Integration of Available and Appropriate Technology into Teaching Practice
Evidence:
Web Project - http://web-cygnus.sas.upenn.edu/~patricam/bioproject/index.html
Power Points: Fruitvale Power Points - 1 and 2
Reflection
During our first summer in physics I was introduced to motion detectors. After this class I was able to obtain some for my classroom use and found them extremely helpful to students when they were reading graphs. They provided them with the opportunity to be actively involved in forming the graph and allowed them to see first hand the results of their motions occurring simultaneously with their movement.
In biology we created a link to the MISEP Biology/Environmental Project. We were required to design a web page that was both teacher and student friendly. Below is the particular link to the page I designed. This was a difficult task and I needed a lot of help with it. My colleague introduced me to publisher. I was able to master the basics but I didn't utilize it enough to become proficient.
My position is such that I do not see students on a daily basis. Because of this I want to design a web page that would share information that might be interesting or useful to them. I would like to post reviews of literature, science articles that would pertain to their learning and publish some of the work I receive from them. Designing this e-portfolio page has helped me get more proficient, not advanced yet, at web design. I believe I have gained enough skill to do this and will work on this project throughout the coming year.
I have become more proficient at using power point and utilize it quite often in lessons although not as advanced as my students. The example I have chosen to share is a power point presentation I prepared for a 6th grade science class. They were studying water and this power point served as a focus as we moved through the steps of the lab. Unfortunately I cannot find the piece of evidence which would show improvement. It was the first power point experience I had which I produced for the final piece of my physics unit on force and motion.
Additionally I learned to scan during this program. I needed to do this because homework sometimes had to be sent to professors. It has aided me in my teaching because I am comfortable using this to scan in pictures or articles I might want children to view as a class.
Why this shows growth:
Prior to the MISEP program I was fairly proficient navigating a computer and working on the web but I had never created a power point, used motion detectors or designed a web page. During this program I was introduced to all three. I now use power points frequently and continue to grow in my skill at creating them although I am not as proficient as some of my students. I hope to continue to grow in this area because they are useful in providing for the visual learner. Further, as mentioned above, now that I better understand web design I will create one in the future that will allow students to utilize to investigate subjects of interest to them and to notify students of information I personally want them to receive.
Part 2
Patty McCarrin - September 30, 2007 Back to main page