Final Reflection
I have learned so many things in this last semester. Last spring, I had the chance to take ECMP 355 with Dean. I enjoyed the class a lot and learned so much that I decided to take it to the next level with ECMP 455. Before these classes, I had never really thought about the use of technology within the classroom. I remember in elementary and high school there wasn’t a lot of technology use. Only with our scheduled computer time. It is clearly evident that technology is becoming more and more apart of education, and after this class I don’t see how teachers wouldn’t want to incorporate technology in the classroom.
There have been a number of things I have learned in this class. First is how useful blogging can be. Before taking either ECMP class, the thought of blogging had never really crossed my mind. I had read a few blogs, but never thought about starting my own. Now I see how useful they can be. Not only is it a place where you can share your opinions, thoughts and ideas but you can also find useful information and blogs from other people. I think blogging is a great way to communicate with other people. I’ve now seen how fun and exciting a class blog can be, or even the joy of reading a comment on a blog post. Blogging has been a big part of this class, and I have learned a lot about it. I’ve even connected with some great teachers who have class blogs, which make me want to start my own class blog in the future.
Another thing I have learned in ECMP 455, is the importance of connecting with other teachers. I have the chance to connect with a few teachers again this semester. Not only have they shared some valuable information and knowledge, but I have also gotten to work on an awesome collaborative project with a fellow student and teacher. It was a great experience, and I love how easy the use of technology made it to connect with the other teachers. Thanks again to Lee Kolbert and Lisa Parisi for working with me!
I also had the chance to teach my fellow students about one of my passions, as well as a tool I find to be very useful, Twitter! I find twitter is a great way to connect with other people, and find useful information. There are many ways to use twitter, an everyone who has a twitter account seems to use it differently. At the moment I use my twitter more for musical purposes, but there are also many great educators using twitter. There are many conversations to join, and a lot of information to find on twitter. I learned a lot through the other students presentations as well. It was great to learn from my fellow students, and have the experience of me teaching them something.
I learn a lot from the Ning. It was a great place to see all the conversations and topics shared by other students. I did find it a little difficult to keep track of the assignments and discussions, but after a while I got the hang of it. I think the Ning would be useful in a future classroom. I like the layout it has, and all the different feature there are on the site. The groups, and discussions were very informative and helpful.
Over all this has been a great semester. I really enjoyed the class ECMP 455. I was able to connect with some really great people and learn a lot of valuable information. I really think this class and the information I’ve acquired during the last few months with be very useful for my future teaching career. It taught me about all the endless possibilities the technology can bring into the classroom and how helpful and exciting it can be. I am looking forward to incorporating all the different things I’ve learned in my classroom, and I hope to continue to learn more about the use of technology in the classroom. I believe technology is becoming a vital part in education, and I’m glad to have learned more about it.
Thanks again Dean for a great semester! This class has taught me a lot, and was very useful.
2 comments April 15, 2010
Collaborative Project Videos!
Okay so the videos have finally uploaded. Hope you enjoy 
We wanted to show that even though adults like to think they know everything, they don’t always know all the answers. Thanks to everyone who participated!
1. Can you name the planets in order from the Sun?
2. Can you explain why we have seasons?
3 comments April 10, 2010
Collaborative Project- take 2!
Today Chelsea and I were finally able to complete our collaborative project with Lee Kolbert. We spent the afternoon walking around the University of Regina interviewing students. As I said before, for our collaborative project we planned to pick a couple questions regarding fourth grade science and interview people. We wanted to make a video that was a mix between Jay Leno and Are you smarter than a fifth grader. The two questions we choose, with the help of Lee, were:
1. Can you name the planets in order starting from the Sun?
2. Can you explain why we have seasons?
We had a really great time interviewing students around the university. It was funny to hear some of the answers we received or the reactions from the questions. We decided to make two short videos, one for each question. In the first video we introduced ourselves a little and then showed the interviews, and for the second video we only showed the interviews. It took a while to edit to videos, and currently we are waiting for the videos to upload on YouTube. It’s now almost 1:00 am ….
When the videos are finished loading, they will be on the site www.youtube.com/chelseaandjanna. Until then I’ll leave this post, and add another post with the two videos later.
Have a great day!
Add a comment April 9, 2010
Interview a Learner
I was able to set up a little email interview with Lisa Parisi, who is a fifth grade teacher and has been teaching for over 20 years. Here is the link to her blog if you would like to check it out…
http://lisaslingo.blogspot.com/
How do you use technology in your classroom, and do you find it useful?
I use technology as a tool for success. The students use various tools to demonstrate their knowledge (blogs, podcasts, videos, animoto, voicethread, etc.). They also use technology to assist with learning (demo videos, online dictionaries, voice recognition software, etc.). In addition, I use technology to help me manage the classroom (online rubrics, spreadsheets for grading, etc.)
Do you think teachers can be reluctant to use technology in the classroom? If yes, why do you think so?
Many teachers are reluctant. The two major reasons I see are fear that they will break the computer and a time issue. They do not see technology as a tool, but rather as an addon.
What types of activities do you use with technology? And do you have any favourite programs or ways of using technology in the classroom?
We use technology for almost everything. Google docs for collaborative work is probably used the most. My favorite programs are VoiceThread and Class Blogmeister for demonstrations. I also like Discovery Streaming and BrainPop for videos . You can look at our website to see what we use.
http://www.herricks.org/webpages/spcollaborative/index.cfm
Do you have any tips for future teachers wanting to use technology in the classroom?
Technology is not an addon. It is part of what you do every day. Allow the children to have access to the computers at any time. They should feel free to get a computer during a lesson when needed.
Thank you very much Lisa! I find your answers very informative and useful, and I hope other’s enjoy your wise words as well.
Add a comment April 9, 2010
Exploring Twitter
For the month of March, I have chosen to explore twitter. Although I have been using twitter for a while, I want to further explore how it can be used. All I really have used twitter for, was updating my status. I have only now begun to realize what a good tool twitter can be, and the different ways it can be used. First off, I find twitter is great tool for communicating with other people. It’s fast and it’s easy to use. I discovered you can even update from your cell phone with or without internet, and you can have updates sent to your phone. There are also neat little feature like:
direct messages,
and retweeting.
The lists on twitter, are a way to organize people you follow. For example you could make a list of friends, or fellow classmates and many more. I don’t believe there is a limit to the number of lists you make or people you follow. Direct messages are sort of like email, where you can send personal messages to someone. Only you and that person can see the message, but you can only send a direct message if you are following that person and they are following you too. I think it is useful when you are having a conversation with some one and you don’t want to annoy your other followers with a lot of updates. Also, direct messages can be useful if you don’t want anyone else to see what you say. Your twitter updates can be seen by everyone and anyone if you don’t make your twitter account private (here is how to private your twitter). When you make your account private, only people you approve can view your updates.
Another cool feature is that you can favourite ‘tweets’ or updates that you like. This is an easy way to keep track of things other people say that you like. Also if you see something you like, you can ‘retweet’ it to your followers (your followers are people who receive your updates) and they can see it too. One other feature I would like to mention about twitter is trending topics (listed below search bar), which can be found along the right column with the other features. Trending topics are the most talked about topics from all around the world. It’s a great way to view things that other people are talking about. For example, when the earthquake hit in Haiti, twitter was the first place I heard about what happened because it became a trending topic.
Now for those of you who don’t know what I’m talking about, I suggest you make a twitter account and explore a little yourself. It’s fast and easy to do so, just click here. Over all, I find twitter to be fun and useful, and I am having a great time exploring how it can be used.
2 comments March 15, 2010
Tags: Twitter
Collaborative Project. Finally!
So as you may have heard before, my partner Chelsea and I were having some communication troubles with our previous collaboration. But we have now connected with Lee Kolbert thanks to Dean. I am looking forward to working with Lee, and Chelsea and I have now finalized what out project will be.
Lee Kolbert teaches 4th grade gifted science, social studies, and writing. Since the students are now focused on their science fair projects, Lee thought it would be a great idea for us to create a video for her students. Chelsea and I are going to make a video interviewing random people that we can find either on the street or at the university. We are then going to ask our volunteers a variety of questions involving science and see if they know the answers. As Lee called it, it would sort of be a David Letterman-style video. Or as I might call it Are you smarter than a fourth grader street edition. We want to show the students that adults don’t always know all the answers, which will be fun for both the students and others to see.
Also, if it works out I thought it would be fun to interview some people from our ECMP 455 class. So if you could comment below if you are interested and let us know when you’re available.
7 comments March 8, 2010
Tags: collaborative project ECMP 455
Show and Tell about Travelling!
I had the chance to teach my ECMP 455 classmates a little something about myself. Originally, I had planned to teach the class about my passion of music, but since I have a twin who’s passion is also music, I let her take that topic. Instead, I talked about my passion for travelling.
I have always enjoyed travelling. When I was young, my family would always take us camping or on other small trips. I’ve had to opportunity of visiting many places in and around Saskatchewan. I’ve camped in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
I was very grateful to have the opportunity to take smaller family trips every year growing up. I even visited the United States one time when I was fairly little, although I don’t remember much. But it wasn’t until high school that I discovered my passion for travelling.
From grades 10-12, I travelled to many places with my school. I took part in choir, which allowed me to visit many places on choir trips. In grade ten, my choir group travelled to Rapid City, North Dakota, where I was able to see Mount Rushmore, and the Reptile Gardens. In grade 11, our group travelled to Denver, Colorado where we were able to tour the Gold Mines. In grade 12 our choir trip went to Minneapolis, Minnesota where we got to spend a day at the Mall of America. Those were all some of my favorite trips I have ever taken, but it wasn’t until the last semester in grade 12 where I had the opportunity of a lifetime.
In the spring of 2008, I travelled to Europe with a group from my school. We toured all through Italy and France. It was great to see places like Venice, Florence, Pisa, Nice, and Paris. I had only ever seen pictures or clips in movies, but it was amazing to literally be there experiencing the culture. I now carry many memories that I will remember for the rest of my life, and although it was only a ten day trip it made me want to explore the world even more and maybe even go back there one day.
Here is my slideshow presentation!
Add a comment March 7, 2010
Tags: Europe France Italy Travelling EF tours
Giant Beavers and a Flying Moose?
I have to say that this was probably the first year I have gotten into watching the Olympics. Mostly I think it was because they were in Canada and it somehow made me feel more involved. I was very proud to see all the Canadian athletes who did so well in the 2010 Winter Olympics. I was even more proud to watch that Canada had earned the most Gold medals ever in the Winter Olympics, and in our own hosting city. I think Vancouver did an excellent job of hosting the Olympics, and even though there were a few tragedies and the weather didn’t always cooperate, it was great watching all the athletes and different countries compete. Do you think Vancouver did a good job of hosting the Olympics, and did you watch them (not just the hockey, ha)? I even found myself watching curling, which was quite interesting even though I didn’t have a clue what was happening.
I think my favourite part of the 2010 Winter Olympics was the Gold Medal Game for Men’s Hockey. The game was a little too close for comfort, but it was also very exciting to watch Canada win the game. I did find myself screaming at the television and cheering loud every time Canada scored, but I still can’t figure out why people like talking to the television, including myself. Do you find yourself talking to the television?
Finally, what did you think of the opening and closing ceremonies? I didn’t get to watch all the opening ceremonies, but what I did see was pretty awesome. I thought the closing ceremonies were fairly good until the giant beavers and flying moose (yes, you read correctly if you didn’t watch them). I enjoyed some of the musical acts at the closing ceremonies, but again some were a little odd.
Overall I enjoyed watching the olympics, and I’m looking forward to cheering for Team Canada in the future Olympics.
2 comments March 4, 2010
Tags: Vancouver 2010 olympics Canada gold
So much to do so little time…
Lately I have been pretty stressed out with everything going on. Not only am I taking a full load of classes, but I am also working part time in order to pay for school. I think I may be over working myself. This last week off has been very helpful, and I’m trying to keep up with everything, but it is still a lot to handle. With more midterm exams coming up and many projects it just feels like too much. I’m starting to get really stressed out because it’s only been half a semester and I’m already feeling overwhelmed. Hopefully the rest of the semester will be better. Don’t get me wrong, I love being in school and learning, but it’s a lot to handle with everything else. I am very much looking forward to spring and summer. I had taken a spring class last year, but I doubt I will be doing so this year. I’m hoping to save enough money over the summer in order to pay for school next year. Hopefully I won’t have to work through the school year in the following years because it definitely adds stress.
Hope everyone is having a great year! Is anyone else feeling a bit overwhelmed?
Add a comment February 19, 2010
Music!
If you’ve seen my about me video, you would know that I love anything music related. I like listening to music, or even playing my own music. I’ve played the piano for many years (since about the age of five) and recently started teaching myself guitar. Music has always been a huge passion for me, and so I thought I would share it with you. For the class ECMP 455, I’ve decided to teach a little something music related. I haven’t quite decided what I’m going to do, but I would like to possibly teach something on the piano.
As a side note, last year Joni and I started a Youtube channel, where we post videos of us playing or singing music. The other day we made a new video, and so I thought it would be fun to share with you. Yes the song is by the Jonas Brothers, but it truly is a beautiful song. Hope you enjoy it!
6 comments February 9, 2010
Tags: music piano guitar youtube
