Power Point as an Instructional Tool

There are so many ways that students can use PowerPoint in the classroom. They could use it in place of the traditional book review to summarize what they have read with pictures, words, sound clips and even little mini videos. They can use it to present information on a country they are studying in social studies. The can use it for a presentation at a science fair. The great thing is that the possibilities are endless with PowerPoint and the more you use it, the easier it becomes. I think that it is a great tool that if beneficial for all learning types.

I personally like using PowerPoint, though I wish I were more proficient. I am sure that if used the program more often, like to explain assignments to students on a regular basis, then I would quickly become familiarized with the program. I really like that it involves different elements i.e. sound and sight. You can make things as simple or as complex as you choose for the age level that you are working with. Though I have limited experience with the program I can see it becoming an essential part of my teaching strategy, especially as technology becomes more prevalent in the classroom.

Reasons Why Everyone Should Have a Dog or Two

They clean up what is dropped on the floor at dinner time.

They make you get exercise.

They are always up for an adventure.

They are good listeners.

They give you a sense of security.

They teach you responsibility.

They show you unconditional love.


Here I go again with the dogs. I can’t help it. Right now I find them to be the biggest motivator in my life. Seriously, there have been times that my dogs have been the only thing to get me out of bed.

This weekend the weather has been great in Valdez. The last two days I have done nothing but play down by the river with the dogs. Which is great but it doesn’t get my homework done.

Anyway, my point to this is that I like classrooms that pets are allowed in. I had a fourth grade teacher that had several classroom pets including cockatiels, salamanders, fish, gerbils and a 5 ft. iguana that we got to walk at recess. She had our classroom arranged in pods and each pod would take care of a different type of animal for two weeks and then we would switch. Talk about the learning opportunities.

I was thinking about it while walking the dogs today; how wonderful it would be to have my dogs in class with me. But the reality is that more and more schools are implementing “no classroom pet” rules which I think is sad. Animals are therapeutic and teach children responsibility. Did anyone else have classroom pets growing up?

Software Resources

Hey guys, just wanted to say sorry for such a last minute post. I have been battling the flu for about a week now. Excuses, excuses...

Software Title: Fun School by Kaboose

Grade: Preschool – 6^th Grade

Subject area: Reading, art, logic/problem solving

Platform: Mac or PC

This is a fun site for elementary school students. Younger children will need to be supervised, as they may find it difficult to navigate the site because there are a lot of options on the screen. There is a section for parents and teachers that allows you to sort the games by age/ability level. I did not notice any advertisements on any of the pages.

I like that the website is colorful and user friendly. I also like the directions that are given before you play the various games. I have found some sites out there that don’t provide directions and you just kind of have to guess your way through it. Finally, I enjoy the logic puzzles that are included on the site because they are a great way to get those minds thinking. My nephew really enjoys the activities and doesn’t look at it as a “homework” or “school” site.

Software Title: Don Bain’s Virtual Guide Books

Grade: 4^th –adult

Subject area: Geography

Platform: Mac or a PC (requires that QuickTime is downloaded)

Okay, so this is not your ordinary learning website, in fact, it was designed to help people determine where they would like to go on vacation. However, I have seen this used in the classroom as a learning tool and the kids love it.

The fourth graders in our elementary school are learning about each state in the U.S. and everyday the teachers use this website to take their students on a virtual field trip of the state that they are learning about. The kids love taking “field trips” and it is a refreshing change from the many, many animated learning site out there. By choosing a state, region and city or land mark, the students are able to explore the state and actually see what it is like with the panorama views provided through QuickTime.

The teachers here have promethean boards in their classrooms, which allow them to share their computer screen through a projector. It seems to work best if the instructor does the navigating to ensure that the students are only “traveling” to the specific state of the day.

Software: Kids Know It Network

Grade: K-6

Subject area: Math, Science, Reading, History, Geography and more!

Platform: Mac or PC

I like this site because it is pretty straight forward. I also like it because it offers a wide variety of subjects and games for learning. I especially like sites that offer science as a subject area because they seem harder to find.

Picking and appropriate age range for this site was a little more difficult than the other sites. I think the cut off would have to be about 6^th grade as the subject material would become too easy or less challenging.

There are a few advertisements on the game pages, but none are flashy or draw much attention. Another thing about this site that I have noticed is that they have a category for kids to start their own business selling ceiling stars. I am not sure how legit this is as you either have to order the kit or speak to a representative on the phone (I didn’t call). I guess I might put that section in the parents and teachers beware category as far as supervision is concerned.

One to One Reflection

PROS

One teacher stressed that you do not have to print everything out. How great is that?! I didn’t really think about it before seeing the video but this is a BIG bonus for all three parties; the teacher, the student and Mother Earth. Teachers and students won’t have to worry about lugging a bunch of papers around, or losing them. They won’t have to pay high prices for those precious spiral notebooks. The best part is that this can have a great impact on the environment. When I was working at the school this last Friday I noticed that our schools don’t have one thing that my schools growing up had…recycling bins. I am ecstatic about the reduction of waste.

“The world at your finger tips.” Fast, easy access to information is an obvious plus that many teachers in the video loved. I think that this is great as long as the teachers take the time to educate students on how to find reputable sources.

One door closes, another opens. So bringing in computers will cause some loss of the use of books but think of all of the things you can’t do with books! You can’t create movies, music or slide shows. You can’t write a paper at 60WPM. The possibilities seem endless.

Grading papers has never been quicker or easier!

CONS

As one of the biggest book collectors I know, I am sad to see some of them go. Hey, did anyone notice that the teachers and students still had books in stacks and piles all around them? I sure did. I think that for a one to one program to work, you would have to use a combination of both books and computers, at least for the time being. As one teacher pointed out, the online books that were available for her use did not seem adequate so she stuck with the real thing and used the computer as a supplement.

The video didn’t really address who is held responsible for damage done to computers, which was a major concern of mine. I would like to see a sample of the form that I am sure students have to fill out when assigned a laptop. That would probably answer my question. And having students make the repairs, good idea but I am sure there are some things they can’t fix. I hope that the districts using computers get a discount on extended warranties.

Do you know what is funny? I didn’t even think the other day about having the students close their laptops to get their attention. One of my major concerns was being able to keep track of what students were doing, and how to keep them on task. Assuming that I could remotely look at any individuals screen during class, I think I would comfortable with my ability to manage a classroom full of computers.

Students chatting during class…corporal punishment here I come (joking :)).

MY OPINON

I could honestly make a pro/con list that goes on for pages but if given the opportunity, I would love to work in a one to one classroom. I don’t feel that having the computers would cause a teacher to spend less time teaching. If anything it would help them make more efficient use of their time to teach.

Personal Intro

Hi everyone! My name is Rebecca Roller but you can call me Becca if you choose. I was born and raised in Montana. After graduating from high school I spent a semester at Adams State College in Alamosa, Colorado. After that I moved back home to Montana and did nothing but work and then work some more. In fact I am a bit of a work-a-holic. Anyway, I moved to Valdez about 5 years ago and started to better my life.

I live with my boyfriend Chris and our two dogs, Makalu and Keyli. We lead a simple but good life in our little house on Robe River (which is actually more like a creek if you ask me). Any chance we get we are fishing, hiking, or camping and the dogs are right there with us.

One thing that I would like everyone out there to know is that I came from a single family home and wouldn’t have it any other way. I was raised by my father, who happens to be my best friend and my biggest role model. There is no one I look up to more. I think that it is important to share this information with everyone because it gives hope to parents out there who are struggling to raise a child or children on their own. If my dad can do it, then anyone can. And they can do it well.

I have wanted to be a teacher since my freshman year in high school when it really became apparent to me just how important teachers are and how many of them out there are in the field so they can “have summers off.” Students in today’s society are changing and I think teaching needs to change with them. Things aren’t the same now as they were 25 years ago and they are only going to continue to become more diverse. Our education system needs people who care and are passionate about their work. That’s why I want to teach; to make a difference.

A couple other things you should know about me are that I believe that animals are smarter than humans and that children are smarter than adults. If you ask me a question, no matter what it is, you will get a honest answer…even if it hurts. I believe the best things in life are not only free, but often things we take for granted on a daily basis. Last but not least I believe that a smile can make anyone beautiful.