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1) Did this course meet your expectations? Explain? (ok, that counts as 1 question :))

Absolutely. This course taught me so much about the different things you can do with free software and online programs. What we learned was not useless at all. We can actually use this new knowledge in our classrooms in the future. Even though this class was on Saturdays, it was not disappointing at all.

2) Why do you think this course should be required for all ED majors?

Technology is not our enemy. Teachers have a lot of other things to do, and technology can help with the other stuff. The world is changing, and we have to change with it. Teachers must take advantage of the tools that are available to make lessons more fun, more meaningful, and "teachable" to students who could not otherwise participate without technology.

3) How will you implement technology into your future classroom?

Well, let's say I got a grant for unlimited funds in technology---I would go nuts with it. I really liked that microscope that connected to a large HDTV, which enabled everyone in the class to observe, and I think that every student should have a laptop...Why not? Since we will have our own website and everything will be posted online... Podcasts are also something that can be used. No more scrambling for lost notes! Audio learners can benefit tremendously! The phonic ear was also one of my favorites. No more teachers screaming at the top of the lungs so that the student in the back could hear. My list goes on and on....One last thing would be digital cameras. Students should be able to take pictures... What a great tool for learning!!!!!

Extra credit: Absolutely Mr. Jenkins!!!! LOl

Video Advertisement

We were given the task of creating a video advertisement on one of the software that we have used in our class. Our group, which consisted of Jovanna, myself and Rita, chose to advertise Weebly.com, for online portfolios. We made a funny movie about the advantages of having an online weebly portfolio, and uploaded it to flickr.com. The experience with video was good, but not everything went as planned for everyone. I learned from my classmates that uploading videos was a difficult task all in itself, which took hours and hours withe the internet connections here on Saipan. Perhaps this would be a good thing to do in another area of the world, with lightning fast speeds. Anyhow, the movie was funny and we were not disappointed.

Weebly

What was the assignment?

our assignment was to create a professional portfolio web page using weebly.com.

What did you like/dislike about assignment and the weebly.com software?

I liked the website because it was really user friendly. I especially like how you can post files. I also added a song to my page, as well as a fun crossword puzzle. The features were easy to use and the page is something I am really proud of. The only thing I did not like was that it sometimes took forever to load.

How would you compare/contrast a web page like this with a blog?

I liked the features like add a file, music, etc. I did not like the fact that the templates are limited. Also, in blogs people can log in and leave comments, which are important also. I guess they are equal since they both have their good and bad sides.

How would you use this as an educator in the future?

I think it's a great way to keep your class informed about assignments, or even just to introduce yourself to your class, or to introduce your class to the world. Wonderful if your class is working on a community project, for instance, and can show the world what they are doing. I really liked this site...I am going to create a weebly site for my ED471 instead of a blog.