Well folks,
Today marked the last day of the term and of ICT Class. I'm sorry that this class is over as it has been my favorite one throughout this term! This blog post is a summary about how I felt about this course and what I learned from it.
During this class, I was shown many useful applications and websites that I could use in the classroom setting. I was shown websites on bookmarking and categorizing different websites such as Symbaloo. We used applications such as Wordle, Padlet, Animoto, Pixlr, and many more. We created websites that could be used in our classroom as well as E-portfolios that could be used when we go and search for job interviews. I was introduced to the wonderful world of Google and all of its interesting and useful applications such as Google Docs, Gmail, Google Drive and Google Calendars. I never would have started blogging if it were not for this course so I am very thankful for that. I also read some great literature about technology from the works of Kathy Cassidy. Overall, this has been a very educational course that has taught me about different programs available for me to use and this course has given me insight about the importance of using technology within the classroom.
At the beginning of this course, I was unsure about using technology in the classroom as I did not know whether it brought more harm than good to students. I felt that technology should be used as a tool rather than a crutch or an easy way out. I still feel that technology should be used appropriately in the classroom and that students should not abuse it. One thing I am sure of is that technology is in fact beneficial to students in the classroom. Students live in a world full of technology and teachers need to start integrating its usage into the classroom environment.
Overall, this has been a great class and I for one will be integrating technology into my classroom.
That's all for now,
Jordan
Thursday, 5 March 2015
Sunday, 1 March 2015
Tech Talk for Literacy
Hey folks,
So recently, I went to a Professional Development session on the Daily Five and CAFE. It was all about literacy and how to make reading and writing fun for students.The presenters demonstrated many different websites that could be used. Since being in this new ICT class, we have learned about many different uses for internet applications and technology and I will discuss some of these sites here.
In regards to working on writing, students can use some simple applications. The first site is a blogging site for students called Kidblog. This simple site allows students to blog in a safe and secure environment. Teachers can monitor all of the blogs that are created. Students can create reflections and practice writing stories for others to read. Other classmates can comment on students' work. Storybird allows students to create short stories using pictures. They can write story-lines underneath all of the photos as well.
For creating words, students can use Text Twist that allows students to unscramble letters and create different words. Students can then take the new words that they have learned and use them in their writing. Another application to use Spelling City which includes fun word games for students to practice their spelling.
For students to listen to stories there are many different applications for them to use as well. Speakaboos is an interactive website that allows students to choose stories to be read to them. They can choose different topics of stories such as scary stories or adventure stories. Other interactive sites for students include Raz Kids and Tumblebooks. My favorite site that was mentioned was called Storyline Online. In this site, students can choose different books to be read to them by celebrities of their choice. The books are also animated so the students can follow along and look at the animated pictures as they are being read to.
With the use of technology, kids can have a lot of fun reading. I wish that some of these applications were available when I went to school. Maybe I would have a better love for reading than I do now.
Take care.
Jordan
So recently, I went to a Professional Development session on the Daily Five and CAFE. It was all about literacy and how to make reading and writing fun for students.The presenters demonstrated many different websites that could be used. Since being in this new ICT class, we have learned about many different uses for internet applications and technology and I will discuss some of these sites here.
In regards to working on writing, students can use some simple applications. The first site is a blogging site for students called Kidblog. This simple site allows students to blog in a safe and secure environment. Teachers can monitor all of the blogs that are created. Students can create reflections and practice writing stories for others to read. Other classmates can comment on students' work. Storybird allows students to create short stories using pictures. They can write story-lines underneath all of the photos as well.
For creating words, students can use Text Twist that allows students to unscramble letters and create different words. Students can then take the new words that they have learned and use them in their writing. Another application to use Spelling City which includes fun word games for students to practice their spelling.
For students to listen to stories there are many different applications for them to use as well. Speakaboos is an interactive website that allows students to choose stories to be read to them. They can choose different topics of stories such as scary stories or adventure stories. Other interactive sites for students include Raz Kids and Tumblebooks. My favorite site that was mentioned was called Storyline Online. In this site, students can choose different books to be read to them by celebrities of their choice. The books are also animated so the students can follow along and look at the animated pictures as they are being read to.
With the use of technology, kids can have a lot of fun reading. I wish that some of these applications were available when I went to school. Maybe I would have a better love for reading than I do now.
Take care.
Jordan
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