gifted." Well there are many creative things that students do on a daily basis that is creative that they don't realize. Students may ride a bike, play an instrument, or maybe even paint. You don't have to be a sculptor or an artist to feel creative, and students need to realize that.

This is a picture of students working in groups, as I talked about in my reflections above.





Resources:

Woolf, B. (2007). Transforming Learning with Unique, Powerful, Technology. InTRANSFORMING LEARNING WITH NEW TECHNOLOGY (Second ed., p. 355). New Jersey.

[Students working in groups]September22nd,2014,from: (http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/7100-2.html)

Chapter 2

#B
After reading Chapter 2 in the textbook, I came up with three concepts that I would like to further explore and reflect on.

"Motivating disengaged individuals." This statement was in the textbook, I found it interesting because it can really be done through technology. Some students may not be motivated to learn with the old fashioned way of learning. For instance, just sitting at a desk listening to a lecture, taking notes, taking quizzes, and tests from the lectures. Technology brings out new ideas and triggers students now a days because they were brought up with some much technology in their lives.

"Allowing access to academic information from multiple sources." This also is something that I believe is so important now a days. I would like to reflect on this statement made in the textbook because it is so true. Students will often get bored doing the same thing over and over again. Changing routine can be good sometimes. For example, if you take turns on how you are teaching your lesson, (overhead, powerpoints, group work, lectures) then your students will be more alert and not bored in class.

"Creating group and cooperative learning situations." Group work has worked so well for me in my past. Getting opinions from fellow classmates, not just your teacher will enhance the learning. Sitting at a desk every day looking at the board and teacher gets old. Creating fun things to do in the classroom while learning at the same time is something that I look forward to doing when I become a teacher.

Resources:

Edwards, S., & Woolf, B. (2007). Transforming Learning with new technologies (2nd ed., p. 355). Boston: Pearson.