PowerPoint (Terrific)

THE ASSIGNMENT

In this assignment, we were to create part of a lesson plan using PowerPoint. The PowerPoint was not to be used for direct instruction. We had to complete a narrative page explaining what PA standard supported our lesson, what the students knew prior to this lesson and what our objective was for the students.We had to decide who and where we would be teaching. We then had to present our completed PowerPoint to a small group within the class to be evaluated (we also had to do a self-evaluation). The point of this assignment is to make us aware of other uses of PowerPoint (not used solely for direct instruction). I found a blog that talks a little about this. The last thing you want to do is bore your students.
                           

I would best describe this assignment as educational. I had very little experience with PowerPoint prior to this project. I feel it expanded my knowledge and helped me develop a better understanding of all the tools within PowerPoint to help create an interesting and interactive lesson plan. I've always viewed PowerPoint as a direct instruction tool but now I view it as a great tool that can be non-direct instructional to help spark students interest and put the action in their hands. There are also many resources out there to help you prepare and create lessons using PowerPoint.

PRESENTING THE POWERPOINT

It was a little difficult to present to my fellow classmates. I knew I spent a lot of time creating my PowerPoint but it was still my first PowerPoint and I was just starting to get familiar with all the tools and ad-ins within the program. I knew I would meet all the requirements of the assignment but would I be creative enough? Did I take enough risks? I'm sure with practice, I will only improve!
I thought my peers did a great job with their projects. I could tell they put a lot of time into the assignment. Their PowerPoint presentations were very creative and colorful. I felt they were far more advanced than mine.

OVERALL

Overall, the project was time consuming and a bit difficult only because it was something that I was not familiar with. I also felt it was important to teach us the non-direct way to use PowerPoint and the great tools out there within PowerPoint so when we are out in the field, we can take advantage of all PowerPoint has to offer!

Two More for The Roll

Here is a great blog I found regarding education in early childhood as the new school year begins. It's important for teachers to enter a new school year with excitment and in this blog, it is evident that there is some excitement out there as the new school year begins. Creating excitement will help the children feel welcome as the new school year begins.



I also found another great resource for early childhood ed.

My Beliefs about Technology and Learning

I feel technology is such a huge part of life. It's important for students to understand how to use technology. It is equally important for teachers to teach children how to use technology properly. One pitfall of this could be that teachers may be apprehensive or threatened by technology if it's something they are new to. Another drawback could be the funding for technology in public schools. With technology changing so quickly, it may be hard for schools to stay on top of the latest equipment. Some teachers may have success in using technology in the class room by using it as a tool to help teach. Students may be very receptive and eager to learn if they are already familiar with the technology being used. As much as I feel technology should be implemented into the class room, I also feel it should not replace face to face communication and interaction.