Technical Difficulties

Today in INST, we were going to work on ScienceSim, and create a discussion. The lesson didn't go according to plan, and one group got to do it, but my group's computers weren't cooperating. It was frustrating to work with, but its not going to be the only time this happens when using technology. I think i learned today that i need to have a backup plan when using technology. Also, i worked on my lesson plan using Instructional Architect. I think i like using IA because you can have all your lessons in one place. But also, as we learned today, what if the internet is down? ALL of your lesson plans are on line, and you won't be able to access them. So when using IA, i'll make sure i know my lesson really well and can have a backup plan.

Instructional Architect

Today in INST we learned how to use Instructional Architect. I really think this is going to be useful in my classroom as a database which will save my lesson plans. With Instructional Architect, I can have all my resources available in one place. My lesson plans will probably get lost from year to year if I do not have one place which i can put everything. Instructional Architect serves as a storage unit for my lesson plans, and will help me plan more lessons for as long as I want. We used Instructional Architect to start creating a lesson for INST class. Mine is about Utah, so i posted a video about mountain men and I am using a website I found on Utah with games and facts for students. I really like using this program, and I think I will be using it throughout my career as a teacher.

Science Sim

Today we learned how to create an account on science sim and went through a virtual reality tour. We made our own avatars, but didn't customize them. We chatted with other students in the class as well. Honestly, I'm not sure I will use this in my classroom. I enjoyed learning how it all works, but I'm not sure it is applicable in an elementary school class. It was interesting to see how virtual reality has changed since it first came about, and I think it was really cool to see into "second life" -type programs. Since there is a current craze for virtual reality in video games, It is a good idea for me, as a teacher, to be acquainted with this type of program. My students will be interested in stuff like this, so for me to be able to relate to them, this knowledge will be helpful. I'm still not sure what I would use this for in the classroom, but i think a teacher of young students should have a basal knowledge of the things that her students are interested in.

Creating a Survey

Today was really interesting and fun! We created our own surveys using google doc. It was amazingly fast and easy to create my own survey. It was really cool to learn the different types of survey questions, and to figure out which one would be better for the information I need to find. I think i will use this in my future classroom, because its a fun, different way to find out information from my class, and be professional. I want to start using this as soon as possible, in my practicum! Here is a copy of my survey:


https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dGFFUnRXWW1Pb0tvUHN4ZF8xN3Y4Y1E6MA

Copyright

I read the copyright laws and guidelines on the website. It was really interesting to see how easily you can violate copyright without noticing! I think it is really important to teach kids what copyright is, and how to respect it. I took the little quiz after the reading, and I'm not going to lie, it was challenging. It gave scenarios that you had to decide whether or not the person was violating copyright. I always have a hard time with story problems, but this one was confusing.I got 7/10! It definitely proved the point that it is hard to decide whether or not you're breaking the law. I think the best thing to do is to be extra careful when it comes to copyright.

Spreadsheets

Today in INST, we created a spreadsheet. This will be useful to have as i am a teacher, and will be making gradebooks. We edited and worked on a grade book and i am glad that i have this knowledge.

In INST today, we learned how to use a google document and post and share it between partners. I think this would really be useful when i am a teacher because i can share documents and information with my students. It will be helpful for them to be able to view it using internet access at home, and for me to make sure that no student who misses class will miss out. I could use this to post home work or other important documents, and maybe decide that using paper isn't necessary.