Tech Task #3

For this tech task, I chose to evaluate a Home Improvement webquest, which can be found at
http://www.gal-220.org/homeimp.htm
This webquest is geared towards secondary grade 6-12 students, although I feel it would need to be adjusted quite a bit for higher level students. The task is to interior decorate a newly renovated bedroom space. The educational purpose is to do research, pricing and measurement, and to review perimeter and area skills. The webquest was quite specific in the requirements with a lot of reminders as to what was expected from students. The language was definitely at more of a primary level which would make it easy to understand for anybody. Although there weren't many graphics, it was quite aesthetically pleasing. There was a very clear floor plan laid out, with measurements, so students would easily be able to find materials needed to decorate the room. One problem is that the webquest is American, so measurements are in feet and store links are to American stores. This could be adapted. The rubric for marking was absolutely ridiculous. There was no detail as to how marks would be given out, and if what she has there was acceptable, students would have to put no thought into the assignment. I like how she asks at the end for students to think about what they would do differnetly if they were to do the task over again. I think this webquest is a great way to get students using their imagination while reinforcing math skills at the same time. I would keep this on a list of potential webquests I may use, although adaptations would definitely need to be made. I think this webquest would take tons of time to create and students would be through with it fairly quickly. It's user friendly, and practical, but needs some touch ups. I do feel that webquests are quite beneficial to students, if the tasks are appropriate to what is being discussed in class. Students love projects and being in charge of their own leanring and most webquests allow students to be quite innovative. In the future I do hope to produce many webquests and use them, if they work for my class. There are many other great software products and interactive websites that would work just as well at teaching students as webquests do, but it is one excellent way to bring technology into the classroom. The reason I feel a lot of emphasis is placed on webquests is because all teachers know about them and they are quite popular. Eventually, something will come in and replace it, the way Hyperstudio and other great software products have been.

TECH TASK #2

I have this issue with my computer. One, my dad hates when we download stuff onto it, and two, it has a firewall! So, this task will not be one of my better ones. First I want to talk about open source applications. I think that they are an absolutely wonderful idea. School boards who can't afford to licence tons of software are still given the opportunity to provide their students with a quality technical education through these applications. During my internship, I wanted to put Open Office onto the computers. Alec made it sound like something amazing and at that time I was trying to turn my Mac's into PC's!! Good luck!! Anyways, I was in the process of installing it onto one of the computers to try it out, but was told not to do it because there were better programs out there (this was someone from the school board). So, I didn't end up executing the file, although I probably should have to test it out. Regina Public licenced Microsoft Office onto our classroom computers instead, which meant I had no need to download Open Office. I have heard good things though and I believe more schools should use it, if what I have heard is true, because it would cut costs drastically. During class last week I put TuxPaint onto my computer. I wanted to put TuxType on instead but I had trouble downloading the application for some reason. I found TuxPaint a little difficult as well, because you have to choose which area of North America you are closest to in order to get the application, which could be extremely confusing to some. I eventually loaded the program onto my computer and really enjoyed it. Although it is like Paint on the PC, it's more interactive, with much more to do, and quite aesthetically pleasing. It has many different options for creating visual art, which I think is a great way to show students that artwork can be created on the computer. After you create something in the window, there are comments and sound effects by the little penguin on the bottom, which would please youngsters in the classroom. This application is so easy to use. If you aren't afraid to click around and test things out, which most children aren't, this program is for them. There really is no need to read the directions. I don't know that this would necessarily be a beneficial program to further develop student learning, but I think the program would be fun for them to use.

Stress

What is stress exactly? People throw that word around like it's PMS or something. I'm still a little confused. Is stress worrying about not making a due date? Is it worrying about being single for the rest of you life? Is it the pain that just won't go away? Why is it that no matter what is wrong with you physically, emotionally, socially, or mentally, it can all be related to stress? I feel stressed right now. According to my definition of the term. Our professors our loading work on like it's going out of style, the career fair is on Monday, I'm hosting a party this weekend, I still need to clean, work on my portfolio, get assignments done, go to my school, plan for next week, train for my marathon, work, and the list goes on and on. All of that makes me tired just to think about it, let alone start doing it. I have killer headaches and get pains running through me like no tomorrow, but I'll just assume it's all stress. What exactly is stress? Just some thoughts. I'm stressing out here!

iTEd

As some of you already know, I was one of six participants in the iTeacherEd research project this fall. What an amazing opportunity. It made me appreciate technology in the classroom, although it took some time. Getting into a routine was the hardest part. As well as the challenge of not knowing how to use Macintosh computers. It deterred me for awhile, but I soon realized that I was doing this for my students, not only for myself. Our students do not know what life is like without a computer. In fact, some of them know more about the programs on them than we do. I don't let that threaten me though. That's where the teacher takes on the role of learner. What I didn't realize in this technological journey was all of the resources that were actually out there. If you think you're alone, you're not. Especially being friends with one of the most inspirational people I know (I see an 80!!). The Regina Board of Education has a wonderful ICT support staff and a ton of professional development opportunities. If you want something, all you have to do is ask. Literally, these people get back to you in such a short amount of time and are willing to do anything to help. The programs available to the students are unreal and will allow so many to see success. It's hands on and it's fun. Students are learning even though they don't realize it. What I'm really trying to say is "Don't be afraid". It's like riding a bike. If you fall off, get back on and try again. You'll find your comfort zone eventually. Trust me, your students will appreciate it as much as you will.