Key Assignments

This past week I completed my Key Assignment for class. Although it is a lot of effort and research I love how each Key Assignment for each class has the same effort level but the assignment is approached with thought and creativity. The Key Assignment I just completed for my class was excellent. We had to research a new Web 2.0 tool and then make a lesson plan according to this tool. I love to learn about new educational resources and to find new ways to incorporate it into the classroom. I decided to pick Gliffy.com and focused my lesson on graphic organizers and literary reviews and class discussion. I love that we get to see our classmates lessons and ideas as well as share what we have created and researched. I am continuing to love this program, the dedication of the professors and the creativity of the assignments.

Immigrant Activity

You wouldn't guess that by the title of my post, that this assignment was for "Using Technology to Integrate Math Across the Curriculum"!  We have been using a software program called InspireData to investigate real information from rosters of ships that brought immigrants to the US.  This particular activity involved creating a story about a family that we adopted from the boat, journaling about their experiences, and creating a budget for income and expenses.  It was absorbing!  The math aspect of the task was more than just the budget, we used the software to compare the occupants of the boat by age, occupation, family, etc.  By the end of the assignment I had a much deeper appreciation for what it might have been like to immigrate, as well as how to navigate within the software.  Carolyn

Ecology Continues

January 28, 2011
We’re up to our eyeballs in mold and decomposition in Ecology class. Currently we are monitoring 3 different experiments. In the second week of class we started a compost column with various produce, some potting soil and compost enhancers. The column is constructed out of 2 plastic soda bottles. 2 weeks later, the materials inside the column are covered with green and white mold and no longer recognizable. Thankfully the set up of the column allows for any liquid produced by the decomposition to be drained into a bottom portion of the column. We’ve been checking this brown liquid for nitrate and nitrite levels. This is by far the most aromatic of our experiments. Another experiment we are watching is the growth of mold on petri dishes with jello acting as a culture. There is nothing growing on my control but white spidery mold covers the petri dishes with soil samples on top of the jello culture. Our third experiment involves the growth of mold on pieces of bread. Each of us was asked to conduct this experiment changing 1 variable. I chose to look at whether or not a change in pH would have any effect on the growth of mold. I exposed my preservative-free slices of bread to the air in my kitchen overnight. Afterwards I dipped 1 side of each slice in one of the following: milk, vinegar, lemon juice ammonia, honey, baking soda. The lemon juice and vinegar have higher levels of acidity while the ammonia has a higher alkalinity level. Both the milk and baking soda are more neutral in pH. One piece, my control was dipped in nothing. I decided to include honey in the experiment because it is known as a natural preservative.17 days later the only bread with mold (36 cm) on top is the milk piece. No surprise there but is it the milk that is molding or the bread? Hard to tell. There is 39cm of growth on the bottom of the baking soda piece and 33cm on the bottom of the milk piece. It appears that these 2 two are promoters of mold. Surprisingly to me there is no mold on any part of any of the other pieces. It appears that substances with a neutral pH are better promoters of mold growth. I’m eager to see which slice will begin to sprout mold next. I don’t think they can resist it forever… or can they?

Up till now....

I have been learning more about how to incorporate technology into the classroom in more ways than one. I have learned how to make a Webquest and then through my own knowledge adapt it for a student with special needs. I have learned how to set up a blog and not only post words on it but a self drawn (electronically) picture to send to the blog. I have learned the simple keys on how to take a screen shot where I am in control of what information I want to capture. And some of those things are just the tip of what I have learned thus far. I am only on my third class through the TIE program but I have gained for that credits can show. I continue to wonder what will come next and what will be do with this type of assignment this week. The more exposure the more I will continue to grow and learn as an educator.

Adventures in assignments

There are several things that I have liked about the assignments in the TIE program.  I have found them to be relevant, interesting, and engaging.  I have been able to share them with other teachers as I am doing them, or adapt them to meet the needs of their learners. They have required participation, analysis and reflection.  I have developed many new skills like podcasting, vidcasting, blogging, and using tools like Audacity and Delicious.  Join the adventure! Carolyn

Non-traditional student

Hello, It is hard to believe, but I am have finished my first week of my last Lesley TIE class.  I have learned so much since I started in this program.  I am not a teacher, I am an occupational therapist with a background in Assistive Technology.  One of my goals in achieving my Masters in the TIE program was to understand more about the integration of technology into the regular education curriculum.  Through the very practical and carefully designed assignments/learning experiences, I have developed much greater insights and understandings.

If you do not have a teaching background, you too may be a bit nervous as to whether this program is a good match for you.  I would encourage you to blog with us and ask the questions that you may have.  I also found it really helpful to talk to the staff in the TIE program.  They know the courses and can help with advising you.
Carolyn

January 12th, Post one

I was thinking about what I wanted to share on this blog. I think the biggest thing that I have learned and want to share is the amount of resources and information I have gained in the past six months. From learning how to incorporate a variety of new programs from the internet to using the Web 2.0 tools to teach I have an abundance of sources. My classroom is unique and although a lot of the topics and resources we cover do not apply to my classroom setting I have already found ways to modify and adjust these sites for my students. Through my last class in the TIE program I am implementing a Diigo site for the 16 teachers in my school to share websites and information on one page. Sure enough once I presented that I am technology inclined I have been the point to person in any computer, copier and internet question. While I love the way technology has made its way into the educational world I would like to see the improvement of technology in the lives of students with special needs. So far I am happy with the program and excited for more to come!