Module 4 Flipcharts

Finding Factors with Factor Rainbows

http://www.prometheanplanet.com/en/Resources/Item/173787/finding-factors-with-a-factor-rainbow#.VjThTySNWFI

I chose this flipchart because it uses the factor rainbow strategy my CT uses to teach factors and multiples. I think the students will find this flipchart extremely engaging because of the interactive components. This flipchart will help students learn by doing.

Hardware/ Software:

This flipchart can be used on Promethean board hardware. Promethean boards allow students to interact with instructional material. The pens that are used with the Promethean board enable students to physical move objects on the board. For example, in my chosen flipchart, students can used the pen to draw lines across the factors to create a factor rainbow. The flipchart uses ActiveInspire software. This software allows teachers to create interactive lessons rather than the traditional method of solving math problems on the chalkboard. This software offers pre-made curriculum-aligned games that are engaging to students. The Promethean board hardware and ActiveInspire software have made the way students learn much more engaging and memorable.

Technology Use Based on Problem Solving:

Flipcharts allow students to be active learners. When students are able to move and interact with material, they are more likely to remember the information. Students are also more motivated to learn when repetitive tasks, such as copying down problems, are removed. Flipchart technology moves past these tedious tasks.

Current students have grown accustomed to learning through technology since they were toddlers. Learning by solely reading a textbook no longer works for these students. Teaching with technology provides students with the current method of learning and gives them the technical skills they will need in today’s society.

Essential Conditions for Technology Integration:

One of the most essential needs for technology integration is teacher training in my opinion. I know many teachers who would love to integrate more technology into their classrooms but they simply lack the training to do so. For example, these flipcharts seemed too technical and involved for me to make and use at first sight. However, after a little bit of training, I immediately saw how easy it would be to integrate one into my classroom.

Software Support Tools:

Flipcharts fall under the materials generator software support tool category. These interactive whiteboards enable teachers to present lessons and activities in a much more interactive and engaging way. Flipcharts also improve the efficiency, productivity, and appearance of lessons.

Module 3

Search Engines: Kidtopia

http://www.kidtopia.info

Kidtopia is a search engine created by school librarians for elementary students and teachers.  It is a Google custom search engine that only includes websites recommended by librarians and teachers.  I would feel comfortable with my students relying on Kidtopia for their information because the results are filtered so that only appropriate and credible websites come up.

How can learning to use search engines help you/students find better information?

Knowing how to decide whether a search engine is credible will greatly increase the reliability of the research students and teachers find.  It will also prevent students from coming upon inappropriate information on the Internet.  Learning how to use key words in searches is also a vital research skill. This skill will make the research process much more efficient.  Classroom time should be spent on learning, not searching for websites.

Website Evaluation Video

This video would be a great compliment to a lesson on evaluating websites.  It shows different elements of websites that students can use to evaluate its credibility, including the purpose of the website, domain designators, authors, references, and published dates. I especially like that it compares how we would be skeptical of what strangers say to us on the street to how we should also be skeptical of websites online.

Favorite Website #1: TeacherTube

http://www.teachertube.com

The website is an excellent resource for teachers because it provides instructional videos that can be used in the classroom to compliment lessons.  The site also offers professional development videos created specifically for teachers that provide information about new resources in the education world.

I think that TeacherTube meets some of the criteria for good website design.  The site does include clear text/graphics links and it is easy to navigate.  The front page is slightly long and cluttered so it could be overwhelming for first-time users.  However, I feel the site is still good because it is meant for teachers to use mainly instead of elementary students.

Favorite Website #2:

https://mrssheftelsclass.wikispaces.com

My next website is a class wiki.  I chose this particular class wiki because it had several features I would like to include in my own class wiki.  The homework page link is an excellent weekly reminder for students when they are at home. It is also helpful for keeping parents informed.  The wiki includes a page link specifically for parents as well.  This page describes what is being learned in the classroom currently. Each student also has their own page within the wiki where they upload samples of their work to share with parents and classmates.  This class wiki was extremely easy to navigate and it seemed like the students used it often throughout the year.