Complete!

I completed the online course evaluation, the course feedback survey, and I checked my grades. Thanks for a great semester!

Internet Safety

I read "Rated A" an article by Marvin J. Ashton in the November 1977 Ensign. I liked his rated A analogy--let's all choose rated A rather than rated X media!

I watched quite a few videos about cyberbullying, and I had a difficult time watching them. It was quite shocking to me what some of the children did. The PBS video on cyberbullying particularly pulled at my heart strings. I also looked at several resources, such as videos, games, and text that explained how to teach children to be safe on the internet. There are lots of fun games and other activities to teach children this.

I learned that there are several concepts to teach children. First, they should not give out any personal information over the Internet. They should tell an adult if they witness harmful acts on the Internet or come across mean behavior or inappropriate websites. Keep the lines of communication open! Computers should be kept in public places. From the cyberbullying videos, I realized that it is important to teach children not just to be nice and respectful in person but also on the Internet. They hurt just as much.

I talked with my dad about what I learned. He knew all of it, and he taught me even more. He taught me how to tell if a website is secure before giving out credit card information. I also learned more about what my parents have done to keep the Internet safe, particularly for my 15-year-old brother still at home. They occasionally block particular websites until my brother's homework is done and try to regulate his time on the Internet. They periodically check the history, and they keep the lines of communication open. They keep the computer in open/public places--no bedrooms. When I told my dad what I learned about cyberbullying, he emphasized the importance of keeping the lines of communication open. My dad is great!

TPACK Report

Here is my TPACK report. It may also be found here.

Technology Lesson Plans

Math: http://docs.google.com/View?id=dvvtqw8_8hs22gkgg
Language Arts: http://docs.google.com/View?id=dvvtqw8_7dpwdvzdh
Science: http://docs.google.com/View?id=dvvtqw8_9c66kqffh

Technology in my Elementary Classroom

Well, going doing the classroom technology inventory awakened me to the reality of most schools. There is little technology immediately available in the classroom--only a TV, CD players, and an overhead projector. There are a few Elmos and video projectors that may be checked out. There is also a computer lab and the students attend the class twice a week for a couple of months. However, they have barely any software, mostly just Microsoft Office. They use the internet on the computers quite frequently. The main purpose of the computers is testing purposes. Both these computers and some laptops help test the students twice a year.

I love learning about the fun ways to use technology in the classroom during this class. However, with the lack of resources, it will be a challenge to implement. It will be good for me to incorporate technology in a setting with fewer resources.

I also completed the mid-course evaluation and consent form.

Science Technologies and VoiceThreads

I watched and commented on the following voicethreads:
Amy Dallon----Egypt and Stellarium
Beth Duvall--Seasons and Kidsperation
Celecta--Balanced Meals and Kidsperation

I loved learning about all the different science technologies. There are so many, and they could really enhance a student's learning. The kids would love the interaction. Kidsperation especially seemed great--there are many different topics that could be covered and is easy to use.

I also realized the great benefits of using voicethreads, particularly for presentations. Voice threads are easy to make, and they are also easy for other to comment and participate in. I would definitely consider using some in the future. I learned a lot about voicethreads in the voicethread last week, and now I have a better grasp on how to use them and what they can be used for.

Microbe Zoo

The Microbe Zoo

I chose to design an activity for a 6th grade science classroom, using The Microbe Zoo. I would divide the class into 5 groups and assign each a specific area of The Microbe Zoo: DirtLand, Animal Pavilion, Snack Bar, Space Adventure, and Water World. Then I would ask each group to prepare a presentation on their specific area, which includes the homes, food requirements, and another interesting fact about the microorganisms in their assigned area. They also need to describe at least one specific microorganism. They should make a poster that includes all of the above information and pictures, preferrably hand-drawn. After giving the children many days to work on their project, they will each present their specific area of The Microbe Zoo in front of the class.

Content:
6th grade science
Standard 5
Students will understand that microorganisms range from simple to complex, are found almost everywhere, and are both helpful and harmful.
Objective 1
Observe and summarize information about microorganisms.
c. Research and report on a microorganism's requirements (i.e., food, water, air, waste disposal, temperature of environment, reproduction).

Pedagogy:
The students will be observing and classifying the different types of microorganisms. This objective requires that the students research and report on a microoorganism's requirements. This of course requires observing the microorganisms on the website to determine the microorganism's requirements. Also, by classifying the different types of microorgamisms, the students can better understand the importance and the role of each type of microorganism.

Technology:
I will be using The Microbe Zoo website, a fun, interactive, learning website just for kids. The kids will be able to explore hands-on the different types of microorganisms in the world. The websites group the microorganisms creatively, and they help the students connect and apply the information into their own lives.

The DL on Google Earth

I watched the following videos:
Beth's 4 Largest Cities in the US
Megan's Lewis and Clark Expedition
Nina's Dances of the World.

I love the idea of using Google Earth in the classroom. I think it helps children to put things into perspective, especially lessons in which geography plays an important part. It is a great place to combine multimedia into one place as well. For one placemark, you can include photos, videos, as well as incorporate Google Earth tools. Students will likely enjoy the fun interactive features of Google Earth. However, Google Earth may seem somewhat complicated at first. I would not recommend it as an individual activity for younger grades. It could be a fun whole class activity though. Furthermore, it does require access to computers and downloading Google Earth. Most importantly, a Google Earth virtual tour takes time to build. Many Google Earth tours are already available online though. There are many advantages and disadvantages, so weighing the pros and cons for the desired activity will be necessary.

America's Music History Completed

I created a virtual tour of America's musical history on Google Earth. An embedded copy appears below. However, for the full product with all available layers access the link on my website.

Utah Core Standards

I chose to address Standard 1, Objective 3 of the 5th grade music state core:

Standard 1
Singing The student will develop the voice and body as instruments of musical expression.

Objective 3
Discover how songs, singing games, and dances relate to various cultures in the history of the United States. (See Social Studies Core.)

1. Share songs, instruments, and music enjoyed by various cultures in the history of the United States.
2. Describe how music is used by cultures in U.S. history.
3. Play singing games, enjoy traditional folk dances, and patriotic songs that have originated in the cultures of the United States. Explain what they mean personally.

I thought Google Earth would be a fun way to introduce my students to a historical unit on the music of the US. I plan to be an elementary music education teacher, so I constantly look for ways I can apply what I am learning not only in a regular elementary classroom setting but also a music classroom. Using Google Earth allows children to interact with various aspects of music history, spending as little or as much time as they would like on each area. In sum, they can pursue their interests. They can also see the main geographic location of each type of music in relation to other types. Google Earth also enables connection with other multimedia, such as videos, pictures, and interactive websites, all of which would prove helpful in teaching this or any other subject matter.

A Taste of America's Musical History

Location	Activity Description	Google Earth Content
1. Memphis, TN	The Blues started in the late 1800s in the Deep South. Look at polygon of Deep South. What states are in the Deep South? Listen to traditional blues song written in Memphis, TN by W.C. Handy. Traditional blues songs had three lines: the second line was a repetition of the 1st, and the 3rd line contained an end rhyme and finished the thought. Read sample blues lyrics written by children. Write your own blues lyrics.	Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N22aZuNTLB8 Read http://www.smithsonianeducation.org/educators/lesson_plans/music_in_poetry/elementaryschool.html Layers: polygon, populated places
2.Upper Sioux Indian Reservation, Minnesota	Look at the terrain. Why might the Sioux perform a rain dance? Watch video with Sioux rain dance music and pictures. Complete a journal entry and write a list of three things you liked about this video.	Video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WNLLNxURt4. Layers: Terrain, Populated Places
3.Avery Fisher Hall, New York City, New York	America has a rich history of talented musicians and composers. America plays both European and American music. Get familiar with New York City. Look at 3 gigapxl photos and 5 panoramio photos. The New York Philharmonic Orchestra is a world-reknowned orchestra. Visit two rooms at their website for kids' and record 4 new facts you learn.	Visit http://www.nyphilkids.org Layers: Gigapxl photos, Panoramio, 3D buildings, populated places
4.New Orleans, Louisiana	Cajun music was influenced by the French and the Germans. Look at 3 of Ramsey's historical maps of North America or the US and notice French and German influence/territories. Listen to at least three different Cajun songs. Write down the performer and title of your favorite one.	Visit http://www.juneberry78s.com/sounds/ListenToCajun.htm Layers: Ramsey's historical maps, populated places

Thoughts on A Digital Storytelling Project

I enjoyed watching and commenting on the following videos:

Winnie the Pooh (Summary and Advertisement) by Celecta Moss
Messy Room by Sarah Smith and Megan Sorensen
Strawberry Shortcake by Beth Duvall
It's Raining, It's Pouring by Nina Wallace
Winning with Winnie by Amy Dallon
Literacy by Victoria Stokes

I think the most difficult part of creating a digital storytelling project would be the issue of time. Teachers have so much to cover! I think with effective planning and connection to the state core, this issue can be overcome. Working with children of different technological abilities may also be difficult and require special planning. However, this project would let the students' creativity wheels spin. The children would love the final result and treasure it. Plus, the children could improve their technological skills. I think is would be fun and enjoyable learning experience well worth the time spent!

Be Glad Your Nose is on Your Face

The final product of my Digital Storytelling Project:

TPACK

TPACK stands for Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge. The world we live in today makes it crucial for teacher's to have knowledge in all three of the aforementioned areas: technology, pedagogy, and content. Teachers have always needed to have content knowledge; after all, how can you teach what you don't know yourself? Those teachers with pedagogical knowledge know the best ways to teach, so of course they are the better teachers. If a teacher has pedagogical content knowledge, she can teach the content that much better. In a world that is quickly becoming more and more dependent upon technology, teachers now must implement technology in the classroom. This requires technological skills. Not only because great resources are available, but also because students need technological skills to succeed in the world today. However, technology does no good unless it is used appropriately and improves both the pedagogy and the content. Therefore, a quality teacher needs both technological pedagogical and content knowledge.

Storyboard

Knowledge of Internet Communication

The concept of Web 2.0 was new to me--I never realized the great significance of the new forms of communication in the internet. Learning how to create a website was definitely the most useful thing I learned how to do this week. I always thought creating websites was for who knew the language of computers. Now I know otherwise! I love the idea of having a class website or a class blog, depending upon the class I teach. I think websites are great ways to keep parents updated and expound upon students' in-school learning. The link to my website is in my link list.

I also loved learning about video communication. I don't know if I will use it as much, but it is quite fun.
Here is a screen shot of my synchronous video with Celecta, using Google Video Chat:





Here is a screen shot of my asynchronous video, using Facebook messaging:

Technology Background

I have grown up in a technology literate home. My dad graduated from BYU with a computer science degree and works for a computer software company called Oracle. He has stayed updated with technology as a result. Consequently, I have become fairly familiar with computers as well. When I was in high school, my dad installed the operating system Linux on our home computers because he did not like Microsoft's monopoly. It was frustrating at first, but I learned how to use it. I actually use Linux on my laptop. However, I am still familiar with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and use them frequently. I am also a fairly fast typer--typing about 77wpm.