Blogfolio

1. Intro Video - Our first class assignment was to create a thirty minute video about ourselves while only using a cellular device (mostly iPhones).  This assignment matches NETS-T standard 1 which is to "use knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments" and standard 2 which is to "design, develop, and evaluate authentic learning experiences and assessments...to maximize content learning in context and to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes identified in the NETS-S."  It matches standard 1 because the class had the opportunity to make a creative and personal video of ourselves (henceforth the virtual environment) and use the latest technical devices.  This assignment matches standard 2 also because it taught us how to use our phones to upload videos to our blog.  Therefore, we gained more technical skills because it maximized what we already knew.  I will use this assignment in my classroom so my students will also learn how to record and upload videos to the internet.
2. TED Videos - The TED videos that we watched in class matches NETS-S standard 5 which is to "continuously improve professional practice, model lifelong learning, and exhibit leadership in school and professional community by promoting and demonstrating the effective use of digital tools and resources."  I personally enjoyed watching the videos because it deepened my concern about education even more.  In other words, I was inspired to do more than just impact my students.  I want to do all that I can for education over all.  If I teach high school English, TED videos will definitely be incorporated into my lesson plans.  I want my students to be aware of how important education is.  TED videos matches this standard because promotes professional growth and motivates educators of all kind to become academic innovators.
3. Concept Map - This assignment matches NETS-S standard 2 which is to  "design, develop, and evaluate authentic learning experiences and assessments...to maximize content learning in context and to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes identified in the NETS-S."   At first I had a little bit of difficulty, but I soon got the hang of it.  I learned that as much as I want my students to be actively engaged, they still have to 'pencil and paper' work (the boring part of class time).  I had plenty of activities for them, but not enough work that I could actually assess.  I'm glad that I had the opportunity to complete this assignment because I seen a personal flaw and was able to work on it.  The concept map really correlates with standard 2 because I literally "design[ed], develop[ed], and evaluate[d] authentic learning experiences and assessments.  I will use the concept map during classwork because it gives students the opportunity to put their thoughts on paper and make connections to what they already know and what they are learning.
4. Do Not Track Me - DNTM is a downloadable extension that prevents others from tracking your computer.  This extension is a great add-on and I really feel like my laptop is a lot safer.  It's active right now as we speak.  It even tells you who is trying to track you.  DNTM matches NETS-S standard 4 which is to "understand local and global societal issues and responsibilities in an evolving digital culture and exhibit legal and ethical behavior in their professional practices."  I think this is a good correlation because DNTM makes one aware of the harm that other sites can do to devices.  I will use this in my classroom because it will inform students on the precautionary measures that need to be taken for online safety.
5. Augumented Reality - This is a downloadable app that matches NETS-S standard 1 which is to  "use knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments."  I personally did not like this app.  It provided only a limited amount of information and it became difficult to use.  It also had a numerous amount of glitches.  Augumented Reality matches standard 1 because it provides information, it does aid with technological experiences, and students can get creative with the virtual environments that the app has to offer.  If I use this in my class, I will be sure to find a better program for my students because the initial purpose of the app really does provide a great technological experience.
6. Voki - I absolutely love Voki.  It is very creative and fun for me and the students.  Voki matches NETS-S standard 1 which is to  "use knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments."  I can use Voki to give instructions and even make virtual announcements for parents instead of sending letters home.  I think that Voki will really catch my students' attention.  It matches standard 1 because it is innovative, it is a virtual environment, and parents, students, and teachers can use it as a means of communicating.
7. Web 2.0 - I really enjoyed the website I shared with the class.  I created an account with Socrative.  It is a website that allows teachers to create their tests, quizzes, and games for their students.  It's very easy to use.  Students only have to use their classroom number to log in and the teacher is in complete control.  Socrative will definitely be used in my classroom.  Web 2.0 matches NETS-S standard 3 which is to "exhibit knowledge, skills, and work processes representative of an innovative professional in a global and digital society."  Because of this, teaches are able to engage their students with technology no mater the grade level while being professional in a "global and digital society."
8. Website - This assignment was the most fun and most tiring to make.  I had much difficulty with it because for some odd reason, my account always tapped into other people's personal websites.  I am now 'part-owner' of three websites (not including my personal website).  My website matches NETS-S standard 1 which is to   "use knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments" and standard 2 which is to  "design, develop, and evaluate authentic learning experiences and assessments...to maximize content learning in context and to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes identified in the NETS-S."  I will use the creation of personal websites in my classroom so my students can make positive changes in their school, community, and world.  Their voices can be heard all over the world and the possibilities are limitless.  After all, we are teaching future CEO's and business owners/leaders of America.  Creating websites matches standards 1 and 2 because it allows one to be creative while developing new skills and it advances student learning by providing them with the tools needed to be innovative and create virtual environments. 
9. Movie - Sadly, this was our last assignment.  I made a four minute movie about my senior year of high school as a cheerleader.  It was the last time I ever cheered.   My movie brought back a lot of memories.  It was nice to reminisce on good times.  My movie matches NETS-S standards 1, 2, and 3.  It matches all three standards because it is creative, innovative, facilitates student learning, provides authentic learning experiences, and exhibits professional behavior through a global society.  I think it will be fun to have my older students create movies.  My class read To Kill A Mockingbird and created a movie trailer for it.  I was the mean, old woman sitting in her rocking chair on her porch.  This is a great way to incorporate other subjects as well; like how my class incorporated 9th grade Accelerated English.

REFLECTION: IT 365 Fall 2013

          I can't believe the semester has flew by already.  I don't think I am quite ready to go just yet.  I really enjoyed this class.  I learned so much from the semester and I am really getting a feel of who I am as an educator.  I loved every moment of this class and will definitely not forget what I have learned.  I still feel that this generation will get too dependent on technology.  IT 365 has taught me that technology represents the potential we have as human beings and it is up to me to me provide ways that for my students to find their own potentials, talents, gifts, etc..  This class has also showed me different ways to incorporate technology into different subjects (I use this notion for other classes as well).  Each assignment we had was fun too.  So I know that my students will have just as much as I did.  I am a very hands on person so I'm excited about teaching technology and creating new ways to engage my students.  With that being said, this class was great while it lasted.

UNTIL NEXT TIME...

WITH LOVE,

          Jacqueline M. McMillian

From Advisees

The advisees had several useful tools that could be used in the classroom that would benefit teachers and students. Working a LMS was the first tool. LMS ensures that students are both college and career ready. Smartboards are another form of technology that should be used in the classroom. Teachers should also know how to incorporate BYOD as well. And lastly, familiarizing oneself with the SAMR model is important for teachers so that they know how to integrate technology into the classroom. Educators are expected to use these tools to teach their students in a variety of different ways. Therefore, it is vital that one learn how to use these tools for different grade levels. 

MyMovie

Kids Can't Compute/ A Conversation With A 'Bad' Teacher

        Mike Elgan talks about how people think that this generation is considered to be "tech savvy" simply because they are born into the technological boom.  This certainly isn't so.  We say that adults aren't aware of how to use technological devices, but they actually do.  When computers were first released, a lot of memorization went into doing the smallest task.  Whatever a person wanted the computer to do, it had to manually be done with the keyboard.  Now, technological devices do all of the memorizing and all of the work.  Everything is as easy a click of a button or the swipe of a finger.  This generation depends solely on the device all while benefiting nothing at all.  To be "tech savvy" in today's time means to actually know how technical devices are working and how they are being operated.  This generation must know how to work technical devices in order to get jobs and be part of the working force.  They will no longer be able to depend on technology doing all of the work if they are unaware of how to it computes.  This will continue to grow into an even greater problem because kids will become dependent on technology.  The only solution is to technically educate our children.
        Hana Maruyama interviewed John Owens on his experience as a writing teacher at "Latinate Institute".  Owens had been an author for three decades, but his education career had ended in less than one year.  He was considered a 'bad' teacher by his principal "Ms. P" because he refused to attend an all expense paid conference trip.  Instead, he wanted to stay with his students and continue teaching on those days, but "Ms. P" considered that to be "noncompliance."  Owens expressed how the school was not beneficial to the students because the administration focused on passing them instead of making sure they were learning.  Students were not taken serious and Owens was deeply heart broken.  Owens' book, "Confessions of a Bad Teacher:  The Shocking Truth From the Front Lines of American Public Education," was wrote in hopes of parents and communities standing up and demanding that the carelessness of the administration be stopped.

Cyberbullying Website

To view my personal website about standing up to cyberbullying, click here.