Jessica+Podhradsky

EDU 240 Jessica's FINAL ** 1.    As **//COGNITIVE MEDIATOR//**, the educator helps students to become independent learners who construct meaning by combining new information with their own background knowledge.
 * TECHNOLOGY IN EDUCATION
 * Discuss two assignments that you completed using a South Dakota State Standards topic in your major area of study. Describe each program and then tell how you could use that program with your students to enhance their technology skills when you start teaching.

A. The first project was creating a newsletter over one area of Elementary Social Studies using Microsoft Word. I was able to choose which indicator to use and base my newsletter on this topic. The newsletter was kid-friendly with large text and various picture examples to engage the student. This project was beneficial in finding unique ways to introduce topics to students. Not only would students enjoy reading a personalized newsletter made by the teacher, but the students could eventually create his or her own newsletter to discuss a topic.

B. The next program used was Kidspiration. I chose another Social Studies standard to base the Kidspiration on and then created a web. This program helps visual learners to study and comprehend the material. With the Kidspiration, you are able to choose a main idea and then web off this idea to cover various areas concerning this topic. The web could be used as a visual study guide for the students who benefit form pictures. Students could also create their own web to review the material. **    2.     As **//RESEARCHER//**, the educator seeks to improve educational practices within the school setting, using an inquiry approach to serve students more effectively. ==By being exposed to numerous programs and forms of technology found on the Internet, my mind has been opened to think more creatively when coming up with methods of teaching. The textbook, as well as the research required has been extremely beneficial. Seeing all the websites available has inspired me to consider all types of learners when creating lessons. So much can be accomplished when the time is taken to find new and creative websites to enhance teaching. The possibilities seem nearly endless when you open up the world of technology in teaching.==
 * How has completing research in this class (reading the textbook, researching sites on the Internet, creating a presentation for class) helped you to become a better teacher candidate? **

3.    As **//COMMUNICATOR//**, the educator is skilled in modes of communication that will enable effective communication and collaboration with other educators, parents, and families.
 * Discuss one Internet site and one technology program that will help you to communicate to your students and their parents when you become a teacher? Describe how you could use each one to communicate to either students or parents when you are teaching.

A. Personally, I enjoy the idea of using Blogger to collaborate and communicate. Blogger is quite simple to use and does not seem to take much time to become fluent on. It is a great method for teachers to introduce students to evaluating books and topics, as well as work and writings of others. It may be a great way to boost their confidence in his or her own writing abilities, as well. By using Blogging, parents could engage in the learning of the students and could collaborate with the teacher using this program. Blogging benefits the writing and confidence of the students and it creates a new way for teachers and parents to communicate.

B. A basic program, which most people have had some exposure to, is Microsoft Office. This tool is highly used in numerous areas, so the idea of using these programs to communicate with parents is exciting. With this program, teachers could easily create a weekly or monthly newsletter to send updates on the happenings of the classroom. Parents would then be informed on what students are learning and possibly even methods on how he or she could help the students to learn. Teachers could open the door for great communication with the parents by taking simple steps such as frequent newletters. **  4.     As **//EVALUATOR//**, the educator maximizes students’ learning by using a full range of formal and informal information-gathering processes in order to respond appropriately to student individual differences.
 * Discuss one web site and one technology program that you used and evaluated this semester? Why did you find each one useful and how might you use them in the classroom when you start teaching?

A. This semester, I had the opportunity to get acquainted with VoiceThread. By presenting on this topic, I was able to research and use it first-hand. I found this program to be easy to use and a unique method of learning. Individuals are able to load pictures or videos and then comment on these things using microphones or text. Audio and visual learners would benefit greatly from this program. Teachers could either create their own VoiceThreads as a method of teaching or a study tool, or the teacher could have the students create their own VoiceThreads for any curriculum area. This program would be beneficial in boosting the self-esteem of those students who are uncomfortable in presenting and would be a new and exciting method of doing reports. Students would enjoy this original experience. It is a great way to expose children to fresh ways of learning.

B. A web site that I was able to use was the Test Maker website. This site was a fun alternative to experience tests, beyond the old paper and pencil method. The teacher is able to personalize the test for his or her class using true-false, multiple choice, short answer, and fill-in-the-blank questions. Students would enjoy taking a test in this fashion to change their routine. It also gives the teacher a less time-consuming task when grading the tests. This web site is a great way for teachers and students to change the routine and to try new ways of learning. **