Tech Savvy Teacher

An effective teacher knows how to use the resources surrounding him or her. Technology is one of the greatest tools a teacher can use as it is constantly growing providing new opportunities. It is a way to reach all students in new and creative ways and provides hands on experiences to help master the subject. An example of this technology is using Kidspiration. We chose 4th grade standard 5 objective 2: Describe the common plants and animals found in Utah environments and how these organisms have adapted to the environment in which they live.

Our first step in this process was to identify common plants and animals found in different habitats in Utah. These habitats were wetlands, forests, and deserts. We use an activity on Kidspiration where students selected animals and plants and had to put them in the correlating habitat. This allowed them to brainstorm different possible environments familiar animals live in. Then next task was to create their own web of plants and animals found in the three habitats
in Utah.
After completing the brainstorm activity of the different characteristics. The teacher does a mini lesson where she or he talks about the different habitats and what lives in each. To assess the students learning we have them go back to the Kidspiration and have them write specific animals characteristics that allow particular plants and animals to live in specific environments. This technology helped students predict and classify different plants and animals into specific environments found in Utah. Kidspiration allowed students to participate using their hands and acts as a visual representation of what they are studying.
Angie Jack, Christina Murray, and Alesha Abrahamson

Here students have added animals that are appropriate for each habitat.

Here students have added plants that are appropriate for each habitat.

Here is the beginning of a web!

Here is a web that has been developed.

Here the kids will write what characteristics that allow particular plants and animals to live in specific environments.

Technology is Fun!

In class we looked at some really great science/ math technologies. The digital probes were a particular favorite. I had a wonderful time attempting to make different designs by changing the temperature. I can see how wonderful this tool could be for a classroom. We viewed a video of children making ice-cream. The probes mapped out second by second the changes in temperature. Being able to visually see these changes gave the children a chance to understand the concepts being taught on a deeper level.

TPACK

I really enjoyed looking at the different aspects of TPACK. It is clear how important it is to understand how to combine and use Pedagogical Knowledge, Content Knowledge, and Technical Knowledge. They are all an integral part of providing a good education. Having a great deal of knowledge (CK) about a subject does not ensure you that you will be a good teacher. It is also important to know how to express that information (PK). However, simply knowing how to teach is not enough. You must also know a good deal about the subject you are teaching. Having a good understanding of Technology can really aid your teaching (TK). For example, I am a stats TA and we have recently acquired some lap-top computers and some projectors. However, I do not know how to use this equipment. If I did, there is a good chance it would improve the learning environment. Having Technological Knowledge can be a huge asset.

RSS and Web 2.0

RSS is an amazing resource that I am excited to use. I have yet to understand the true potential of RSS. It allows me to put news feeds and updates from all of my favorite sites in one location. As a teacher this will save me time and help me stay informed. Web 2.0 is also an amazing development. It allows me to connect to a site and make it my own. The internet and I are interconnected. As a teacher, I will be able to use sites like Delicious and Goodread to not only keep track of my favorite sites and books, but to also know what other teachers like and use. Again, I look forward to becoming more comfortable using these tools in the future!

I really do not have very much background in technology. I would define myself as "technically challenged." I am competent and know enough to get by, but beyond what is required of me, I know nothing. I do, however, wish that I knew more because I am very aware of how important technology is.