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Laura's Starting Knowledge
My knowledge about technology included how to use PowerPoint, Word, Excel, social media platforms and the internet. I did not know much more than that in terms of resources to use for teaching. One of the main reasons I was so excited to take this course was the fact I knew I needed to improve in my knowledge of technology and how it can be used in the classroom. (Outlook Office, 2019) -
Laura uses Google Classroom for the first time!
I became familiar with shared documents and how to use them in a classroom setting. I think this is a super useful tool! As a teacher, you need to also watch out for students writing live as sometimes it can be inappropriate. (Google Classroom, 2019) -
Laura uses Quizlet
Quizlet is a great resource as teachers can either create their own quiz or use one already available. It can be used as a formative assessment method for both the teacher and students to assess their learning and understanding of the subject area (Quizlet, 2019) -
Laura makes a podcast
I created my very first podcast using SoundCloud! https://soundcloud.com/laura-blunden-995434191/laura-podcast (Soundcloud, 2019) -
Laura uses iMovie
I created an iMovie and uploaded it to YouTube after teaching myself through YouTube how to edit and use iMovie as well as how to upload a YouTube video. This was such a fun assignment! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FScSWP2aSWY (iMovie, 2019) -
Laura makes her first Powtoon
I created my very first Powtoon. It took some time to figure out the software and how to edit each section of the animation, but I believe this is a fun resource for students to use to demonstrate their understanding of a topic and present it in a fun and creative way! The Powtoon can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGNTZ7i25lY (Powtoon, 2019) -
Laura uses Twitter
I created a Twitter account, and realized its not only just angry comments between couch potatoes! Twitter actually has amazing ideas and resources for lesson plans, cool projects or ideas to use in your classroom! (Twitter, 2019) -
Laura uses Google Jamboard
Google Jamboard is a creative way to share ideas and it is linked to your Google Classroom so students do not need to create any extra accounts. (Google Classroom, 2019) -
Laura uses the SmartBoard
I participated in the SmartBoard learning session so that I can finally use a SmartBoard and all of its features in a classroom, instead of simply using it as a projector. This is such an important feature to learn! -
Laura learns Sutori
I learned how to use the resource Sutori, and then created my first timeline. Sutori is such a cool feature as you can create projects chalk full with information, pictures, links or videos on a timeline theme presentation style. My Sutori is available here https://www.sutori.com/story/sa-pa-vietnam--mQcVX2EqNto19tV2hEY7hZ7G (Sutori, 2019) -
Laura learns about games
I realized that gaming can actually be used in an educational setting, and found a super cool website for geography (https://geoguessr.com) which is one of my teachable subjects! I will absolutely be using this awesome resource! (Geoguessr, 2019) -
Laura plays with EdPuzzle
I learned how to use EdPuzzle and edited my first video. This resource allows you to edit videos, do voiceovers, ask questions throughout and much more. This is a great resource to ensure students are paying attention and cutting out unnecessary parts of the video. (EdPuzzle, 2019) -
Laura creates her first website!
I created my first ever website at https://lblunden16.wixsite.com/website This took some time to learn, troubleshoot and play around with, however, I think I was able to demonstrate my learning, as well as create a professional teaching website very well. (Wix, 2019) -
Laura masters Powtoon
As part of my final exam, I created another Powtoon. This time, as I was more familiar with the software and how to create/edit/upload a Powtoon it was a lot easier and I was able to incorporate many more effects and cool aspects to my video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzGHEv5Lsps&rel=0 (Powtoon, 2019) -
Laura learns Timetoast
I became familiar and was able to use Timetoast to create my timeline of learning in Teacher & Technology. I feel this resource is great because you can upload images, include links, as well as a small blurb to go with each event. I feel like I have come a long way throughout this course, and I plan on continuing to improve my professional development in teacher and technology as this is something that is constantly changing and improving. I am so grateful for the resources I have learned about.
