Where is everyone.....

Before the end of the semester I made a promise to myself that I would continue in the {albeit new} tradition in which I was taught...mainly, to keep abreast of new technology and to maintain my blogging activities throughout my tenure here at Albright and beyond. I heard a few of my classmates make the same promise. So my question is....Where is everyone?

Okay...It might finally be over. Really?

With the completion of my electronic portfolio, my required assignments for the EDU 350 (Education Technology) are over. Although that part of my journey is over, the continued upkeep and maintanence of my digital portfolio is definitely not. Used as an introduction, resume, and a necessary component in the teaching profession, a portfolio is no longer a once and done document....so I guess, I really am not done, am I?

It Is Not Over...Yet Anyway...

The final project for this class is the completion of a Teacher Portfolio. A Teacher Portfolio is an anthology of achievements that the teacher has accomplished, both in and outside of the classroom. The Portfolio is a personal document and is designed to display the teacher's (or in this case, my) talents, skills, and proficiencies. What the teacher includes is always a matter of intent. The question that should be asked is, "What am I trying to tell the reader about myself?"

Getting it Done...and Learning Smartboard.

Since the date of the last post I have completed numerous assignments which brings me down to about 45 that I have yet to complete. Mike is right, somehow the work always seems to get done.

This week Prof. Mislevy taught the class (for those who were not as familiar) about the Smart Board and Smart products, etc. This technology is particularly helpful in preparing lessons and allow the students to use technology. I was also under the assumption that the local school district did not have access to this technology when lo and behold my daughter tells me that many of her teachers have the technology and equipment, but that it is still sitting in boxes in the back of the classroom. The one that is installed in the classroom is never even used by her teacher!!!!! What in the heck is wrong with this picture?

Seventy-Two Tasks

From now until the end of this semester I have approximately seventy-two {separate} tasks to complete. These tasks include final exams, projects, assignments, and term papers. How will I complete all of these things I do not know. How can I find the time. I hear many students complaining of the work they must complete also...but I cannot find anyone who is having a harding time than I am...

Forever, and ever, and ever learning about others...

The PowerPoint lessons that we have to teach in class coincidently were discussed in my Special Education class (read project) approximately two weeks ago and having recently been assigned the subject of researching how students with low vision and blindness learn was amazing. Oft times we (people with normal vision, etc.) don't stop and take the time to learn about and consider those who are different. What I learned from this project is that:

• Although many people do not realize it, the vast majority of people with visual disabilities use vision as their primary method of learning.
• How students are able to learn is directly influenced by their residual vision, or the amount of vision they have left that can be further developed. Residual vision can be affected by the following factors:
  Day to day
  Time of day
  Setting
  Illumination level
  Distance
  Contrast
  Color (esp. for those suffering from color-blindness as well)
• Students with low vision read print and typically access the general education curriculum alongside their peers with disabilities. Most however do require accommodations and some extra assistance form classmates and teachers; these accommodations can include large print texts and handouts, magnifying devices, audio/speech devices, adjusted seating arrangements, etc.

Such simple accommodations have been instrumental in the high success rates of students with this difficulty and today approximately 54% of students with visual disabilities spend over 79% of their school day in general education classrooms. Barring any coexisting disabilities, they tend to perform well academically; this is reflected in their having the highest graduation rates of all high school students with disabilities.

There is always more to be learned...

Whomever said that "no one man can possibly know everything" must have been prophesying about the technological advances that were to come. I consider myself technologically savvy (at least where Microsoft Office products are concerned), and even recently, during Spring Break enrolled in an Advanced PowerPoint session...
Today however, I actually learned a few new things, namely smart art, and animation, and custom slides, etc. I appreciate the opportunity of technology and of a technologically savvy Instructor such as Prof. Mislevy and I am working diligently to incorporate most of what I have learned into the next assignment.

My class partner and I have finished the shooting the video, editing, and adding sound effects. The only problem that we had was in uploading the video to YouTube, which will have to be performed in class tomorrow. I am looking forward to seeing my classmates reaction of the final, finished product...

Another challenge

Another challenge has been given to the EDU 350 class....the creation of a PSA. This is very exciting and I absolutely cannot wait to view the finished product.....I think we might have another filmmaker in the making...

The Work of an Educator

Professor Mislevy has placed the onus on her students to blog at least twice per week. At the outset I did not feel that this was too hard a task to complete. Since my last posting I have completed no less than eight projects and completed five research papers...all while working a parttime job; alot of work for anyone you might say.

While the work that I was able to complete is not a good excuse (for not blogging), I cannot help but wonder what my life (and workload) will look like in the very near future when such things (in addition to teaching) will be required. I need help; I cannot seem to manage all of my responsibilities within a 24 hour time frame. Any suggestions?

When I initially registered for this class (and even until the very first class) I thought that I would benefit very little by spending three hours in a class where I already knew EVERYTHING. I was dead wrong! In the short amount of time that we have spent in class I have learned so much....I wish I had discovered Inspiration a year ago. And who knew about Diigo and Del.ici.ous? Not only have I began using this knowledge...but let us all not forget to pass it along to others.

First Entry

A blog is similar to an electronic journal. Blogs are or can be used as primary sources of information for some and for disseminating information to others. They can be used for print media, pictures, videos, and an assortment of different media. Blogs can also be used for Op-ed purposes as well. Blogs can be used by anyone and many sites such as blogger.com offer free weblog accounts.
Blogs can be used in the classroom to communicate with students and parents regarding school activities and homework. Students may share reflections regarding classwork, assignments, world events. and may also be used for communication between students for debates, and the like. Blogs can also be an effective tool for journaling and staying abreast of world news.