Exploring additional possibilities to familiar technologies.

Hello for a second time! Since the last time I posted, we have explored so many more awesome technologies that can be used in the classroom. It truly amazes me that there are all these opportunities to create interactive learning, and I didn’t know about them!

I will say, I have made a few PowerPoints in my life, but have never created a game on a certain subject. This took me to a whole new level with discovering the possibilities with PowerPoint. Not to mention, there are a lot of help websites out there to work your way through. They also include great clip art and sound clips to make your presentation more interesting and attractive.

Pinterest has been my favorite assignment thus far. I have used Pinterest before for ideas and to search, but I have never really pinned anything. While working on this assignment, I was able to create and organize boards with pins that pertain to them. I was blown away with how much information there really in. I could establish a place where I am able to go back to whenever I need. Not only does Pinterest have several great educational resources for teachers at any level, but there are also a various amount of resources for the home, DIY crafts, holiday ideas, and more! This is definitely a great way to discover ideas for different themes, activities, and curricular goals. When I was forming my Pinterest, I could follow other’s boards and re-pin their posts. I have already used much of these materials in my preschool classroom.

As we continue to explore these instructive learning technologies throughout the rest of this course, I am very excited to learn what other tools I am able to include in my classroom.

Starting to use the different technologies

My name is Kelli. I am attending Ashland University to gain my Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education. In this blog, I will be sharing some things I have learned about in my Educational Technology class.

In today's world, technology isn't just an option, its a necessity now. I believe that technology should be introduced in the classroom from the start. It is also very important for a teacher to be familiar with all the different technologies. Teachers should utilize as much knowledge and technology in their classrooms as possible.

I have learned about, and made, a couple different resources I could use in my classroom... And its only the beginning! Honestly, I am shocked (in a good way) at the different ideas there are for teachers to use technology to help their students learn. Not to mention, they are pretty cool!

We created a Personal Learning Environment with Symbaloo EDU. Making this was easy and painless. Here, you can create a place where your students can view different topics. It is easy to organize, and add what ever you need. This virtual personal learning environment allows students to get the best out of the web, with their teacher's assistance.

Another fun resource we practices is GlogsterEDU. This is a visual design and an interactive poster. It has tools that meet the educational needs of students. We used a variety of mediums in our posters towards one topic. This was fun, and easy to make visually attractive and inviting for learners.

Here is a link to my Glogster: kfranz2.edu.glogster.com/fire-safety-for-kids 

You can share your resources with others. These different Web 2.0 technologies allow teachers to access different resources and enhance classroom learning.