Skype

I have never used Skype, so this was definately a new exploration for me.  I had a little trouble downloading it, but I think that was user error.  I didn't connect with a webcam because my webcam is not working, but I think that it would be very interesting to have been able to connect with the webcam also.  I think that once my webcam is fixed I will definately be using it.  If I were teaching in a classroom I would use this as a means for the kids to work on projects together at home.  They can work together as a team to complete a project and be able to share all the information needed while they talked.  I think that the biggest advantage is being able to share document while you are discussing information with each other and having webcam to visually see each other is another great advantage to Skype.  The only disadvantage that I see is maybe the lack of connection because I feel that talking to a person face to face in the same room is going to be always more personal, but this is the next best thing if that is not possible.  My parents are local, so I don't think that I would use it to keep in touch with my parents, but my kids could keep in touch with their dad who lives in Pennsylvania.  I think that this would be a more personal conversation with him versus the phone.  I also think they will be more interested in talking to him if they can see him. 

KWL Chart

What I Know

What I Want to Know

What I Learned

I know how to work social networks, for example: Facebook. I know how to work in Microsoft Word. I know how to work in PowerPoint. I know how to work a mouse and keyboard. I know how to work a printer, copier and scanner.

What and How the different ways that technology is used in education.

I learned how to use a Wiki. I learned how to bookmark websites by using Delicious. I learned about blogs and how to create one for myself.  I learned how having computers in the classroom can be beneficial to children. I learned how to make an interactive PowerPoint presentation for the classroom.

Recycle

Check out this SlideShare Presentation:

Recycle

View more presentations from danatop.

Recycling Video

I chose this video because it told kids how important recycling is and it encourages them to recycle.  I am doing my unit plan on recycling and I thought that this video would be appealing to children.  I will be using this in my Unit Plan.  I think that YouTube can be a great source to use in the classroom as long as it is monitored.  Since it is not geared towards education you can see videos that would be inappropriate for children to view.  So if you were to use YouTube in the classroom please be CAREFUL!

Databases

I would have kids to use the database for spelling.  It would be a great way for them to store all of their spelling words, which would include definitions.  As a teacher I would use it to have all contact information for the children in the classroom.

Excel

Excel is a great software program for a teacher to use with class rosters and even grade books.  I would use Excel if I was teaching an older group of kids.  I don't really see younger children using Excel.  I would have all of the older children to create their own homeword checklist charts.  I think it is important for the kids to have accountability.

Word

In a classroom setting I would use Microsoft Office Word for reports.  I would allow the children to use this in the classroom or computer lab to complete their report papers.  I think one disadvantage to this is not seeing the mistakes that the kids would normally make.  Word automatically will check for errors and if they would have written the report by hand the errors would be more viewable. 

Speekaboo Evaluation

SOFTWARE EVALUATION

Submitted by:  Dana Blumenschein   

Date: February 26, 2011

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Title:  Speekaboos

Publisher: Neal Shenoy

Date of copyright: 1996-2011

URL: http://www.speakaboos.com

Cost: 49.99

Hardware Requirement: online

Operating System: windows

Memory:  online

Subject areas: Language Arts

Grade Levels: prek-5

Instructional Strategies:

_x___ lessons/tutorial __x__ drill & practice __x__ review _____ simulation __x___ testing

__x__ game ___x__ discovery  __x___ problem-solving  __x___ application

____ other (specify) ____________________________________________________________

Rating:  0 - 5      (0 = not included or component is far below standard; 5 = exemplary)

Content

The content is educational.	5
The content is valid & reliable.	5
The content is accurate & factual.	5
The content is age appropriate.	5
The content is clear.	5
The content sources are cited and reliable.	5
The content aligns with the curriculum & standards.	2
The content is free from bias.	5

Ease of Use

The directions are clear and easy to follow.	5
The program is interactive.	5
The program is easy to navigate through.	5
The students can exit the program at any time.	5
The program saves students work.	5
The program gives positive feedback.	5
The program allows child to practice old and new skills.	5
The program covers a variety of ability/skill levels.	5

Support Materials

The program has a teacher’s guide.	4
The program has printed and understandable instructions.	4
The instructions and help functions are easy to access through the Internet or by phone.	5
There are supplemental resources and sample lesson plans.	4
The teacher can modify the user levels in the program.	2

Technical quality:

The installation and setup are easy.	5
The program loads quickly & is error-free.	5
The program works well.	5
The audio (sound) is clear.	5
The program is visually stimulating through active animation, color, and graphics.	5

Assessment

The program has a pre-assessment.	2
The program has a post-assessment.	2
The program keeps a on-going record of a students’ progress.	4
Teachers can assess students by evaluating progress reports.	4
Assessment methods are appropriate and suited to the learning objectives.	4

Title: Elementary School Success Deluxe

Publisher: TOPICS entertainment

Date of copyright: July 1, 2008

Version: 2009

URL: www.topicsent.com

Cost: $39.99

Operating System: Windows Vista / XP, Mac OS X Intel

Memory:  DVD-ROM

Subject areas: Reading, Math, Science, Typing, & Foreign Languages

Grade Levels: K-5

Strengths: It works on crucial subjects that are needed in school:  Math, Reading, and Science.  They also teach typing, which is used by some students.  Foreign languages is learned, which is a requirement in middle school and high school. 

Weaknesses:  I could not locate where there would be teacher reports, which would allow the teachers to view the kids progress.

 Comments:  Overall I think that this is a great program to use for kids in school.

Rating:  0 - 5      (0 = not included or component is far below standard; 5 = exemplary)

Content

The content is educational.	5
The content is valid & reliable.	5
The content is accurate & factual.	5
The content is age appropriate.	4
The content is clear.	5
The content sources are cited and reliable.	5
The content aligns with the curriculum & standards.	4
The content is free from bias.	5

Ease of Use

The directions are clear and easy to follow.	5
The program is interactive.	5
The program is easy to navigate through.	5
The students can exit the program at any time.	5
The program saves students work.	5
The program gives positive feedback.	5
The program allows child to practice old and new skills.	5
The program covers a variety of ability/skill levels.	5

Support Materials

The program has a teacher’s guide.	0
The program has printed and understandable instructions.	5
The instructions and help functions are easy to access through the Internet or by phone.	4
There are supplemental resources and sample lesson plans.	0
The teacher can modify the user levels in the program.	0

Technical quality:

The installation and setup are easy.	5
The program loads quickly & is error-free.	5
The program works well.	5
The audio (sound) is clear.	5
The program is visually stimulating through active animation, color, and graphics.	5

 

Assessment

The program has a pre-assessment.	4
The program has a post-assessment.	4
The program keeps a on-going record of a students’ progress.	0
Teachers can assess students by evaluating progress reports.	0
Assessment methods are appropriate and suited to the learning objectives.	5