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Write 3-4 paragraphs about how you would be able to incorporate the techniques learned into your situation (media specialist, teacher, etc.).

I am a high school teacher of mathematics who is committed to the use of media to facilitate learning. The technologies that were shared throughout this course have meanibgful uses in the subject that I teach. In particular, a website, blog, and inspiration will be incorporated in the near future to my lessons.

A website provides a snapshot of a course as well as a detailed road map of a given learning journey. A navigation panel assists students in finding relevant course material with relative ease. Students can have the benefit of keeping abreast of events, activities,projects,assignments and due dates through various pages on a website. A website can also provide links to sites that can offer additional help and or resources. Additionally, websites offer a means for communication and feedback by providing e-mail links and chat rooms.

A blog is a great tool for real time as well as asynchronous communication. Students can visit blogs and post questions as well as have discussions with peers. Teachers can post review questions and students can share responses as the teacher monitors the discuusion to ensure that the content is valid. A good practice in Mathematics would be to have students post weekly blogs in they summarize or review what was learned during that week. This provides reinforcement and feedback for teachers that can be used to clear up misconceptions or adjust lesson plans to reteach if necessary.

I have had Inspiration and Kidspiration installed on my laptop for years and shamefully never ventured into doscovering its uses. This is an awesome review tool. Students can create any form of block diagrams,tree diagrams and even Venn diagrams. In mathematics, students can create block diagram to demonstrate processes or procedures in problem solving . Venn diagrams can be used to compare the properties of geometric figures. Blank tree diagrams can be also given to students to fill in while learning(reviewing) vocabulary.

-Ingrid

ps Did I say I was glad to be back home? I am glad to be back home!

Weekly Post

So we are finally here and I have some catching up to do. I inadvertently did (and spent too much time) on assignments I was not suppose to do. It is said that everything happens or a reason: We have had a funeral or two every week at my church for the past six weeks! I actually put what seemed like wasted effort on assignments to good use.

I am workig on the only course. Blackboard is a very sophisticated software because of the capabilities that it has. Instructors are able to automate just about every aspect of a course. It does take time to set up but it is well worth it in the end - at least tha has been my experience. My powerpoint and flip charts for my lessons take a lot of prep time but I seem to cover more material during instruction.

This has been and interesting journey...I am on a very short home strecth.
-Ingrid

Weekly Post

Hello,
Not much to add this week except that I am working on the video module. I havea bit of experience since I have been practicing to create worship clips at my church. The cost of these clips can add up quickly. I am hoping to be able to produce clips for training purposes at school for new teachers. I have ventured into creating clips to demonstrate techniques to my students - maybe an entire lesson in the near future? I am looking foward to use this media more often;it is engaging and students learn more in less time as well as have unlimited access to lessons.

-Ingrid