Improving My Teaching Effectiveness

 Online safety is a very important role when we are talking about introducing technology to younger students. The internet is a very useful tool to have in the classroom but can get very ugly fast. Technology can get the students very sidetracked, too  texting, to looking up irrelevant things, and to playing video games. However, we can use that aspect of the internet to our advantage. I would make a deal with my students that if they completed their work they will have time to do what they want that is appropriate and that I have to approve on. Going back to the safety part of it, technology has ways to block or restrict apps, websites and many different things when they are handed a school iPad or computer so that aspect of technology has been saved for the time being. Students are learning  quicker and have found ways to get around these restrictions. So it is very important to have the parents and teachers to monitor what our students are researching to make sure tha...

  Definition: A web 2.0 application that allows learners to work in groups. This allows them to gather and structure their thoughts for an online presentation. In social presentation platforms, students can name the presentation and create slides together to complete their project. Also, students can link their presentations for others to watch at a later date if they choose to do so. Pros of social presentations: Allows students to work together and work individually or together on parts of the project Students can edit each other's work in order to avoid errors Allows students to create a professional project to present in class Students can continually edit the presentation until all group members approve of the information Can be used for all school subjects Examples: Prezi PowerPoint Google Slides

                                                                                          Cell Phones have always been hit or miss for schools. Some schools have rules for them throughout the whole school and others leave it up to the teachers in the classroom. Cells Phones can be used as an important instructional role in the classroom. The best example I can give is "Kahoot!" Which is an online platform that teachers can use to challenge their students to a competitive or non competitive game. Teachers can insert questions that relate to a upcoming test and this can be a great study guide of the students. 

  Definition: A virtual world is a two- or three-dimensional internet platform that is interactive. This allows learners to use an online role-playing platform, which can be used to teach students. Through virtual worlds, students are able to create characters/avatars that will interact with the virtual world.  Pros of virtual worlds are: It can promote social development for students Can allow students to solve real-world situations that could be expensive. Virtual worlds are a cost-effective way of having students interact with real-world issues. Students are a part of situations of role-play, simulation, work display, communication, and learning a foreign language Examples: Minecraft Roblox Woogi Whyville (ages 6 to 16)

  Benefits: stores course materials  provides discussion boards  bulletin boards  e-mail  assessment tools online learning community that motivates learners  This type of technology creates a learning environment outside of the normal classroom setting. Teachers can promote professional development and collaboration all through the use of technology. For this type of classroom management to work, students must be nurtured and confident in their independent work skills. Students often have a stronger sense of confidence when working online without the intimidating face-to-face interaction.  Examples:  - Google Classroom - Schoology  - Moodle 

Definition: A website that allows users to be placed into groups to make content together.   Wikis are helpful because they allow users to see what each member has contributed to the page. This will also exhibit signs of constructivism by allowing students to show their understanding of knowledge with others. One issue that can arise with using a wiki is being able to set aside an appropriate amount of time to finish a project. Examples:  Wikispaces WikiHow Wiktionary