Reflective Blog

My expectation for EDT 610 was to gain an in-depth understanding on the use of technology and how it can create effective and informative communication with my class. EDT 610 illustrated how technology can lead to more effective communication between the teacher and student. Through design and creativity, material can be introduced in an organized, fun, and efficient manner. In addition to obtaining a greater understanding of technology, I have been exposed to creating lesson plans and understand the time and detail needed to create an effective unit plan. The unit plan covers all of the detail in the unit.

It is extremely important to choose an essential question that will create interest for the student. The unit questions need to relate to the objectives and allow you to create a unit summary that is descriptive and concise. The unit summary should cover the topic, along with student activities that will be performed, and the unit summary should explain what the students will create. Before creating the procedures, it is crucial to research the state standards and benchmarks so you can create objectives that meet state requirements; it is also important to review Bloom's taxonomy and make sure at least one objective is created to serve each of the various knowledge levels.

After creating the objectives, it seems logical to construct the procedures. The procedures are important because they identify the timeline and the details for accomplishing the objectives; it describes how the information will be delivered and how students will be reviewed. The procedures allow you to determine if the lesson will accomplish student-centered learning instead of teacher-centered learning. The procedures can be organized by dates or by projects. The details in the procedures also let you know what the students will create and how the students will be assessed.

After creating the state standards and objectives, we learned how to use Microsoft PowerPoint and Publisher. I really enjoyed learning how to work with color, text, animation, and sound. In addition to having fun, I saw the importance of using creative means to reach students. Technology definitely enhances the material being taught. I also enjoyed working from the perspective of the student. As a future teacher, placing myself in the student role allowed me to think more like a child which allowed me to be more creative when delivering the student PowerPoint; the creativity learned through the student assignment carried over when creating the teacher support material. By being more creative, the teacher has a greater chance of getting the students attention and enhancing their academic experience.

In conclusion, the class exceeded my expectations. Coming from a business background created apprehension when setting the objectives and standards; however, after going through the stages of the technology portfolio, the objectives and standards would be easier to create next time. Creating the teacher introduction, the student web, the student newsletter, and the student support gave substantial insight into the field of teaching. I look forward to using my new technology skills in the future.

Unit Plan - Completion

Working on the procedures for the unit plan was challenging, but very enlightening. Since I have not taught and am new to the field of education, I was insecure with my abilities to create the procedures. The samples from 610 and from the Intel CD were useful; however the unfamiliarity of this task was challenging.

I felt like this assignment brought the last several weeks together. I am assuming in reality you would complete the unit plan, including procedures, before creating the teacher support, student support, etc. After completing this assignment, I am content with my progress and look forward to Dr. Wang's feedback.

Have a great day!
Emily Watson

Teacher Support Material

Wednesday, April 7th, was the due date for teacher support material. I chose to use PowerPoint. I have enjoyed learning about Publisher and Websites, but enjoy PowerPoint the most. I plan on utilizing all three, but I chose Powerpoint because it is my favorite. When I created my PowerPoint presentation, I tried to incorporate material which supports the essential question and the unit questions. My goal was to give the students a comprehensive overview of the material they would be learning. I tried to incorporate pictures and questions that would interest the student. In addition to creating useful material, I included a checklist and instructions that would help the students create their own PowerPoint.

Have a great day!
Emily

Student Support Material

EDT 610 is going well; last week we worked on creating student support material. I chose to utilize microsoft word to create a pyramid and quiz for student support. My unit plan is on North American Deserts.
When I was creating the support, I tried to provide quiz questions that would reflect student knowledge and if they understood the quiz, they could benefit throughout the lesson plan. Some of the questions were to define categories, while others were multiple choice and required solid comprehension.
Since I have not taught, this was slightly daunting; however through practice and study, I will gain a more in depth knowledge for creating student support material and will become more comfortable with this task.

Have a Fantastic Day and remember to support your students!

Technology Portfolio

I have really enjoyed working with Microsoft Publisher and PowerPoint. Being able to use the technology, incorporate design and creativity, along with teaching, has been extremely enlightening and fun. Before EDT 610, I did not have any experience with Publisher or PowerPoint. Thanks to Dr. Wang and her thorough instruction, I have been able to work at home and feel comfortable with all of my assignments. The instruction is thorough and the software is great.

Since I am a fifth year alternative master's student, I do not have any background in lesson planning; therefore writing objectives and working with curriculum has been challenging, but after reviewing samples and talking with classmates, I feel more comfortable doing this.

Have a great day and don't forget to use technology!
Emily

Unit Plan

Since my background is in business and 610 is one of my first education courses, the discussion on unit plans was new and challenging. I felt overwhelmed when we had to create state standards and objectives, and was also concerned about adding creativity to my lesson plan; however after completing the unit plan and powerpoint, I have a strong understanding on how to create an effective essential question and unit questions. I have learned how to use powerpoint and create slides that are filled with color, movement, and sound. In additon, I feel more comfortable writing objectives and making sure they meet state standards.

My First Blog Entry

1. My name is Emily Watson. I have a degree in accounting and have worked in the private sector for the past seventeen years. Currently, I am working on my Fifth Year Master's in Education. I am looking forward to teaching children, spending time in the classroom, and helping them reach their full potential.
In EDT 610, I hope to gain a greater understanding of information and communication technologies, so I can share information in a timely and effective manner and incorporate the knowledge into lesson plans.