I created this newsletter using a word processing tool called Microsoft Word. This newsletter introduces myself to my students and to those viewing my newsletter. My newsletter has three articles that are interesting to read and has a relevant graphic for each article. To create this newsletter I incorporated relevant graphics, boarders, and bullets to make the newsletter more visually appealing. Throughout the article dropcaps were also employed to separate the three articles within the newsletter. Something creative and fun about this newsletter is a sketched picture of myself. This picture was scanned into the computer and then inserted into my newsletter as a fun and relevant graphic. This newsletter is a fun and creative way to use technology and is a great example of incorporating many different skills to produce a fun, final product.
Newsletter of Shannon Gemmell
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Journal 4: All Aboard! Integrating Technology through Curriculum Review- NETS V
Carpenter, D., & Carpenter M. (2008). All Aboard! Integrating Technology through Curriculum Review. Learning and Leading with Technology, 36(4), Retrieved September 29,2009 from
http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=December_January_No_4_3&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4193&ContentID=22190&DirectListComboInd=D
This particular article is very relevant to the things we are currently learning in our technology class. This article addresses how classroom teachers can appropriately incorporate technology use in their own classrooms. It is the goal to implement 21st century skills into classroom instruction when it is deemed appropriate and relevant to the material that the students are learning. This article stresses that teachers are in charge of participating in creating their own curriculum. Working with a collaborative team, consisting of instructional technologists and library media specialists, teachers are able to adopt 21st century skills into their curriculum. One of the goals of incorporating technology skills into the classroom is that teachers wanted to build upon students’ prior knowledge. They wanted to help the students learn new things. Teachers that worked to incorporate technology were not only able to help their students develop new skills, but they were also able to personally use planning templates and instructional strategies. One of the things that I found interesting about this article was that teachers were able to use electronic portfolios as well. This article gave many examples of both teachers and students expressing positive attitudes towards using the internet in their classes. Students were able to use the internet, wiki, photo essays, podcasts, and Flash when learning their course material. In using these technology tools both teachers and students felt that their learning was enhanced.
How can I incorporate technology in my (future) class?
I liked that one teacher used electronic portfolios to access their students. Using electronic profiles seems like a quick and effective way to evaluate student work. I also like the idea of being able to use planning templates to help with classroom lessons.
With technology being used more and more each day will there ever be a time when elementary school students will be required to bring their own personal laptops to class?
Since teachers have been using technology more in their classrooms I can’t help but wonder if every student will someday have their own personal computer. It is interesting to think that there may come a time when elementary school students are submitting their spelling words electronically.
http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=December_January_No_4_3&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4193&ContentID=22190&DirectListComboInd=D
This particular article is very relevant to the things we are currently learning in our technology class. This article addresses how classroom teachers can appropriately incorporate technology use in their own classrooms. It is the goal to implement 21st century skills into classroom instruction when it is deemed appropriate and relevant to the material that the students are learning. This article stresses that teachers are in charge of participating in creating their own curriculum. Working with a collaborative team, consisting of instructional technologists and library media specialists, teachers are able to adopt 21st century skills into their curriculum. One of the goals of incorporating technology skills into the classroom is that teachers wanted to build upon students’ prior knowledge. They wanted to help the students learn new things. Teachers that worked to incorporate technology were not only able to help their students develop new skills, but they were also able to personally use planning templates and instructional strategies. One of the things that I found interesting about this article was that teachers were able to use electronic portfolios as well. This article gave many examples of both teachers and students expressing positive attitudes towards using the internet in their classes. Students were able to use the internet, wiki, photo essays, podcasts, and Flash when learning their course material. In using these technology tools both teachers and students felt that their learning was enhanced.
How can I incorporate technology in my (future) class?
I liked that one teacher used electronic portfolios to access their students. Using electronic profiles seems like a quick and effective way to evaluate student work. I also like the idea of being able to use planning templates to help with classroom lessons.
With technology being used more and more each day will there ever be a time when elementary school students will be required to bring their own personal laptops to class?
Since teachers have been using technology more in their classrooms I can’t help but wonder if every student will someday have their own personal computer. It is interesting to think that there may come a time when elementary school students are submitting their spelling words electronically.
Social Bookmarking- NETS III, IV
1.National Archives
I went through the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire tutorial. This tutorial summarized the events of that horrible day and the events that followed. In addition to summarizing the events of this tragedy the tutorial also provided a lot of primary resources. They provided court reports and testimonies of witnesses. To summarize the events, it started with a Clerk of the U.S. District Court of San Francisco recording in his minute book that at 5:13 a.m. on April 18th 1906 San Francisco was hit with a very violent earthquake. As a result of that earthquake, many buildings collapsed and a fire broke out that lasted for three days. 250,000 people were instantly homeless and many of the hospitals were full with injured people. After the earthquake, and once the terrible fire ended, residents of San Francisco worked together to rebuild their city.
It is important to use primary sources in your classroom because students are able to read firsthand accounts of what really happened. In reading the minutes from a court room clerk or in reading the testimony of a local bartender at the time of the events the students are able to read for themselves direct experiences. They are not reading from a textbook one historian’s interpretation of events.
2.NEA Achievement Gap
“Becoming a Culturally Competent Educator”
In becoming a culturally competent educator I feel that the below three areas fit my style.
Engage school staff in discussions and activities that offer an opportunity to explore attitudes, beliefs, and values related to cultural diversity and cultural competence.
I went through the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire tutorial. This tutorial summarized the events of that horrible day and the events that followed. In addition to summarizing the events of this tragedy the tutorial also provided a lot of primary resources. They provided court reports and testimonies of witnesses. To summarize the events, it started with a Clerk of the U.S. District Court of San Francisco recording in his minute book that at 5:13 a.m. on April 18th 1906 San Francisco was hit with a very violent earthquake. As a result of that earthquake, many buildings collapsed and a fire broke out that lasted for three days. 250,000 people were instantly homeless and many of the hospitals were full with injured people. After the earthquake, and once the terrible fire ended, residents of San Francisco worked together to rebuild their city.
It is important to use primary sources in your classroom because students are able to read firsthand accounts of what really happened. In reading the minutes from a court room clerk or in reading the testimony of a local bartender at the time of the events the students are able to read for themselves direct experiences. They are not reading from a textbook one historian’s interpretation of events.
2.NEA Achievement Gap
“Becoming a Culturally Competent Educator”
In becoming a culturally competent educator I feel that the below three areas fit my style.
Engage school staff in discussions and activities that offer an opportunity to explore attitudes, beliefs, and values related to cultural diversity and cultural competence.
- I think that in order for myself to make any differences I need to enlist the services and help of other school staff. Having discussions about the achievement gap and culturally diverse students will help teachers understand where they stand in their own opinions and beliefs. When a teacher is able to understand their own beliefs they can then evaluate themselves. If a teacher feels like they are doing a good job of treating all students fairly and equally then they are fulfilling their role as an effective teacher; but if they have prejudices that prevent them from teaching all children equally then they need to take the necessary steps to change their teaching habits and attitudes. In order for teachers to better evaluate and access themselves discussions and activities first need to be conducted.
Build and use a network of "natural helpers" at school and in the community as well as "experts" who have knowledge of the culturally, linguistically, racially, and ethnically diverse groups served by your school.
- Having “natural helps” is a great asset to a classroom. I think it would be cool to have guest speakers come in and talk to the students about different races and to share their knowledge and experiences.
Network with parent, family, minority community, and faith-based organizations concerned with the needs of diverse students. Solicit their involvement and input in the design and implementation of initiatives for culturally, linguistically, racially, and ethnically diverse groups.
- I believe that in order to help a student be successful a whole community has to be involved. When parents take active participation in their students’ lives, their student is more likely to excel and be successful. I honestly think that when you show a student that they have a lot of support and if you have high expectations for a student, that student is more likely to take honest interest in their academic careers.
3.Cyber Bullying
Quiz RESULTS: 6-10 Points: Cyber Risky“Well, you’re not perfect, but few people are. Chances are you haven’t done anything terrible and were just having fun, but try not to repeat your behaviors, since they are all offenses. Keep in mind the pain that your fun might be causing others!”
I have a tendency to be a little sarcastic online sometimes. I come from a very sarcastic family and sometimes it’s easy to poke fun of other people when it’s all in “good fun.” Seeing that my cyber behavior is a bit risky I guess I need to tone down the sarcasm a bit. I know I have unintentionally hurt other people’s feelings in the past and I don’t want to accidentally do it again in the future. Sarcasm doesn’t work so well when it’s typed and people can’t see your facial expressions or hear the tone of your voice.
The article about Teenangels gave 5Ps. They are privacy, predators, pornography, pop-ups and piracy. As a teacher it is my responsibility to teach my students about the different dangers that are on the Internet. When students are informed about possible risks they are better able to protect themselves against them. I think that having those 5Ps posted on a wall in the classroom would be a good reminder. Also, if my students are victims are cyber bullying I would hope that they would inform an adult of the problem and ignore the bully.
4.Kathy Schrock’s guide for Educators
This site had a ton of great information. At first I was a little overwhelmed because I didn’t know where to even begin. So to start, I went under the “Subject Access” area and picked the “history and social studies” link. Under that link I accessed the “Biography Maker.” The biography maker was really cool. It provided teachers with a lesson plan on how to teach their students how to write a great biography. It gave step by step instruction in creating and writing a biography. Students are to start off writing a biography by creating good and interesting questions that they would like answers to. It even provided a list of interesting questions. It then gave a list of places students could go to research the individual they were writing a biography on. Some suggestions were books, encyclopedias, and the Internet. Once the students have gathered enough information they then move on to step three and put all of their gathered information together. Once the student has put together all of the information that they feel is important it is time for the student to tell the story of the person they are writing the biography about. This site then goes on to give six traits of effective writing.
Next, after I visited the “Subject Access” area I went to the “Teacher Helpers” link. This link also had a lot of valuable and interesting information. This particular section of the site had a lot of rubrics. I looked at the “Learning Skills Rubric” and I thought it was interesting that they had a lot of different criteria to be evaluated. Works independently, teamwork, organization, and initiation were just some of the topics that were on this rubric. A student could then be evaluated under each topic as needing improvement, satisfactory, good, and excellent.
In exploring what this site has to offer I can definitely see myself using this site as a teacher. This site had a lot of valuable lesson plans and rubrics that can be used on a daily basis. In the example of the Biography Maker alone a teacher could effectively teach her students how to write a good and interesting biography. I’m honestly excited to explore this site more and to see what more it has to offer.
5.Multiple Intelligences
My learning styles: Interpersonal-81
Intrapersonal-81
Verbal-Linguistic-67
In watching the "Multiple Intelligences Thrive in Smartville" video I learned that it is the teachers responsibility to teach in a variety of ways. A teacher's students learn in many different ways and a teacher can enhance their students learning when they don't teach the same way everyday. I learned that there are eight ways that children learn and letting children use all their smarts gets them excited about learning.
6.Teaching Tolerance Lesson Idea
Grade: 3-5
Subject: Social Studies
Topic: Focused around home and understanding its diverse definitions.
The objective of this lesson is to teach students about the many definitions and meaning that the word “home” has and to also teach students about how to handle loss. Many different cultures and people have created a wide variety of diverse kinds of homes. This lesson also has the objective to explore why people become homeless. This lesson plan starts off by providing some questions, for example; what defines home, what makes home a place, why do people more, and how do you cope with loss.
This lesson plan suggests that teachers start by asking their students to define what home means to them, and then to share that definition with their classmates. In small groups students are to discuss their varying definitions. Once the class has had an opportunity to discuss their varying definitions, the class as a whole then comes up with a classroom definition of “home.”After the class has agreed upon a definition of “home, “ the teacher will then share the story of the Salish Tribe that was required to leave their home in 1891. Once the story is read the teacher will ask the students to discuss how it made them feel. This lesson plan then has the students determine how the Salish people would define home and then see how that definition compares to the one the class came up with. Once the class has compared the two definitions the teacher can then explain that different people have different definitions of home. The lesson points out that in addition to defining home, it also wants to teach students about loss. As groups the students will discuss a time in their lives that they experienced some kind of loss. Once the students have come to understand loss and that there are varying definitions of home, have the students come up with a new definition for home that they can display in their classroom.
As an extra activity this lesson suggests that students find ways to make their own school more welcoming to someone that is dealing with the loss of something important to them. I can use this lesson in my own class by helping students understand that everyone has difficult things that they are dealing with, and it is our responsibility to make every student feel at home in our classroom. I can ask students to list ways of how they can make their classroom feel safe, welcoming, and happy. Once the students have come up with some good ideas I can post their ideas on the wall as a reminder for them to treat all their classmates with kindness and to establish a “home-like” classroom.
7. Ed Change Multicultural Awareness Quiz
Question 1: According to the National Center for Education Statistics, what is the percentage of U.S. schools with no teachers of color on staff?
Answer: 40%
I am having a really time understanding how 40% of schools in the United States do not have teachers of color on staff. That is an insanely high number to me. How can a school with diverse students not have diverse teachers? The achievement gap is huge and I can’t help but wonder if this gap would shrink if we had more diverse teachers teaching in the school systems.
Question 13: Based on a 2007 report from the Economic Policy Institute, the annual earnings of the average full-time U.S. worker is roughly equal to:
Answer: The daily earnings of the average CEO in the U.S.
The answer to this question really made me sick. There are so many people out there that work so hard to make a decent living for their families and these CEO’s are making disgusting amounts of money. I know the world isn’t fair but it would be nice if these CEO’s could help share the wealth in some way. Schools could definitely use some money and it would be nice to see the employees, the real hard workers of these companies, have a pay increase.
8.Netiquette
Thank you for taking the Netiquette Quiz!
You correctly answered 10 questions
Overall Score: 100%
In today’s society students are surrounded by technology. From texting, to blogging, to emailing; technology is a part of the daily lives of students. Since technology plays such a huge and vital role in student’s lives, students need to learn the proper dos and don’ts of the cyber world. The rules of online behavior are referred to as Netiquette. It is important to teach students netiquette so that they have knowledge about appropriate social behavior while on the Internet. It is important for students to remember that even though they can’t see another person’s face they are still dealing with real people. They need to keep their comments appropriate and remember that written words don’t carry facial expressions or tone of voice. It is also important that students remember that what they write probably won’t go away. They need to be careful of how they are presenting themselves while on the Internet. :->
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Journal 3: Walk, Fly, or Teleport to Learning- NETS V
Yoder, M.B. (2009). Walk, Fly, or Teleport to Learning. Learning and Leading with Technology, 37(2), Retrieved September 22, 2009 from
http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=September_October_No_2_3&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4381&ContentID=24200&DirectListComboInd=D
Implementing virtual worlds into the classroom is a new way for teachers to help engage their students in learning. Multiuser virtual environments (MUEVs) are becoming more popular as increased amounts of children are participating in them, and as teachers are using them in their classroom. The author of this article, Maureen Yoder states, “In addition to content-rich explorations, students in a virtual environment learn social, technical, and practical life skills in a setting that keeps them engaged, inquisitive, and playful.” She suggests that incorporating MUEVs into a classroom will enable educators to provide their students with more learning opportunities. In using virtual worlds in the classroom students are able to learn things that they wouldn’t otherwise learn. Playing these virtual games will help students become more knowledgeable in real world challenges. There are activities that enable students to become more skilled with making decisions based on health care, families, communities, and the economy. These virtual worlds offer a wide range of learning. One online course is Science through Second Life (StSL). This course helps to foster students’ interests in science. The students in this course are able to learn about science related topics that they would not otherwise learn. Many of the students in this course find it so enjoyable that they stay after school in order to play and learn more.
How can using MUEVs keep kids involved in learning when they cannot physically be in the classroom as a result of an illness, suspension, or vacation?
If a student is participating in this virtual world they can stay connected to education and learning even if they physically cannot be in the classroom. A student can continue his education if other circumstances prevent him from doing so. If a student is able to continue learning he will not fall behind the rest of the class.
How can using MUEVs keep a student involved socially and involved in the community?
In practicing real world experiences virtually, the student can think about how they would respond to situations. They can develop and perfect new skills. Allowing them to practice in a virtual world will better prepare them to participate in real world situations.
http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=September_October_No_2_3&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4381&ContentID=24200&DirectListComboInd=D
Implementing virtual worlds into the classroom is a new way for teachers to help engage their students in learning. Multiuser virtual environments (MUEVs) are becoming more popular as increased amounts of children are participating in them, and as teachers are using them in their classroom. The author of this article, Maureen Yoder states, “In addition to content-rich explorations, students in a virtual environment learn social, technical, and practical life skills in a setting that keeps them engaged, inquisitive, and playful.” She suggests that incorporating MUEVs into a classroom will enable educators to provide their students with more learning opportunities. In using virtual worlds in the classroom students are able to learn things that they wouldn’t otherwise learn. Playing these virtual games will help students become more knowledgeable in real world challenges. There are activities that enable students to become more skilled with making decisions based on health care, families, communities, and the economy. These virtual worlds offer a wide range of learning. One online course is Science through Second Life (StSL). This course helps to foster students’ interests in science. The students in this course are able to learn about science related topics that they would not otherwise learn. Many of the students in this course find it so enjoyable that they stay after school in order to play and learn more.
How can using MUEVs keep kids involved in learning when they cannot physically be in the classroom as a result of an illness, suspension, or vacation?
If a student is participating in this virtual world they can stay connected to education and learning even if they physically cannot be in the classroom. A student can continue his education if other circumstances prevent him from doing so. If a student is able to continue learning he will not fall behind the rest of the class.
How can using MUEVs keep a student involved socially and involved in the community?
In practicing real world experiences virtually, the student can think about how they would respond to situations. They can develop and perfect new skills. Allowing them to practice in a virtual world will better prepare them to participate in real world situations.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Journal 2: Grounded Tech Integration- NETS V
Harris, J., & Hofer M. (2009). Grounded Tech Integration. Learning and Leading with Technology, 37(2), Retrieved September 15, 2009 from
http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=September_October_No_2_3&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4381&ContentID=24179&DirectListComboInd=D
Harris and Hofer look at different approaches to introduce more curriculum-based technology into the classroom. To be able to effectively implement technology use in a classroom they realize that a lot has to be accomplished before teachers will feel comfortable doing so. Teachers have to become familiar with the technology and figure out a way to execute the technology tools in their lesson plans. Also, teachers must first assess their students’ learning needs before focusing too heavily on incorporating technology. Harris and Hofer suggest that teachers first create lesson plans based on content and what the student has to learn, and then to incorporate technology. They worry that if teachers first use technology and secondly the curriculum, the student will not learn the necessary content. In looking first at content and second technology they call this the “grounded” approach to technology integration. With this “grounded” approach teachers are able to focus first on what is most beneficial to the student, content and pedagogy, and secondly on technology. The authors of this article suggest that there are five basic steps to planning a lesson and that within these steps it is essential to remember that the learners come first and technology last.
How can I make sure to use the “grounded” approach when integrating technology in my classroom?
As a future teacher I know it is important for a student to learn the curriculum, but I also know that technology skills are essential as well. When creating a lesson plan I need to keep focused on what my goal is and make sure that the student learns what he needs to learn. Once I have decided what material needs to be taught I can find programs and activities that will help the student learn the content. There are a lot of activities that are technology based that help to foster content learning.
How can I turn technology skills learned in a classroom into long term use?
As a teacher I need to make it a priority to find technology based activities that are fun and easy to use. In finding activities that students like they will be more likely to use them on a regular basis. If a student likes something they learned in class they will want to share their new skills with family and friends.
http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=September_October_No_2_3&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4381&ContentID=24179&DirectListComboInd=D
Harris and Hofer look at different approaches to introduce more curriculum-based technology into the classroom. To be able to effectively implement technology use in a classroom they realize that a lot has to be accomplished before teachers will feel comfortable doing so. Teachers have to become familiar with the technology and figure out a way to execute the technology tools in their lesson plans. Also, teachers must first assess their students’ learning needs before focusing too heavily on incorporating technology. Harris and Hofer suggest that teachers first create lesson plans based on content and what the student has to learn, and then to incorporate technology. They worry that if teachers first use technology and secondly the curriculum, the student will not learn the necessary content. In looking first at content and second technology they call this the “grounded” approach to technology integration. With this “grounded” approach teachers are able to focus first on what is most beneficial to the student, content and pedagogy, and secondly on technology. The authors of this article suggest that there are five basic steps to planning a lesson and that within these steps it is essential to remember that the learners come first and technology last.
How can I make sure to use the “grounded” approach when integrating technology in my classroom?
As a future teacher I know it is important for a student to learn the curriculum, but I also know that technology skills are essential as well. When creating a lesson plan I need to keep focused on what my goal is and make sure that the student learns what he needs to learn. Once I have decided what material needs to be taught I can find programs and activities that will help the student learn the content. There are a lot of activities that are technology based that help to foster content learning.
How can I turn technology skills learned in a classroom into long term use?
As a teacher I need to make it a priority to find technology based activities that are fun and easy to use. In finding activities that students like they will be more likely to use them on a regular basis. If a student likes something they learned in class they will want to share their new skills with family and friends.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Journal 1: Online Learning- NETS V
Coyle, S., Jones, T., & Pickle, S.K. (2009). From Alaska to Arkansas, Districts are Experimenting with Online Learning to Solve Access Problems. Learning & Leading with Technology, 37(2), Retrieved September 9, 2009 from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3720092010/SeptemberOctoberNo2/e_Learning_Programs_Come_in_All_Shapes_a.htm
This article takes a look at three different ways that online learning programs are being used in school systems today. Whether the online systems are being employed in a small school district or throughout many districts, online learning is becoming a useful tool for both teachers and students. Within this article three different perspectives were shared. First, the Yukon-Koyukuk School District (YKSD) in Alaska uses online learning to put teachers into virtual classrooms. Their district covers a large distance between their many schools, and through online learning, students throughout the district can receive instruction. The Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) use online learning a little differently than YKSD. BCPS make it possible for students to take courses when it is convenient for them. Some students have busy schedules and online courses provide the opportunity for students to be enrolled in courses. Like BCPS, online learning in Arkansas allows the same flexibility in class scheduling and permits students to take advantage of specialized courses. Online learning allows the students to learn how to effectively use technology. In all three situations online learning has improved achievement and success among the students, and has not only allowed the staff to be flexible, but has also helped to better meet the needs of the individual student.
How can students’ technology skills increase by being enrolled in online courses?
When a student is enrolled in online courses the student is forced to acquire new technology skills. Students will learn how to communicate with their teacher and other students through the use of e-mail, blogging, discussion boards and other social networking sites. Enrollment in an online course will not only educate the student in the course material but will also enable the student to gain useful technology skills as well.
As a (future) teacher, how can I encourage my students to become interested in online learning?
As a teacher, I can encourage my students to enroll in online courses by showing them classes that would be fun to enroll in. I can also teach them how important it is to have solid technology skills. In addition to students gaining technology skills, I can suggest courses that would help supplement additional information to the course I am teaching.
This article takes a look at three different ways that online learning programs are being used in school systems today. Whether the online systems are being employed in a small school district or throughout many districts, online learning is becoming a useful tool for both teachers and students. Within this article three different perspectives were shared. First, the Yukon-Koyukuk School District (YKSD) in Alaska uses online learning to put teachers into virtual classrooms. Their district covers a large distance between their many schools, and through online learning, students throughout the district can receive instruction. The Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) use online learning a little differently than YKSD. BCPS make it possible for students to take courses when it is convenient for them. Some students have busy schedules and online courses provide the opportunity for students to be enrolled in courses. Like BCPS, online learning in Arkansas allows the same flexibility in class scheduling and permits students to take advantage of specialized courses. Online learning allows the students to learn how to effectively use technology. In all three situations online learning has improved achievement and success among the students, and has not only allowed the staff to be flexible, but has also helped to better meet the needs of the individual student.
How can students’ technology skills increase by being enrolled in online courses?
When a student is enrolled in online courses the student is forced to acquire new technology skills. Students will learn how to communicate with their teacher and other students through the use of e-mail, blogging, discussion boards and other social networking sites. Enrollment in an online course will not only educate the student in the course material but will also enable the student to gain useful technology skills as well.
As a (future) teacher, how can I encourage my students to become interested in online learning?
As a teacher, I can encourage my students to enroll in online courses by showing them classes that would be fun to enroll in. I can also teach them how important it is to have solid technology skills. In addition to students gaining technology skills, I can suggest courses that would help supplement additional information to the course I am teaching.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Intro Letter of Shannon Gemmell
Hi! My name is Shannon Rose Gemmell . As a California native, I was born in Long Beach, and spent the first 12 years of my life in Victorville, CA. For my elementary schooling, grades k-6, I attended Puesta Del Sol. When 12, my family moved to Springfield, VA and that's where I spent my middle school years and my first year of high school. While in Virginia I attended Hayfield Middle School and Washington Irving. Oddly enough, my mascot from Washington Irving was the Headless Horseman, creepy but appropriate. My freshman year of high school I attended Robert E. Lee High School and loved it. After my freshman year my family moved back to California and I spent grades 10-12 at Fallbrook Union High School. After graduating from Fallbrook High I went to Brigham Young University-Idaho and got a bachelors degree in Sociology. Those were amazing years. I met some really incredible people and had the best roommates a girl could ask for. After I graduated from BYU-I, I moved back home to Fallbrook. Once back home I started attended a "single's ward" through my church. It is an organization of my church that is for Young Single Adults and that is where I met my husband Keith. We dated for about seven months and were married on August 8, 2008 (8-8-08)! Keith and I have a Scottish Terrier named Brodie; he is a handful but has a very sweet personality. I would have to say that my experience with technology is pretty limited. I know how to do the basics but I am definitely not a technology whiz. I can create word documents and excel spreadsheets. I can e-mail, chat online, and maintain a Facebook page but I don't do much other than that. Oh yeah, I also know how to use my phone and digital camera too. I strongly depend on technology on a daily basis though. It's sad, but I can't go anywhere without my phone and I check my e-mail multiple times a day. I go a little crazy when I don't feel connected to the outside world. Anyway, I would have to say that since I have never used a Mac before this class that I am a PC person. I'm excited to get to know a Mac. Finally, I am currently using the Office 07 version of Microsoft Office. I was a little intimidated by the changes at first but I have now found that it is very easy to navigate around.
When applying to the College of Education the mission statement was actually not a reason why I applied to the school, but since I have had the opportunity to read it through a few times I have found that I really like what it stands for. In reading the College of Education Mission Statement there are actually a lot of topics and values that I value myself, but one factor particularly stands out to me. The part of the statement that I like says that it will prepare thoughtful educators. Throughout my learning years I have felt that some of my teachers didn't have much thought to offer and made the class and or subject very uninteresting. As a future teacher I need to always keep my mind actively involved and engaged. I need to seek out new ideas and be open to other peoples' opinions. In always keeping my mind active I need to commit myself to being a life-long learner; and that is another point of the mission statement that I like. The College of Education is committed to life-long learning and I want to inspire those around me to be life-long learners as well. Individuals become more interesting when they have educated thoughts and one only becomes a better person through life-long learning.
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