Blog/Writing Reflections

I have already had experience on two different blogs on blogspot and livejournal. I have also had classes that require weekly reflections on oncourse. Since I am currently not blogging on my own, and since this blog is removed from something I requently access like oncourse. I simply forgot about this assignment. For other classes in the past, when I would have a reflection assignment I would be reminded when I would access oncourse for different classes and purposes.
If I believed my students would have regular and easy access to a computer I would implement blog reflections in my classroom. It also allows students to practice writing and comprehension skills.

Technology-Enhanced Lesson Plans

For my lesson plan I used a webquest. Before this year I had not heard of webquests, until I saw it used in two middle school social studies classrooms. I think quality webquests can be very beneficial in the classroom. They get students out of the classroom and encourage autonomy in their work. It also allows the opportunity for students to consult other primary and secondary resources besides the textbook for free.
For the lesson plan implemenation I think it would be helpful to have similar content areas group together. In my session, I feel like I would have gotten more pratical information than from the content areas that are completely removed from my subject and grade level.

Technology Use and Integration

This assignment focused on differentiating the definition of technology use and integration. We were required to create a powerpoint that explored the differences of these definition. From this assignment I came to the conclusion that the difference between these two was the intent of the teacher. The most beneficial part of this assignment was the group discussion on breeze. Being able to interact with other students who were also trying to learn this information was the most helpful. We were able to clarify each other's questions which made it more motivating to learn the material, rather than attempting to figure it out on our own.

Ed-Tech Workshop

For this assignment we created a fake classroom website, we also met as a class to review different technologies that could be used on the website or incorporated in the classroom. It was good to meet as a class again to have to the opportunity to interact in person. The information we learned in class was the basis for went we worked on our own to create the website.
In terms of creating the website, I really didn't learn anything new since we had already had this assignment for 301. This assignment basically had us create a classroom website with an emphasis on simple skills such as making sure to include pictures and different color themes. Also, this assignment was very confusing in that we received certain information during class time and then were graded differently on the rubric.
I like being able to provide resources for my students outside of the classroom. However, most teachers I had talked to did not use a classroom website whatsoever. I did enjoy learning how to create a google library which my students could reference.

Integrating Technology

Overall I thought the presentations and the process went really well. I enjoyed everyone's power points and using Breeze. Presenting the power points without actually being able to see everyone was a unique experience, since so much of the time in the classroom teachers and students are building off of one another. Breeze itself I think would be a great classroom tool to help students with homework, for group work, or online assignments.
The group I with was all social studies majors like myself so it was really helpful to hear how they would use their technologies not only in the classroom but specifically in a social studies context. All of the technologies presented would help create an engaging lesson. My concern however is the resources schools and students have access to. I plan on incorporating technology in my lessons, but will not expect my students rely solely on them.

Peaceful Transitions

Today was my favorite transition of power. It is one of the many reason I believe in the US Constitution and choose to teach social studies. However, it was my second favorite peaceful transition of power. The Ghanaian elections which were decided a little over a week ago is my favorite peaceful transititon. That is because it was only the 2nd time its has happened in Ghana's 51 (almost 52) years of Independence. I am so proud of my fellow global citizens that choose the ballot over the bullet.