Monday, June 22, 2009

Topic 4
I chose to do a lesson plan for 4th graders on using Parliamentary Procedures. I got this idea while observing a daily classroom meeting that was not too orderly. In my writing exam question, I was asked to think of a lesson plan on a non traditional topic. I had my recent classroom experience in mind and memories of a parliamentary procedure unit I had in high school. I adjusted that down to elementary level as I thought it would be very beneficial to bring order to a brief class meeting to start each day. While viewing the UEN site, I tried out a practice lesson plan on that topic. After additional work on several other interactive 2.0 web sites, I will do my first lesson plan on Parliamentary Procedures for 4th graders.
Topic 3
This Web 2.0 topic gave me a chance to see how blogs, podcasts, wikis, and other sources work and how they can be used in education. I especially enjoyed the one link to Deseret News and another site where teachers shared how they used blogs with their students and to keep in touch with parents -- much better than hand-written journals and notes sent home (that often don't even get home and back). I am glad we are getting experience to hear about and try some of these things out.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Topic 2 UEN

UEN is really great. So many different resources to help with all areas of teaching. I enjoyed it so much that I did a practice lesson plan right then and there just for fun. Now to the real one..... UEN will be a great help!

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Topic 1: Today's Students

The statistics given and research definitely support using more technology in the classroom of today's digital natives. However, lack of availability would now limit how much technology can be incorporated in a particular classroom situation. Availability, of course, is determined by finances of school districts to purchase these technological advances. However it is great for teachers and future teachers to have advance preparation to be ready when more of these tools are more readily available in the classrooms.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Hello, For months I've enjoyed checking blogs of those grandkids far away. Now we'll join.