My WebQuest! Check it out!

Here's a link to my WebQuest assignment! Check it out! :)

http://www.slideshare.net/Leen267/colleen-murray-web-quest

Teacher Tube Video!

Here is the link to our "Technology Through the Ages" digital video:

http://www.teachertube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=db32b12a17752c36ee10

It looks at technology that was available during elementary school, middle school, high school, and college, check it out!

Blog #4: Instructional Software Evaluation

Website: www.digitalfrog.com
Content Area: Science
Grade Level: Any
Functions: Simulation
Objectives: Disection simulations

The website offers the opportunity to download a demo of the program before purchasing the product. It allows for hands-on learning with science, so that kids can learn about frog disection virtually. It also takes the students on virtual field trips! It is easy to read and to follow, very interactice, lots of problems solving. The content is sound, accurate and up to date. It is useable for any gender and is a perfect opportunity. The downside is that the program itself, when purchased is kind of expensive. However, it might save in the longrun and be a better option than disecting real frogs. I think that it allows for a cleaner opportunity and will cause less of a protest. I think this site is valuable and would be a good choice for schools. It is a product that could be slowly integrated in, and used for those students who are squemish and might not be able to do the actual real frog disection. I recommend this site and product for use!

Blog #3: Innovative and Successful Practices

Getting our students actively involved and egaged in learning is what will determine if we become successful teachers. There have been many new developments in the way we can get students more actively involved in the classroom, an technology has been on of the major components. The internet, for example, is one of the greatest inovative practices being used in schools today. Teaching/learning methods are shifting towards a more "project-based" approach and by becoming more technologically savvy, we will be able to be more successful in the project-based approach. Innovative learning via computers and technology, students are able to have a more hands-on learning experience. By allowing students to become more hands-on, we are giving them the opportunity to explore and solve problems on their own. Technology opens so many doors to the education world and allows for a broader range of teaching techniques. By using innovative techniques, via technology, more successful learning and teaching will occur.

Blog #2: Copyright

Basically when it come down to copyrighting in the classroom, the material still needs to be acknowledged as someone elses. According to the article there are 4 means in which something can be copied: if the work was published over 75 years ago, if permission was aquired, when referencing something/someone's work and maybe mocking it but still refering to it, and finally for educational purposes. However, any way you look at it, whatever is used in the classroom that is not an original needs permission from the original creator. This doesn't only include paper artifacts but video, tv, and sound recordings as well. Overall, I just need to remember to get permission when I show a video or something in class.

Blog #1: Chapter One Internet Sites

AACE: After looking over the first website, I found that there are many different and useful tools. I think the most useful link that I found on that website was the job postings that they have. They also have a list of useful books to read about entering the world of academia. The website also contains a digital library, which gives the opportunity to look at various articles and journals relating to education.

AECT: This site also contains a job searching section in which applicants can post resumes and employers can look at the resumes. It has an area full of different publications that can be ordered. This site also gives a lot of information about the organization itself and how to become a member. The downside to this site is that you have to pay to be a member and get the benefits of the site.

ISTE: This site is primarily for promoting using technology in the classroom. It's about switching from the traditional ways of teaching and learning into a new way of learning. It also contains many different book ordering options.

ITEA: This is a membership website that is very similar to the other three websites. It contains job information, publications, as well as technology information. It is primarily, like the other three websites, an education website.

These are all going to very beneficial sites when it comes time to look/apply for teaching jobs and looking for new teaching techniques.