Experiences with technology

Throughout my education at Northern Michigan University I have met Michigan standard 7 and NETS-T standards.  I took a computer class early in my education and learned about how Microsoft Word, power point, excel, and publisher.  I learned so much in that class about putting together aesthetically appealing power points, charts, graphs, and tables.

I had the pleasure of taking Carl Wozniak’s physical and life science classes.  In one of the classes we did a really cool Google earth project where we chose a subject and list different locations on Google earth.  On each location we inserted a picture we either found from that place or thing or a picture taken with Google earth. Then we listed some facts about the place and placed flags all over the globe.  It was AWESOME!!!!! I can’t wait to use this tool with my students and I know they will love it.  He also had us build a bridge and we had access to different software available that contractors and drafters when building bridges.  My favorite assignment was in his physical science class when we were assigned to make an audio power point book for elementary students.  I did mine on the three basic cloud formations and their characteristics and elevation.  I used my son and niece as the main characters.  I loved the outcome and I can’t wait to share it with them when they are older and my future students.   I would totally have them do something like that for a big assignment most likely a group assignment. 

In my methods class I got to do so many cool projects that included using technology.  I recently made a photo story. At first I was really frustrated because I would have done the same thing with power point.  I thought why am I learning this if I already have a method to accomplish the same product?  Photo story was one very different and had elements that power point lacked.  I would absolutely use this tool on my webpage for a summary of my school year and what I do with my students and expect from them. 

In my technology class that I was very doubtful about I did a project every week involving technology.  One of the cool things we had to do was join a few different teaching groups.  I get so many great emails showing me different things other teachers are doing in their class rooms.  A lot of the projects, assignments, discussions, and activities are outside the box we are molded in during our time in the education program.  I leaned how to make a YouTube and how useful video’s can be when trying to assist your class outside of class time.  During this past semester I was introduced to all Google has to offer including sharing documents like power points online. I used this tool twice this semester and it was a huge help from trying to figure out how to meet up with three other busy people outside of class.  That usually is next to impossible. I also learned how to make an e-portfolio on Google that I thought was going to be stupid but after much talking to different administration and hiring boards I am glad I am in the process of perfecting my portfolio.  I can’t wait to have the finished product and take it with me to my first interview.  It is really cool because it conserves so much paper and space but it also looks way more professional and is easier to navigate through instead of brining a binder portfolio of my work and accomplishments.