Participation: Google Calender

Before I did the Internet Communications assignment, I didn't know that there was an application called Google Calender. When I found out this was part of the assignment, I did it without thinking and spending much time realizing what a huge benefit this could be. Recently, I decided to check my gmail account to clean up the email that it had received and I found out that the Calender sends you reminders so that you don't forget about events coming up. This would be hugely beneficial in a class because it would allow students to remember things. I know I check my email regularly and will remember things that I am told over it more than I do if it is said in class. This would be a great tool to have students create so that they can remember big assignments for your class.

Participation: Using Technology in the Classroom

This week I had the opportunity to teach in a classroom where there isn't much technology available. In order to be successful, I decided to incorporate a film presentation as well as several overheads. These overheads focused on materials that I found using the Internet that strengthened my lesson on metaphors. It was good to see how technology really strengthens the classroom. When the film was turned on, the students immediately paid attention, even though they weren't really interested in the content. They were then able to make connections between what I showed them and the lesson for the day.

Storyboard

This is the link to my storyboard that I created: Storyboard . It discusses the basic plan I have for my students and what one student might do for an assignment.

Internet Safety Teaching

Before doing this, I watched the video on Frontline: Growing Up Online. From this video, I learned about what kids are doing and thinking when they make these decisions. I have never understood about why people act certain ways online, and I realized that it is a way of experimenting with identity, which many people used to do through their actions. It was interesting to me to hear about the attention that these kids received and that motivated their actions. It addicted them because they received attention and it was something for them to do when they were bored. I also thought it was interesting that many of the students have relationships purely through the Internet.

I spoke with a fifteen year old who just started tenth grade. She hasn't had a lot of exposure to the Internet, but knows the basic principles.

This experience was valuable. It was interesting to get her persective. We talked about the identity that kids create on the Internet and how she has seen that in her life. We also discussed ways of preventing this and different thoughts she has about why this is a negative thing. She recently opened a Facebook account and enjoys being on this, but she was very clear that she has friends in reality and that they would rather spend time together; Facebook is just a tool that they use in boredom. I think this was a very good conversation because I was able to see more than just my point of view of the Internet.

Internet Safety Reading

I chose to read the talk given by Elder Bednar at the CES fireside. I really enjoyed the talk and thought he made a lot of good points. One of the strongest ideas for me is that we sometimes become so ingrained in the importance of cyber relationships that we don't take the time to develop interpersonal relationships. This is so important because it is one of the skills that we need to learn. Another important idea that he shared is that we need to recognize our own reality. The example he gave of a man who created a different persona while online was surprising to me, but I can see how people can get caught up in it. The final main point was that technology can be a good thing. It allows us to get to know other people, retain friendships, and share the gospel. We need to utilize what we have in order to attain these goals.

As a parent or teacher, I would use the information given in this talk to teach my children/students about when to use technology. There are some instances when it's a great tool, and others when it can become a device of Satan. Knowing this, I would give them the chance to explore and find things on the Internet, but keep an eye on what information they share and discuss these ideas with them.

I think I can use the information from this article to become a positive influence as I perform the ideas for myself. Being an example is vital in teaching and will influence those around me greatly. I think I can also use it as I discuss these ideas with those around me and try to give them opportunities to do things that they wouldn't normally.

Picnik

I used the program to crop and fix the eyes in the picture. Originally there was a high level of red eye which I lowered. I also chose to crop the picture so that the focus was more upon me and not the items surrounding me.

Poetry Unit

This video shows us what poetry can become. They changed a popular poem to make it fit their beliefs and ideas better. This used rhythm to continue the poem, which is essential in poetry.



Why is this poetry? What did she do to create the feeling in the poem? What are some ways we can do this? It's through the rhythm that we use and the patterns in the writing.

Class assignment

Goodreads

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Course Calender

Introduction to Me and Our School

My name is Ms. Ence and I am going to be your instructor for this course. This is my first year teaching English and I am very excited to get to know all of my students. I love reading books- all kinds- and would love any suggestions that you can offer me. One of my favorite things to do is to ski in the winter, or to swim in the summer.





Our school is a great place to get to know one another and to learn about different backgrounds and groups. In order to find our school, I've included a map for you to follow.

Mt. Nebo Junior High:


View Larger Map

Good Reads

One really great way of networking with other English teachers is through Good Reads. This is a website that allows you to record and share different books with people that you have read. You are able to comment and review these books, discussing what is good and bad about them and why. With teaching, teachers would be able to recommend books for certain grade levels and types of students through Good Reads, increasing the amount of discussion that could take place.