When I was reading for class, I felt like I had been transported to another decade. WebQuests? I had no idea WebQuests even existed! I felt a bit overwhelmed by the whole thing. Once we began discussing the benefits and inconveniences of this large undertaking, I could see how a WebQuest could be very good or very, very bad.
A WebQuest requires a good deal of preparation from the teacher. There is no room for glossing over details when it comes to creating one of these masterpieces. Everything must be clear and organized; if it's not, you risk wasting untold amounts of time. Yet, if prepared thoughtfully and with painstaking care, the only risk you run is seeing your students working hard - And seriously, what kind of teacher would frown at that?
We started working on our own WebQuests in class tonight. I'm using The Turn of the Screw by Henry James again - I hope to be a few steps closer to compiling some sort of Unit Plan... Muahahahahaaa! At first, I was becoming a bit annoyed by the linking process. For some unknown reason, it wouldn't let me link the text that I had placed into a shape. I finally figured out a different way to do it, but I think there has to be some easier way. Anyway, I'm not really a fan of what I have so far. I need to get a better grasp of what I want to do with the novel before I really get into it.
Get thinking, woman!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
The AUP
To update on my last post, I finally finished my Power Point! I made my presentation more of a tool to help guide discussion in class, rather than the typical lecture presentation. Something that I thought was innovative was that I also made it interactive! On a few slides, I made the option to have a student type in-class notes while we discussed the topic. Maybe it's been done before, but I thought this was a neat way of using Power Point! Not only is it more interactive, but we can also save the Power Point on a class-to-class basis and use it as a study guide!
In class today, we discussed the importance of Internet Safety. We created our own Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) and Consent Form. I'm still somewhat apprehensive about using the internet in the classroom. I feel like all this paperwork really won't matter if we don't enforce it. We have to be vigilant over our students when they are using the internet. Thinking back to my school days, I don't know how some of my teachers could justify not watching us. In my classroom, I will definitely be watching my students. I hope the school I work at will have some sort of internet tracking program, but either way, teaching internet safety and appropriate use will definitely be a top priority!
In class today, we discussed the importance of Internet Safety. We created our own Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) and Consent Form. I'm still somewhat apprehensive about using the internet in the classroom. I feel like all this paperwork really won't matter if we don't enforce it. We have to be vigilant over our students when they are using the internet. Thinking back to my school days, I don't know how some of my teachers could justify not watching us. In my classroom, I will definitely be watching my students. I hope the school I work at will have some sort of internet tracking program, but either way, teaching internet safety and appropriate use will definitely be a top priority!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Power Point
Today in LAE4860, we discussed some thoughts about integrating technology in our classrooms. We also discussed the benefits of working with Power Point in particular, and we began working on creating a Power Point presentation. I have had both great and terrible experiences with Power Point, but today's lesson was about using Power Point in a new and innovative way.
Unfortunately, I only made three slides!!! <--- 3 exclamation points for dramatic effect :-O
Sometimes I feel SO behind when it comes to using technology. It seems to absorb so much more of my time and effort in comparison to my colleagues! Still, I do agree with what we said in class: The best way to become a tech-savvy teacher is to use technology and practice using it!
I like the way my Power Point is going though. I'm aiming to use it as an aide for a discussion-based lesson on The Turn of the Screw. I think it'll turn out to be a great tool, but I really hope I don't spend more than 2 hours on it. 2 hours will be my limit... Ok, maybe 4...
Unfortunately, I only made three slides!!! <--- 3 exclamation points for dramatic effect :-O
Sometimes I feel SO behind when it comes to using technology. It seems to absorb so much more of my time and effort in comparison to my colleagues! Still, I do agree with what we said in class: The best way to become a tech-savvy teacher is to use technology and practice using it!
I like the way my Power Point is going though. I'm aiming to use it as an aide for a discussion-based lesson on The Turn of the Screw. I think it'll turn out to be a great tool, but I really hope I don't spend more than 2 hours on it. 2 hours will be my limit... Ok, maybe 4...
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Welcome to The Online Plume!
Today is the first day of class in LAE4860: Using Technology in Teaching Language Arts. I don't really know what to say right now - Not too much has happened! :-D I have a number of questions that keep swirling around in my head though: In what ways can we use technology in the English classroom? How can we use technology to its fullest potential? Will I be able to use technology efficiently and effectively in my classroom?
I am far from being a connoisseur of technology, but I hope I can become one. Frankly, technology FREAKS ME OUT! Excitement and anxiety are both swirling around in the realm of The Online Plume... What will be next?!
I am far from being a connoisseur of technology, but I hope I can become one. Frankly, technology FREAKS ME OUT! Excitement and anxiety are both swirling around in the realm of The Online Plume... What will be next?!
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