Blog Post 2

Global Digital Citizenship - storyjumper.com

In what learning environments would the technology resource I presented be appropriate?

     StoryJumper would be appropriate to use with students who have access to a computer and the internet. Students who use StoryJumper should understand safe and legal uses of technology. They need to be aware that StoryJumper is on the internet and that they need to be careful what sort of private information they are posting. 

     One nice feature of StoryJumper is that there is a nifty language translator button. This makes using the process with ELL students possible. Students could have the opportunity to write their books in their native language, and then I could translate it into English to be able to read it. Or if the ELL student is rather proficient in English they could write their book in English and then translate it into their native language so their parents could read their work as well. Students could even create a book with their parents in their native language and then translate it into English to share with the class. 

In what learning environments would the technology resource I presented NOT be appropriate?

    It would not be appropriate to use this technology with students who do not understand copyright laws. Because it is possible to upload your own images, students would need to understand that they should not take just any image off Google. 

     Some students may have disabilities that would make StoryJumper an appropriate technology. For example, students who are visually impaired or students who have fine motor disorders would have difficulties using this technology, as well as many other technologies that are computer based.  

     There may be students with cultural restrictions regarding technology. Certain students may not be able to use technology ever or may not not be able to use it on certain religious holidays. Since StoryJumper is an online program, those students would not be able to participate.

How might it be modified to be appropriate?

     If StoryJumper had a text-to-voice type adaptation or a voice-to-text adaptation it could be made appropriate for students with visual or fine motor disorders. Also, pairing students with visual or fine motor disorders with teacher aids or classroom helpers would allow them to work on this assignment. 

     For students who may have restrictions about using technology they can create a paper version of their own book. They will follow the same process. They can write text onto pages and draw pictures. If allowed, I could have a variety of pictures printed out that students can cut out and use in their books. The book can be 'published' when they are done. I could also move all of their work onto StoryJumper myself and print the book from there, if that is an accepted use of technology and if all the other students are publishing their books that way as well.

     In order to make sure that all students have access to storyjumper.com for the assignment, it should not be assigned to be worked on outside of class.

What do you now know that needs to be considered when using technology in the classroom?

     Before using technology in the classroom it is important to go over technology safety rules with students. Students need to be taught what websites are safe to visit, and what to do in case something bad pops up while they are on the computer. Teachers will have to explain how the internet is a public space and that everyone needs to be careful what they post. 

    It is important to consider how technology could be used for cyberbullying. Considering StoryJumper in particular, students could use the program to create rude books about other students, and then they would even have the option to share or print a hard copy. 

    When using technology in the classroom differing socioeconomic statuses need to be taken into account. It would inappropriate to assign students homework that requires technology that they may not have access too. Not all students have computers, iPads, and internet access at home. 

Blog Post 1

My Philosophy of Education

     I want to teach because I believe children are the greatest assets to our society. As a teacher, I want to help students become good citizens and to develop a love of learning.
     I plan to have a classroom where all students feel safe, welcome, and represented. I think it is important to recognize that students come from all types of families, homes, and backgrounds. The classroom should represent the diversity of all the students. Whatever the race, religion, gender, ability, family make-up, or socio-economic status of students, I will accept all students and do my best to meet them where they are and teach them in the way they learn best. I believe that communication and a willingness to understand is the best way to help students with their unique differences. 
     I believe that education should be as student-centered as possible. I want my students to enjoy learning and have the ability to investigate and engage with topics that are meaningful to them. I do not want my classroom to be a place where students memorize random, isolated, personally irrelevant facts that are promptly forgotten. I will teach what is deemed necessary by the standards, but encourage my students to delve into the topics that they find particularly interesting. Students will have time to pursue their interests. 
     Lastly, I believe that I will learn as much from my students as they will learn from me. Everyone comes to a classroom with unique experiences and personalities. I can learn about their families and their passions and all sorts of randomness I may not have known before. I can learn which strategies work best and what activities my students like. I can learn how to be a better teacher from my students. I cannot wait to be a teacher and learn and grown right along with my students!

Experiences Using Technology

     I’d say I have quite a bit of experience using technology, especially computer related technology. I am rather proficient on both Windows and Mac. I have been using Microsoft Office technology for over 10 years and have adapted to the programs as it grew. I can find my way around Word, PowerPoint, and Excel with ease. Using the GoogleDoc equivalents is also quite easy for me. I can get around the internet easily and I am a pro Googler. I understand how to use phones and tablets, mainly the Apple ones, but I can figure out others. I am also familiar with the basic operations of most cameras, TVs, and DVD/Bluray players. I do not know very much about any sort of gaming systems, such as Xbox or PlayStation. I have some experience with things like Elmo, SmartBoard, and other projectors, having occasionally used them before in classrooms. 3D Printers are completely new to me and I have no idea how to use those, but I am looking forward to learning.

Technology Integration

     To me, technology integration means adding technology into the classroom experience. Considering how prevalent technology is now, I cannot image a classroom that does not have technology integrated, at least to some degree. I think having students use technology in any form is how it can be integrated. A few examples of technology integration: Allowing students to type an assignment instead or handwriting it, having apps on tablets for reading games and practice, or allowing students to work out geometry problems on a SmartBoard.

Technology in Future Classroom

     I will definitely be using technology in my classroom. Students will be surrounded by technology in every other aspect of their lives, why shouldn’t they be in the classroom as well? If they have access to technology outside the classroom it would be beneficial for them to learn how to use the technology in an educational manner. In this day of information, I want my students to be able to find what they are looking for, whether by searching the books in the classroom or by searching the Internet. If I have access to computers and tablets, I want my students to learn how to access both because a lot of benefits can be gained. Not only will students learn how to use the technology for the technologies sake, but also they can use the tech to practice and learn other academic skills.