The Online Edge

Dyrli, the author, describe the numerous possibilities of how blogs are being used in today’s society. He supports the idea of incorporating the use of blogs with in the classroom. I agree with the author; I personally believe that with the right supervision, blogs could offer a wealth of information to students and instructors. Students will be able to offer their thoughts more openly through their on-line discussions. I think it shows individuals that they can learn from everyone. Blogs are being used by a variety of people; students, instructors, administrators, businesses, government, the media, etc.

Blogs, Threaded Discussions Accentuate Constructivist Teaching

This article raised some great points in regards to using blogs within the classroom and on-line instruction. I definitely agreed with Hernandez-Ramos, when he made the comment that it shows students that they can learn from a variety of people, not just an instructor. I believe everyone comes into a classroom with varying life-experiences, carrying with them a wealth of information and different perspectives to contribute to discussions. Hernandez-Ramos also commented on how he gets to see a different side of his students while reading their blogs and on-line discussions. I’d have to agree, I personally feel more comfortable writing my thoughts out rather than speaking on the spot. I feel as though I can think things through more thoroughly. Meyer closed this article with her thoughts regarding face-to-face instruction versus on-line learning. She made some good points that institutions/unions need to take a closer look at both means of learning, because in reality they are not that different. As it sounds, on-line instructors seem to get less credit for the work they do. I personally feel, regardless of whether a person is an on-line instructor or a traditional instructor; they both deserve the same accreditation for their efforts.

Technology Used in the Classroom

Evidence & Rational
During the 2005-2006 school year, I used technology in a variety of ways within my classroom. My students used the internet to do research on certain topics. We visited a variety of websites that allowed my students to practice their math skills. Along with that some of my students used the word processor to publish some of their writing. I also used email to communicate with the parents of my students. These are only some of the ways I have used technology in the past. This coming school year I am planning on expanding my use of technology in my classroom.

NETS: 5.1 5.4 5.5 5.7 5.8 5.9
State Teacher Standards: 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 10

Lessons Using Technology

Lesson 1: A Web Quest for Because of Winn-Dixie

Grade Level: 3-5

Subject: Language Arts

Technology Integration: Throughout this lesson, the students go to a variety of websites in order to make reading Because of Winn-Dixie more meaningful to them.

http://www.ideas.wisconsin.edu/ideas_resource.cfm?rid=9807&grade=1&glid=20&startrow=1&sid=65

Lesson 2: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt

Grade Level: 3-5

Subject: Science

Technology Integration: During this lesson, students will be using the internet to explore different aspects of a brown bear’s life. They will be doing this research to plot out a timeline for a year of this bear’s life.

http://www.ideas.wisconsin.edu/ideas_resource.cfm?rid=7010&grade=1&glid=20&startrow=21&sid=65

Lesson 3: Patricia Polacco: A Crafty Author

*Note: This is actually an integrated unit.

Grade Level: 3

Subject: Language Arts (Primarily), Math, Technology

Technology Integration: Students will use technology in lessons 2 through 6 of this unit. They will be using the internet to retrieve data on other countries, and to partake in an interview of Patricia Polacco. They will also have a chance to create a journal using a word processor. They will use a calculator during a math component. Lastly, students will do a Web Quest in order to learn more about how books are made.

http://www.lessonplanspage.com/LAArtCIMathSSMDPatriciaPolaccoACraftyAuthorIntegratedUnit3.htm

Favorite Websites

Website 1:

• http://www.kidshealth.org/kid/stay_healthy/index.html
• This is a great website for kids of all ages. The website covers a variety of topics such as staying healthy, growing up, dealing with your feelings, health problems that affect children, and so much more. The website also has games for kids to play. Children can also find various recipes here.

Website 2:

• http://www.swsd.k12.pa.us/~rina_iati/
• This is an awesome site for educators, parents, and students involved in Everyday Mathematics. This site provides useful information to everyone. It provides different Everyday Math resources, games, other useful websites, and so much more. I definitely plan on sharing this website with the parents of my students.

Website 3:

• http://www.auburn.wednet.edu/everydaymath/evrydaymathhome.htm
• This website is a great resource to Everyday Mathematics. It gives parents and students on overview of the program, along with a glossaries for different grade levels. It also has the directions to play the Everday Math Games at each grade level. They have even included what concepts are covered when playing specific games.