Post # 6

I think that using web 2.0 technologies in the classroom is incredibly important, especially in our technological world. When using these technologies in the earlier grades, I think it is important to modify the topic of the assignment, however to teach them the basic skills in the programs early on. The earlier kids start to learn about technology, the better equipped they'll be for life later on.

I feel that wikipedia has the potential to be an incredible source for information, however it can also be extremely dangerous to use. If the student isn't careful, they can obtain totally false information and jeopardize their academics.

In the past week, I've found learning about power point incredible. I absolutely love the program, and I always have, however I'm enjoying learning more about it. This is one of the programs I know I couldn't do without! I feel that power point is an amazing resource for presentations, but only when used properly.

Post 5

I feel that the internet is a wonderful tool for student research, but only when used carefully. While there is wonderful information that can be accessed quickly, there is also information that can be dangerous or inaccurate. Also, sometimes using the internet can make plagiarism easier because the information is so readily available.

I think that other online tools, such as homework help sights and blogs, are also extremely useful internet resources. By creating sights on certain homework topics, students can access information they might have forgotten or might not have understood very well in class. This also presents alternative teaching methods to the same material, which may help students understand better. Blogs are a great way for teachers to stay connected. We can help each other by giving ideas on certain material, as well as offering advice on specific situations.

As an elementary school teacher, I know that allowing my students to use the internet will prove to be challenging. There is a lot of harmful information online, especially to younger children who are more impressionable. Having a large class, keeping up with each student's internet use will be difficult. While I understand the difficulties in using the internet with young students, I feel that the benefits outweigh the risks.

Post 4

I think that the concepts presented in Chapter 7 will be very useful to me as a teacher. I find that making outlines or organizational maps helps keep me organized, as well as focused. I could use outlines to keep track of the material I need to cover, as well as to jot down information about students regarding their performance in class. Organizational maps are a great way to present information to students because it helps to see the connection rather than just hear about it. Some students are more visual learners than they are auditory learners, and a concept map would definitely help them. I definitely feel that programs such as inspiration are wonderful educational resources because they make creating concept maps easy. Also, Microsoft Word's outline tools make creating outlines easy and help to keep the information uniform.

I would absolutely encourage my students to use outlines and concept maps as tools for learning. Creating outlines is a terrific way to take organized notes as well as to keep knowledge organized. Also, concept maps help to create connections on paper so that understanding them can be easier. While I feel that all students can benefit from knowing how to use these methods of organizing material, I also know that some will benefit more from other things.

I feel that with the last assignment, I gained a lot of knowledge on using Inspiration. I had never used this program before, so getting to know it was terrific and will definitely benefit me as a teacher.