Online Exercise 12

Think of the productivity tools discussed in class and ways you have used them(Word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation software, concept mapping tools, free productivity tools)
1. How have productivity tools helped you be more creative? More organized? More productive?

I had no idea that some of these tools even existed. Now that I do, I will definitely use them more often and discuss with colleagues as well. I will use garage band for my poscasts...now that I know how.
I have been using word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software already.
I did not know about the free tools available to me as an educator. I will be using Thinkfinity and showing it to others at a faculty meeting.

2. How can you incorporate the learner-centered principles into your approaches for using these tools?

I will have students create power point slideshows, do computer-based research, and complete concept maps either as groups or independently. It never occurred to me to have them create their own concept maps for discussion and peer teaching with reading strategies.

On-line exercise 10

Online Exercise 10- Planning an Initiating/Introduction Activity



A teacher you work with has asked for your help in designing technology-related activities capitalizing on the wide variety of technology resources available in the room (assume the kind of technology you choose will be in the room).

1. How would you design the initiating activity(s)?

I would advise him to utilize any and all technology available at my school. Hopefully, I am already using this myself and can aid him in integrating it, but if not, I'd direct him to the tech person or tech-experienced teacher for help.

2. How many would there be?



I would use at least one 21st century skill with technology at least 3 times a week.





3. How would you choose to integrate technology into your teaching, students’ learning, and the assessments?

Some things I do:
Laptop and projector can be used to show informative video clips. Digital thermometers can record temps that are put into the computer for variety of uses. Power point slideshows and interactive online games can be used to re-enforce a lesson or introduce a lesson.

4. What technology would you choose?



Clickers (if possible), laptop, projector, internet, digital thermometers, informative cd's/dvd's for the computer.



5. How would you assist the teacher in understanding how the technology you use in the initiating activities could be used again in the guided learning and culminating performance – for instruction, learning, and assessment?



By example. I would model it for them if they could watch me for a class...if not, we could do it before or after school.





6. What resources would you direct him/her towards?



Websites found on the internet and/or offered with the equipment being used. Also, I'd direct him to other experienced teachers.