Post #10

Sarah's presentation on Skype in the classroom was intriguing, if a bit hard to navigate. It seems like Skype can almost be the new form of pen-pals, with instant gratification for the students. It also seems like it would be a very good tool in a foreign language classroom to integrate through video chatting with a classroom that is learning English and speaking the language that your students are learning. That would all depend on the school you are teaching in, though, because not all have a computer for every student.

I liked Michael D's perspective on interactive whiteboards, that the teachers who best use interactive whiteboards are those that are already good teachers. Also, that they use multiple media and focus mainly on the content, not the technology.

Julie G's presentation on language learning websites was interesting. I never thought about the uses of websites in teaching students languages. It seems like a more fun and interactive approach that would more fully engage the students and encourage them to work towards proficiency in the language.

Post #8 Portfolios

Bad Example: http://www.quintcareers.com/KH_Teaching/KH_Contact.html
This teacher has the content necessary, but she presents it in a bad manner. The website changes from page to page, which does not give it continuity and makes it look unprofessional. She has a bad photo of herself that is slightly blurry and unfocused.

Good Example: http://www.moussu.net/TP/
This teacher lays out her content neat and cleanly. It is easy to read and follow along with each section. The picture is a good one of her that feels like it belongs with the rest of the pale, soothing theme she selected. The only problem I have is that the pages open in new windows. They should all stay on the same window, as they have links to move between the pages in the navigation.

Technology Article Notebook

I created an online poster on Glogster.edu to present the article: "Boxes with Fires: Wisely Integrating Learning Technologies into the Art Classroom" by Diane C. Gregory.

Glogster Poster

Post #7

I think that interactive whiteboards are a really useful tool for the classroom because of the convenience and the potential for being able to engage students more. I would like to have one in my classroom because it keeps you from having to stay behind a desk to run a presentation. Also, because they can make a lesson more fun and engaging. 


I think an advantage is not being contained behind a desk to teach with the board and that it can be used not only as a touch screen, but as a white board to write on. 


I think some students have the potential to be more engaged, but it depends on the manner in which the board is used. Students in higher grades might not be as motivated as younger children to come up and interact with the board.