Reflection

Wow, this has been a short but sweet semester. The aspect I enjoyed most was that I was able to finally put it all together. I have been learning about great technology, using great technology, collaborating with teachers in using great technology, but never really understood where it fits in with my vision. I really enjoyed having the opportunity to create my educational vision and purpose at the beginning of the semester and now looking back and reflecting to see that technology, collaboration, and effective lessons utilizing both of these, encompass my vision. I can now see how technology helps me create an enviroment that is hands on, creative, realistic, engaging, etc. It allows me to fully execute my vision for learning! Thank you for helping me see this aha moment!



My most favorite tool learned, that I will be taking from this class is podcasting and blogging. I create videos for the library all the time, but I really want utilize my blog appropriately and incorporate a weekly podcast. Can't wait to get started!!

Now we can relax, well almost. :)

Google Earth

This week we were focusing on a traveling theme since spring break is next week. We were trying to think of an activity to tie into a TEK, but we were not quite sure what to do. So, for this assignment I thought it might be neat to have the students narrate their spring break vacations using google earth. I choose this because google earth really gives them a since of being there! You are able to see the destinations up close, map it, and see all of the terrain and water views as well. Google earth in an interactive map! I think it will really give the kids a better sense of where they are rather than using a map alone, but still working on their map skills. My learning objectives were that the students would better understand the usefulness of a map, their map skills, and their spatial view. I think the outcome will be that the students will learn these skills and more! I think they will have a better grasp on mapping and how to use a map.

My view of instruction is that using technology is essential, but selecting the appropriate technology is even more essential. There are so many tools available to us! I am amazed at google and the amazing applications they have available to us to use in education. I think it is essential that teachers use technology to push students to think critically. These are the skills they will need in the future. Not to know how to use an application or technology, but the need to use the technology critically. The need to use the technology to create, differentiate, and criticize information and ideas. Just teaching them how to use technology is doing our students an injustice. It is necessary to teach them to think critically while utilizing these tools to meet an objective.

www.thebrainstormingdivas.wikispaces.com/Map+skills