Reflection- Google Docs: Standard 5b

Standard 5b reads, "exhibit leadership by demonstrating a vision of technology infusion, participating in shared decision making and community building, and developing the leadership and technology skills of others."
I chose to show two presentations that I was a part of using Google Docs. One of the presentations was for my special education class and the other was for my science methods class. In both instances none of my partners were familiar with the capabilities of Google Docs. They thought that we would have to play email tag and spend a lot of time that we didn't have meeting in person. I introduced them to Google Docs and we were all able to work on our parts of the presentation without being physically together. We had a discussion board in a word document where we could ask questions, give suggestions, etc. I was able to develop the skills of my group members by showing them a tool that they will probably use over and over again. We also shared in decision making and worked as a team to deliver effective presentations.

Reflection- Research Standard 5c

I attached three different research paper that I have done this year. The first research paper was for my Special Education and the general classroom teacher class, and is on autism. For this paper I read through many journal articles before selecting a narrow topic within the broad spectrum of autism. I then read a handful of journals very closely, learning what I needed to know about autism. I then wrote about what I had learned in a research paper cited in APA format.
The second paper I attached was some original research I did for my Ecology class involving the effects of a clear cut on pine tree stands. This paper is attached to demonstrate that even at the undergraduate level I was involved in original research, and that I understand the components of a formal scientific research paper.
The third paper I attached brings both of the latter concepts together. I had to write a "research proposal" for an original research project of my choosing. The purpose of this assignment was to introduce the process that real scientists must go through before and during research. So first my partners and I did a lot of vague research before we narrowed down our topic. We then heavily researched our topic using core databases of journal articles such as PubMed, GEOBASE, and JSTOR. After finding background information we went out and started original research in the biology labs at NMU. The research is still in progress and that is why I only attached the proposal (which is a bit rough, because it wasn't real of course) and not the report.
These three samples demonstrate that I am active in reading new research and staying current with changes in my field. These samples also demonstrate that I have the ability to write and source using APA style.

Reflection- Blog Standard 4d

I created this blog as a way to document reflections on projects present in my portfolio. Although I am sure that not a single person has looked at this blog, it is available for the entire world to see. Not only can people view my blog, but they are able to comment on my posts which would allow me to have conversations with people from all different cultures and countries.
I do not have another blog, but I do visit Blogspot quite frequently and follow blogs of members of the Peace Corps. I have had conversations with volunteers who are in Africa and Eastern Europe helping developing countries and communities. Blogs provide free, fast, and easy ways to communicate with anyone that has internet access.

Reflection- Prezi Standard 1a

NETS-T standard 1a reads, "Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments. Teachers: a. promote, support, and model creative and innovative thinking and inventiveness."
With the thought of having an "adopt an atom" lesson I created a sample Prezi to show my students what type of information I would expect from them when they present the atom that they 'adopted'. This was my first time working with Prezi and I immediately fell into a love hate relationship with it. I love that it is something new and fun to present with. I am amazed with Prezi's capabilities as far as design and structure. Although basic building is pretty easy to pick up on, I had a really hard time with a few aspects. Had I not looked at other Prezis I would have thought mine was pretty good, but once I realized all of the things you can do I felt rather inadequate. I tried to figure out how to do some of the fancier moves, but after a few hours of frustration I had to call it quits and chalk up my first Prezi as a learning experience.
 I had a hard time with sizing and with where frames appear when it is their 'turn'. A lot of mine were getting cut off on the right hand side no matter how small I made them, and I couldn't figure out how to combat the problem. Another issue I faced was that every time I wanted to view my Prezi I couldn't figure out how to go back to edit mode. So I would just re-enter the home site and reopen my presentation, and this process got very old very fast.
Even though I had a hard time, I am excited to try again. I am confident that with practice I will master Prezi.
I want to have my students use Prezi because it makes you think in a way that you are not familiar with. Presenting in a new way will make the students' creative juices flow while having fun. I also think that classmates are more likely to pay attention to a Prezi on an atom over a PowerPoint, because it will be unfamiliar territory and students will want to see how their classmates constructed their presentations.

Reflection- Survey: Standard 3d

NETS-T standard 3d reads, "model and facilitate effective use of current and emerging digital tools to locate, analyze, evaluate, and use information resources to support research and learning".
I created a survey in Google Docs and then presented on my findings. Surveys are great tools for research because you can quickly gather large amounts of data anonymously. Google Docs' survey tool makes analyzing your data really easy because it will compile the non-open response answers and tell you the statistics and even create graphs.

Reflection- Survey: Standard 2D

NETS-T standard 2d reads "provide students with multiple and varied formative and summative assessments aligned with content and technology standards and use resulting data to inform learning and teaching"
I created a survey using Google Docs and then presented on my findings. A teacher could use a survey to anonymously check if the class is understanding a concept that has been taught. A teacher could also use an online survey to anonymously see what students know about a subject before starting a new unit or school year. I learned how to build the survey and compile the results graphically. After my presentation I realized that I had overlooked a few connections that could have been made and discussed from my results, but now I know for next time to look for connections and not just present the raw data your survey gives you.

Reflection- Virtual Field Trip Standard 2a

Standard 2a is "design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity". I designed a virtual field trip that required students to search the internet to find required knowledge about the water cycle. I linked my students to a number of helpful websites to aide them in finishing the worksheets that followed along with the field trip. Students were able to view interactive displays of the water cycle and used Google Earth. There were numerous links to sites that will continue to be useful tools for students throughout their education.