Final Presentation: Technology Proficient Professional

Multimedia Lesson Plan#2 Reflection

Thinking of an interesting idea for the students to create a multimedia presentation using Microsoft Power point was the most difficult part of this assignment. At first, I was at a loss on how to accomplish this assignment. But after taking this course I learned that if I make the experience fun when introducing the assignment, then the students will want to participate and explore the assignment. Before I began the Family Tree assignment, I needed to think of a creative way to introduce the assignment. I decided that I would read the book “The Kids Family Tree” by Caroline Leavitt and then review the children’s understanding of a family tree.

The lesson I chose is called “My Family Tree.” This lesson is intended for the fifth grade level and the content area of my multimedia lesson plan is language arts which also integrates fine arts and technology. This project takes advantage of some of the many multimedia tools that are available for students to use in planning and developing their project. Teaching children about their family tree is a rewarding and fulfilling experience. A family tree project can help motivate students to learn more about the members of their family, as well as encourage communication, information gathering, research, computer skills.

Using technology in the classroom is an expectation that I have for my future students. I believe that Power Point is the easiest to use of the many multimedia tools offered. And I also believe that the students will be able to utilize it easily to create their family tree. I believe that students can acquire computer skills by using Microsoft Power point to create their family tree multimedia presentation. This exercise is great for young children to create a simple family tree of their immediate family. Power point can be used in a fun way to integrate technology into the classroom.

The NETS*T standard that supports my lesson plan is standard 1B- Demonstrates continual growth in technology knowledge and skills to stay abreast of current and emerging technologies and standard 2A - Design developmentally appropriate learning opportunities that apply technology-enhanced instructional strategies to support the diverse needs of learners. The NETS*T standard 1B and 2A relates to my lesson plan because students will observe a story about the family tree, become knowledgeable of the concept of the family tree after viewing a sample family tree the teacher has created using Microsoft power point, and being able to create and a multimedia presentation using power point.

The students will then share a project with the class about their family. The final presentation will include a family tree and brief information about each member of the immediate family that was created by using the multimedia Microsoft Power point created by the student. Although thinking of an interesting, fun and effective assignment was a bit frustrating, I learned that there are many technology tools that can be used to create the family tree assignment.







References:
International Society for Technology Education (1997-2009). National Educational Technology Standards. Retrieved September 18, 2009, Website:
http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=NETS

Lesson Plan# 2 "My Family Tree"

Assure Model Lesson Plan#2

Assessment of 8 Technology Tools Introduced in Class

1) MOODLE
Moodle is a free course management system. Moodle is intended to help instructors build online courses with a chance for successful interaction. Moodle has many features that make it an impressive course management system. I find Moodle to be very effective and simple to use. I like how I am able to view the class assignments, message the instructor or colleague if I have a question, and view my grades for the assignments I have submitted. With Moodle I was also able to create a personal profile, so that my instructor and fellow colleagues can get to know me a little better. The only problem I have encountered with Moodle is that some of the dates to submit assignments were inaccurate and sometimes the page does not function properly. Overall, I would recommend Moodle others. I rate Moodle a Thumbs Up for being an efficient internet based community.

2) Delicious List
Delicious is a free online storage that helps me organize and save many important websites all in one online account. It is an impressive storage space that enables me to save bookmarks, as well as share my bookmarks with users in my network. I also like how I am able to view others users lists by typing in a topic into the search bar. For personal reasons, you may also bookmark a website as private on your Delicious list. Overall, Delicious is a wonderful free social bookmarking service and I give it a Two Thumbs Up.

3) Firefox browser
Mozilla Firefox is a fast and reliable web browser. Firefox includes many interesting features which include pop up blocking, tabbed browsing, built in search bar, and easy to use privacy controls. The users also have more control over cookies and history by means of the clear recent history option under tools. I like how it notifies the user if the page is secure or not. I like the easy way to open additional tabs and after a crash it memorizes the tabbed page and the user has the option of returning to the same tabs the next time they open up Firefox. Overall, Mozilla Firefox offers a faster and safer browsing experience, I offer Mozilla Firefox Two Thumps Up.

4) Google Suite Apps (Applications)
Google Applications offers many wonderful features to its users. A Google account allows the user to check the calendar and Gmail. Through Google Apps, the user is able to chat and work together on documents. Google Docs makes it easy to share documents with other users and even publish them. In the Google spreadsheet, it is easy to create and modify documents.
The user is also able to view maps, videos, images, a calendar, and it also translates the text to the users’ desired language. I was really amazed when I sent my email messages from my yahoo account to my Gmail account; I noticed that the email arrives within seconds from when it was sent. That was truly impressive. Overall, I offer Google Apps a Thumbs Up.

5) Read the Words
Read the Words is a free online service that offers text to speech technology, that services people with written material. It can read any text, document, and website. It produces a voice that can be customized to the users’ preference which reads the words out loud at the users’ request. I believe that Read the Words can be valuable to people with disabilities. Especially to those who are deaf and mute, Read the Words can be very essential. I also find Read the Words helpful to those who are trying to learn another language. The only downfall I encountered was that it mispronounces certain words. But other than that, I give Read the Words Two Thumbs Up.

6) TokBox
Tokbox is a free and fun video chat website that requires no downloads. Tokbox allows users to have live video conversations online. Creating an account was quick, free, and so simple. I was able to edit and personalize my profile. Tokbox provides many features such as instant messaging, video calling, and video conferencing. I was amazed at how I was able to record a video and then send it to a friend through their email account. Also, the user can share pictures, videos and documents through the video chat. It also has privacy control, so I was able to control who can or cannot view my page. Tokbox is definitely worth exploring, I give it a Thumbs Up.

7) Web-conferencing tool: Twiddla
Twiddla is a free web conferencing tool which requires no additional software or downloads. Twiddla’s meeting area is a blank canvas where you can basically do whatever you choose. Its whiteboard area includes tools for drawing, adding shapes and texts, and images that you can upload from your computer. With Twiddla, you can upload images or documents which can be viewed by those participating in the meeting. You can also join an audio chat with anyone who is in the meeting. Twiddla did not present as well as I hoped it would. My main concerns with Twiddla are that it is not user friendly, it was complicated to use. And there is no video chat service and the audio chat did not function properly. I give Twiddla a Thumbs Down.

8) Picnik
Picnik is a free online photo editor that is quick, simple, and extremely fun to use. I really liked that there was no need for me to download the program onto my computer. The website is really pleasant to look at, the graphics are attractive. This photo editor is so simple to use. I was amazed at how fast it was to upload and edit a photo. The user can upload a photo as a guest or create an account to access more features. Photos can be uploaded from any website, your computer and you can also take a photo using your webcam. I really enjoyed playing around with the many special effects this photo editor had to offer. I was really impressed with the instant preview of a photo that I edited. I also enjoyed playing around with the many amazing fonts, frames and shapes. I liked how I was able to undo all of the changes I have made to my photos. Overall, I had so much fun using this photo editor. Picnik truly does make photo editing a simple and fun process. I offer Picnik Two Thumbs Up.

Enlightening Information from Assistive Technology: Enabling Dreams

Since watching the video Enabling Dreams, it showed me the significance of early introduction to assistive technology. This video made me hopeful that anything is possible for people with disabilities and assistive technology is positively valuable for them to lead independent and productive lives. It is thought provoking, motivating, and provides enlightening information for those interested in learning about assistive technology. Enabling Dreams also introduced me to the world of assistive technology; the different areas of assistive technology, the different tools and how they might be used in different situations and settings for people with disabilities.

I also realized that for numerous students with disabilities; instructional accommodations, separate instruction, and assistive technology are very important elements of special education. Altogether, these supports help create that special instruction that allows students with disabilities to achieve their personal goals. Most significant is for these students to achieve their expectations of independence and success, and this is definitely a possibility with the help of assistive technology. With assistive technology, students with disabilities have access to thousands of devices to help make their learning and daily activities easier.

To accommodate students with disabilities, I plan to integrate assistive technology into my lesson planning when specified by the student's Individualized Education Plan or specific learning requirements. I would make sure that the appropriate and expected lesson modifications and accommodations are being implemented in the classroom. By creating effective instructional lesson plans that are motivational, engaging, and most especially fun for students with special needs, they will be able to productively join in learning activities, access the general education curriculum, and socialize with their peers. The more fully integrated assistive technology is into the methods and materials I use in the classroom, the more it will help a student learn and function productively in life.

Through Enabling Dreams, I gained understanding and empathy for the remarkable determination of people with disabilities. This video encouraged me to learn more about creating a more productive environment for students with special needs in the classroom. Also, to deepen my understanding of assistive technology, I am determined to explore the numerous assistive technologies available for students with disabilities.

Review on Twiddla

Twiddla is a free web conferencing tool which requires no additional software or downloads. Anyone is able to access Twiddla with the free thirty day trial. After which, an upgrade to the professional account will be required. This is if you would like to save images, documents, or screenshots in your account. I was able to upgrade my account to the professional account for free because I am a student.

Twiddla was complicated to use. It created some confusion between my group and me. This tool encouraged critical thinking, investigation and discussion amongst my group. I was trying to figure out how this tool worked so I played around with the different features and learned how to utilize them. Twiddla’s meeting area is a blank canvas where you can basically do whatever you choose. Twiddla allowed me to write and draw images on the whiteboard. The whiteboard area includes tools for drawing, adding shapes and texts, and images that you can upload from your computer. I was also able to put texts and drag it anywhere on the whiteboard. With Twiddla, you can upload images or documents which can be viewed by those participating in the meeting. You can also join an audio chat with anyone who is in the meeting. All that you have to do is send them the link and they can join free without registering or downloading the tool.

Twiddla did not present as well as I hoped it would. My main issue with Twiddla is that it is not user friendly; my group was not able to make the most of this free web conferencing tool. There is no video chat service and the audio chat did not function properly, so much for web conferencing. Once I attempted to start a new meeting, the page would not load properly or it would remain frozen for a long time. My group members and I were never able to chat amongst each other while in the meeting at the same time. But when we were not logged onto the web conferencing tool, and we returned to the meeting, we were able to see each other’s notes or drawings.

Even though Twiddla was frustrating to use, I did find a few features that were interesting. I liked how I could show someone in the meeting a drawing, image, document, or webpage by sending them the link. Also I liked how I was able to save everything I have done on the page to the whiteboard. Even though I think Twiddla is worth exploring, I would not recommend it to others.

A Learning Experience with the Assure Model

Using the Assure model to create a lesson plan was a challenge for me. At first I was confused on how to use the Assure model to create my lesson plan, so I reviewed the Assure model online to get a better understanding of how to apply it to my assignment. Through the Assure model, I learned that the step by step process is user friendly. Once I was familiar with the Assure model, I was able to follow the steps and create my lesson plan more effectively. I had a difficult time thinking of a lesson that would require a digital spreadsheet. The ASSURE model is designed to focus the instructors efforts on the use of media and technology within the classroom environment (virtual or real)—it is not meant to be an alternative method of course design, development, and deployment (Office of Information Technology, 2003). I believe it is important to integrate technology into the classroom because it helps develop the students learning processes and the outcomes. Technology assists the process of gaining knowledge and responding to that knowledge, students discover that technology is a very effective tool and enhances their learning.

The lesson I chose is intended for fifth grade students and is on the subject of comparing the amount of children’s literature books a student is able to read during the Read-a-Thon period versus reading-for-fun/leisure time. I decided to choose this idea because at the time we were given this assignment, my daughter was completing her Read-a-Thon for school. Also,I wanted to choose a lesson that would be suitable for students in the fifth grade level and I wanted to be sure that this was an assignment that they could accomplish. I thought that it would be a great idea to compare and contrast the amount of children’s literature a student read during his or her free time and that of the time allotted to complete the Read-a-Thon. The content area of my lesson is language arts and it integrates math and technology. The NETS*T standards that supports my lesson is standard 2A. NETS*T standard 2A supports my lesson because the students will document the data they collected on the different types of children’s literature books they have read and input it into Microsoft excel where they will then create a pie chart or graph. When students use Microsoft excel it can increase the understanding of the information found on the pie chart or graph, it provides a visual representation of data that makes it easier for the students to study.

When creating lesson plans, I learned that my assignment expectations must be age appropriate. It was important that the lesson aligned with the appropriate content standards. I needed to be sure that I used skill building ideas and had activities that were in all of the learning areas of the content standards. The assignment I chose should enhance the students’ development in all areas. But most importantly, I wanted to be sure that the lesson I chose was not just educational but enjoyable for the students as well. A setback I learned when creating lesson plans is that it was time consuming. I needed to do several researches and planning for ideas. It was also difficult for me to find an idea for this lesson. Thankfully, we had a discussion on our ideas in the classroom and my colleagues were able to share some helpful ideas with me. I decided to continue with my idea of comparing the amount of books a student reads during a certain period of time. I believe that reading is vital and a good way to put children on the road to success in their academic and personal lives. Creating graphs using Microsoft excel was the least exciting of this lesson.

Though at first this assignment was confusing, I learned a lot of new and interesting things. Through this assignment, I learned that I could create an effective lesson plan using the Assure model. I learned how to integrate technology into the teaching and learning environment.






References
Office of Information Technology. (2003, July 27). Assure Learning through the use of the Assure model. Retrieved September 18, 2009, from Valencia Community College site Web site:
http://www.valenciacc.edu/oit/articles/articles_detail.cfm?ID=45


International Society for Technology Education (1997-2009). National Educational Technology Standards. Retrieved September 18, 2009, Website:
http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=NETS