Thursday, May 2, 2013

Audio Lesson Plan: Rachel Loves to Run and Play

Recording our audio lesson plan on Audacity
My Technology Strand group designed an audio lesson plan for age 6-7, based on the book Rachel Loves To Run and Play by Tara Harwood.

This audio lesson plan is available in both mp3 or WAV format.  Please click on one of the links below in order to listen to the lesson plan.  **Be sure to have your volume set to an appropriate level**



Monday, February 25, 2013

Fun with FREE Digital Photos

Finding digital images for free is quite simple and lots of fun!  Here are some websites you may visit in order to obtain free digital images:
www.morguefile.com (click on free photos)
www.freefoto.com
www.freedigitalphotos.net

I have created a powerpoint slide show for you to view a collection of FREE digital images I retrieved from the internet.  Please enjoy my spring flower show!

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Cooperative Learning PP




Please check out our groups' Power Point: Leveraging Cognitive and Social Developmental Stages in the Middle School Environment to Improve Academic Achievement.  Note:  There is a hyperlink in slide three that directs you to a youtube.com video demonstrating a middle school classroom using Cooperative Learning.  Unfortunately, you are not able to click on the hyperlink in this movie mode version of our Power Point presentation.

CAI

Computer Center allows 6 students to work on Starfall.com simultaneously
Five weeks into Spring Semester 2013 at Cleveland State University's graduate class Technology Strand, we began learning about computer-assisted instruction (CAI).  This is an important subject matter and I look forward to increasing my knowledge base in this area.  We discovered a valuable website, Starfall.com, today while I was in Dr. Cobb's Technology Strand class (ETE 501).  As my group members and I explored this fun, interactive website, we carefully considered the following concepts: 

• How does the software differentiate instruction for different learning styles? 

The software on Starfall.com applies to different learning styles because it allows students to learn through all these styles: visual, interactive, comprehensive, sound. It is also fun, so it will keep the students engaged.  We explored It's Fun to Read, specifically the interactive game "All About Me".
 • Does the software increase skills in knowledge reinforcement, concept development, and or problem solving? How? 
Yes, this software increases skills.  This CAI would increase skills in the knowledge reinforcement area.  It helps improve writing skills, reading skills, listening skills, creativity, self-awareness, computer skills, emotional skills, motor skills, counting skills, telling time, social skills and also improves vocabulary.
 • What is the name of the company that publishes the software product? 
 Starfall Education
 • How will you use this software in your own classroom? Why?  
I would use this software in a kindergarten classroom for my students to increase their vocabulary and practice reading skills.  I believe this computer-assisted instruction would be an enjoyable method of learning for my students while appealing to many various learning styles.  It is crucial that CAI addresses the learning needs of many different types of students.