Our next topic is how the internet can be educational.  I have a presentation that touches on all the ways this can happen:  Integrating the Internet in the Classroom

I have also pre-screened a long list of links that are very usefull for teachers learning about technology and how to integrate it into the classroom: Education and Technology Links.

How the web works: Cómo Funciona el Internet

http://www.learnthenet.com/english/index.html (English)

http://www.learnthenet.com/spanish/index.html(Español)

 Collaborators: Grupos de discusión 

http://www.learnthenet.com/english/section/newsgroup.html

Technology Integration: Integración de Tecnología

http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/home.jsp

http://www.everythingesl.net/

http://www.teach-nology.com/

http://www.computingwithkids.com/default.asp

http://www.inspiringteachers.com/home/newteachers.html

http://school.discoveryeducation.com/schrockguide/index.html

http://www.education-world.com/a_lesson/lesson172.shtml

http://www.gatesfoundation.org/

http://teachers.net/mentors/

http://www.eduhoundsitesets.com/

http://www.epals.com/

http://en.childrenslibrary.org/

http://landmark-project.com/

http://www.rcampus.com/

http://member.thinkfree.com/member/goLandingPage.action

http://www.thinkquest.org/pls/html/think.library

http://ucat.osu.edu/teaching_portfolio/teaching_port.html

http://webquest.org/

Images: Imágenes

http://www.webshots.com/

http://www.slide.com/

http://www.picturetrail.com/

http://photobucket.com/

http://rockyou.com/index.php

http://www.imagechef.com/ic/product.jsp

Evaluating a Web Page

We have reached the a point in the semester when it’s time to make sure you have completed all the tasks.  More importantly, you need to check if I have received and given you credit for them. 

 Gradebook:  This attachment has my records.  Notice I have used only your student numbers to protect your privacy.  An X means I don’t have the file(s).

Multimedia Scavenger Hunt

When we discuss the foundations for the effective integration of technology into teaching we have to discuss Learning Theories and Teaching Standards.  The next few classes we will be working with both.

First, a review of what is necessary for effective technology integration: Foundations

You will also need to read and understand these documents.  It would be a good idea to save them to your pen drive or print them for easy access since we will be using them in the class during the next three weeks.

• Learning Theories Resources
• http://www.learning-theories.com/
• Standards: National Technology Standards / Grade Level Expectations (PR)

Homework For Thursday, October 8, 2009:

• Find 3 of the theories that explain your personal learning styles. 
• For each one, mention the name of the theorists and give a description of the aspect(s) of the theory that applies to you. 
• You should provide an example of a personal learning situation to illustrate how the theory applies to you.
• We will be using this in class.  Be prepared to share.

Our next task will be a short story.  This story will be composed using pictures and audio.  We will be using a free Microsoft program called Photo Story 3 (to download a copy of the program at home: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/digitalphotography/PhotoStory/default.mspx)

To complete the practice in class you will need:

5 pictures – these should belong to you or be freely available (no copyright infringement)

1 song – you will only use a part of the song, but make sure the song is not fully copyrighted (most music can be partially used for educational purposes, other is free to use as long as you don’t exceed a small percentage of the total song)

Be creative when thinking of the story.  For this practice run you can do something funny, romantic, scary, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions about Photo Story 3: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/digitalphotography/photostory/faq.mspx

Enjoy!!!

Here are the games your classmates have created.  Now it’s time to play!!   Make sure you play all the games before next class.  Take notes about each game.  For example,

• What you liked about it
• What you want to learn what to do
• What you wish you had thought of
• Suggestions to improve the game

Since there is a problem uploading the games to this blog you will need to ask me for the game files.

Now that we have finished exploring Word 2007 beyond the basics we will continue with Power Point 2007.  This application is very easy to use and most of you are familiar with it; however, most people don’t go beyond the basic and obvious uses for it.  There are a lot of features that would allow the program to be used in many creative ways in education and those are the ones you will practice during our next task.

Task: Use Power Point to create an Educational Game.

1. In teams of 3 people, you will work on an educational game using Power Point 2007.  Choose the team members, but no more than 3 per team.
2. Each student should bring at least 1 idea of what topic to teach through this game.
3. Once in groups, you should discuss the different ideas and choose one or adapt the ideas into a workable concept for the game.
4. I’m not censoring the content, so you will be free to choose what your game is about and what grade it’s for.
5. Please review the following examples to get ideas.  (you may also search online for ideas and inspiration with power point games as key words)
   • Civil War Jeopardy
   • Good Citizenship Jeopardy
6. The task will be evaluated based on how well you apply the advanced features in power point and the creative integration of media.
7. You will have 1 week for this task.  Every team should be ready to use their game with the class on Thursday, September 3, 2009.
8. Remember, you can always find step by step instructions online at http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/powerpoint/FX100648951033.aspx

This blog will serve as a communication tool.  I will publish assignments here and upload PDF’s and other meadia for you to access.  Sometimes, you will even be using it as a way to publish your homework!

The site is relatively easy to use, but you should spend some time getting familiar with it.  Then, you need to post a comment under this post saying hi to everyone in the class.  Write a brief, original message to brighten our day.

Happy blogging!