Wednesday, March 12, 2014

What have I learned this quarter?



          I have learned a lot from this course! Technology in the classroom has taught me so much information. Before this class, I didn’t know about Google drive. I didn’t know that Google has so many components to it such as: Slides, Docs, etc. I really liked that fact that I could do similar presentations like a PowerPoint Presentation but on Google using the Slides function. I actually used Google Slides this week to do a presentation for my child development class. I also learned from this class how effective it is for me as a teacher to incorporate technology into my classroom. I learned from this course many different types of technology from my classmates Ed Tech Trend presentations. I didn’t know that robots are being used in classrooms, about smart tables, flipped classrooms, and assistive technology.
           I have learned from this course Technology in the classroom that the model TPACK is a good way to teach children in a fun and engaging way. I had never heard of TPACK before this class and I found it to be a very interesting concept. Also, from this class I learned how to make a video, my very own blog, voice thread and website. I enjoyed my Second Life experience and learned that technology is even being used to create a virtual world for people to communicate and make friends. I was able to start a twitter account in which I learned about so many people that are involved with children and technology. Overall, from this class has been a great experience for me and gained knowledge that I will use in my future endeavors as a teacher.

 Here are three live links for you all to check out:


http://www.tpack.org/

   




http://www.securedgenetworks.com/Portals/80068/images/102447540-180659152.jpg




Wednesday, March 5, 2014

How does copyright law affect your use of technology in the classroom?

          A lot of teachers including myself are not familiar with copyright issues in the classroom. Teachers are using the internet a lot in the classroom. The internet is being used as another educational tool for their students. As a teacher, I need to know more information about copyright law and its implications for different activities with the internet. Copyright law affects the use of technology in the classroom. Teachers and students use the internet a lot in the classroom but they both have to be sure not do copyright infringement. There are certain activities that risk this copyright infringement. However, these concerns can definitely be addressed if teachers and students work together on gaining the right knowledge about copyright law with technology in the classroom. Teachers and students have access to this material which may be protected by the copyright law.
           As a teacher, I don't want me or my students downloading information from the internet that violates the copyright owner. It is very important that I come up with different strategies to prevent this from happening in my classroom. Some strategies that I can implement into the classroom would be to recognize the material online that can be freely used in accordance with the designated requirements. The school district should address possible liability concerns and help teachers and students in gaining a better understanding of copyright laws. Teachers’ educating themselves about copyright law is very beneficial for them and their students because it allows them to know what information over the internet they can use, how to use it, and if the information is legal.
Here are three live links related to this topic:
http://www.slideshare.net/Mrs.Faust/teaching-ethical-and-legal-use-of-technology-in-the-classroom