Word Cloud

Apps for Learning

            There are a few different apps that I like to keep my assignments up to date and to aid me in my classes. I use the Notes app to write down specific assignments and write down important dates. I also use the Prezi app

to keep my presentation on my iPad in case I need them during class. I also like this app because it allows me to open my teacher’s Prezis and study them before tests. I also like using the calculator app to do simple math. I use it to calculate my grades and other assessments.

            I think that apps were intentionally meant for pure entertainment purposes. However, I think teachers can take advantage of apps and use them as education tools in their classrooms. Students enjoy using technology because it makes them feel as if they aren’t putting in a lot of work. I think it is possible for students to use iPads in a learning environment as long as they are monitored. I will definitely be using apps and other forms of technology in my future classroom.

Create and Construct Your Digital Identity

           I chose 3 different learning apps. The first one I chose was Area Maze. This game is a logical puzzle app that increasing your problem solving and creativity levels. This app challenges you mathematical and allows each player to think deeply on how to solve problems. The second app I chose was Play and Learn Languages.

 This app allows the player access to flashcard with different vocabulary in multiple languages. You can use it for a variety of things. This app helps build memory and diversity skills. The last app I chose is called Add Them Up. This app is a math game. It provides the player with multiple math problems they have to quickly and correctly answer. The more you do the harder and faster they become. This promotes quick thinking, memory, and addition skills.

            Each of these apps allow for building pre-existing knowledge. It is important to incorporate different techniques into a classroom. Using educational apps is a fun and creative way to get students to want to learn. Apps act as a game, when in reality the student is actually learning and observing information. We want our students to want to learn, and to enjoy it. Apps in the classroom is an effective way to do both.

Reflection and Evaluation

           This assignment asks for each person to create a lesson plan using learning objectives and the Understand by Design approach.  The two lessons have some similarities and differences in their frameworks. Both lessons contain a discussion question, a performance task, and a technology project. The advantages of these lessons are the engaging qualities of both. When teaching a lesson, you want your students to be engaged and interested in the material. To utilize this lesson, you could break into a multiple-day project. You could use each section of the lesson as a day. For example, the first day students could read the discussion question and come up with research in groups for the next day, which would be the performance task. On the last day, the students could put all the information together to form the technology project.

            As a student in elementary and high school, I found a multiple day approach the most effective. I wanted to have group work that I could take day-by-day. I found it more effective to re-visit information multiple times a week instead of just in one day. I felt that I remembered the information longer, and had a better understanding of the entire concept of the project. As a teacher, I am going to try to incorporate group work, individual work, and extra time when I give as project. I want my students to feel engaged in the work and remember what they were studying.

iCloud and Social Bookmarking

            CopyAccount is a site where you can sync files, pictures, videos, and documents between multiple devices. I like the idea of this cite, because it allows you to have your files backed up onto different devices and in different places. I also really like this; because there is an app you can download onto your iPhone or iPad, or both. I really appreciate that you can increase your storage space by inviting more people to use the app, or just by adding more files onto your device. Since you can increase your space, it gives you more opportunities to back things up.

           

            The next account is called Dropbox. Dropbox is very similar to Copy Account in that you can sync files, pictures, videos, and documents between multiple devices. I already had a Dropbox account previous to learning about it in this course. The main downside to Dropbox is the limited storage space. Unlike Copy Account, it is not easy to increase your storage. It is convenient, but the site could be improved by offering opportunities to increase the storage space.

           

            The Google Drive account allows you to keep your files all onto your computer, but lets you access from anywhere else. For example, if you were at a friend’s house and needed to access your files, you could just sign into your Google Drive. Once you signed into your Drive on their computer, your files would appear. This site allows you to do what Dropbox and Copy Account do, without the installation onto other devices.

           

            The Microsoft Live account is an account that allows a user to have an email address, and also includes access to services like Outlook, OneDrive, Windows Phone, or Xbox live. The positive of this website is that it basically connects all your email address into one login. Another positive aspect of this site is that it doesn’t require downloading or installing multiple systems. The downside to this site is that if someone hacked into the account they would have access to multiple emails, email address, and personal information.

           

            There was also a site called DiigoSocial Bookmarking. This site is different from the iCloud websites because it is more of a bookmarking site. It allows a user to build a personal library, read effectively with annotation tools, provide feedback, and connect with other users. I personally do not use sites like this because I prefer other research options. I also feel that this site is finicky and doesn’t always work properly. However, I felt as if the iCloud websites were more reliable.

           

 

Technology Reflection

           

            I think the questions in the survey were a good variety of questions for us to answer. By reading and answering each question I feel as if I have a better representation of what I am good at, and what needs more improvement. I know that I am skilled in using programs like Microsoft Word and PowerPoint. I’ve also become more comfortable using technology to take notes and look up homework assignments because of the use of our iPads in some of my courses, Aside from using technology in the classroom; I use it in many other daily situations too.

            On the other hand, I have a few professors who don’t encourage the use of technology in the classroom. I feel that I am not equipped for programs like Excel, Numbers, and Spreadsheets. I’ve experienced that most professors are mainly comfortable with Word and PowerPoint and they use those programs in class. I know that I am behind on the techniques of Excel and Numbers and I would like to learn how to use those more accurately and effectively.

            I want to be able to enhance my knowledge of technology in the course. When I become a teacher I want to use technology to improve my student’s learning environment. Technology is so prominent in our world today, and I want to be equipped to teach to the best of my ability. I am looking forward to broadening my education of technology in this course, because it is so beneficial for my everyday life.