With
every class there are things that students like and dislike. With IT 365 for
the most part I enjoyed the class. All
the assignments were interesting and helpful. In the class, I learned how
technology can add convenience to teachers’ classrooms. I would like to discuss
the likes and dislikes of the assignments throughout the semester and how it
will help me with my teaching career.
I would first like to begin with the
Concept Map assignment. To make our concept map we used Kidspiration and
Inspiration programming. I enjoyed this project very much. It was a creative
way to educate children. Teachers can use these programs to set up assignments
for children and make visuals, like the concept map, for the students to see.This
was a project I really understood and it was a strong point for me. My own
project, I can keep and use later as a teacher.
Second, I would like to discuss the
Web tools assignment. I did enjoy how easy this assignment was and it was a
strong point for me, but I did not like the Web tools very much. One of the
main things I have heard over and over again is to try not to use worksheets
and tests and that’s what the web tools was mostly about. I did like the rubric
website. Rubrics can be used for just about any kind of project, so this
website was very convenient.
Third, I would like to discuss the
Windows Movie Maker assignment. I really loved this assignment. Personally, I
love home movies, pictures, and family reunions, so this assignment hit home.
On a teaching note, this can be a very good way to document a field trip. Also,
Windows Movie Maker could be a very good project used for middle school and
high school students. It also could be used as more creative powerpoint.
I would fourth like to discuss the
Google Groups assignment. This assignment was under Google Docs. This
assignment was a very good way for students to work together without actually
being together. Students can work on projects like essays and slideshows
together while not a school. Also, using Google Docs was completely free.
Students that are not as well off can have the luxury of the document programs.
One down fall is students must have access to the internet.
Fifth, I would like to discuss the
assignment of creating a website. Although setting up the website was
aggravating to me, I do think a teacher having a website is a very good idea. I
think I just need more practice and more time to explore what I need to do to
make a great website. It is a very convenient way to keep parents up to date as
a whole compared to sending several letters home, making several phone calls,
or sending several emails. Parents can see upcoming assignments, leave
messages, and see the teachers personal interests and accomplishments all in
one place. This is an overall good idea for teachers to think about doing for
their class.
Sixth, I would like to discuss the
Turn It In assignment. I really enjoyed finding out about this website. If I
was an upper elementary, middle school, or high school teacher I would most
definitely use this. Too often students over look plagiarizing and don’t think
it is a big deal. This website can help eliminate that and make students
realize how important plagiarizing is.
Last I would like to discuss the
Assistive Technology assignment. The assistive technology that I learned about
was very interesting to me. I had no idea that for free on my own
computer. There is assistive technology
that can help students see better and hear better that I used on my computer.
In conclusion, I learned a lot from
this class that I would use later in my teaching career. I did have trouble
with some of the assignments. I did not always understand what I was suppose to
do. I will probably use everything that I learned from this class to better my
classroom when I become a teacher.
