Reflection #2

• What attitudes, skills, and concepts have you gained from participating in the course so far? 
•  I feel like I am constantly learning about different technologies that I can use in my classroom.  I have also learned to use teacher blogs as a resource.  Because of the different technologies we used in this class, I have learned to just dive in and not be afraid of learning about something I've never heard of before.
• What have you learned in the course that you will not forget tomorrow? 
•  I have learned that there are teacher blogs out on the web that can be extremely helpful!  I will share this with my co-workers as they are also trying to learn about different ways to incorporate technology into their classroom.  I will remember how to use Voicethread as well.  I was nervous about using this at first but after learning how to use the program found that it was fairly easy.  I wish my computer's all had working sound and the students had head sets that way they could use Voicethread instead of PowerPoint in my class.
• How will you apply what you have learned to your teaching and future learning? 
•  I will use what I've learned from teacher's blogs to continue to use different technologies in my classroom.  Because I have access to computers on a daily basis, I am always looking for new and exciting things to bring in and share with my students.

Blog #3

Tech Alternatives for the One Computer Classroom

By: Mr. Byrne

This blog caught my interest because I am always looking for new activities to use in my classroom.  I also have co-workers that come to me and ask about how they can use computers in their classroom.

The part of the post that interested me was the title.  I was excited to see that there were 10 different activities posted!  I was also interested in the following ideas posted:

1. Game Show Host- There are a ton of interactive games, note taking techniques, and simulation activities on the internet. Allow one student to direct activities projected on the screen or fill in a graphic organizer on the dry erase board and another student to make the movements on the computer. Students can be grouped to increase competition.  
• Example- Go to http://www.schooltimegames.com/ and search for games based a lesson you will be teaching.  Divide students into groups of 3-4 and allow them to compete against each other in a game. One student will operate the computer and be the score keeper.
2. Competition Tool- Play the games or competition listed above (in #2). However, make it a competition between classes to get the whole class involved. The results can be calculated on the board or tracked using an excel spreadsheet with a bar graph.

http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2012/07/tech-alternatives-for-one-computer.html#disqus_thread

My Response:

I enjoyed reading this post.  I think all of these are great idea for a teacher with one computer in their classroom.  I also like how it posts websites for teachers to use!  That is my biggest complaint when reading blogs is that I would like to see examples  or websites that would help teachers create or work on the ideas posted in the blog.  I am a computer teacher that has access to a lab on a daily basis and I can see myself using several of these idea this year.