The tool I have chosen this week is an eBook website called ePub Bud. On this site you are able to browse eBooks, create eBooks, convert eBooks, and even sell eBooks. Although the site is more for children's creations, there are some adult books that can be downloaded or created as well! In the classroom, I would use this site to show my students how to create eBooks and to browse different books to show to them for their own enjoyment, entertainment, and for some ideas that may help them with creating their own. I feel that this site would give the students a sense of excitement and energy to want to read and write. What makes this site easy to use is that it gives you step by step instructions that aren't only easy for the teacher to use but the students as well. What might make this site difficult is all of the options you are able to choose, between creating, converting, browsing, it can all be a bit overwhelming for the children.
http://www.epubbud.com/
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
eBooks DO work
Before reading about eBooks, I never really thought about the way it can impact learning for students. I feel that eBooks can impact the writing process by helping to engage students because of how interactive and personal it is. Through eBooks, students are able to explore and make stories their own which should excite them and help them to want to further their writing processes. However, from a teachers point of view, I feel that it might be difficult to have them reading from a hard cover book and writing with pencil and paper rather than through technology. This could become extremely frustrating for the fact that there is not much for you to teach if the iPad or other technological object is teaching the students through their instructions.
In my classroom, especially since I will be working with special needs children, I feel that creating books will benefit my students greatly. It was amazing to read about how Jon was able to work with autistic children who did not want to learn but by the end they couldn't get enough. For most children with special needs, it is hard for them to concentrate and stay focused unless they find something they are interested in. With eBooks, I feel that my students would be completely engaged because they are able to make something their own and have many different options of topics, texts, photos, music, etc. It can also accommodate with my students by having audio and multiple other options to help them through the process of creating an eBooks.
The most striking or best thing that I took away from Jon's presentation was when he described how he had his special ed students all write up the same parts of the book. He had them start off with the introduction, chapter one, chapter two, etc. When the students were done writing their parts, he had the students read them, pick them apart, and then say what was good and what was bad about them. In the end, they choose what all went best together and add it to their book. I thought that gave the students a sense of teamwork and it also helps with their social skills.
In my classroom, especially since I will be working with special needs children, I feel that creating books will benefit my students greatly. It was amazing to read about how Jon was able to work with autistic children who did not want to learn but by the end they couldn't get enough. For most children with special needs, it is hard for them to concentrate and stay focused unless they find something they are interested in. With eBooks, I feel that my students would be completely engaged because they are able to make something their own and have many different options of topics, texts, photos, music, etc. It can also accommodate with my students by having audio and multiple other options to help them through the process of creating an eBooks.
The most striking or best thing that I took away from Jon's presentation was when he described how he had his special ed students all write up the same parts of the book. He had them start off with the introduction, chapter one, chapter two, etc. When the students were done writing their parts, he had the students read them, pick them apart, and then say what was good and what was bad about them. In the end, they choose what all went best together and add it to their book. I thought that gave the students a sense of teamwork and it also helps with their social skills.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Canva
The tool I have chose for this week is the website called Canva. This site is all about design and making what you create your very own. You can either start with a blank slate or you can choose from layouts, texts, backgrounds, colors, etc. that are already provided for you. From designing Facebook covers and Twitter posts to designing your own documents and presentations, this site can pretty much do it all! For the classroom, I would use the presentation design the most because I can put whatever it is I want on it. I could use pictures or words and link them to websites to help further my students' knowledge on whatever our topic may be. I think that students would definitely be able to use this site on their own to create their own designs because it is very simple to use and there is a quick tutorial that needs to be followed before creating. What might be challenging is coming up with ideas on what to create or to design. With layouts and backgrounds already provided, it makes it easy for students to just use those rather than design their own.
Here is the link to the website! I highly recommend people check it out. :)
This link is to a mini photo collage I made for my Major Project.
https://www.canva.com/design/DABKU_8k34c/yC_zDcI4iHmNmx3LgNdQuQ/edit
Cool Tools
Before introducing new tools in the classroom, it's important to consider a variety of questions. You'll want to ask yourself if the content being used is appropriate with the type of tool you are wishing to use. You might also ask yourself if it follows TPACK, Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge. As www.tpack.org stated, it's important to remember that every situation is unique and no single combination of content, technology, and pedagogy will apply to every teacher or every course. Don't stress! Some positive attributes about using tools in the classroom is that it gives learning a sense of joy and differentiation. Using different tools often keeps the students' attention and helps them learn the material in multiple ways. Some barriers however, in my opinion, is that students may become overwhelmed with all of the technology and content being used. Students may learn well using technology in different ways but others may feel like it is too much and learn better through one single tool. Since I will be working with younger students, I will be sure to use technologies that are fun, colorful, entertaining, and extremely active for my students. Preschoolers are still at the age of learning through play, therefore tools and technologies are key at this time and age to keep their attention. I'm hoping by going through the Cool Tools each week to find some that fit perfectly with my teaching.
After learning about TPACK, I still have some questions on how to use it specifically with children who have disabilities. I would like to learn what works best and if the TPACK is even considered. I'd hope to know that it is considered and it can be used similarly if not the exact same way as with regular education students.
After learning about TPACK, I still have some questions on how to use it specifically with children who have disabilities. I would like to learn what works best and if the TPACK is even considered. I'd hope to know that it is considered and it can be used similarly if not the exact same way as with regular education students.
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