Reflective Post

During this semester in eme 2040 we did a lot of work with blogs and technology based assignments. I learned a lot from the book "Transforming learning with new technology." It showed me all the ways technology can be used as an aid in the classroom. I also learned how to have an open mind through interacting with my classmates by listening to their perspectives on technology and education. Their was a lot of work involved in this class, whether it was helpful or not. I wish instead of so many repetitive assignments, we had more open class discussions.

I worked very hard this semester on my assignments and I felt like the grading was very inconsistent with my assignments when I compared it to my classmates. It was very frustrating at times knowing I put in just as much work as my classmates and the grade didn't show for it. It's tough as a student to put in the work and then not get rewarded with the correct grade. It teaches students not to want to work and just give up.

This class has taught me so much. Not as much out of the book or technology based but this class single handedly made me realize that school is not for me. 

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Journal Post #11

Examine the components and features of digital portfolios for teachers.

A digital portfolio is a great way for students looking for a teaching job, first year teachers and even students without a teaching certificate. It is a way to show the administration what you have accomplished. For instance, field experiences, summer work, and community volunteering. Digital portfolios shows all those things in a electronic format. It is recommended to start a digital portfolio as soon as you start working towards for a teaching certificate to build a detailed portfolio. It can show copies of paper materials, but it can include video, pictures, powerpoint, and other digital materials.

                                          Flickr

Tech Tool 11.1:
Digital Portfolio Building Resources

There are a few different ways to make a digital portfolio as a student or teacher. There are free versions with limited design options or you can find one with a small fee with a little bit more options. TaskStream is a very popular digital tool used for portfolios and even web design. TaskStream offers a variety of of design options. It is used for work or learning portfolios. It can be seen by the world or limited to a small community of people. iLife is another popular tool for digital portfolios. It is powered by apple for Mac Computers. You can add photos, clips of video, or even bring in the web while adding text, keywords and sound affects.

                                           Flickr

Chapter Summary:

In Chapter 11 it talks about digital portfolios and the use of assessment in schools. Digital portfolios are a great thing to learn in school. It readys you for the real world, getting a real job. The sooner you learn digital portfolios, the better. The chapter also talks about the use of assessment in schools, which i also think is a great thing. Instead of tests, the teacher assesses the work done through homework, writing, individual and group work. Most teachers focus so much on the tests they forget to really assess the students school work.

Journal Post #10

Focus Question: Give examples of how assistive technologies support teachers in reaching all learners

Assistive technology supports efforts by teachers to reach all learners in many ways. Assistive technologies are exactly that, assistive. Not only for the gifted students but for those with learning disabilities as well. Things like large calculators, audiobooks, dictionaries, and screen enlargers can be very helpful in a classroom setting. Not only in the classroom, but outside the classroom, these technologies can also be helpful when students are doing homework at home, without the aid of a teacher.





http://www.deviantart.com/morelikethis/283019098


Tech Tool: 10.1 Interactive Whiteboards

Interactive whiteboards are also known as a touchscreen whiteboard. It is hung from the wall and connected to a computer and projector. Whatever the teacher has on the computer is shown through the white board and can be changed right up on the white board. This tool is useful because it shows the students first hand whatever your going over that day. It can helpful with a full classroom or even individual work. Teachers love this tool because the sky is the limit on the information that can be taught to a classroom through this tool.
Interactive white board lessons

Chapter Summary:

There are many different ways you can have success for all students through technology. Technology offers many different tools for students to be successful. For instance, calculators, interactive whiteboards, different softwares and even dictionaries just to name a few. Also technology offers ways to promote education for diverse learners by expanding the teachers teaching methods. Overall, technology brings so much to the table for giving the students the ability to be successful.