EME 5053- What kind of technologies are you using in your classroom/school/work environment now?

The kinds of technologies that I’m using in my classroom are Smart Board and Elmo. I use my Smart Board every single day especially during my math and science lessons. My students find it quite impressive and engaging because the Smart Board provides them the opportunity to follow along with me during our discussions. The only set back I have is that the Smart Board takes up so much space and I’m unable to mount the projector on the ceiling. Also, my Smart Board is the older version and I have to constantly realign every time a student bumps it. I’m in the process of acquiring a Mimio and hopefully I can have more success. Right now my Smart Board is not working and it will cost a lot of money to fix it. It’s so frustrating that our school doesn’t have the funds to provide the students the opportunity to utilize technology through their studies. Hopefully, I can get the opportunity to purchase a Mimio to continue what I have already started in my classroom.

EME 5053- What have you learned from your students about integrating technology in the classroom?

I learned that my students are more motivated and engaged in their learning. They usually comment to me that I make learning fun when I use the Smart Board during our math and science lessons. Technology can open new opportunities for any student. My students learn how to be problem solvers and decision makers. With the use of technology, my students have the opportunity to research and gather information on what they want to learn. I also have noticed that my students were able to implement and assess their own learning. I am so impress that my students are interested in their own learning and I know that they will accomplish a lot this school year.

Personal Learning Summary

Well I can’t believe that the semester is over!! It was fun and interesting semester and I can’t believe how much I have learned through this course.

During this semester we discussed what is best for our students and as well for educators. We also discussed the importance of ethics and the importance of online identities and how much information we should allow to be on the internet. The professor also challenge us to think about where we are academically and how we would influence how students into the 21^st century.

I enjoyed reading all the blogs written by my fellow classmates. I was able to learn from them and try a few things that were suggested on my blog through their comments. During this entire semester, I learned quite a few things and I was amazed by myself on how I was able to accomplish each assignment. I learned how to create a blog, used a wiki, create digital storytelling using Prezi, and a curriculum page.  Creating a rubric for the first time with the iRubric website was challenging and fun at the same time. Now that this semester is over, I’m proud that I feel comfortable utilizing these tools that I have learned on a daily basis. I am looking forward to a brand new school year where I can implement all of these new tools and experience I have learned during this semester!!!

Culminating Project

Well I'm finish! Below you can find a link to my curriculum page. Thanks!! :)

http://campbellcrusaders.pbworks.com/w/page/37948507/FrontPage

Rubric!- AR # 7

Rubric!

In this week class we were all asked to create a scoring rubric for our digital storytelling presentation that our current or future students will create. My first thought was that this assignment would be easy! How hard can this be because I create rubrics through Excel to evaluate my students on their projects or book reports.

First I had to decide which rubric software I would like to take an adventure through. After reading through this week module and carefully considerations, I decided to use iRubric.  I found this website user friendly and the video tutorial seems easy enough to follow.

Well I sat down and started at my laptop for 10 minutes before I create my rubric. I look through some sample rubrics to get a better idea of what I could do. I realized that there were quite a huge range of criteria that I could score my students on. I went back and look over the curriculum page that I had originally created for my students. I knew that I wanted to score my students on their research and their overall presentation of their project.  It took some time for me to figure out the quality and quantity of slides they should have in their presentation, pictures and producing a video on their African American in the digital storytelling. I also knew for second grade that grammar and spelling was a huge factor.  So after careful planning and thinking I actually came up with the criteria for my rubric.

The only two difficult parts I consider impossible was the wording of each criteria. Remember, the rubric that I’m creating was or my second grade students and they range from 7 to 8 years old. The wording of my rubric had to be clear and easy for them to read and comprehend for them to complete their digital storytelling. I find myself deleting and calculating the percentage on the rubric. Hopefully I was able to calculate the total possible points each could receive.

I really find this website quite useful and I hope to continue to use it to create more rubrics for my students and I hope to be savvier with it. Next I plan on embed this rubric on my curriculum page so my students and parents can print it off and it as a guide. I feel quite proud of myself and I know this rubric is not perfect, but I believe I did a great job! Well here is my rubric, please let me know what you think of it!

Sample Presentation- AR # 6

This week for my EME 5050 class we were given the task to create our sample digital storytelling project.  This teacher created sample will be used by our students to get a better idea on what their own projects should look like. I decided to create my digital storytelling project for my 2^nd grade students. It’s on a famous African American who contributed or contributes and changed the face of America.  Each of my students will select a famous African American and research as much information as they can. I ended up creating two digital stories as examples for my students.  On my curriculum page, I created a digital story on Ruby bridges and for this week assignment I decided to create the next digital storytelling on Jackie Robinson.

We have been asked to make our presentation on digital storytelling using Prezi or Slideshare. I decided to use Prezi to create my story because I had a few experience creating other stories. This week, the assignment was a quite easy and I was able to add more detail facts to my digital storytelling. I add background color, changing the fonts and adding different colors to my titles. I have yet to figure out how to use the shapes, but I do believe that with time and practice I would accomplish that goal as well. The most consuming part of the project was gathering the details and placing them carefully across the screen. My goal was providing enough space between each fact. I did not want my presentation to be messy.  Once I organize the details, pictures and video it was smooth sailing! Now the only upsetting piece about creating this project was uploading the video from YouTube. I really do not have a problem with YouTube; it’s that Seminole County blocks access to YouTube. We are only allowed to use TeacherTube and for some reason I cannot upload videos from TeacherTube.  Why is that? Is there any way that we can up load videos from TeacherTube for my presentation so that my students can watch the video?  My goal for next school year is to use this presentation as an example for my students. I will be greatly disappointed that my video of Jackie Robinson will not be able to play. If anyone as any feedback on that issue, please let me know!! Well my digital story is finished and it is now ready to be viewed. Please take a look and I hope you enjoy watch it!

Who was Jackie Robinson? on Prezi

Activity Reflection #5

This week in my EME 5050 class we were given the task of making a teacher-created curriculum page on the Wiki page that we were asked to set up last week.  As posted in my last blog, I decided to create my curriculum page on famous African American. My dream project was for my current and future class to create a digital storytelling presentation based on the research that they complied.

Early this week I returned to the Wiki webpage that I had set up I was quite confused and baffled about how to set up my page. I felt lost and stupid. I had no idea what I was doing and how to add the information on the empty web page. So I decided to write everything up that I wanted to include on my curriculum page for my students and then I copied and pasted everything on the edit page.

 I was having the most difficult time figuring out how to create and link each page together. So I decided at this current time to leave it the way it is for now and then I’ll take my time later to familiarize myself with my curriculum page.  I hate the fact that I can’t figure out how to navigate from one page to the other. Anyway, I also include a digital storytelling example so that my students can have an idea on how to create one of their own. After I have edit and felt satisfy with my information, I decided to view it and realize that my digital story was not working. Below the digital story, you can click on the link and it should take you directly to the story.

I am not pleased that I was struggling with this assignment. I am usually technology savvy and I am quick learner when it comes to technology. Anyway, I hope you like my curriculum page and digital story even though you can’t see it directly from the web page.

Well here is the link to my curriculum:

http://campbellcrusaders.pbworks.com

Curriculum Page Reflection

Curriculum Page- Reading Reflection# 5

This week in my EME5050 class we were given the task of think of a curriculum lesson based on our reading in chapter 6 that will be completed on our Wiki page for next week. A curriculum page is usually focused on a particular topic, lesson, or unit being covered in class. I decided to base my curriculum page on Famous African Americans. My dream project was for students to create a digital storytelling presentation based on research that they have conducted on famous African Americans who have contribute to our country. I read through the module that is provided for us and decided to use the PBWorks for Educators.

Every year in February I teach my second grade students a unit on Black History and I usually assigned my students a Famous African American project for them to complete at home. Once the students return the project, I usually allow them to create a powerpoint on their famous African American person. For this curriculum page and for my class next school year, my students will create a digital storytelling about their African American person using Prezi. Their presentation should include: the name of their African American person; their birth and/or death; education/family; major contribution/accomplishments; interesting facts. They are required to have at least 2 pictures of their person.

 My students will have the opportunity to use books from our classroom library, as well as from the media center. They will also have the opportunity to use the internet to help them on their quest for knowledge. They may explore the following web sites for information:

http://www.factmonster.com

http://www.askkids.com

http://www.eduhound.com/

http://kids.yahoo.com/

In order for my students to have an idea on what I’m asking for, I will provide a demonstration so they can see exactly what I’m looking for. I will create a digital story on Black History and their struggles and another digital story on a famous African American person. I will also provide them with examples of other students work that I have research from the Web. Here are a few examples:

www.dtc.scott.k12.ky.us/technology/digitalstorytelling/studentstories.html

http://www.mesquiteisd.org/movie/monarchbutterfly.htm

 

Even though next year second graders will not be able to create a powerpoint for this project, I’ll use the previous class powerpoints as other key resources to show them exactly what kind of information that I’ll be looking for in their story. Students will have the opportunity to share with their classmates on what they have learned about their African American person. Once they have completed this assignment and it is successful, I may allow them to create a new digital story telling summarizing what they have learned about Black History as extra credit. I can’t wait for next year to see how well their digital stories will allow turn out!

Curriculum Page Reflection

Curriculum Page- Reading Reflection# 5

This week in my EME5050 class we were given the task of think of a curriculum lesson based on our reading in chapter 6 that will be completed on our Wiki page for next week. A curriculum page is usually focused on a particular topic, lesson, or unit being covered in class. I decided to base my curriculum page on Famous African Americans. My dream project was for students to create a digital storytelling presentation based on research that they have conducted on famous African Americans who have contribute to our country. I read through the module that is provided for us and decided to use the PBWorks for Educators.

Every year in February I teach my second grade students a unit on Black History and I usually assigned my students a Famous African American project for them to complete at home. Once the students return the project, I usually allow them to create a powerpoint on their famous African American person. For this curriculum page and for my class next school year, my students will create a digital storytelling about their African American person using Prezi. Their presentation should include: the name of their African American person; their birth and/or death; education/family; major contribution/accomplishments; interesting facts. They are required to have at least 2 pictures of their person.

 My students will have the opportunity to use books from our classroom library, as well as from the media center. They will also have the opportunity to use the internet to help them on their quest for knowledge. They may explore the following web sites for information:

http://www.factmonster.com

http://www.askkids.com

http://www.eduhound.com/

http://kids.yahoo.com/

In order for my students to have an idea on what I’m asking for, I will provide a demonstration so they can see exactly what I’m looking for. I will create a digital story on Black History and their struggles and another digital story on a famous African American person. I will also provide them with examples of other students work that I have research from the Web. Here are a few examples:

www.dtc.scott.k12.ky.us/technology/digitalstorytelling/studentstories.html

http://www.mesquiteisd.org/movie/monarchbutterfly.htm

 

Even though next year second graders will not be able to create a powerpoint for this project, I’ll use the previous class powerpoints as other key resources to show them exactly what kind of information that I’ll be looking for in their story. Students will have the opportunity to share with their classmates on what they have learned about their African American person. Once they have completed this assignment and it is successful, I may allow them to create a new digital story telling summarizing what they have learned about Black History as extra credit. I can’t wait for next year to see how well their digital stories will allow turn out!

Digital Storytelling- Penguins

This week’s assignment in my EME 5050 class I was required to read chapter 5. Along with our reading I had to create a presentation on digital storytelling. In my reading I found out that digital media is the use of technology to communicate and express ideas. Digital storytelling is a digital explanation used to introduce concepts, and express ideas. While watching the Digital Storytelling in Plain English, I was thinking of ideas that I can create that I can use in my classroom. So for the digital storytelling presentation, I jotted down facts about penguins. I had already created a PowerPoint on penguins and thought my students would get a kick out of this new presentation. I have never used Prezi and I knew this could be a challenge.  After watching the tutorial of Prezi and I realized that I can complete this assignment. If I can create a PowerPoint, I guess Prezi should be a piece of cake.

In the beginning of my presentation, I started of using a small amount of space. The further I got into my storytelling the more I found that I really needed to make use of the space. In the process, I decided to show the presentation and see how the text and pictures were lined up. I was even able to create a video form YouTube about penguins. I only wish that I could have used teachertube instead.

The only major problem that I had during this assignment was saving it to my USB. I would like to have a collection of my Prezi digital storytelling. Also, I need to have a copy for my portfolio at the end of the semester. Can anyone explain to me how to save a copy on my USB?

I plan on utilizing this software with my student. They may be second graders but I know they are capable of creating their own digital story.

***Below you can find the URL to my Digital storytelling (penguins)

Penguins on Prezi

Reading Reaction 4

According to our book, Integrating Technology and Digital Media in the classroom, “Software is the series of instructions that tell the hardware how to perform tasks.” (Gunter, Gunter, & Shelly, 2010) My principal came to me and gave me great news. She said that she has $1,000 for me to buy one software program for my classroom. Knowing that, I realized that I have a lot of thinking and decisions to make. She gave me three software catalogs that I can choose from. The catalogs choices are:

 http://www.academicsuperstore.com /, http://www.journeyed.com/, and

 http://www.k12software.com .

After careful considerations, I decided to download Kidspiration 3.0. I felt that this software would be great to use in math, reading and writing. The students would have the ability to strengthen their skills that they have learned. Also, this software would help my students develop thinking skills, improve their reading and writing skills, and help build their conceptual math skills.  After trying this software for several weeks, I would recommend to my team and hopefully they can download this software.  If they cannot download the software, we probably come up with a schedule so that we can rotate the computer to allow our students to utilize this product. I decided to compare and contrast the specifications for my computer and the software. I wanted to see if the software is compatible and my computer have enough memory and space to accept this software.

Here are the specifications for the software:

System Requirements:

• Windows

Pentium II 266 MHz or faster Windows 98, ME, 2000 XP

Vita or Windows 7 128 MB minimum RAM 800x600

16-bit color or higher 75 MB minimum install 250 MB full install CD-ROM drive

• Macintosh

Macintosh G3 300 MHz or faster OS X, version 10.2.8 or newer

192 MB minimum RAM 800x600 (minimum) 1024 x 768 (recommended)

Thousands of colors or higher 75 MB minimum install 250 MB full install CD-ROM

My computer specifications are:

Operating system: Windows 7 Home Premium

Processor- AMD Phenom(tm) II N660 Dual-core processor 3.00 GHz

Memory: 4.00 GB (3.74 GB usable)

Screen resolution: 1366 x 768

Video card: AMD M880G with ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4250

Removable media options: is no longer available for Windows 7.

As I looked over my computer and software specifications, I realized that I have no idea what most of these specifications meant. I decided to look for more information in my textbook Integrating Technology and Digital Media in the Classroom to grasp further knowledge. I also learned that there are wonderful soft wares that are available to engage and motivate our students’ learning.

Resource:

Gunter, G.A., Gunter, R.E., & Shelly, G.B. (2010) Integrating Technology and Digital Media in the Classroom (6^TH ED).

Activity Reflection 3- All About Me Page/ Online Identity

As an educator, I believed that it is very important to maintain a good relationship with my students and parents. I find it easier to communicate through email rather than talking on the phone. I think that creating a web page is a great way to connect with parents and students, and allowing them more access to me both during and outside of the classroom. I had recently created a teacher web page for classroom. I feel that it is important to let my parents and students get to know me a little better. Also by creating the teacher web page, my students can access their homework and any other assigned projects.

This week’s activity in my EME5050 class I had to create an “About Me” page. During this week’s reading, I came across the YouTube Video- “you don’t get to write your own resume”. A light bulb went off in my head. I realized that you have to be careful of the information that you placed on the internet because you never know who is trying to steal your identity. While completing the assignment, I had to consider on what was important and how much information I need to include on my “About Me” page. Even though I don’t want my personal information available to just anyone, I can see the benefits of creating an online presence. After completing the “About Me” assignment, I realized that I can choose what I can post and it is a great tool to involve my students to utilize along with their parents. This assignment has given me great ideas on how to improve my teacher webpage. I plan on adding links to great math or reading websites. Creating this “About Me” page was easy because I had created a teacher webpage. It is not as fancy as my teacher page, but it is a start and I hope to add on to it.

Activity Reflection # 2

This week assignment asked us to think about our own comfort level with productivity software. Well for starters I believed that I am quite comfortable with technology. I am the team liaison and I try to stay up to date with today’s technology. I am quite savvy when it comes to Microsoft word, powerpoint, Elmo, Movie maker, Photo Story and Black Board. I am also comfortable using the flip camera especially when I up load the pictures to make a movie. After each unit, I usually have the students upload their work and either create a movie using the Movie maker software. Every Tuesday, I would take my second graders to the computer lab and show them how to utilize the software that is currently available. Currently, my intern and I are teaching my students how to use Max Show. It’s new software that was created for primary students. While at the lab, the students can create slides about the concepts that they are learning about that week. I also noticed that my students are more effective at editing their work while using the Max Show software. I believed that our students should be prepared to become computer savvy in today’s society. One of my favorite software is the Smart Board. I find myself staying extra late at school to find new educational interactive activities to implement in my lessons. With the Smart Board, my students can have hands on experience and they are more involved in the lesson.

My least favorite software is Excel and I’m almost had a panic attack when I saw that we had to create a sample gradebook. The only time that I use Excel is when something is already saved and I want to create a new assignment with that template. The first thought that came to mind was that I’m not going to get a good grade on this assignment because I have no idea how to utilize Excel. After a few days, I decided to consult one of my co-workers who’s an expert at Excel. With her help, she showed me how to create a gradebook. At first I was overwhelm by everything and how I was going to get through the assignment. Well she and I made a copy of the sample that the professor gave us and walk me through each step. Before long I was getting a handle of the basic steps of Excel. I am still not an expert at Excel, but at least I can create a gradebook.  At our school we use SASI for attendance and to import our grades, so creating a gradebook on Excel is not required. After this assignment, I have decided to utilize the Excel software so I can become an expert. I feel that since I’m getting my masters in technology, I should make sure that I’m well diverse in all of the productivity software that is available. I hope one day I can say I am a pro at the Excel software. J

Reading Reaction # 3

Is it more unethical to allow threats to students/schools (see list above) or to deny students/teachers access to instructionally-relevant Web-based tools and content

You never want to limit the education of a student; however you want to protect the quality of education. I believe that it ethical to deny students and teachers access to instructionally-relevant Web-based tools.” The Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA)” decreeing that public school libraries wishing to take advantage of the federal Internet must have internet safety policy and filtering technology in place (Kelsey, 2007). It is the right of the school district to uphold this law and to ensure that our students are surfing the internet safely. The use of the internet is a privilege and I believe that teachers and students should respect the guidelines that are set.  It is our job as an educator to protect our students from harmful materials that is on the internet. I find it quite difficult to monitor a class of eighteen in a computer lab, while working with other students in the classroom. I feel that this generation of digital students can find a way to access certain restricted websites that are blocked. There are websites like eHow.com that can teach students on how to maneuver around all around the county firewalls.

Some teachers may feel that it is unethical to deny students/teachers access to relevant-Websites. But I feel that teachers can access resources on alternative websites. Instead of using YouTube, you can use teacher tube. I don’t believe that YouTube do not have enough relevant sources to be utilize in the classroom. It would also be a distraction for students especially if they came across an inappropriate source.  Over the years of my teaching career, I have found great educational sources like googlescholar.com to gather appropriate resources to utilize in my lessons. I feel that the district have the right to deny access to our students because it’s our job to keep our students safe from inappropriate materials. In this week reading, I came across a key point to our question. Teachers and parents need to ensure that children understand that inappropriate materials exist on the internet (Shelly, 6^th edition). I feel that teachers have a responsibility to teach their students the necessary skills they will need to use on the internet.

 

Source:

Kelsey, M., (2007). Are We Lucky for the First Amendment? A Brief History of Student’s Right to Read.  

         Knowledge Quest, pp. 26-29

Shelly, G.B.; (2010). Integrating Technology and Digital Media in the Classroom. 6^th Edition. Shelly Cashman Series, pp. 492

               

Reading Reaction # 2

The 21^st Century Student

What can I say about the 21^st century student! According to Dr. Drexler, connectivism empowers students to take control of their own learning. I believed as teachers you have to guide your students to discover and seek information to determine the facts on their own. It takes time to coach and guide students to take charge in their own learning. A teacher must first initial the learning process among their students to gather and share information in order for students to take over and fulfill each assignment or project. Teachers should assist and make sure everything is working smoothly and keep the students searching and working in the right directions. Teaching is not only showing how much the teacher knows but realizing that students will exceed the teacher and become self-learners about any topic. My theory is let the students have fun while learning. This will allow them to make connections and they will connect things that they are enthusiastic about. By allowing students to take control of their own learning, they will realize that learning is just more than opening up a book and reading a book.  Through the use of technology, students can be artistic, creative and it allows them to be more engage in their learning. Teachers should not be afraid to implement technology in their lessons and allow students to take charge in their own learning.

While reading our text this week, I realized how important technology is in the classroom. The students make their own decisions and they control how to use the information that they locate on the internet.  Another benefit for utilizing technology in the classroom, students are more engage, motivate and willing to participate in their studies. So as we journey through this 21^st century, teachers should help their students develop new ways to facilitate their own learning.  

Activity Reflection # 1

Throughout my years of teaching, I try to implement additional resources in my lessons.  There are times I find myself looking for these resources from materials that I already have.  After days of researching for these resources, I find myself getting frustrated by the lack of resources that I can use in my lessons. Every year I develop a black history unit and I have difficulty finding resources to implement in my lessons. This year I wanted my students to be more engaged in the lessons, I decided to implement more technology in my unit. After several hours of researching, I was able to find exactly what I was looking for.  I believed that my 2^nd graders will be engaged and motivated throughout this unit.

As a Seminole County Public school teacher, I am able to access the website to find additionally resources. One of my favorite resources is located under the student tab. There you will find a link call Tumble books that provide electronic books and other digital resources for both teachers and students.  Students of all ages have access to EBSCOhost, SCPS library, Grolier Online and other resources. The website provides resources for teachers as well. Teachers have the opportunity to sign up for Professional development courses like blackboard and teacher center. The website also provides useful links on FCAT and PTA information for parents.

The Florida Department of Education provides useful information for teachers, students and parents. Students have the opportunity to access the new podcast. The podcast was designed for middle school students to encourage a love for reading and it gives them the opportunity to connect with their favorite authors. Teachers can find useful information such as instructional resources to use in their classrooms. There is also information and resources for parents, community and administrators.

During this week reading, I was able to visit three great websites. I decided to focus my search on one of the units that I usually teach to my class each year. That unit was Black History. The first website I decided to research was eduHound (www.eduhound.com) . I was amazed at all of the links that was available for educators. I decided to use quite a few of those sources for my unit. The second site I visited was FirstGov for Kids (www.kids.gov) . There teachers and students can find links to government and other kids sites. This week I took my class to the lab and they were allowed to navigate the site and find information for their report. The third site I visited was Ask for kids (http://www.askids.com/) . My students also had the opportunity to navigate through this website and I was surprised how kid friendly and age appropriate the site was. While searching for more information, I decided to search YouTube and Teacher tube for great videos to implement in the unit. I was so excited that my students would be able to see these videos and learn about the struggles that African American had to endure during the civil rights movement.

I truly enjoyed reading and searching for great resources for my lessons. I’m looking forward to the great resources I will find for my next unit.

Reading Reaction #1

"Are we doing what is best for our students, or are we doing what is most convenient for us?

 

    As an educator this question is difficult to answer. I believed that teachers are doing their best to motivate their students. In today's society, we have teachers who are "old school" and they are stuck in their old ways. It's very hard to change and today's technology is very difficult for those teachers to learn about. There are not enough professional development classes available for season teachers to utilize. Some teachers believed that the traditional teaching works and they see no need to change their ways. It's always a struggle between the season and new teachers because they believed what works 20 or 30 years ago is still good for today. I look at this question as this; we can take what was utilized in the past and incorporate it into today's technology.

          I think that teaching in a differentiated classroom is a great way to reach all of the different learners in my classroom. From experience I have noticed that my students are engaged and motivated; they are more willing to participate and be involved in classroom discussions. The students in my classroom have many different choices to choose from. I have set up different activities to meet all the needs of my students. This will help each student to be successful.

          During this week reading, I came across a key point; “teachers have found that using computers, digital media, and other computer-related technologies can capture students’ attention and improve students’ outcomes”(Shelly, 6^th edition). I realized that when I decided to utilized the Smart Board in my curriculum, my students were excited to participate and willing to come to the board to be part of the lesson. This gave more free time to work with other students who are struggling in certain subjects. This was my first year incorporating the Smart Board in my curriculum. I have noticed a huge difference among my students.

 

So to answer this question, I would say yes and yes.

 

Reading Reaction # 1

"Are we doing what is best for our students, or are we doing what is most convenient for us?

    As an educator this question is difficult to answer. I believed that teachers are doing their best to motivate their students. In today's society, we have teachers who are "old school" and they are stuck in their old ways. It's very hard to change and today's technology is very difficult for those teachers to learn about. There are not enough professional development classes available for season teachers to utilize. Some teachers believed that the traditional teaching works and they see no need to change their ways. It's always a struggle between the season and new teachers because they believed what works 20 or 30 years ago is still good for today. I look at this question as this; we can take what was utilized in the past and incorporate it into today's technology.
          I think that teaching in a differentiated classroom is a great way to reach all of the different learners in my classroom. From experience I have noticed that my students are engaged and motivated; they are more willing to participate and be involved in classroom discussions. The students in my classroom have many different choices to choose from. I have set up different activities to meet all the needs of my students. This will help each student to be successful.
          During this week reading, I came across a key point; “teachers have found that using computers, digital media, and other computer-related technologies can capture students’ attention and improve students’ outcomes”(Shelly, 6^th edition). I realized that when I decided to utilized the Smart Board in my curriculum, my students were excited to participate and willing to come to the board to be part of the lesson. This gave more free time to work with other students who are struggling in certain subjects. This was my first year incorporating the Smart Board in my curriculum. I have noticed a huge difference among my students.

So to answer this question, I would say yes and yes.