Wiki Page: Animoto Meets NETS 5 A and C

http://csusmwebtools.wetpaint.com/page/Animoto



Through the Wiki Page artifact I was able to use an existing technology tool and make it my own. I made a video using clips they provided me. I added music, transitions and other effects to make it my own. Animoto is a really cool and useful technology tool.

Copyright and Safety Meets NETS-T 4 A and D

Issues of Copyright and Internet Safety


Through the Copyright and Safety Artifact, I was exposed to the appropriate safety precautions and copyright laws that need to be followed when using the internet. I also had to show I understood the copyright and safety information by answering questions and by a written response. I also learned how to collaborate with other members of my class during this assignment through google docs.

Classroom Newsletter meets NETS-T 1 C and 3 C

Class Newsletter


Through doing the classroom newsletter artifact, I learned how to format the word document as a newsletter, use drop caps, and include relevant pictures though drag and drop.

Inspiration Meets NETS-T 3 A and D

Through the Inspiration Artifact I learned how to take information and put it into a new format in the Inspiration program. I made a bubble map, added relevant pictures and links. I learned a greta new way to organize and evaluate information. It really works well as a transition tool before you begin writing on the topic you made the bubble map on.

Ed422 Imovie Project Meets NETS-T 5 B and 2 A

Through the I Movie Artifact, I learned how to make an I Movie that would help influence the decision making of the community and help develop decision making by showing the benefits of CSUSM's credential program. I was given movie clips and and music clips to work with, but had to add transitions and voice overs. I also added scrolling words and put the entire video together. It is supposed to advertise CSUSM's College of Education.

Excel States Crossword Meets NETS-T 2 C and D

Through the Excel Crossword artifact, I learned how to use excel in a whole new way. I made an innovative crossword puzzle that actual students could use and learn their states from.

Journal 9 Meets NETS-T 4 A and B

Groff, J, & Haas, J. (2008). Web 2.0: today's technology, tomorrow's learning. Leading and Learning, 36(2), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3620082009/SeptemberOctoberNo2/L_L_September_October_2008.htm


TSocial Networking, Simulations and Digital games may sound like they wouldn’t be good for classroom use, however, I think they have many great classroom uses. Especially since most of your students will already be familiar with them. As a teacher, you can’t be scared of technology. Instead, you have to embrace it and figure out how to incorporate it into your class. It is challenging to teach in a hands- on way because of money and time stipulations, so simulations are a great way to teach a subject like anatomy. Using a simulation of dissecting a frog would be a lot cheaper then ordering a bunch of frogs for dissection and tools. Networking sites can be used for a group to work together and collaborate for a group project. It can also be used for the teacher to post things to her entire class, like a writing prompt. Digital games are usually games about real life experiences. They can teach problem solving and cause and effect because the students would have to make important choices that would cause things to happen in their games. I understand that not all districts can afford computers with large and powerful hard drives for each student to play digital games on, but all classrooms have a computer so the teacher can still show simulations in the classroom. Most students have computers at home and if they don’t they can use one in the library to connect through social networking.

Would I use simulations in my classroom instead of hands on experiences?

I would not say that one is better then the other, but in my opinion a simulation is easier to do in the classroom. For instance, above I used the frog dissection example. I actually did my frog dissection in eighth grade on the computer because I did not want to dissect the frog. I breed frogs and did not think that was right. The assignment was very enjoyable for me. I learned about the frogs’ anatomy without hurting it and I did not have to smell the dead frog or clean it up when I was done with the dissection.

Do I think digital games have actual potential in the classroom?

Yes. I definitely think digital game have a lot of potential. Digital games have the ability to teach students while they feel like they are playing a computer game. For instance, a hospital game can teach students about health. The game could have patients come in and the doctor would have to diagnose their illness and give them the proper things to make them feel better. The student could play the doctor.

Journal 8 Meets NETS-T 5 C and D

Christie Greenhow, Initials. (2009). Tapping the wealth of social networks for professional development. Leading and Learning, 36(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3620082009/JuneJulyNo8/L_L_June_July_2009.htm

Some people view social networking only as a fun way to waste time, but if you really look into the different uses of social networking, you will find that there are many benefits and that time wasting does not happen if used productively. There are so many benefits of social bookmarking that I can only name a few. One extremely important benefit is that sites like Twitter can be an opportunity to get breaking news to the public faster then it is now. Twitter had potential for this because it gets updated in “real time”. This means that the second someone “tweets” something, everyone following that person can see the breaking news. The Internet has such great potential for collaboration. For instance, if someone posts breaking news on Twitter, another person that knows more information can add to what the first person previously tweeted. I was amazed to read that social networking sites like facebook, MySpace, and Twitter have millions of users all over the world. I would never have thought it would have been that many people. Many social networking sites like blogs, micro blogging and video and audio casting are only beginning to become well known. We know so many great ways to use this technology, but it still has so much more potential. This type of technology is always evolving and I think it has so much more potential then we know about. It is making the transition from just social networking to “educational networking” and I know it will continue to be an asset to education.

Do you think students will be able to use sites like this at a young age (for instance in elementary school)?

Yes. I think elementary students would easily be able to figure out how to use social networking sites, even for education purposes. They have grown up using technology, almost as long they have known how to write their name. They already have “dual citizenship” in the real world and in the technological world. It is us who have to learn because it comes natural to the kids.

What social bookmarking tool would you use as a future educator in the classroom.

I would probably use the blogging tool the most. I would post homework on it and post an overview of what we did that day to my students’ parents. I would also probably use Twitter for updates and to answer any questions that any of my students or their parents might have.

Jouranl 7: Internet Telephony Meets NETS -T 4 A and 3 A

Internet Telephony

1)Internet Telephony is a type of program that allows people to use the internet as a transmission medium for telephone calls. It is also free to call anyone, as long as you have internet access and it is much cooler and cheaper then phones since you would have no phone service and you can actually see the person on the other end communicating with you. Internet Telephony is basically a way to use your voice to communicate with someone over the internet. It is similar to an internet telephone call. Web Cams are very commonly used for internet telephony. Skype and Bandwidth can also be used yo communicate with others over the internet in this manner.

2)

Webcams In The Classroom started by Nate Naasz

I followed the threaded discussion about webcams in the classroom under the internet telepathy tool. I learned is that through webcams in the classroom, which is a type of internet telepathy, one class can actually connect, communicate and collaborate with other classes not only in different states, but across the world. I just thought that was so cool!

WizIQ Announces Virtual Classroom Integration In Moodle started by Jagdeep Singh Pannu

I chose to discussion because I know how moodle can be used as a class tool because we use it in this class, but I wanted to learn about how a class can actually be taught virtually thorugh moodle. After doing some reading on this threaded discussion, I found that moodle is basically the beginning point for the virtual classroom, but other online programs are needed in order to make the classroom virtual. Some teachers in this discussion used Ning and WizIQ to make their virtual classroom. This interested me because I have been seeing commercials on public online elementary schools. I bet this is how they do it.

Journal 6 Meets NETS- T 3 A and 4 A

Christie Greenhow, . (2010). A New concept of digital citizenship for the digital age. Leading and Learning, 37(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=March_April_No_6_1&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4516&ContentID=25564&DirectListComboInd=D

Many educators believe that in order for young students to grow up successful academically and be to be successful in their professional life, they must show they are competent in 21^st century technology. The six important 21^st century competencies that young students should be competent in (as stated by ISTE and the Partnerships for 21^st Century Skills in the United States) are technological fluency, innovation, communication and collaboration, research and information fluency, problem solving, and digital citizenship. To be competent in any of them I feel one must first achieve digital citizenship. Once they achieve that, they should be able to achieve the rest of the six 21^st -century competencies. Blogging, social networking sites and other social media formats are really able to get young people involved in what is “going on” in the world. They are able to put in their opinion and learn about current events in a way they are used to. When I was growing up, we learned through reading print magazines, but nowadays children would read their current events online. Instead of having a classroom discussion about a topic, a teacher might give it as homework to have everyone respond to a peers’ current event through replying to their current event post on their blog. I was surprised to read that employers will actually recruit though social networking. Digital citizenship can be very valuable, but there is still a ways to go and there is more research to be done, in order to unlock its full potential.

Do I think using social networking is useful in getting students involved in “whats going on”?

Yes. I think it is very useful. No one form this day and age wants to read the newspaper. It is much more fun to read about it online and hear opinions of people we actually know, rather then from someone who we have never met before. For example, I believe that all the social networking President Obama did during the election was to his benefit. He got a lot of young voter that way.

Do I think that it is fair to teach young children the six important 21^st century competencies?

Yes. I think that it is a technological world and that to be successful students must be competent in it all. No matter what a student chooses as their future career, they will need to be competent in all aspects of technology.

Prezi Presentation Meets NETS-T 2 A and 5 B

Save Plants And Animals on Prezi

Through the prezi presentation artifact, I became familiar with a new presentation program called Prezi. I also learned how to add links and pictures to my presentation. I made a presentation that was geared towards teaching K - 2 students how to care for the environment and how the environment effects plant and animal life cycles.

NETS PowerPoint Rubric Meets NETS-T 5 D and C






Through the Powerpoint/Prezi Rubric Assignment I was able to manufacture my very own rubric that met the requirements of the presentation assignment. I learned to use a new rubric program that I know will be useful everyday as a future teacher.

Social Bookmarking Meets NETS-T 4 C and D

1. I read a National Archives article called The Deadly Virus: The Influenza Epidemic of 1918. I was amazed to read that "influenza" claimed 16 million lives. It is quite scary because we had such a bad swine flu outbreak currently. I hope it isn't a repeat of the influenza epidemic of 1918. I think it is wonderful to use primary sources in your classroom. There is no better way for students to learn something then to actually experience it themselves first hand.

2.I think it is important that students keep their culture while attending and growing in the public school system. It is important for the student to still appreciate, relate, practice traditions and learn about their families culture, all while learning about American culture as well. I experienced this growing up. I am Jewish and anyone who is Jewish knows that Judaism is not only a religion, but a culture as well. I went to public school, but also Hebrew school on Wednesdays and Sundays. I would definitely encourage children in my future classes to continue learning about their culture all while embracing American culture...it can only make a more well-rounded person. I would encourage students in my class to not only practice and learn about their own culture, but to teach the class about it too. A good idea is that if you have a multicultural and multilingual class, to have each student teach words from their cultural/language besides English to the class. I also liked the idea of networking with other schools in order to develop and implement culturally competent systems. I think adaptation is the best. So, it is important to adapt your cultural "system" each year as your student's needs change.

3.I took the cyber bully quiz for ages 7-10 years old. I got the score 0-5 so I was a cyber saint! I learned the 4 types of cyber bulling are the vengeful angel, the power hungry/revenge of the nerds, the mean girls, and the inadvertent cyber bully/because I can cyber bully. I was surprised to hear the "because I can" cyber bully because I can't imagine anything more cruel then just bullying for no reason except because they felt like or "can". This section really helped me as a prospective teacher becasue it opened my eyes and explained what to look out for to help prevent cyber bullying in my classroom. It is also really helpful to know that there is no "one size fits all" solution and that each cyber bully "case" needs to be treated as its own and dealt with that way.

4.On Kathy Schrock's website I really like the health, physical education and fitness area. I am really in to healthy eating and fitness, so this part of the website would definitely be useful to me when I become a teacher. It would be fun to have the kids use the fitness calorie counter and they could calculate their own calories they used by do physical exercise that we did as a class. I would like to teach the younger grades (but in the beginning I will take anything to get my foot in the door) and I would like my room to be bright, colorful and fun. So, the bulletin board ideas and artwork under the teacher helpers area would be very helpful to me as I begin to set up my classroom. I could easily duplicate or even print off and blow up some of the examples on the website.

5.My top 3 intelligences/learning styles were: interpersonal (75%), intrapersonal (69%) and verbal-linguistic (42%). I watched the Multiple Intelligences Thrive in Smartville video. I was amazed at how much the kids understood about the "way" they learn. It was also interesting that the little boy at the beginning said that since he is at the smart school, if he doesn't know something he doesn't feel stupid.

6. I chose grade 1-2, the subject of reading and language arts and the topic I chose was tolerance. The lesson is about teaching young kids to like who they are and not want to change to be more like others. In a class, I would start out by saying" you are who you are. For example Jimmy is who Jimmy is and Sara is who Sara is". Then i would read them a story that exemplified this concept. Here is the link to the lesson plan I chose. http://www.tolerance.org/activity/i-am-special

7. I was surprised to hear that out of all the tax money we pay, less then 1% of our money goes to welfare. I would think it would be more...but I guess not. I also thought that it was interesting that in order to be convicted of a minimum of 5 years in prison, one must possess 500 grams of powder cocaine (which is used mostly by the wealthy) and only 5 grams of crack cocaine (which used more by the poor). That is a bit unfair I think. why should richer people be able to have more of something illegal without a penalty. That is completely favoritism in favor of the rich by out law enforcement.

8. I got an 80% on the quiz. It is important to teach students about netiquette because it gives them the knowledge to safely use the internet and also be courteous to others while using it. If students learn netiquette and use it whenever they are online, their parents and teachers should always be :^D (aka happy and approving) of their internet use.

Journal 4 Meets NETS-T 3 B and C

Weller, T.J. (2010). Playing with skype. Learning and Leading, 37(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=March_April_No_6_1&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4516&ContentID=25508&DirectListComboInd=

Before reading this journal article, I did not really know anything about skype. I just thought that it was a way to talk to people through your computer screen and didn’t realize its full potential. Skype is a great way to expose students to real life things that they would not otherwise be able to see. For instance, the students could see a concert, or even conduct an interview of someone. Using skype cuts out money and distance/travel factors that could have prevented the students from being able to see the concerts or conduct the interview without skype. Skype gives students the opportunity to learn from professionals about their profession. Another great use for skype would be to have a virtual job/career fair or a show and tell (for the younger grades). The kids could bring their pets to school via skype. I really like the following quote: “Educators shouldn’t fear this aspect of technology, but instead tap into its potential”. I believe that is the message that California State University San Marcos is trying to send us by having us take this class.

Would I use skype in my future classroom? Most definitely! I think skype is a great teaching tool. Skype is another way that I could take my future students on a virtual field trip.

Do I think skype could get distracting in the classroom? Yes. I see the many benefits of skype, but because it is live I can also see that it could be distracting. The person on the other end could go on a tangent and you could not fast forward. You also have to think about other factors like a bad connection similar to the ones we have on our cell phones everyday.

Journal 3 Meets NETS-T 3 A and 5 C

Lindsay, J, & Davis, V. (2010). Navigate the digital rapids. Learning and Leading, 37(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3720092010/MarchAprilNo6/Navigate_the_Digital_Rapids.htm


As a teacher, you must always be evolving with the times. Teaching is becoming “digital”, so we must learn the “digital” way, or should I say, “Navigate the Digital Rapids” too. It will not only help us relate to our students, but also make the learning environment more fun an interactive. Technology is continuously evolving, so we must always be on the look out for new and improved ways to deliver information to our students or for them to show us what they are learning. A student-centered teaching structure is the most conducive method of teaching because all of the student’s needs will be met. With this new digital way of teaching comes new responsibility for the teachers. On top of all their other duties, the teachers must now also monitor their student’s online uses and make sure it stays appropriate. I think it is a great idea to have the students customize their digital learning environments. They could do this for instance by customizing their personal computers or their igoogle page.


When I become a teacher, would I want a classroom with dual citizenship (US and digital)? Yes. I think it would only enhance the learning environment. It would not restrict the more old fashion way of teaching, but allow more options.

Do I think that this teaching digitally is more student-centered? Possibly. I believe that a without using a digital teaching approach a teacher can still teach with a student-centered approach. However, I think that teaching using digital tools broadens the ways to go about it. It is also fun to customize your personal work environment…like we did on our igoogle page.

Journal 2 Meets NETS-T 4 A and B

Bull, G, Fester, B, & Alenander, C. (2010). Finding students who learn with media. Learning and Leading, 37(5), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=February_No_5_4&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4495&ContentID=25255&DirectListComboInd=D


Teaching and learning through the media and technology is a fairly new concept and is becoming more accepted. I believe will be the way of the future of teaching and learning. Primary Access Movie Maker is one way of have students display what they learned though the media. Growing up, I would have loved to combine all of my report research and actually make a documentary. This is what about ten thousand students are already doing. The Smithsonian has a similar program. The students create a virtual movie theatre and actually screen movies in their classroom. It is time consuming, but well worth it. The students actually have a chance to show their gained knowledge from the assignment by making an actual movie. It is not only entertaining, but educational too. I believe that programs like this will increase many students class engagement and encourage them to demonstrate what they are learning. It will also enable them to use their higher-order thinking skills. Many students would love to take advantage of this type of interactive learning, however, there will always be teachers and students who prefer a more “old fashion” approach. Because of this, it is important that teachers use teaching by and through media only as a teaching tool and not a way of teaching. They should still give tests and have the students write reports, but also have them demonstrate their understanding of the new concepts through the media as well.


Would I teach through the media in my future classes? Possibly. I think it is a great idea and if I ever teach in middle school or high school I definitely would implement programs like this into the curriculum, however, I am planning on teaching in the elementary grades and this may be too advanced for many of my future students. I guess I will just have to meet them and assess their technological abilities.


Do you think that this is a better way for students to show what they learned? I think that everyone learns differently. I personally would prefer this way to show what I have learned, by many people have photographic memories and would rather take a test. I don’t think one way is better then the other. Maybe I could give my future students a choice of a test, a paper, or a documentary for them to show me what they have learned.

Journal 1 Meets NETS-T 4 A and 1 B

Zanetis, J. (2010). The Beginners guide to interactive virtual field trips. Learning and Leading, 37(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3720092010/MarchAprilNo6/L_L_March_April_2010.htm

Virtual field trips are field trips that are conducted over the internet or through video conferencing. It enables the students to learn in a more hands-on way, without spending a fieldtrips price and without actually ever leaving the classroom. There are many ways an educator can have access and use virtual field trips as an interactive teaching tool. Here are just a few websites that a teacher could choose to use: E-field Trips at www.efieldtrips.org, Access Excellence Resource Center at www.accessexcellence.org/RC/virtual.php, and Gail Lovely’s website at www.gaillovely.com/virtualFieldTrips.htm. This was a new concept to me so I was very surprised to read at already about three hundred museums, science centers and historical sites are leading virtual field trips for many classes. I thought is was great that the lessons being taught through the virtual fieldtrips actually stemmed form the standards of the specific grade of the class on their virtual fieldtrip.

Is this type of field trip something you would want to use as a teaching tool as a future teacher? Yes. I would be very interested in taking my future students on virtual field trips. I think that it is a great idea, especially if the money just isn’t there to rent a bus and to pay for other field trip related expenses.

Do you think that all field trips should be this way? No. I love the idea of the “virtual field trip”. However, I think that an actual “on the premises” field trip is an invaluable experience. It is a wonderful atmosphere for the students to experience. The one thing the virtual field trip is missing is the bus songs on the way to the field trip. I still remember many of the songs my classmates and I sang on long bus rides to field trip locations. I don’t’ think one field trip is better then the other, but that both are necessary and useful tools and would enhance every child learning experience.

Stacey Hirsch: EDU 422 student

My name is Stacey Hirsch. I am originally from Huntington Beach, but have lived in San Marcos for the past five years. I went to elementary school through high school in Huntington Beach and had never even moved before I moved to San Marcos for college. I have now lived in San Marcos for the past 5 years and am finally going to graduate in May with my BA in liberal studies and a minor in sociology. I will hopefully begin the credential program at CSUSM this fall.

I wouldn't say I am "computer savvy", but I am proficient at email and word. I used to be a PC only person, but just switched over to mac last summer when I got my first mac. At first I hated my mac because I was so confused and didn't know how to do anything on it. I am now used to my mac and it is actually harder for me to use a PC now. I depend on technology everyday. I have a blackberry and send and receive emails on it all day long. I also am on my computer a couple hours a day checking facebook and craigslist and of course shopping online:) . I think I am using the mac 2008 version of Microsoft Office.

The part of the CSUSM COE mission statement that really was meaningful to me was "a commitment to student-centered education...". I really believe that for all students to learn to the best of their ability, the teachers need to adapt their lessons to their students learning style needs. The COE mission statement did not "make" my decision to choose CSUSM for my credential, however, CSUSM has a great education program and I have enjoyed the last 5 years of my college experience here so I'd love to continue it and earn my credential from CSUSM.