This was another exciting week! After spending a few hours modifying my workshop agenda and PowerPoint, I finally gave my Face-to-Face workshop and it went very well. I had 10 volunteered elementary teachers participate in learning how to integrate the Web 2.0 Storybird as instructional technology. My presentation lasted 20 minutes which included purpose, educational benefits, statistics, standards-based, nets supported, student example, and ideas of lessons. A variety of teachers participated including: an Art teacher, a Media Specialist, a Technology teacher, and 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade teachers. It was a well-rounded group. The teachers were assessed by having to create a storybird on their own. They performed well and mentioned how user-friendly the website is. Before leaving the teachers filled out a survey answering a few questions on technology. The workshop lasted a total of an hour.
I also worked on the eportfolio checklist. I spent many hours searching for previous assignments to be embedded onto my website. Dr. Clark posted a portfolio checklist of which I immediately began working on. I was overwhelmed by the particular elements he was looking for. It was hard because I had previous course assignments posted on my work computer, personal computer, and two flash drives. So, needless to say I've spent a lot of time searching! I also could not figure out how to embed websites and wikis onto my eportfolio. It was fun though embedded items that did work!
This week I left Wednesday after school to attend the TSA State Conference in Athens, GA. TSA stands for Technology Students Association. During this event I advised students on the revisions of CAM drawings for structural models, Photoshop manipulation of digital photography, and NXT commands for Lego League Robotics. This was a busy but exciting time for the students and myself. I love working with technology and I get enthusiastic when I see how much the students love it too!
During this time I also worked on revising and editing my portfolio website, added a few slides to my F-t-F PowerPoint, and created a pretest/post test on Ergonomics for the collaboration unit. I began working on the Technology Enhanced Unit. I decided to create a toolkit of resources that students can utilize in the classroom when working on project-based lessons. This is a revision of the online module I used during my CIED 7603 practicum. I felt that the students learned a lot during this experience but I also discovered many areas that needed to be changed or improved. For example, students needed more visuals such as student examples for understanding. I also need to allow students to have the option of various Web 2.0 tools to choose from rather than limiting them to just one.
Began discussing with Business Education teacher, Racine Dorsey about collaborating on the development of a Digital Citizenship Unit. I expressed an interest in Ergonomics and she loved the idea! She offered an array of documents she has used over the years and a few websites to use as resource material.
After our discussion, I began researching on the internet statistics pertaining to ergonomics in the workforce as well as pros and cons of the physical conditions relating to digital health and wellness. I job shadowed my Technology Specialist, Kelvin Hughley. We spent half the day at one middle school campus and the other half at one elementary campus. It was really an awe-inspiring experience. What I learned the most is that technology is like a baby. You hear it crying but you don't know what's wrong. So, you troubleshoot until you find the answer. Some issues Kelvin dealt with were: Activeboard pen not working and having to disconnect/reconnect board as well as reinstall Active Inspire. Another issue: Students, librarian, and teachers could not log onto Mac side of computer in media center. So, a generic name was created for all to use. Additional issues: Lab not recognizing network printer, and updating Adobe Flash/Player so teacher can view certain websites. Kelvin emphasized to sign off on each job as the are completed and to not wait until the end of the day. This way you don't take work home! This job definitely keeps you on your toes!
After researching the Web 2.0 Storybird, I began to create a PowerPoint to be used during the Face-to-Face workshop. I'm making sure I include the following information: purpose, educational benefits, statistics, standard-based, nets supported, step-by-step tutorial, and student example.
I had my 4th grade son and I sit down together and create an example of a storybird to be shown during my workshop. He thought it was fun and easy! I met with Technologist Specialist, Kelvin Hughley and discussed the Face-to-Face workshop. I told him about presenting a workshop on Storybird. After explaining and showing him on the website how it's beneficial in the classroom, he advised me to present the material to one of our elementary schools.
I researched Storybird again because they have recently changed the website. So, I had to reteach myself how to use some of it's tools. I also worked on revising/editing my professional portfolio website. Due to inclement winter weather, I was not able to meet with Kelvin Hughley (field supervisor) this week. I did have email communication with him and we will plan to meet next week for a continuation with my field work.
I did however, have the opportunity to create my Professional Portfolio website using Weebly. I worked inserting graphics and created tabs and links following the instructions from the course's website. |
Reflection
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