EDU 506 Self Report

Introduction: I found this class to be very helpful. When I first began this class in January I was so overwhelmed. I have been teaching for several years and have been apprehensive to incorporate the computer and the internet into my lessons. I have been able to do the basic functions in Word but have not been confident enough to explore some of the more complex programs like Excel, PowerPoint and FrontPage. After completing this class I feel so much more confident in my computer capabilities. I am much more willing to try new things and take risks to make my lessons more appealing and computer friendly. Technology is everywhere and I am so glad that it was necessary for me to take this class. I wish that all of the teachers in my building could have a chance to be exposed to all of these programs. All teachers and children could benefit from learning these skills.

_______________________________________________________________________

Title: Word Processing/Newsletter

Description: For this assignment we were to design and develop a lesson plan. After looking over the assignment I was given permission from Dr. Yang to do a newsletter for my pre-k classroom meeting all of the requirements. The assignment needed to include at least one image, one link, page numbers and a minimum of one object for example: a picture, word art, or a text box.

Reflection: I loved this assignment! I do a monthly newsletter already and I keep it very simple. This took one of my monthly duties and turned it into a fun learning project for me. I had a great time making my newsletter look great. I continue to use all of the features of word processing in each of my newsletters. I have also been teaching some of the other teachers how to use some of the components such as word art and text boxes.

Link: Click here to see my newsletter.

_______________________________________________________________________

Title: Excel/Letter Recognition

Description: For this assignment we were to create an evaluation/assessment tool by using Excel. We needed to include a formula/function and /or a chart to analyze and demonstrate data as well as include one paragraph for an introduction, explanation, rationale, purpose or reflection of this project. I chose to use a spreadsheet as well as a graph to compare the letter recognition of the students in my morning class to the students in my afternoon class.

Reflection: This assignment is the one that gave me the most trouble and caused me the most anxiety! I have never been comfortable using spreadsheets and did not really think it was necessary to use this in pre-k. Wow, I was wrong! I have begun using spreadsheets for everything. I loved being able to compare the data and to see it side by side. I have begun using spreadsheets at home to keep track of bills as well as chores completed by my children. I am so much more confident and have since used spreadsheets as well as graphs on several occasions.

Link: Click here to see my Excel document.

Title: PowerPoint/Rainforest 3^rd Grade with Kelly Knoop

Description: For this assignment we were to create a slide show. We chose to use the slide show to teach a lesson on the rainforest. We needed to include several things in our slideshow. We needed new to use slide layout, a design template, slide transition, animation, action buttons, insert a picture, sound as well as a hyperlink.

Reflection: I enjoyed this assignment. I have done PowerPoint before but have never incorporated so many different features. I found this to be so much fun and almost addicting. After you start adding in all of the different features you could not help but add more. This was such a powerful assignment and probably the most useful for me. I will use PowerPoint so often in future assignments and lessons.

Link: Click here to see my PowerPoint on the rainforest.

_____________________________________________________________________

Title: Web quest/Pre-K – K Insects

Description: For this assignment we were to create a webquest geared to our age group. We needed to include all components of a webquest. We also needed to include one graphic and make sure all resources are working. When this assignment was finished our webquest was published.

Reflection: When I first received this assignment I was overwhelmed. I chose a topic that was not appropriate for the grade level I was teaching. After much anguish I decided to change my focus to be one of pre-kindergarten and kindergarten. I decided to create a webquest on Insects. I enjoyed this project but definitely need more practice. I tried it out with two of my students and it was successful. The part that I found most difficult was trying to create a webquest that was easily used by the students in my class. I feel that my webquest was good but I look forward to creating more and am sure they will be great. Without this assignment and class I would have never tried to create a webquest and now I cannot wait to begin my next one. I am signed up for a webquest workshop through my district on Friday, May 1^st.

Link: Click here to see my Insect webquest.