Claudia's EME2040 Blog

Through individual efforts, I found that there area lot of discussion forums for teachers and students to use. What I found interesting was that there were a wide variety of forums for many different situations, subjects, and topics within those subjects that allow for more in-depth conversation on interesting areas. It is something I could see myself and other teachers using to get new ideas or see what other teachers have to say on a subject. It basically gives a fresh perspective that I and another teachers at my school might not have. From using Diigo and viewing bookmarks, I learned a little more about websites I already knew existed but never looked into. Some platforms for communication and sharing aren't always immediately thought of as resources for teachers and are typically more informal ways to communicate. So seeing those really opened my eyes to other possible uses. I also noticed some websites that were specifically for updating teachers on technology or teaching s...

On my own, I learned that there are so many different types of learners that I never really thought of because I didn't see them in my time as a student. I never had any classmates with major learning disabilities. As a teacher, I know that I will have to be able to recognize when a student is having more trouble with learning than the rest of my students. I learned that there are more technologies and software than just audio recorders and text-to-speech. From the presentations made by my peers, I learned that there are a multitude of new ways diverse learners can be helped. I learned that there are tools for reading such as reading guides and books that can be printed in Braille. For writing there are tools such as pencil weights and grips that make it easier for children to write. There are also sticky keys that help children type if their motor skills aren't as fast as other students. Other ways diverse students can learn is using technology such as an iPad to play educat...

There are a lot of new technologies that were made to accommodate learners with disabilities . A few for those that are fully blind or on their way to being fully blind are audio players and software such as text-to-speech that read out what is on a child's screen. They could also use audio recorders if they have trouble writing notes so that they can record their teacher's lessons. Another cool tool for children that have trouble focusing while reading are reading guides. Reading guides are when a book is read aloud and the words being read are highlighted, so it helps them focus on the words. Adaptive devices just help children learn in a way that is easier for them since the way people normally learn, isn't always so easy. I have never used adaptive technology and I do not think that I know someone that does. I feel like the pace classes go would be faster than the pace the adaptive technology can go. I wouldn't say its a burden but I haven't experienced much ...

Through individual efforts, I learned about a website that allows students to take learning to a whole new level. It allowed students to work at a pace that is beneficial to them, to do projects and use technology to record and submit the projects. Teachers are able to give immediate feedback and control the standards. It also allows parents to see their child's progress immediately too. It is an incredible tool that seems to be more student-centered, which tend to be pretty effective. What did you learn today viewing the bookmarks and annotations of others? When viewing the bookmarks and annotations of others, I realized that my peers see things a lot differently than I do. Sometimes I find that they see the uses for software and websites a lot differently than I do. Other times they annotate and highlight information I would've never thought to even look at or find useful. So being able to see what other people do on Diigo has been an eye-opening experience.

Using a "professional" twitter has been a positive experience. I have been able to see my peers different perspectives on similar topics and was able to find out about many teacher productivity resources through their tweets. I have also followed a few accounts that tweet updates on the use of technology in classrooms. The accounts I follow tweet everything education related, from game-based learning to protecting digital native students from cyber-bullying.  Twitter has helped me find several important websites that teachers are already using in their classrooms that have made it easier to keep students focused.  Although it is usually not used for education purposes, I have many links to helpful sites and perspectives on all kinds of topics at my fingertips. It is such an easy way to communicate with educators all around the world. I have never created a web page before so this is a totally new experience for me. I've had some difficulties doing all the assignment ...

Individual Learning Project Activity Log ILP “Participation”- Understanding Classroom Interaction MOOC. October 1: Module 1 Finally found a MOOC that related to the career I wanted to pursue. Began MOOC and worked on Module 1,  which was about classroom interaction, types of questions teachers ask their students and different forms of communication in the classroom. Greetings (ways you say hello and goodbye to different people): I will always say hello or maybe say it in spanish for any hispanic students. Names and nicknames you use for yourself and others: I probably wouldn’t use any nicknames for myself but if a student is more comfortable will being called by their nickname, then I will address them that way. Ways of addressing the professor and each other: The students should address me as Ms.Berroa and with respect. Popular culture references (TV, Social Media, Music, Movies, etc.): I might use social media, movies or music references to relate to m...

Claudia Berroa and Jazmin Murillo Mrs. McMahon Class Website Contrast The contrast is good. The background is white and allows for the text with darker fonts to easily be seen. Blue links also stand out, can be found quickly and do not clash with the white background.  Repetition The same font was used through-out the website so there would not be any confusion from the students or parents reading the website. The tabs, text, and links area consistent font.  Alignment The simple alignment makes it all easy to read. Similar elements are aligned and separated to represent a visual connection. Proximity All links and tabs are separate from the main text and are grouped with their similar elements to keep organization.  Again, easy to read and visually pleasing.