Blog Post #3

I think that Inspiration is going to be a very useful tool for creating lesson plans. I see it being effective for teaching all grade levels, especially in elementary schools where children really benefit from visual learning styles. I can definitely see myself using Inspiration for a science lesson or any topic where I may need to show a map, flow chart or a hierarchy of information. For example, I could create a clear and organized chart that shows the animal kingdom and how it can be broken down into smaller groups. Also, as mentioned in the book, I could teach language arts by showing kids how to make outlines or concept maps.

http://www.perspective.com/nature/animalia/index.html
This website generally follows most of the rules laid out in the chapter. It is very simple and consistent with a pattern of heading, pictures and words. There are only two different style types and the text is not justified which makes it easier to read. The page is limited to a few colors which make it look less overwhelming and chaotic. Also, there are several pictures that serve purpose and prevent the information from being too boring. Most of the rules of text have been applied such as single spacing and using bold and italics. However, some of the sentences are quite long and include a lot of punctuation which can be difficult to follow.

Throughout high school and college I have had a lot of experience with copyright and fair use issues. Any time I have had to write a paper I am constantly reminded the penalties of plagiarism. However, I think that younger kids need to be taught that this is a serious issue as well. In my elementary school classrooms I will teach my children what plagiarism means and why its not okay to use other people's work for your own.

Blog Post #2

As a student, I have mostly just used Microsoft Word to write papers. One aspect I have found particularly useful is the reference tool. It makes it very easy to insert citations and I can be sure my bibliography is set up correctly. I have also had some experience creating graphs and tables on Microsoft Word. I have seen teachers use the program for a variety of things such as making quizzes, tests, and handouts.

When I am a teacher I imagine that I will get a lot of use out of Microsoft word. As an elementary school teacher, I'm sure that I will be writing a lot of letters, permission slips, and other notes for students to take home to their parents. I will also use it to print out quizzes and assignments for my students.

A useful skill that I have acquired since entering this class is creating a mail merge document. I am certain to be very busy as a teacher and this can really save me some time so I can make letters personal without having to type each one separately. Also I did not know how to use the format painter tool before last week. That will also be very useful in saving me time when formatting papers.

Blog Post #1

Computers are a very important part of the educational experience because it allows teachers to present material in a variety of different ways. Students do not always learn best from the same techniques so computers and other types of technology create opportunities for students to see things visually, hear things, or even interact. I agree with the idea presented in the book that technology shouldn't just be used simply because it is there, but rather to enhance the learning environment and increase understanding. While it is true that teachers can learn a lot from his or her students, I agree that generally a teacher should have a better understanding than the student of the technologies being used in the classroom.

I think that computers are going to play a very large role in my own classroom. It will be extremely useful for all of my organizational and house-keeping needs such as attendance, grades, and other information. I have had a little bit of experience with databases but in this class I hope to get more comfortable with programs like Access so I can use it to its full potential. I think that will be very beneficial in keeping student records. Also, since I plan to teach elementary school, I think it will be helpful to use tutorials and other types of interactive software to keep my students attentive and having fun while learning.

Introduction

My name is Leah Petrauskas and I am a sophomore from Grand Rapids, Michigan. I am an elementary education major and I will be applying for the major this spring. I really enjoy working with children and have had a lot of experience through coaching, camp counseling, and being a teacher aid. I love sports and participated in cheerleading and softball in high school.