It's been real. It's been fun.

I am so happy/sad I am now practically finished with this class. I discovered that technology can be a major outlet for creativity and individuality. I hope that my future students can be allowed all of these opportunities in my classroom. Everyone was so helpful and I truly gained a newfound appreciation for helpful peers and instructors. This class was full of people willing to help which made the experience so authentic and meaningful. I now know how to create a Wiki, a website, a movie, and a blog along with many other technical tools. I look forward to using my newly acquired skills in my future classroom!

TPTE 486 Mountaintop Removal

This was another one of my favorite assignments. It was also the most challenging. I could not have done it with the help of some of my classmates.  I would love to use this in my classroom. The only turnoff is the issue with the copyrights of images and music. The idea of violating a copyright is intimidating. My favorite part was selecting the music to go along with this movie. Naturally things in life don't always go according to plan. The music aspect was one of them. I had to just work with using the beginning of each song. It was still such a rewarding and fun task. I really see the merit of doing something like this. It was such an authentic learning experience. I am very passionate about the preservation of our environment and I felt that this was an outlet that I could use to express that and still use it as a learning experience.

So I did not excel at Excel...

Here is my lovely spreadsheet. Only with the help of my dear classmate, Heather, was this U.S. president quiz made possible. I can definitely see how excel can be very useful in the classroom. However, I feel like there are easier and equally interactive ways to create quizzes. This project took me longer than any other. I felt the least creative on this one as well. I am still amazed by the logic statements and the overall percision of Excel. Whether or not I use this in my classroom, I am proud to say that I have created a quiz on Excel...with the slight help of a friend regardless.

My Impressionism Diagram via Inspiration

This was my favorite assignment of all! It was so creative and simple. I would definitely use this in my classroom. I feel that the diagram is best used in a simple layout in order to effectively engage attention of students. The only thing I did not like was that I found it hard sometimes to condense information. I love art and sometimes secretly wish I was a talented artist so I could teach Art. However, I guess I will just have to stick with creating diagrams about art instead.

An Ode to the Literacy Scavenger Hunt

My group went on a literacy scavenger hunt. I enjoyed working in a small group and having the freedom to go outside the building. Finding the items on the check list was a little challenging at times. Believe it or not the hardest thing to find was the misspelled word. Apparently everyone on this campus really does know how to spell! Using a scavenger hunt in a classroom could definitely be appropriate with the right age group and content. Being a future Special Ed teacher, I may have to modify a scavenger hunt and recruit many aides to help. Otherwise, it could prove to be a little chaotic if not properly adjusted for my future students. Overall, I loved the opportunity to think outside the box and do a hands on activity.

Literacy Slideshow-Part Deux

Literacy Sacvenger Hunt Slideshow

Web 2.0

My Web 2.0 Tool was Smilebox. Smilebox has so many brilliant templates that allow you to create calenders, newsletters, virtual show and tells, and many other creative outlets for your classroom. We chose to create a newsletter about our TPTE 486 class as our artifact for the Web 2.0 wiki. Smilebox is a great tool that can engage parents and students outside the class. I feel there are some definite similarities to Glogster in some aspects, especially appearance. Children can create their own page and share it online via email or print it out to take home. If given access to computers in the classroom I definitely would use Smilebox as a work station to create a page about a current lesson.

The IBA

I.B.A.=Inquiry Based Activity. At first, I thought what in the world am I going to do?? After going through 4 ideas and attempting to create an IBA for each, I decided on doing my IBA about Africa. Naturally, I did my IBA backwards. I decided what topic and activity, and then chose my grade level and objectives. I really enjoy the creative license we have when doing these. They allow for children to construct their own knowledge rather than simply reading and reciting verbatim. I will definitely incorporate IBAs in my classroom.

Check In

I have been in  TPTE 486 for a little over a month now. There are many things that I feel I will use in my classroom, such as Wordle, Smilebox, and having a blog. Some things seem a little difficult, such a Delicious. Over all, the things I have learned in here will be extremely helpful in the future. I plan on referring back to the Web 2.0 wiki after I am done with this class.

Stanely...Flat Stanley

In class today we annotated a web quest. I chose "Flat Stanley." Basically with this one, children learn about different states and cities and how to write a letter in order to mail their "Flat Stanley." In case you are wondering who "Flat Stanley" is, I am leaving some links to further explain him. This activity immediately jumped out at me. As I read about this Web Quest, I thought that this is something that I would have been very intrigued by as a young student. I will most definitely do this in my classroom one day.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flat_Stanley


Everyone loves Flat Stanley...

George W. Bush

Clay Aiken

Clint Eastwood

Barack Obama

Evaluating Websites

In class last Wednesday, we were shown the guidelines for evaluating the reliability and usability of websites. As part of an assignment we had to find a website that we thought could be used by a teacher, in a classroom setting, or that would be seen in an educational environment. I chose to analyze Sesame Street's website. They process of going through the check sheet of guidelines was a little challenging. I felt that the website was very reliable and usable, however, the questions seemed to be aimed for something more scholarly. I stuck with the Sesame Street website not only because it seemed like a strong component for classroom and teacher usability and reliability, but also because the bright flashing colors and engaging games were holding my gaze and attention hostage.
On a more serious note, I am very comfortable with the idea of evaluating websites. I see how important it is to know that the information I am referencing in my classroom is usable and reliable. In a college or high school teaching profession this skill would definitely be great for personal use and teaching. In a middle school setting it would seem like an appropriate time to introduce evaluating the reliability of websites. For elementary and younger age groups, as a teacher it would be imperative that the material I am exposing my students to is usable, reliable, and age appropriate.

Wiki Wiki

Thursday was another milestone in my technological journey. I learned how to use a Wiki. Wikis are AWESOME. I am still trying to get more familiar with using one, and also how to even use to word "Wiki" properly in a sentence. Ha ha. The next time my roommates and I need to plan something, I am going to propose using a Wiki. The only downside I have seen to using the Wiki for our class has been the fact that only one person can edit at a time. However, it doesn't overshadow the pride I feel when I talk about Wiki-ing (sp?), and my friends look at me like I am a techno genius. Score!

Expectations for this Course

I am always interested in learning ways to simplify my life. By doing so I can be more efficient, and have more time to devote to my future students. Most importantly, being a teacher requires there to always be an open door for communication. Learning the many technological aspects of education will allow me to be a better commincator to my students and their guardians, and also keep the whole process organized. I expect to learn how to blog, use spreadsheets, web diagrams, and use taskstream to ultimately create an impressive portfolio. I have no idea what a wiki is, and am eager to learn how to use one. Also, I want to have created a professional resume by the end of the semester. I am hoping this class will help me to be more marketable when I enter the job force one day.

Hi...Let's be friends

My name is Alexandra (Ali) Murphy. I am from a small town an hour south of Nashville. I have always enjoyed interacting with children, and helping them learn in unconventional ways. My dream job is to be a Resource teacher at an Elementary School. I am pursuing two Special Education licensures (modified/comprehensive), along with K-6 and early childhood education. I look forward to getting to know everyone in here!

I now pronounce you blog and blogger...

This is my first ever post on my first ever blog! Perhaps I should mark this on my calender.