iPads & Smartboard

I really like iPads.
While it may be a stretch to include them into a lesson, I think that they are a great tool to get used to.
I did enjoy actually making a lesson plan of how it could be applied in the classroom. It was the first time in this class I felt that I could prove to myself that it was useful. (I was frustrated though because it seems each lesson plan that we are given in class is different).
Overall, I really like iPads. I just struggle to find a use for them in the classroom other than learning about new technologies. There are some educational apps, but they vary and most can't be put into a lesson plan.

I love the Smartboard! It was fun just messing around on it, being able to see how many extra things the Smartboard actually contains! In my mentor teacher's classroom, I have been able to see first hand on how it can be applied. This can include using a powerpoint and projecting it up on the screen and writing out each individual step of math problems.
Overall, this is very easy to put into use in the classroom. I really like it! I do feel like I could take a one hour introduction to it and still wouldn't know everything that a Smartboard could do.

Podcasts

While I have used free podcasts on iTunes for sermons from my hometown, I have never made one. I personally don't like making podcasts because I don't like the sound of my voice, and it seemed choppy unless you want to have an in detail script written up before hand. And if you mess up, it can then seem choppy also.

I think that me making a podcast would be applicable to use in an elementary or middle school classroom. However, it may be used in the high school classroom for when students need individual help on the steps for math problems.

What would be more applicable in the classroom, however, would be finding individual podcasts through itunes. For example, I found a fun group of podcasts that showed different "cheats" on how to multiply different values. I thought it was so cool, and probably would show my students. I do think, though, that the person doing the podcast needs to have a voice that isn't monotone and there should be a video associated. Otherwise it is easy to lose focus on what is happening.

Overall I generally like podcasts. However, a teacher would have to make an effort to make room for them in lesson plans.

Inclass tests and fake websites

I was really impressed with the in class testing techniques. I liked the hand-devices because you have it with you and you can change your answer if you change your mind. One pain would be that you have to rent or buy the device rather than using something that you already have. I, too, liked the technique over the internet. Not only was it a free program but it also can be used with any device that you have, such as a smartphone, iPod, and laptop. This program, however, is not good for those who do not own any of these technologies. The cost is something that some people can't afford.

Classrooms today are doing a great job at incorporating the jump of technology into the classroom.

While these two programs are perfect for high school and college programs, it is not applicable for the middle school. So, it is nothing that I would ever use in the classroom. Therefore, I would never use it. But, it is a handy program to be aware of.

I was not aware of all of the faulty websites online! It is kind of scary how much false information is out there and how gullible people may think that it is true. In my middle school classroom, I would like to show my students these faulty websites and how some can look legitimate when they are completely false, or with no credible background.

Overall I was very happy with today's class. I learned a lot!