LA Conference

During the LA conference my I presented with my ED640 graduate class. Our presentation was about Developmental Stages of Spelling. Our presentation introduced the stages that children go through when dealing with spelling. The topic we chose was unique because everyone that would attend it would be able to relate to the topic because they would have kids or are teachers.
It was such a whirl wind and exciting. I have never presented in front of many people. We were only suppose to accept 20 people but we ended up having 51 people attend the our presentation. There was not enough folders and handouts. The biggest problem was that there was not enough time to expand on our presentation. I believe that everyone who attended really enjoyed our presentation. From our evaluation feedback we were able to conclude that we needed more time so that they could really be active in learning about the developmental stages of spelling.

Where is the technology revolution in education?

Today technology is making an impact in all sectors of the community. Micheal Rusell talks about how technology has impacted the business world and he also talks about the impediments that have limited the use of technology in today's schools. Today the use of technology in our world has doubled in the recent years. Schools on the other hand is still in the process. Despite the increases of computer uses, education has been largely unaffected by computer-based technologies. Most teachers still stand and deliver a curriculum. Micheal Russell depicts the impact that technology can make in education. Resources could be limitless, community could be reached, and communication could be enhanced through technology. The education sector must push and push to to catch the technology trend of today so that our students can learning Basic Life skills.

Another article by Micheal Russell that you might be interested:
http://escholarship.bc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1007&context=intasc

Presentation

During class we chose to do Google Docs and Famundo. As a class we will work on EduTEch wiki to create a wiki article on each internet site. As a group we broke our work into sections. As a class we will collaborate on the information that will be published in EduTech wiki. It is a collaborative activity. In terms of the presentation I would really like to present on Google Docs. Its sounds like an interesting site that could be useful to learn. It could be useful for teachers who want to integrate the internet into their lessons or use the internet as a tool to enhance learning. I am really interested in the Google Docs because you could actually work in the site.

Internet Resource #2

I reviewed Famundo and compared to the others it seems to be a creative and engaging tool for Families. It allows users to create a family hub(hang out)so that families are able interact with each other online. This is especially good for families who live far apart or in different villages. I helps you manage your family schedules and to do lists. It is a site that allows users to control their daily life and be stress free I guess. The site allows you to share events with families and friends almost like a personalized website but its private only to family members. Famundo also allows you to use its site as a teacher. Keeping a teacher organized with their students, calendar schedules, and updates. Looks like a great tool.

Internet Resources #1

I reviewed Engrade and I am really thinking of using it. It is a free online gradebook that allows teachers to manage their classes online as well as post grades, assignments, attendance, and upcoming homework online for students and parents to see. Engrade is free and easy to use. The best part about it is that students and parents can become engaged in their learning and parents can be involved in their childs learning. The Engrade offers:
*Free Online Gradebook Automatically calculates grades, custom grading scales, weighted assignments
*Free Online Attendance Book Easily records attendance, automatically emails parents of absentees
*Free Online Homework Calendar Quickly posts upcoming homework for parents and students to see
*Free Online Student Reports Real-time access to grades, attendance, and homework
It is a free grading tool because it is supported by educational sponsors, it is completely free for all users all you need is a free online account

21st Century Learning

Sheryl believes, we are in a place where computing in the classroom is really going to take off. We are living in a century where technology is taking over many aspects of our lives. It not surprising that it would be the same in the field of education. As educators it is our responsibility to figure out how to access the tools of the web and help students to learn to use them in a safe environment.
Sadly, I agree with one of her statements. Sheryl stated that, "The students of today don't have a choice as to whether or not they will master the skills of the read/write web (and being collaborative and self-driven)--if they don't, they will be left behind in the work world." This is a major issue in the field of education. As an educator I have seen students who have no skills in dealing with technology and the web. It would be wonderful if I could just wish for a computer and the Internet and it will just show up. Being skilled in the concept of read/write web is important within this era and the next. Technology and the web is all around us now especially children. Students need the skills to stay on track with the world that is quickly relying on the web because who knows what the next era will present. Her statement in dealing with poverty says it all. "If we don't empower these children with the same technologies that the affluent child will get at home, then we are trapping them in their poverty."

Learning Management System

Learning Management Systems is an excellent assistive technology tool that can be used for students with learning disabilities. It is a software tool that delivers educational materials over the web. The great thing is that it serves the purpose of a teacher as well. It is a software teacher that manages users or my case students by assigning roles to users. It also allows students to begin within their level and assign groups. It provides a calendar so that students can practice being organize and prepared and generate scores based on a grading system. I guess teachers can integrate it within their lessons or as a homework incentive. Students also have ownership over lessons and sources in various media formats. LMS can be accessed by open source (downloaded for free) or purchased.
The only problem is that there are not many free sources for our students except maybe Moodle. Also the problem that many also faces is access to computers and the Internet. Hopefully in the next 5 or 10 years this wouldn't be a problem but the idea is 1 step ahead of nothing.