During the Fall semester I was introduced to many diverse software applications that have a great impact on the learning process. Using GoLive I produced my first webpage which hosts my biography, philosophy on education, webquest, and student teaching pages.

I have demonstrated contiual growth in technology and skills by attending the OTEN conference on September 24, 2005 and plan on attending future conferences. At the OTEN conference I was able to learn more about iMovie and ComicLife. These applications allow students to learn organization, writing, scripting, drafting skills and using technology. I have also written a social studies web quest dealing with Japanese Culture using the world wide web.

I have learned how to develop appropriate learning opportunities that apply technology enhanced instructional strategies by creating a webquest. Implementing technology into the classroom through appropriate means is very important. The subject matter should target the abilities of your students and allow them to grow, learn, and apply their new found knowledge in the class as well as their lives.

I have created a webquest on Japanese culture, food, and nutritional content. While creating the webquest I made sure that each site that I referenced was accurate and suitable for the grade level that I was focusing on. To implement the lesson into the class, technology can be used in many different ways. If the class has computers readily available for students they are to research using the links I have provided for them. If the class lacks the technological resources I will create a PowerPoint slide in which I will show and discuss the lesson with the students.

This generation of student thrives on creativity through technology. Integrating technology into a classroom will not only help keep the class interested it will also unlock their creativity. A good example of integrating technology into the classroom would be the use of educational software programs. Programs such as, iMovie, Power Point, and iDVD offer ways to enhance higher-order thinking and allows them to build learning skills such as, researching, writing, composing, and presenting. Another way to implement technology into the class would be the use of software that is applicable to students needs. At the OTEN conference I attended at UOP I was introduced to ComicLife. ComicLife is a software program that allows you to compose, write, illustrate, and publish works using comic templates and special effects. Students love to read comics and what better way to get them interested in writing, organization, researching, role playing, composing, and presenting than allowing them to focus on their interests.

Using technology in the assessment of a student’s learning will help me as a future educator become more efficient and helpful when concerning the needs for my students. I plan to incorporate my website as a tool for students and their parents. Having grades posted along with homework assignments, benchmarks, and a schedule will allow parents and students, who have access to the internet, the ability to see what is going on in class. In the case of a student who forgot what was for homework they will have the ability to access it online. Parents will also have the capability to view what is going on in class during that day or month.

Using technological based lessons such as my webquest will allow me to observe a students progress and how engaged they are. Using the rubric that I have created will help along those lines.

Since starting the program my technological knowledge has increased due to the rigorous MAT program and conferences such as the OTEN. Through class and being a member of ISTE I have come to the realization that technology is a lifelong learning and development journey. In order to support learning the best I can I will need to stay focused and continue to seek learning outputs that will enhance my ability to teach.

Using technology to increase productivity and communication with peer, parents and the larger community will be supplemented by the website I have created that will allow this to happen. Using my website as a tool for communication will help parents, peers, and students stay afloat with what is going on in the classroom. It will display the daily schedule along with a projected monthly schedule.

Before students start researching on the internet we will have already had a mini-lesson on the responsibilities and ethical practices of technology use. When students begin to research different sites I will have a list of recommended sites that I have already screened for students to find the answers for their research questions. I have already done the screening for the webquest I have created. I provided a list of web links that will help the students find ideas to help them along their journey. Technology is a great tool to enhance the learning in a classroom, but with that extra benefit comes a little more concern about the content that can be exposed to students. My job as an educator is to give my students the knowledge to make better decisions and to ultimately become high functioning adults.

My webquest promotes and empowers learners from diverse backgrounds by giving them the opportunity to see another culture. Many students in our schools believe they are just American and don’t see that everyone has their own background and culture. Students will be able to see that everyone comes from different backgrounds meaning that we are all different but also the same.