Blog #8

This week I learned about filamentality and WebQuest. What i enjoyed most about learning about these things was that I can create a really fun and interactive project. The options are endless. After reading the articles I got a better grasp on what a WebQuest really was--an interactive computer based project that solely uses the resources from the computer. At first I was not aware of the capabilities of WebQuest until I read some of the examples given(1960s museum) There was so much you could do with it that could be really fun--music, movies, and creative things like pretending your a person from a different time. This is a great way for students to learn how to research in a fun way.
I also really enjoyed the readings because they showed the difference between a "good" WebQuest from a "bad." The articles were clear cut about what should be included in a WebQuest in order for the students to most benefit from this type of learning process. In order to make a good WebQuest you must apply parts of Bloom's taxonomy(or similar too) and engage the students on multiple levels--acquisition, analyzing, experimentation, etc.
There must also be clear defined instructions on how to do the project. Make sure the students are including an introduction, conclusion, task, resources, process, and evaluation. By giving them these steps, they will be able to complete the assignment with a better knowledge of the subject and without frustration. Webquest is a great way for students to learn how to research, site sources, and even learn how to write a paper because all of these things they will use later on in their education. Webquest is beneficial for teachers as well because the students will understand what is expected of them, therefore they will produce better grades and a better understanding of the content.

My URL for filamentality will be posted later

Blog 7 cont.

After reading the article I learned a great deal about how to researsch properly. So many students (and teachers) do not know how to research the correct way. This article gave helpful tips for students such as credibility and where to look. The most shocking thing for me to learn that the most knowlegeable places to look were ones you had to pay for--I thought those were just a scam. This article is a really good article to read if your a teacher because you can use it to help your students research more efficently.

Blog #7

After learning about spreadsheets in class on Thursday, I was surprised that there were so many easy and convenient ways to create one. I was a little bit nervous to do a spreadsheet because I had only did the one for the CCR exam. When I took the exam, I was frustrated because I could not create the same spreadsheet that they required. It took me so long to get the right spreadsheet that matched the test. During class we learned little tricks that would have been so helpful to know during that test. To be honest I never thought I would use excel again but after learning about how to do it and how much easier it was this time , I am confident that I will use in my future classroom. The quiz on excel I found was pretty easy as well because I had learned the skills in class. If I had taken the quiz before the class I would have probably failed.
The most enjoyable part of excel is being able to create charts and graphs so easily. I found that this would be really useful in the classroom because I can use it for statistics. Charts and graphs are a great way for visual learners to retain information. Being a visual learner myself, I was always able to remember things if they were visually displayed for me.
Another aspect that I like about excel is that it computes and organizes things for you. All you have to do is put in a few numbers in and they will find what you need and repeat it for you (if you know all of the tricks.) When excel computes things for you and keeps you organized, then you are less likely to make mistakes grading or computing things yourself.I know that I will be using an excel spreadsheet for my grade book.

Blog # 6

I really enjoyed this website because it had so many different helpful components to it. The component I enjoyed the most was the lesson plans. There was everything that you could possibly need in multiple subjects. I really liked the ideas for math lessons because as a person who struggles with math, I think I will have a hard time teaching it. The links provided gave me great ideas and lesson plans to make math enjoyable for me and my students. Everything from games to creative ways to teach a subject were provided. As a teacher you can always use as much information as you can get. Kids get bored easily with the same old stuff, it's nice for them and for yourself to change it up a bit. This website helps you if your stuck and don't have any ideas. As a student and a tutor myself, I was glad to find links that help you with your homework. I am currently tutoring a foster child in algebra and need as much help as I can get. It is difficult to remember how to do problems when you haven't done them in so long. I can now use the "tutoring" links for my schoolwork and for my student's algebra work.
Another component I really liked was the evaluations. I can use these evaluations when I am grading my students and for my own schoolwork. To have a list of criteria it is easier to asses individuals appropriately. I also liked that everything on this website was already evaluated as good material, therefore your not searching and searching on the web for good lessons and tools for the classroom.
A few other components I would also like to mention are the job opportunities, conference dates, and current topics. It also had state standards listed and helpful links attached to those. Overall I found this website to be extremely helpful and I know I will use it for many different reasons in the future.