Journal 6 - Student Voices for Change

McClintock Miller, S. (2011). Student voices for change. Learning and Leading, 37(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-june-july-2011.aspx

This article discusses how a Van Meter Community School in Iowa found a way to give a voice to all of its students form grades 6-12.  The school district gave each of their students a lab top computer and made technology a priority. The students began to access their own learning communities and continued to pursue their passions and knowledge. As a result, students became more confident, passionate, and accountable for their learning.

Question 1. How can technology improve student’s confidence, passion and accountability?

Well, if you use technology as a tool for learning it can embed confidence and accountability; if you let them follow their interest they can develop their passions.  In order to build confidence we must teach them the skills they need to use the programs and then let them share their knowledge with others. They can share with other students, different schools, or other teachers. Encouraging or requiring them to share their work is holding students held accountable for their work. Furthermore, we all like to study or learn about subjects we are interested and kids are not different.  So, by allowing them to follow their interest they will be more enticed to learn.

Question 2.  How would you help students develop a voice?

I would start of by having students create a Blog.  On the Blog they would answer questions, pose questions and interact with their classroom or school blog community. Then once they were comfortable, I would introduce them to Twitter and teach them how to find others who have the same interests.

 

Journal #2 - Join the flock

Ferguson, H. (2011). Join the flock. Learning and Leading, 37(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-june-july-2011.aspx

This article discusses how to use twitter to develop professional learning communities. In the beginning it does take some dedication by you/me the user to develop a network. However, once you’ve begun you can join the conversation. Or for others listen to the conversation. Either way having a professional learning network is a great way to amp up you teaching methods and knowledge.

Question 1: Why is Twitter scary?

Well, it can be intimidating to many because it is a fairly new tool to educators. As the saying goes, Change is scary. In the beginning using Twitter was intimidating because I didn’t know how to use it. It seemed as though there was an influx of information and I had no idea how to filter it. In addition, when you tweet you are exposing your thoughts and teaching style up for criticism.

Question 2: Does twitter have to be scary, can it be useful instead?

No, Twitter does not have to be scary. Once you have begun to follow people all you have to do is log in and read everything that comes through. You don’t ever have to say word.  However, once you become more comfortable you can start your maximum 140 word comment; keeping you safe from rambling on.

I imagine that once you get into the groove of it Twitter will be very useful. So long as you make time to find and follow people and groups with the same interest. So make it a point to find those special groups such as #edchat, and #spedchat. Furthermore, Twitter is a great way of getting feedback on ideas and finding new ideas from a broad group of people. 

Journal # 4 - One size never fits all

Courduff, J. (2011). One size never fits all. Learning and Leading, 37(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-june-july-2011.aspx

The article, One size never a fit all (Courduff, 2011) discusses how education and the modes in which we teach must be varied in order to address the needs of each student. In particular the article addresses the needs of students in Special Education and the ways in which educators can use technology to support the various learning levels. To begin the article discusses a Tier system for teaching students and teachers how to use technology to learn. Later on the article discusses a tool called Fusion Writers. Fusion writers are portable computers that can be used as text to talk or talk to text.

How would you use fusion writers in the classroom?

I would use fusion writers to promote and differentiate writing assignments. Based on the student’s level fusion writers can support the student in developing and organizing ideas (talk to text) with out the stress of spelling, and printing. Or for advanced students who can spell and type fusion writers can support them in developing sentence structure by reading back what the students have written.

Is the Tier learning system necessary for teacher and students to learn how to integrate technology?

Yes, I believe it is absolutely necessary! So many times we go to training and get a feel for a new program but then we do not use it immediately and what happens, we forget. Or we are not sure how to integrate it into our classroom. The tier training system that Etiwanda school district developed is very practical and important. It is great how the first tier is hands on and teaches them about how to use technology. Then the second tier still provides face-to-face support and introduces more technology. In the end teachers and students continue to learn more about technology but through online collaboration. The tier system instills independence and confidence in all parties to continue to seek new technologies. Helping ever size find their fit. 

Journal # 3 - Abracadabra

Raphael, R. (2011). Abracadabra - it's augmented reality. Learning and Leading, 38(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-june-july-2011.aspx .

This article begins by discussing the various ways in which augmented reality is currently used: yellow first down line that appears during football games, sky walk app, and even the ghost that sits next to you on the Haunted mansion.  It then continues to tell us how augmented reality is beginning to cross paths with education and that it is going to be an exciting and creative event for both the student and teacher. 

Question 1: How would you use AR in your classroom?


One of the programs the article discusses is Zooburst. Zooburst is a program that assists students in creating AR viewable popup books (if you have a webcam). If you do not have a webcam the students can still view the popup books on the computer. I visited this site and all I could say was Wow! The site is user friendly and so much fun. You get to create your own story and make it come to life by adding 3D images to the blank page.  Using augmented reality is a fantastic approach to teaching and learning. I am going to try using Zooburst to help my students write narrative stories. In addition, I am also going to try it out with vocabulary words. Have them make a vocabulary book. First they would use the vocabulary word in a sentence and then create a picture that describes the vocabulary word.  I think creating such a vivid and interactive scene for the vocabulary word is going to help them visualize remember the meaning of the vocabulary word.

Question 2: Is Augmented Reality necessary for students?


Augmented Reality, like so many of the other new programs I have learned about is another fun and exciting method to help students learn. It is yet another tool to help motivate, teach, and enrich the students’ academic curriculum. So, is it necessary? I say if you have access to the internet then yes, it is absolutely necessary. Augmented Reality can be a free web-based tool that can help students develop their creativity and so much more.

Technology Self Assessment School 2.0

NETS-T (2 & 5)
I participated in the school 2.0 technology reflective tool for educators. Following the assessment I chose an area that needed improvement and researched tools and resources that could be incorporated into my curriculum.

 
I researched the 3^rd NETS –TS, Model Digital- Age Work and Learning. I focused on research that pertained to “communication and collaboration with students, peers, parents and community members using a variety of tools to support student learning, problem solving, and the production or original works.” I chose this topic because research shows that incorporating technology in education improves student learning. I have learned through experience that technology makes subjects more interesting, relevant and interactive.

I was thrilled to find that the school 2.0 suggested resources were valuable and applicable. The resource I chose was Top ten Web 2.0 tools for young learners. One great program I learned about was Voki. Voki is a web-based program that uses an avatar to deliver auditory information. The information can either be recorded or typed. I am so pleased to have found this resource. I plan on recording spelling lists, reading texts, directions, and mini lessons on Voki. It is going to be a great tool for my students who are struggling with reading.

Another awesome tool was Create A Graph. With this site students can create bar, pie, and line graphs using various information. I believe this will be a great motivational and learning tool for students to use during “graphing season.” Students still have to gather their data. Create A graph ensures that students completes each step it takes to create a graph. It also exposes them to important vocabulary and lets them be the active participants in their education. To me it seems that students will be much more excited to create graphs on the web then with paper and pencil.

Check out Top ten Web 2.0 tools for young learners. What was your favorite tool?

Journal 1: 100 things that make me happy!

1. Yin
2. Family
3. Friends 
4. Marrying Yin
5. Molly & Chino
6. Surfing
7. Hugs
8. Kisses
9. Talking to my Mom on the phone
10. Talking to my Grandma on the phone
11. Students
12. Dancing
13. Singing
14. Mexican Candy (all of them)
15. Hiking
16. Camping
17. Backpacking
18. My good Health
19. The good health of my family and friends
20. Yosemite
21. Learning 
22. Chips & Salsa
23. Hawaii
24. Hockey: Go Sharks!
25. Reading
26. Pho
27. Raspados
28. Jokes
29. Fleet Foxes
30. She & Him
31. Swimming
32. Running
33. Seeing Dolphins while in the ocean
34. Getting a massage
35. Pedicure
36. Manicure
37. Hair Cut
38. New Shoes
39. "Snorkears"
40. The look on a students face when they suddenly "get it."
41. Rain
42. Sunny days
43. Tickling
44. Hawks
45. Chai Tea Latte
46. Pink lip gloss
47. Fuzzy Slippers
48. Taking Pictures
49. Meeting Goals
50. Paycheck
51. Finding something you forgot about
52. Sumeting Half Dome
53. Harry Potter
54. UFC
55. Kickboxing Class
56. Tacos
57. Outblush.com 
58. Modern Family
59. Summer
60. The color yellow
61. Cherries
62. Monopoly on the ipad
63. Smell of Hawaiian Tropic Sunscreen
64. Facials
65. New Sunglasses
66. My long hair
67. Purple, pink & Orange Sunsets
68. Sheets just out of the dryer for my bed.
69. Mac book
70. Snorkeling
71. Bogey boarding
72. Riding bikes by the beach
73. Seeing people smile
74. Live Music
75. Making new friends
76. Yosemite Falls
77. Kings Canyon
78. High Heels
79. Getting dolled up
80. Fun Surprises
81. Checking my email
82. Trying to Play the guitar
83. Having the right answer
84. Fresh contacts
85. Sleeping in
86. Learning new techie skills
87. Anthropologie (The Store)
88. Cotton Candy
89. La Bamba soundtrack
90.  Day dreaming
91. Day light savings time (when we gain an hour)
92. Silly Faces
93. Finishing a ToDo list
94. So you Think you Can Dance
95. Good Wine
96. Playing in the snow
97. When I have figured something out for myself!
98. Planning Surprises
99. Birthday Parties
100. Happy Babies

Hello everyone my name is Chelsie.

My name is Chelsie Avila and I am from Coachella, CA. I lived there for seventeen sweltering years. Fortunately during the heated summer months I was able to cool down under a palm tree with a gallon of water and listen to the Coachella Festival music. Before I ever discovered the music festival I attended elementary, middle, and high school in the Coachella Valley. I went off to UC Santa Cruz for college, go Banana Slugs! I received a BA in Anthropology and I discovered my love for surfing. I couldn’t move back to the Coachella Valley after feeling the ocean breeze. So, I moved to Huntington Beach and attended CSU Long Beach and completed my Level I mild/moderate credential. Now I am here at CSU San Marcos finishing up my level II. Wow how many years have I been in school!

     

My experience with technology is becoming less and less torturous. I have tried many times to move on and live the simpler life (no tech), but it’s difficult knowing what I would leave behind. I can use basic applications such as word processing, some Excel, iPhoto, the Internet. I am looking forward to becoming more familiar with old and new programs. I already love iGoogle, what else is there that I don’t know about! Please teach about all things Mac and I guess PC.

The mission statement of CSUSM/COE was a factor in my decision to apply to CSUSM. I appreciated that School of Education was going to support me in developing my profession by teaching me to reflect, research, and continue to be a life long learner. I believe CSUSM is going to teach me many new skills that make me a better educator, I’ve already learned three new applicable programs, I am sure there will be many more.  I see CSUSM/COE as a program that will help me reflect and rediscover who I am as a teacher and what my mission as an educator is.