Digital Story

Digital Story: The best day of my life

This digital story outlines the best day of my life that has been nine years in the making. I hope you enjoy it! Thanks for watching!!

Wiki Evaluation

Wiki Evaluation

Throughout the MET program I have been given the opportunity to explore and utilize Wikis. These tools are very beneficial and allow students the ability to collaborate and communicate, while also being able to focus on literacy and writing. Two Wikis that I found to be packed with beneficial information and resources were Mrs. Hepburn's Class Page and Digiteen: Digital Literacy. 

The first Wiki that I explored was Mrs. Hepburn's Class Page. This wiki was extremely organized and easy to navigate. Upon first glance, her webpage really grabbed my attention while having a picture of her students front and center, which intrigued me to want to explore more. The wiki offered a clean and clear layout with various page links to choose from. The links offered consisted of home, math, reading, and writing. Each link supplied a number of resources geared toward concentrating on literacy skills. I can see how beneficial this Wiki could be for students because they are given the freedom to explore the various resources, games, and interactive media that can enhance their understanding and grasp of concepts. I enjoyed this Wiki and found that it had a plethora of resources available, but it would not be as beneficial in my 7th grade classroom. I feel as though some of these resources could be differentiated to adhere to the various age groups but not all. 

The second literacy Wiki that I evaluated was the Digiteen: Digital Literacy Page. This Wiki was packed full of information and resources to enhance understanding of Digital Technologies and Digital Literacy. The resource started off by defining Digital Literacy, providing an overview, background, and guidelines for implementation tactics. This Wiki was not the most visually appealing Wiki I have seen, but it definitely offered an amazing amount of information and resources. Along with supplying videos, links for clarification, and general information, this Wiki also outlines Digital Citizenships nine elements and offers advice for adhering to such rules and regulations. Overall, I think this Wiki would prove very beneficial to utilize in the classroom and offer many benefits for the students to improve, enhance, and concentrate on their Digital Literacy Skills.  

Week 2

While reading through the assigned readings for this week, I couldn't help myself from feeling overwhelmed by the plethora of resources available and the endless amounts of information regarding implementing technology into the classroom. The readings this week outlined various technology tools that can be used to enhance literacy in the classroom. Many resources were examined, but a few of my favorites that I felt that could be adapted to fit any classroom included blogging as well as Wiki's. These tools can model correct communication and collaboration techniques, while allowing for students to explore and respond to challenges on their own. The literacy tools allow for students to feel a part of the classroom, while also encouraging creativity and individualism.

I also enjoyed reading about the video opportunities and digital camera techniques that can be used in the classroom. This would allow for students to capture many images and ideas, while also keeping those creative juices flowing. It would encourage the collaboration among other content areas and to motivate students to make real-life connections to what they are doing at school with what goes on outside of the schools walls.

Student literacy can be enhanced and better utilized in the classroom by incorporating different forms of technology and various programs and resources. It is vital that teachers contain and demonstrate proper techniques dealing with technology in order to get the full effect of the outstanding benefits using technology in the classroom can create.

Week 1

One thing that really stood out to me after reading the text is how important technology is and how it is not going anywhere anytime soon. It is so vital to realize how much technology can enhance a classroom and encourage students feel more invested in the class. Our students are going to need to be able to adapt to the changes to come in technology and be able to utilize it everyday. We must give them the opportunity to incorporate these technological tools in our classrooms as well as explore Literacy, in order to help prepare them for their futures. One link that I found extremely interesting, examines technology in the classroom and proper and best practices. It details how technology improves learning and how "we" as educators can attempt to make this learning fun, intriguing, and engaging.  

As for expectations of this class, I am very excited to learn more about technology and incorporating it into the classroom. I cannot wait to utilize and explore through even more resources in order to improve my learning environment. It is so important for me to stay current with technology and the ever-changing and developing tools. 

Introduction

My name is Sara Tines and I have taught 6th grade math for the past two years in the Parkway School District. I have just begun my third year of teaching in a new grade level. I am teaching 7th grade math in my current building. I am very excited for the challenges and exciting moments that will come from changing grade levels. I have created this blog in order to communicate through my online course, EDUC 573: Technology to Enhance Literacy.