Blog #4

         For the ELA technology center standards, I choose 1st grade, English Language Arts. The specific standard I am focusing on is "Standard ELA.1.R: Reading". This standard is split up into three sections including: "Reading Prose and Poetry", "Reading Informational Text" and "Reading Across Genres". Overall, the goal of this standard is to identify and describe certain words/phrases in texts, recall a text in oral form and compare and contrast two different works from the same topic. After reading and familiarizing myself with this standard, I would say I feel prepared to implement it to a class. I feel as these are basic skill sets that I have been practicing for a while now and would be able to teach it to children who have not learned it yet. 

    For this activity, I also choose 1st grade and English Language Arts. The resource I decided to use was a lesson plan, more specifically "Comprehension: The Main Event." This resource includes a game that allows students to organize the sequences of a story in chronological order. They would do this using a graphic organizer. I would use this resource because I feel as if it would be not only beneficial to the students, but since it is a game it would be fun and engaging for them. I feel as if when teaching younger children, it is important to keep them engaged, while having them also process the information they are being taught. 

    Internet searching is the act of searching for a specific outcome on the any website. This act is not only very beneficial for teachers, but as a student and a person, I use this feature a lot. Just the fact that it is so easy to search for something on the internet, and you can automatically get an answer. I think it is important to be a proficient internet searcher as a teacher, because the internet allows one to gain many resources, and these resources would be beneficial for the classroom. As a teacher, one of my favorite skills I have learned this week was when we internet searched for an image. When doing so, you can use the tools section and customize the search to be even more specific. You can choose the color and if you want it to be a gif... etc. I think this is an important and useful tools for teachers. For example, when they are making power-points or worksheets for the class. 

Blog #3

     Copyright is the legal right that gives the owner total authority to do what they would please with their material. They would be able to copy, distribute, use the work... etc. Fair use is an exception to copyright. It allows one to use copyrighted work without the owners consent for purposes such as teaching, news reporting, research.. etc. As a teacher, it is very hard to not have kids copy you and take your work. If they are taking notes, I would recommend they write them in their own words, or if they are writing an essay and quote my power-points or what I said in class, they should be able to cite it. That is obviously just a surface solution of the issue, but it truly is a start. 

    The two technology implementation issues I choose include were decreased productivity and cyberbullying. To begin, I am one of the students that gets distracted from being able to use technology in class, so I know this is a real issue. For this problem, I would implement that student's would have to put their phones away during the class time and pay attention.They would be able to use it when they them for an activity or an emergency. I have stopped using my phone in class as much, and while it is a little annoying, I retain the information we learned so much better. Next there I choose cyberbullying. A good way to halt this or decrease the amount of cyberbullying that happens is to create awareness in the classroom. I would inform the students that it is okay if this has happened to them and give them resources to help them. Bringing awareness to the topic would then decrease it. 

    I learned a lot of new skills from this newsletter. To begin, my favorite skill was the column tool. I just really liked that there was a feature that could enhance our newsletter and make it look more authentic. I also learned how to use word art which I thought was cool! I think I could improve my newsletter in the future by allowing myself more time to do it, and allow it to be the best of my ability. These skills could be useful in any career truly. The newsletter allowed us to explore the Microsoft Word application into depth, which is important for any track you may take. 

Blog #2

     I would say I have been familiar with Microsoft Word since middle school. Starting in 6th grade my peers and I began to use tablets, and more technology in the classroom. My mom is a journalist, so this application is also very familiar to her. She definitely helped me learn more about it in depth. I do prefer using Microsoft Word rather than using an alternative like google docs for example. I went through a phase where I really enjoyed using google docs, but that came to an end about after a year. I feel as if it is easier to just have the document already on your computer, rather than downloading it. And as I mentioned previously, I have been using Word for years now, therefore feeling more comfortable with it. 

    After reading all the standards for educators, I believe the most important one would be "The Collaborator." This standard states that educators spend time with their colleague and students to "improve, practice, discover and share resources, ideas and solve problems." I think it is very important that educators do collaborate with both their peers, and their students. This standard allows them to be able to join forces with others to not only share their ideas but also problem solve, which is principle in a classroom setting.

    A "digital native" is a phrase used to describe anyone who was born and brought up in the age of technology. Because of this they would then be familiar with the usage of it. I agree with the term "digital native" to an extent. I think there are many children who were raised in a technology proficient household, which causes them to be fluent in that world, so the term does apply to them. But there are others who were not raised like that, so they may not be as good at using the technology in the classroom. Those children, would not be considered digital natives. I believe it depends on your situation and how you grew up. I would say that most of my teachers are familiar with technology in the classroom, but there have been a few who have struggled. This just elongated the class a little longer, nothing really detrimental. As the years go on, students will continue to become more familiar with the technology around us, as well as there will be changes to it.  I would like to say I will be as confident in my skills of technology just like my students, but I don't think this is the case. Every new generation is getting smarter and adapting more skills than the last. 

Blog #1

    Hi! My name is Elizabeth Pereira. I am a junior studying Human Development and Family Sciences, as well as Psychology, with a minor in Education. I am currently a Junior, and from Miami, Florida. After graduation I hope to go to grad school and get my masters in marriage and family therapy. A fun fact about me is that I believe I have really good intuition.

    I would say I am very familiar with using technology in an educational setting. I have been working on tablets and computers since I was little. One of my favorite tools to use in and out of school would be Canva. Before entering this class, I was very knowledgable with it as I have used it for school projects as well as in a work setting. I would say I am also proficient in most Microsoft applications and am familiar with how to use the basics on all. I am overall very excited to expand my knowledge on technology in an educational setting with this class! 

    My personal learning networks vary. My favorite and most useful PLN would be my family and friends. They all have connections of their owns and have helped me gain useful insight and opportunities that have benefited me. For example, my brother and his girlfriend often give me resources to apply for jobs or internships that can help me towards my career. 

"Fathers Day 2009 Sunrise on Miami Beach" by lonnypaul is licensed under CC BY 2.0.