Breanna+Renfro

This is my web page i created with html for ISTC 301 class.

media type="custom" key="12715098" This Voki explains the importance of technology standards for pre-service teachers.

UDL:
 * 1) 1.)The information in the learning styles survey confirmed what I have already determined about my learning style. It said I was a visual/verbal learner which is very true. I color code and over organize everything in my notebook. When studying or note taking I highlight all key concepts and make post-it notes as reminders on what to study or emphasize on the test. I always recall information by using my mental “pictures,” and I learn best in a written language format. The survey was very accurate for me. It even describe my study habits, alone in a quiet room.
 * 2) 2.) I liked the CAST website. I think as a teacher it will be a useful tool when trying to adapt my teaching to meet my students needs and the diversity that arises within the classroom. It gives a lot of insight into the every changing technology which we as teachers can incorporate into our curriculum to help our students be more successful learners.
 * 3) 3.) I found a lot of interesting information in Chapter 6 of the electronic version of **Teaching Every Student in the Digital Age.** I found that CAST is developing a new software program called “Thinking Reading,” which will help to develop more strategic readers. The prototype has digital versions of award-winning children’s literature. The program helps students learn to read with purpose and scaffolds their learning in all three networks; effectiveness, strategy, and recognition.
 * 4) 4.) I participated in the cast science . I loved this activity. I think students would find this very useful. Through this exercise I learned that I learn quicker when information is well organized. I knew this about myself previously but it was very clear in this activity. The activity broke up the parts of a science report to make it easier for students to write and understand. I also participated in the UDL CAST editions. This activity was also wonderful and would be a great resource for my future students. It allows students to learn facts online via digital textbooks, while enabling them to click on things they don't understand for an in depth explanation of the concept. I really liked all the activities I tried out on the CAST website and I think they will all be helpful in the future. I can't wait to see what they may think of next.
 * 5) 5.) I liked this approach to developing differentiated instruction, and I am excited to see its use in my own classroom. The new technology that is out there these days is incredible and I can’t wait to use programs such as “Thinking Reading,” with my students.
 * 6) 6.) Yes, I would love to explore the CAST website more. I think it will be a useful tool for me as a future educator.

Assisstive Technology:
 * 1) I learned a lot about assistive technology. I never realized how crucial it is in some students lives. For example, Ellen from the first youtube video. Ellen uses alternative and augmentative communication. Without that Assistive Technology program Ellen would not be able to communicate with anyone. She also uses Environmental control from her switches to control her TV, Computer, Stereo, etc. Without it she would not be able to do anything on her own, nor could she communicate what she wanted. Also, from the second youtube video, Lucas needs his assistive technology to participate in class and play his horn in the band. I also learned that needing assistive technology is not a negative thing as everyone makes it out to be. The students who use the technology can function normally and do their work independently just like every other student.
 * 2) All of the assistive technology impressed me, but one in particular I would like to remember is the wiggle works. Wiggle works can help students with speech impediments, dyslexia, and many of reading related disabilities. Students can read the book into a microphone and then hear themselves reading it back so they know how they sound. Students can also have books read to them if they have visual impairments or just need help as they read. I would also like to remember Kathy Schlock’s Guide for Educators because it has information on how to speak sign language, it has internet disability resources, and it has social skill helpers for middle school students and much more.
 * 3) Technology gives students the potential to do anything they want in life. Students are no longer hindered by their disabilities. For example, the one girl from the second youtube video had cerebral palsy and still managed to referee soccer games in high school, go to college, and complete all of her assignments on her own with no help. Also Ellen from the first video was able to live a semi-normal life because her assistive technology allowed her to communicate, move, and manipulate her environment.
 * No, I have never had a personal experience with anyone who has ever needed assistive technology in their daily life. I have had experience working with my five year old god son teaching him how to read. We used the leap frog learner video game unit. He can insert a game or book and use his controller and key board to read and play his game with no help from anyone else. I have seen improvement in his reading skills and motor skills as he plays it more often.
 * 1) I have learned that needing assistive technology does not hinder a student, but only helps them to be more independent and able like all the other students. I have also learned that assistive technology is important and hard to get, so if I have a student in need of it I will do everything I can to make sure the student gets what he or she needs. As it is imperative to their education and academic success.

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IVAN PAVLOV media type="custom" key="14053134"

Virtual Field Trip: I enjoyed the virtual field trip. I think it could be a good resource for teaching students subjects that may not always be the most interesting to them. I had no interest in whaling prior to going on the virtual field trip, yet I was still intrigued to learn about NewBedford and the impact the whaling industry had on the town. The virtual field trip is fun, because students can explore it as they want. They can first choose a section they want to learn about then read the small summary or flip through the photos and choose which ones they want to learn more about. I also like the sound effects that went along with each section because as your reading it gives you the feeling that you are there, and it helps you to visualize life in 19th century NewBedford. I can definitely see myself using virtual field trips in my own classroom. Field trips can be hard to organize and sometimes expensive for parents, so virtual field trips would be a helpful tool to use.

Digital Story: [|Digital Story- YouTube]

Final Reflection “Exam” I think that technology is an important part of every classroom. In todays society students are digital learners. Students cannot sit quietly and complete worksheets to learn. They need to be hands-on in their learning and kinesthetically motivated. Students want to use technology, as they do in all other aspects of their lives, to learn and to explore their ideas. Technology is important in our society today and so it should be important in the classroom as well. Not only should we incorporate it because it is important, but technology helps education reach new heights. Students can go on websites that help them generate and solve math problems that are specific to their needs. Teachers can go on websites that have math, science, and language arts games which they can play as review or as an assessment with their classes on the Promethean or Smart Boards. Incorporating technology lets students learn in new ways, such as video games. They now have video games online which can teach students the subject matter they need to know for school. Even using PowerPoints and YouTube videos make learning more fun for students. The computer is essential for every student, because in almost every job today one needs to have knowledge of computer software and use. Why not give students that essential education in elementary school when they are learning their other essential life skills. Elementary school is a prime time in students lives, we need to introduce a learning style that will fit them now so that they can be successful learners in the future. That style is the incorporation of technology into every aspect of education. **My views on integrating technology into the classroom have not changed from this course. I still think that technology is essential in the classroom.**