Web Awareness

Resources

Bright, R.F., Dyck, M., & Adams, P. (2008). Cybertalk: online communication and social development of rural adolescents in Alberta. University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta. Retrieved from http://cybertalk.ca/pdf/CT_Tech_Report.pdf. 

Media Awareness Network. (2010). Media education in Canada. Retrieved from http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/teachers/media_education/media_education_overview.cfm

Media Awareness Network. (2010). Media literacy. Retrieved from 

http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/teachers/media_literacy/key_concept.cfm.

Media Awareness Network. (2010). Safe Passage. Retrieved from http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/teachers/wa_teachers/safe_passage_teachers/index.cfm.

Schrock, K. (Photographer). (2002). Webquests in our future: the teacher's role in cybersapce. [Web]. Retrieved from http://school.discoveryeducation.com/schrockguide/webquest/webquest.pdf.

The Seasons

Grade Level: 1

Subject: Science

Brief Description of Activity:

Students will go to the Sesame Street website where they will play “Seasons.”  In this game, students have to help Zoe clear the lawn depending on the season.  The link for the game is: 

http://www.sesamestreet.org/game_player/-/pgpv/gameplayer/0/fd5ea969-486c-11dd-bf7b-df62be721a24/seasons

Once students have played the game, they will understand that the seasons change and the process repeats itself.  Students may proceed to “Dressing Elmo for Fall,” where students have to provide Elmo with the appropriate fall clothing.

General Learner Outcome: 

1-6 Describe seasonal changes and interpret the effects of seasonal changes on living things.

Specific Learner Outcomes:

Describe the regular and predictable cycle of seasonal changes:

• changes in sunlight
• changes in weather

ICT Outcomes:

C.7.1.1   develop questions that reflect a personal information need

C.7.1.3   draw conclusions from organized information

F.3.1.1   demonstrate appropriate care of technology equipment

P.5.1.2   access hyper linked sites on an intranet or the Internet

Rationale for Computer Integration:

Computers allow students to interact directly with the learning material in an enjoyable setting. Typically, when students are using a computer to learn, they don’t realize they are learning.  Computers make learning fun!  Learning with a computer also allows students to work independently, but have constant feedback from the computer program they are using.

Reference Section:

Education Society. (1997-2010). 2learn.ca. Retrieved Oct. 12, 2010, from www.2learn.ca.

Primary Games, Inc. (2000-2010). Primary Games. Retrieved Oct. 13, 2010. from http://www.primarygames.com/seasons/seasons.htm.

Integrating Technology

To view my presentation What is Effective Technology Integration -for the 21st Century Learning click on the link below:

Slideshow Presentation

In my presentation I used the following effective presentation techniques:
1. Simplicity - my presentation is very simple without all the "bells and whistles".  I don't use a lot of images in my presentations as I feel they distract the audience.
2. 3x3 - I tried my best to use the 3x3 rule whenever possible.
3. BIG Font - I used big font so the audience will not have trouble understanding the text on my slides.  It also helps to fill the slides, as they are quite simple.
4. Colour Choice - the colour I chose is a simple beige.  It makes the presentation easy to follow and read as the font is dark blue or black.  I don't like using white as a background, as I find it harsh on the eyes.  The beige background provides a nice backdrop, adding some interest but is not overwhelming.
5. Easy to Read Font -  the font that I chose adds clarity, as it is easy to read.

Reflections on Blogging

Blogging is a very new experience for me.  The only other blogging experience I have had was in my Philosophy 1000 class and I did not enjoy it.  Because of this experience, I was not very excited about the idea of creating a blog for this class.  I have since changed my opinion.  I have enjoyed creating a blog and personalizing it.  I think it is a great way to use technology in the classroom.  Instead of emailing assignments or adding them to blackboard, we can use our blog! It adds an element of fun.

The youth today, seems to view technology different than I do.  They seem to use technology has a lifeline rather than an addition or resource.  I could see where blogging could be an affective tool for learning with today's youth, as they are so dependent on technology.  However, I am still a little skeptical about technology and I would be afraid to use a learning technique in my classroom that I still know very little about.

Experience with Technology in the Classroom

Majority of my experiences with technology in the classroom have come during my post secondary education.  The high school that I attended didn't have technology in the classroom other than overhead projectors, which can hardly be considered technology.

During Ed 2500, I had the chance to work with SMARTboards.  I think these are an excellent addition to the classroom.  Children seem to have fun learning with them and there are so many resources available to make learning fun!!!