Monday, October 26, 2009

Wiki Reflection

I think a wiki could be used for writing, science or social studies. I like the fact that alterations to the wiki can be tracked and that anyone can add useful, reliable information.
If I were a teacher, I could have students use a wiki to document lab steps and findings in science or share thoughts on the Westward Expansion in social studies. Students could keep a writing journal, using what they learn in writing class to share different forms of writing, maybe even documenting how their class spent the year.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Learning Reflection

I have most learned that there is an overabundance of websites and information on the internet and you have to be careful when surfing through it. The most useful thing I have learned is how to do more productive searches for information and that our government has great websites that supply a wealth of information as well as teaching tools. Instructional technology can take many forms. I like videos, where I can see and hear the information, stop and review it when ever I choose.

I have been taking online classes since the fall of 2007. Overall, it has been a good experience and worked well for me. It's nice not having to physically go to class, especially during the winter. Online classes allow me to complete my assignments on my own time during the week.

Learning Website

The world revolves around MONEY and I enjoy having MONEY, but I never knew I'd enjoy the US Mint website as much as I do!

My Teaching and Technology insturctor asked us to review an instructional technology website and I have chosen the US Mint site. I found the site extremely easy to navigate and it provides many learning experiences, from learning the value of coins to learning the history behind each coin. There are games and information for coin collectors.

One aspect of the website that I like is the History In Your Pocket (HIP) Pocket Change. Students can play games as they travel across the United States learning about the state quarters. Another game they can travel the world, learning historical facts as well as learning about other countries, cultures and their coins.

Another aspect of the website I like is the Teachers and Parents tab. This tab gives access to Site Information, Lesson Plans, Teaching Resources, Class Activities and Financial Literacy tabs. The lesson plans include lessons from K to 12. They address subjects such as identifying coins and their value, saving or spending, fractions, and much more. The sites provide complete instructions on how to do the lessons as well as provide the materials needed to carry out the lessons.

I believe I will be using this website throughout the year with the students I work with in the Resource Room and in a 5th grade classroom.

http://www.usmint.gov/kids/