Shellie Brunsman
Springfield, Illinois
Reflecting back over the last month there are many new technologies I have been introduced to. Even though I have learned a lot, I realize that there are still a multitude of new areas to venture into.
Since the beginning of C & I 335 I have learned how to create and use a web page. I feel comfortable using Claris Home Page as well as Fetch 3.0. Browsing through Netscape has become easier and less troublesome. I can access necessary information more efficiently than before this class. I will be more comfortable using Netscape, Power Point and Claris Home page with my students. I am still interested in learning about some of the emerging technologies we explored in week three. I don't feel comfortable using plug-ins or truly understand how to use Java. I would like to learn more about both of these.
The variety of communication tools we learned about are vital in accessing and incorporating information from the Internet. I use Eudora daily and have for the last 3 years. I have enjoyed using the Webboard as a posting tool. The chat times have helped with completing necessary projects. This has been an effective way to contact other class members. I enjoy giving as well as receiving critiques and helpful information. I look forward to using the video conferencing tools and RealAudio/RealVideo with my students. I am not totally comfortable downloading programs/plug ins. These areas I need to work on.
Multimedia tools are a great asset to the elementary classroom. Not only do they generate excitement in the students, parents and school partners marvel at the creativity and capabilities of the students. I currently use Kid Pix and Hyperstudio for multimedia presentations in my classroom. I have also used the slide show feature on Claris 4.0 for the principal's presentation to the staff. I am very excited about the features Power Point has to offer. There are great templates and ideas that will fit easily into my curriculum. I would like to learn how to incorporate a Power Point slide show into a school web page. ( I know that Hyperstudio also has this capability.)
The most intriguing part of this class has been learning about the legal and ethical issues that surround technology. I was not aware of Acceptable Use Policies, predators on the Web or adapting materials on the Internet for the disabled. My husband and I just finished the grant that deals with Internet Crimes Against Children. (Hopefully the police department will receive funding for it.) The Federal Bureau of Investigation reports that Internet crimes against children are rising each year. The concern is in investigating, collecting evidence and prosecuting these predators. Due to the nature of the Internet it is very difficult to collect data. Few police departments have protocols for handling these cases. Many go unreported because victims and their families do not know how to go about reporting their concerns. What cases are reported end up forwarded to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The more I researched this topic the more I realized that I might have allowed a student to become a victim of Internet crime. If I did not realize these things occurred---how many other teachers are in the same position? To address this, we added a component in the grant for an Internet crime awareness campaign. The Department would develop and distribute an informative brochure that would be available to each teacher in the public and private schools. This brochure would contain information about what Internet crimes are, how to detect them, how to avoid them and where to call if they have questions or need to report a problem. As a teacher, I will closely monitor all Internet use. If there is any question, I know where to call.
Student evaluation for my project will be done using teacher observation and formal assessment. The student's level of competency with technology will be determined by teacher observation and portfolio slide show. The student's assignments will be graded by the classroom teacher. These evaluations will be kept by the classroom teacher in the grade book. (We are looking for a better elementary computer grade book program for the school.) I would like to learn about other means of evaluating my student's work. Any programs or techniques that would apply to elementary programs would be a great help.
There have been a lot of exciting technological discoveries this past month. I never thought I could learn so many interesting things in such a short time. (It truly went fast!) I am looking forward to implementing these in my classroom and sharing what I have learned with the rest of my staff. I have enjoyed this class and look forward to the rest of this program.