Journal 2 Nets-T 5

For this assignment I had to read, summarize, analyze, and reflect on an article from the digital edition of Leading and Learning with Technology.

Journal #2: "Join The Flock" and "Enhance Your Twitter Experience"
Ferguson, H., (June/July 2010) Leading & Learning with Technology. Join The flock, Enhance Your Twitter Experience. International Society for Technology in Education, 37(8).


The articles "Join The Flock" and "Enhance Your Twitter Experience" were basically a promotion for Twiiter. H. Ferguson explained her opinions of Twitter, and told her journey to finding Twitter. She gave testimony throughout both articles that professionals would find it in their best interest to join Twitter. Then she goes into detail about how to navigate Twitter and use it to your advantage.
I actually saved the articles because there were some very helpful steps on how to navigate Twitter. I liked how the steps were so easy to understand. I am inspired to start using Twitter as a student to help get me through my credential program. The authors did an excellent job portraying the great potential Twitter has for the professional.

Question 1:
How is Twitter beneficial to teachers?
Twitter is a great place for Teachers to network with other teachers. If a teacher has a question or concern, they can tweet about it and receive help, and pointers. Teachers can always be enhancing their classrooms and learn great ideas from other professionals. Being a regular tweeter is a way to stay involved with your evolving career. Twitter will do nothing but make you a better, more knowledgeable teacher and that makes; a better learning experience for the students.

Question 2:
How can Twitter benefit me as a college student?
First of all I have to admit that since I made my Twitter page, I haven't used it once. I really didn't know what the point was for me to have one. However, our class discussions and these two articles have shown me why a Twitter account is ideal for a college student like myself. I have been inspired to be more active with my Twitter account. Since I have been in the credential program, I have had many questions and concerns about the teaching world. It seems like everyday, I come up with a question I want answered or something that concerns me. A lot of times I get confused about things I am learning in class because I have nothing to relate it to. Twitter gives me the opportunity to Network with teachers and read their advice. It also serves as another search engine for me. I'm sure if I need to research a topic, I will find lots of information on Twitter. Twitter is a place for me to gain knowledge and develop into the teacher I want to become.

School 2.0 Reflection Tool Nets-5

For this assignment, I used the assessment tool School 2.0 to take an assessment on where I stand with the Nets-T standards. After I took the test I reflected on on my results.

NETS-T... Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity:
I chose this specific Nets-t because it is the one that appeals to me the most. Its important to me to learn as much as I can from this NETS-T so that I can inspire my students and model for them that they can use the internet to learn and be creative. The coolest thing I read from my resources was making a Google group. I will definitely incorporate this into my classroom. It's kinda like a class blog. I would encourage the students to make their own personal page, and then use the group to have discussions with me or other students about questions from class. I believe this group would serve as a great resource. For example, I would encourage the students to post questions about homework on the group page, and myself or other students can help answer that question. A group page is a great addition for a classroom, I'm a big fan of this idea.

Journal #1 Nets-T 5

For this assignment I had to read, summarize, analyze, and reflect on an article from the digital edition of Leading and Learning with Technology.

Journal #1: Taking Laptops Schoolwide: A Professional
Green, T., Donavan, L., & Bass, K. (2010). Taking Laptops Schoolwide: A Professional. ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education)

A Professional, was an article about one to one laptop programs. The article focused mainly on research and data from the Fullerton school district where six of their schools participate in the Laptops for Learning Program. The Laptops for Learning Program is explained as a program that integrates technology into the classroom. The researchers of tech found that this was best integrated with a PLC approach; which as stated in the article is: a focus on learning rather than teaching, working collaboratively, and holding one’s self accountable for results. They have found that the best results can be attained when the teachers collaborate and work together to plan lessons on the computer in order to properly progress the student for using the laptop in a higher grade.
I believe the one-to-one laptop program could be very an effective program to enhance the students learning experience and enhance their learning. However, I am spectacle that many schools will not be adopting the program for financial reasons.

Question #1:
Where does the funding for the laptops come from?
Never in the article did it state where the funding for the laptops came from. I’m curious if it is federally funded or if the money comes from the state. I also want to know how the school gets the money. Do they have to petition for it? Or maybe, they get it as a grant. Also, once they get the laptops do they still get funded for the maintenance of the laptops in case some should break, or become damaged?

Question #2:
What benefits does the Laptops for Learning Program have?
From reading the article; I believe that everyone in the school benefits from the program. First off the students are being exposed to basic computer skills, which is completely necessary and practical for todays age. The teachers have other ways to communicate with their students, and more opportunities to incorporate matter into their lesson plan in creative ways. Teachers can also use the laptop as reinforcement for the lesson that were taught in class, without maybe boring the student. Laptops are a way to communicate and save paper which could help administration with their budget. These days anything helps. Instead of learning being completed on printed out worksheets, teachers could have their worksheets completed by students on the computer. Overall, everyone benefits in some way.

Self- Portrait Nets-3

For this assignment my daughter drew a picture of me, which i scanned onto the computer and then used the image for a Newsletter project in class.

My daughter Riley drew me this. 

Jennifer Kellers Intro Letter Nets-T 4

For this assignment I wrote an introductory letter about myself; modeling appropriate digital citizenship.

Hello all, my name is Jenn. I live happily in Ramona, with my daughters Heidi and Riley. I am twenty four years old. I have lived in Ramona my whole life. The schools I have attended include: Hanson Lane Elementary, Olive Pierce Middle School, Ramona High School, Montecito High School, Palomar College, and now, CSUSM. This is my very first semester at CSUSM, and so far I really enjoy it on campus. I plan on accomplishing my goal of becoming an elementary school teacher here. I have known that I wanted to be a teacher since I was a little girl, and right now I'm closer than ever, and am looking forward to the next few years of school. Right now I have a wonderful job of teaching ball sports and fitness to preschoolers around north county. I absolutely love my job. I also love sports; right now I am on a softball team and play at sportsplex in Poway. Soccer is my favorite sport. I also love to work out and be physical on a daily basis, it makes me very happy and feel balanced. I'm a super busy person, but I wouldn't have it any other way. 

I must admit that I'm not very good with technology. I still have a very basic cell phone. The computer intimidates me. In fact, I just bought a really nice printer and tried to set it up all by myself, but I failed miserably. I am so excited to take this course, and am eager to learn all the material. Also, after the first class, I did decide that I wanted to get rid of my PC, and buy a MAC!

The CSUSM/COE mission statement makes me feel proud to be attending the school. I am excited to be a part of a mission to produce thoughtful educators. I am confident that I am in good hands and when I am finished; I will be as prepared as possible.