Week 4 Excel

 The Spreadsheet created in class today was a manageable project. As an English teacher I am sure I would utilize the software for record keeping, averages, etc. The ease of the calculations makes it appealing. Any last minute changes for grade deadlines can be made quickly. Also, the convenience of corrections without having to re-write items in a manual gradebook.

  The three primary functions of Spreadsheets are to input numerical information which is stored in cells, to support calculator functions, and to present information in a variety of graphs, charts, as well as graphics. I believe the advantage of a spreadsheet over a calculator is that it allows you to create, but also share information with others, either through the Internet, or simply printing a handout for a classroom.
These functions do allow for exceptional organization. I have not worked in Excel often, but I am sure over time I will establish a comfort level.

Jonassen, D., Howland, J., Marra, R. M., & Crismond, D. (2008). Meaningful Learning with Technology (3rd ed., pp. 88-90). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall

Inspiration Video & Text ~ ch.4

   After viewing the Inspiration video, I found the software to offer convenience for many educators. It appear to be simple and manageable for a teacher, and the graphics/images would engage the students. It offers great organization of outline/lecture notes allowing the information to be presented clearly. The Presentation Manager creates the complete package for a lesson plan/topic.  I would certainly use Inspiration to maintain organization of material for English lectures on authors and their works, and possibly writing and grammar lessons. This would clearly take the place of overhead projectors and transparencies, if it hasn't already. 
    The activities in an English classroom that would most effectively use technology would be writing, oral presentations, and research. Students can use the concept mapping or semantic network tool to organize, plan, and analyze their topic for writing. PowerPoint software can be used as a required assignment for an oral presentation on a literary figure or work. Also, use of the Internet can aide students in research and or guidance with poetry, fiction, creative writing, etc. To support peer feedback, students can use technology and the Internet  to assist one another with brainstorming, creating original text, editing, and sharing of research obligations. The software SWoRD suggested in the textbook appears practical for submitting drafts and receiving peer evaluations. Several months ago, I presented a PowerPoint presentation for speech class on the, "History of the Hershey Chocolate Corporation". I knew only of the basic products of candy and syrup before my presentation. Access to the Internet allowed me to research the company's initial start up, growth, and philanthropist work of the founder, Milton Hershey.
    As my knowledge increases on software and tools available to aide in teaching, I am beginning to realize that perhaps the "digital learner" won't be quite so difficult to adjust to. That there is a middle ground for both technology and teaching.
 
Inspiration Version 9. (2010). Retrieved September 13, 2010, from http://www.inspiration.com/videos/Inspiration

Jonassen, D., Howland, J., Marra, R. M., & Crismond, D. (2008). Meaningful Learning with Technology (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.

Chapter 6

    Up until a week ago, I did not find blogs very interesting, but after reading chapter six in the text I find there is more to it than what I once thought. It appears that posting a blog may create an interactive community allowing for broader correspondence between an educator and student(s). It provides the opportunity for students to learn through outside sources from people with first hand knowledge and experience. If someone gave the opinion that blogs were a waste of time in a classroom, I would take the time to illustrate the benefits and hope to convince them otherwise.
    I found that the chapter gave numerous ideas to implementing blogs in an English teaching environment. Firstly, it would allow for additional posting of notes/lessons for students to build upon from a classroom lecture. Also, in the case of absences/illness, a student may have the capabilities to read that days lesson(s), and not fall behind on reading assignments, etc. An educator could then post helpful links to sites with relating subject matter for lesson plans. For example, sites which assist students with grammar, punctuation, and word usage for an upcoming report or essay. One might post discussion topics requiring feed back from students, and peer-to-peer comments, or require weekly journal entries with a grading rubric requiring proper grammar, punctuation, spelling, etc. A fun activity for students would be the implementation of a classroom-to-classroom relationship with students from other countries. Similar to the Global School House suggested in the textbook. Lastly, a blog may offer parents the awareness of a classroom's current curriculum and overall progress.
   When I enter the classroom as an educator, it is a great possibility that I may put a blog to use. I would allow for a trial period to weigh the success and benefits to myself and the students, and perhaps then be able to encourage other teachers to do the same.

Jonassen, D., Howland, J., Marra, R. M., & Crismond, D. (2008). Meaningful Learning with Technology
      (3rd ed., pp. 112-121). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.

Introduction

Hi, my name is Penny Elam. I am a junior at A & M Commerce majoring in English with a concentration in secondary education.  I spend much of my free time, as little as that may be, reading and chasing three kids.