Journal 4

Campbell, L. (2012). If you give a kid a video camera . . . Learning and Leading with Technology, 39(5), 30-32. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/February-2012.aspx

The article expresses that if you give a child the opportunity to use a personal recording device, such as a video camera, the child will use and and thus want to learn more about using it, and want to learn more while using it.  The article lists some different ways to incorporate video cameras into learning language arts, math, science, and social studies.  The article expresses different ideas on ways to use the cameras, but also expresses why it feels the cameras would add to the learning of that subject.  Along with getting the children more engaged, the article expresses that children learning with the use of video cameras can also learn by being able to watch other studen group processes, rewatch their presentations to learn from mistakes, and can also be used for field trips when not all students are able to attend.

Q: Do I agree with the article on the use and importance of video cameras in connection to learning?

A: Before reading this article, I would have told you No, that I don't think video cameras would be benficial to learning.  However, after reading this article, I agree with the author and I can see the different ways that video cameras can enhance the interest in learning, and the process of learning.

Q: In which ways would I ude video cameras to aid in learning?

A: I feel that video cameras would be very useful in allowing students to watch other groups, or their own group during presentations in order to learn from mistakes.  I think it is good to see what you did wrong by watching yourself so you can improve for the next time.  I also think it would be useful for teachers to record presentations, so they can watch the presentation without grading, and then rewatch it later in order to grade.  I also like the idea of recording fieldtrips so that students who could not go can get the experience and knowledge as well.

Journal 3

Krauss, J. (2012). Infographics more than words can say. Learning and Leading with Technology, 39(5), 10-11. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/February-2012.aspx

Jane Krauss expresses that Infographics, or visual displays of information, help engage multiple parts of the brain and help children to look at problems from more than one angle or point of view.  Infographics go beyond "old school" images and allow children to interact and be more hands on by using computers to solve data sets and problems and allows the data to be combined to show representations, connections, and relationships involving the information.  Infographics are also showing to be beneficial because they mark the spots where linguistic and nonlinguistic merge.

Q: Do I think Infographics are useful?
A: YES! I think that kids are very visual and hands on, and I think that they learn much better that way.  I think that using infographics allows children to look at things in a different way and take a different approach to solving problems.  I think the use of Infographics will help children become more interested in different subjects, and I think it will help deter their frustration if they do not understand something in class.  Being able to interact and look at problems in different ways helps promote problem solving, and I think Infographics will help to promote that.

Q: Will I try to incorporate infographics into my teaching?
A: YES!!  For the reasons I stated in the above question, I will absolutely try to incorporate infographics into my teaching lessons.  I know that not all schools are equipped with enough computers for each child to use their own during class time, but I think that as long as 1 or 2 computers are available in the classroom, I will be able to incorporate learning with the help of infographics.  I personally learn better when I am able to be hands on, so I will do everything in my power to extend that helping ability to the children in my class.

Journal 2

Ferguson, H. (2010). Join the flock!. Learning and Leading with Technology, 12-15. Retrieved from
     www.iste.org/Libraries/ ...and.../June_July_2010_Join_the_Flock.sflb.ashx



The article "Join the Flock" is expressing how personal learning networks are becoming more and more popular and useful for educators.  Hadley Ferguson explains the process in setting up a Twitter account, that a Bio and picture are helpful to help inform people who you are and what interests you, explains how to follow people, that watching conversations is okay before actually getting into the "tweet" process, and that it is a compliment to retweet someone else's posts, and that it actually helps you gain followers. She says that Twitter is a useful way for educators and people who are interested in education to stay connected, share ideas, and communicate.


Q: Would I use a PLN??
A: I think once I understand how to use Twitter and the process of hash tags and following people and posts on Twitter, I think I will use it.  Since I just started the account, it is confusing and I am not sure how the whole process works, but I think once I understand it, it can become a useful tool and will allow me to connect with other educators and share information to make my teaching experience more beneficial for my students.  

McClintock-Miller, S. (2010). Enhance you twitter experience. Learning and Leading with Technology, 15-17. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Libraries/Leading_and_Learning_Docs/June_July_2010_Join_the_Flock.sflb.ashx

The artilce "Enhance Your Twitter Experience" discusses how to use Twitter more effectively for a PLN, and explains the different terms that are associated with using Twitter.  She also explains how to connect to people on Twitter and how to condense multiple social media sites onto 1 general page, such as HootSuite.com.  She explains how to use HootSuite, and also explains how to use hashtags, and the importance of also commenting on other people's postings instead of only posting new things.  She also expresses that she started following people and pages of direct interest to her, and how it helped her increase and build her PLN. 

Q: Do I find Twitter helpful and easy to manage?
A: I think that Twitter can definitely be a helpful tool to share information with fellow educators and people working in the education industry, however I think in order for it to be a helpful tool, I think people need to actively be checking and posting on their Twitter.  I also think that if people want it to be useful and helpful, they need to seperate personal posts from work related ones.  So far, I find Twitter confusing, but I think that if I continue to use it and work with it throughout the semester, I will find it easier to manage and make better PLN connections for the future.

Technology Self Assessment 2.0

Module 2: Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments.
#4: Provide students with multiple and varied opportunities to demonstrate their learning, and I make data-based decisions to customize and adapt future learning opportunities aligned with content and technology standards. 

I chose this standard because I am not super technology savvy yet, and I think integrating technology into useful and comprehensible lesson formats will be difficult for me at first.  I also picked this standard because I have never really had instructors who have used technology usefully during classroom instruction (other than 422) and I thought it would be useful to see how this resource explains the importance of technology in student development.

What I learned:  Studies are showing that 21st Century educational techniques involving technology help to promote deeper thinking, adapting to different workplace skills, and promotes a higher level skill development.  Integrating technology into the classroom, which promotes a different approach to student assessment for learning, creates new pathways to the end, learned result, but allows students to challenge themselves, explore, and think in new patterns. The learning process should never be assumed by educators.  Allowing students to utilize technology in the learning process, helps them become more innovative and creative, and broaden their exploration and journey in the educational process. 

http://thejournal.com/Articles/2008/05/01/21st-Century-Teaching-and-Learning-Assessing-New-Knowledge.aspx?sc_lang=en&Page=1

Journal 1: 100 Things That Make Me Happy :D


1. My boyfriend Erick
2. My little nephew Nicholas
3. My Family 
4. My Friends
5. Tattoos
6. Massages
7. Pedicures/Manicures
8. Long talks with my big sister (aka: my best friend, my grasshopper)
9. Hot Chocolate with mini marshmallows
10. Starbucks
11. Being Successful in school
12. Getting good tips at work
13. The Beach
14.  Crimson Roses
15. Voicemails from my little sisters
16. Pictures of my siblings and I growing up
17. My Nook :) 
18. Getting in "I Love You More" fights with my 2 year old nephew
19. Vans (the shoes)
20. Driving my boyfriend's 1972 Chevy Nova
21. Cheesecake
22. Quoting movies with my stepsister as a normal way of conversation
23. Making my friends laugh
24. Getting drunk "I Love You" text messages from my boyfriend
25. Baking desserts
26. My cell phone
27. Going to the movies
28. Makeup 
29. Getting my hair done
30. Rain
31. My bed
32. Taking random pictures
33. Pay Day at work
34. Date Nights with my boyfriend
35. Wine
36. Bubble Baths
37. Erick's homemade Italian Spaghetti Sauce (delicious)
38. the Gym (when I can motivate myself/find time to go)
39. The way my friend's daughter runs and screams "HHHIII!!!" when she sees me.
40. Fluffy, warm socks
41. My friends from school who make class amazing
42. Sonic (the food, not the hedgehog)
43. Camping
44. Black Diamonds
45. Lazy Sundays 
46. Loaded Potato Soup
47. "Jersey Shore" (yes.. I'm one of those..)
48. "Dexter" (the books and shows)
49. My mom calling me her peanut
50. Big comfy sweatshirts
51. Free Stuff
52. Sandwiches
53. Claussen Pickles
54. Facebook
55. Black Wedge Boots
56. Italian Food
57. Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
58. Flowers
59. "How I Met Your Mother"
60. Mt. Hood, Oregon
61. San Francisco
62. Dogs
63. Tempur Pedic Pillows and Mattress Toppers
64. The colors Green, Blue, and Black
65. Music
66. Sushi
67. My sunglasses
68. Facials
69. 1967 Pontiac GTO
70. Stand Up Comedians
71. Netflix
72. Hanging with Friends/ Words with Friends
73. Breakfast Burritos
74. Laughing
75. Smart Water
76. Movies that make me think (i.e. Inception, Girl with the Dragon Tattoo)
77. Coach
78. Furthering my education
79. Coupons/ Discounts
80. Candles
81. Random interesting history facts
82. That I am graduating from CSUSM in May 2012 :)
83. Scentsy
84. Pinterest
85. Amazon.com
86. Being Organized
87. Chapstick
88. Blues Traveler
89. Light Blue Gatorade
90. Sleeping
91. Lunch Dates with my Friends
92. Making a positive impact on people
93. Hot Tubs 
94. True Blood
95. My Nephew's Belly Laugh
96. Making my parents proud
97. Spaghetti Strap Shirts
98. My St. Bernard Slippers
99. Disneyland
100. Finishing Homework Assignments without stressing out about it. ;)