Bad Example: http://durak.org/kathy/portfolio/
While this portfolio is visually appealing, it is not the best example I found. I like that she provides pictures as examples, however, there is little information to go along with them. She does provide some examples of her units, but I do not think it offers much information about her experience or teaching style. It seems to be lacking something and is not as professional as the other example that I found.
Good Example: http://inkido.indiana.edu/mikeb/portfolio/portfolio.html
Based purely on information provided I feel that this is a good example of an electronic portfolio. Mike provides examples of his teaching philosophy, information on his educational background and projects/lessons he has completed, as well as projects he assigns his students. I believe that everything is well laid out and presented. It is professional and easy to navigate with its contents listed clearly along the side of the webpage.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
Technology Notebook Project Presentations
I learned a lot from the class presentations this week. Some of these facts I knew about from my own research and others I had only learned from these presentations.
From watching the presentation on video games and learning, I learned that playing computer-based video games is actually more effective in facilitating average learning outcomes than text-based computer instruction. I also learned that playing video games can enhance productivity, promote hand-eye coordination and spatial skills. I knew that video games helped with hand-eye coordination and spatial skills, however, I was unaware that they enhanced learning outcomes and productivity. Research I found stated that video games and other "entertainment technology" had a negative effect on learning because it takes up valuable study time. I learned some interesting facts that I did not know before from this presentation.
The video on ESL and technology taught me that using technology in ELL classrooms can enhance these students' learning. Using computers allows ELLs to work at their own pace and level. They can also help students improve their vocabulary and computer skills. The use of technology in the classroom also promotes responsibility and creativity. Many teachers do not know how to use computer-based technology in the classroom. Therefore, if they use computers in ELL classrooms, the teachers can also learn how to use them. I hope that I am fortunate enough to have technology available to my class in the future. The use of computers would be effective, not only for my ESL students, but all of my students.
While watching the presentation on voice blogs in language classrooms I learned that language teachers do not have enough time to have each student talk, and practice their second language. From the article in this presentation, it was stated that the use of oral blogs could be used outside of the classroom to provide each student with practice. The author also suggested the students listen to their classmates' blogs, as well. I like this idea. It would allow the students extra time to practice their oral language skills, as well as their listening skills. This is a good way to assess the students' learning, other than grading their tests. Many students maybe able to write another language, but speaking it may be difficult (or the other way around). This presentation was very well prepared, and I believe that I learned a great deal about technology in language classrooms. I like the ideas presented in this article and, although I do not plan on teaching a foreign language, I believe that the use of voice blogs will come in handy in my future classroom as an assessment tool.
I also learned, from the presentation on language learning websites, that these websites should include grammar activities and explanations, reading and listening passages, vocabulary and dictionary options, games and assessments and chat options in the target language. These activities would provide practice and assessment outside of the classroom, just as the voice blogs would.
Overall, I learned a lot of interesting and useful information from the class presentations. While some of the information does not apply to me, I hope that I will be able to use some of the technology discussed in my future career.
From watching the presentation on video games and learning, I learned that playing computer-based video games is actually more effective in facilitating average learning outcomes than text-based computer instruction. I also learned that playing video games can enhance productivity, promote hand-eye coordination and spatial skills. I knew that video games helped with hand-eye coordination and spatial skills, however, I was unaware that they enhanced learning outcomes and productivity. Research I found stated that video games and other "entertainment technology" had a negative effect on learning because it takes up valuable study time. I learned some interesting facts that I did not know before from this presentation.
The video on ESL and technology taught me that using technology in ELL classrooms can enhance these students' learning. Using computers allows ELLs to work at their own pace and level. They can also help students improve their vocabulary and computer skills. The use of technology in the classroom also promotes responsibility and creativity. Many teachers do not know how to use computer-based technology in the classroom. Therefore, if they use computers in ELL classrooms, the teachers can also learn how to use them. I hope that I am fortunate enough to have technology available to my class in the future. The use of computers would be effective, not only for my ESL students, but all of my students.
While watching the presentation on voice blogs in language classrooms I learned that language teachers do not have enough time to have each student talk, and practice their second language. From the article in this presentation, it was stated that the use of oral blogs could be used outside of the classroom to provide each student with practice. The author also suggested the students listen to their classmates' blogs, as well. I like this idea. It would allow the students extra time to practice their oral language skills, as well as their listening skills. This is a good way to assess the students' learning, other than grading their tests. Many students maybe able to write another language, but speaking it may be difficult (or the other way around). This presentation was very well prepared, and I believe that I learned a great deal about technology in language classrooms. I like the ideas presented in this article and, although I do not plan on teaching a foreign language, I believe that the use of voice blogs will come in handy in my future classroom as an assessment tool.
I also learned, from the presentation on language learning websites, that these websites should include grammar activities and explanations, reading and listening passages, vocabulary and dictionary options, games and assessments and chat options in the target language. These activities would provide practice and assessment outside of the classroom, just as the voice blogs would.
Overall, I learned a lot of interesting and useful information from the class presentations. While some of the information does not apply to me, I hope that I will be able to use some of the technology discussed in my future career.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Interactive Whiteboards in the Classroom
I really enjoy using interactive whiteboards. I feel as though they are a fun way to display information and get students involved. If used the right way, information can be portrayed as more than just a glorified PowerPoint. Smartboards feature many useful tools that can be incorporated into classroom lessons. At the same time, if you just wanted to write on the board, like you would a regular whiteboard, you could do so without using all of the features and tools. For these reasons, I would like to have an interactive whiteboard in my future classroom.
Not only are there many different features and tools offered in the Smartboard software, but it is also more fun, for both teachers and students, than standing in front of a blackboard writing notes or reading from a PowerPoint presentation. Some major advantages of using an interactive whiteboard are that they get students involved and they are more fun than listening to the teacher talk. The whiteboards also provide many different tools, such as interactive games, a magnifying tool and shape making tools. Another advantage is that I could image capture the slides to save and later print, email, or post online for the students' notes.
While I do believe there are many advantages and that students would find using an interactive whiteboard fun, I also believe that there could be some disadvantages. While teaching my lesson in class I noticed one major disadvantage. While students are coming up to the board to participate, the other students may be goofing around, talking and not paying attention. To solve this problem, however, I would provide the class with a printed out copy of the activity so that all students can participate at their desks while others come up to the board. Also, some time is wasted when students are coming up to the board. I would have to have a line already forming to move them along more quickly. Because of these issues, students may not be fully engaged in the lesson. However, if I plan more carefully and have desk work for the students to be doing it may help keep the students involved. Another difficulty is that some fonts, colors, and sizes are difficult to read. However, this is easily fixable by adjusting the size or color. As the teacher, you just have to know your students and your classroom, and be able to adjust and adapt your lesson adequately to fix these issues.
Other than a few issues, I believe that students will be more engaged in class with the use of interactive whiteboards. Overall, I feel as though interactive whiteboards are a great classroom tool. They have many useful features that can make learning more fun, for both students and teachers. For theses reasons I would like to have an interactive whiteboard in my classroom.
Not only are there many different features and tools offered in the Smartboard software, but it is also more fun, for both teachers and students, than standing in front of a blackboard writing notes or reading from a PowerPoint presentation. Some major advantages of using an interactive whiteboard are that they get students involved and they are more fun than listening to the teacher talk. The whiteboards also provide many different tools, such as interactive games, a magnifying tool and shape making tools. Another advantage is that I could image capture the slides to save and later print, email, or post online for the students' notes.
While I do believe there are many advantages and that students would find using an interactive whiteboard fun, I also believe that there could be some disadvantages. While teaching my lesson in class I noticed one major disadvantage. While students are coming up to the board to participate, the other students may be goofing around, talking and not paying attention. To solve this problem, however, I would provide the class with a printed out copy of the activity so that all students can participate at their desks while others come up to the board. Also, some time is wasted when students are coming up to the board. I would have to have a line already forming to move them along more quickly. Because of these issues, students may not be fully engaged in the lesson. However, if I plan more carefully and have desk work for the students to be doing it may help keep the students involved. Another difficulty is that some fonts, colors, and sizes are difficult to read. However, this is easily fixable by adjusting the size or color. As the teacher, you just have to know your students and your classroom, and be able to adjust and adapt your lesson adequately to fix these issues.
Other than a few issues, I believe that students will be more engaged in class with the use of interactive whiteboards. Overall, I feel as though interactive whiteboards are a great classroom tool. They have many useful features that can make learning more fun, for both students and teachers. For theses reasons I would like to have an interactive whiteboard in my classroom.
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