Personal Learning Summary

I want to tell you about myself before I began my studies in America. I was thinking how can I be comfortable with a different culture and also how can I make the study proportionate or applied when I return to Saudi Arabia. In Saudi Arabia using the traditional method in the process of explaining the lesson or the teacher must follow the lesson plan developed by the Ministry of Education. At present our education is moving towards the integration of technical educational stage and this was approved scholarship for teachers to continue their studies outside Saudi Arabia for the purpose of development of the teaching process.

According to EME 5050, what I learned the most from this course was new for me. I have improved my level in more than a skill and I also added the knowledge in different ways from the techniques. The students have grown up with the current technology and teachers should find ways for students to explore what helps them to pay attention and support their development of learning. From here I will remember what I learned from the course:

Diigo and Twitter gave me a lot of opportunity access to resources to support the curriculum, which made me constantly access the most important developments in technology.

My Blog is like a magazine for teachers, I am impressed by this idea and make it back up for the semester. My Blog is one of the ways in which teachers can share their knowledge from several sources.

I consider that the lesson plan of web page is the most important and the best way to start creating a curriculum page for the classroom. I think to create a Web page you need use your experience to organize information from start target selection, and also who is meeting with objective number the NETS-S and Sunshine state-standard so students can complete the project by following the lesson plan step-by-step.

Digital storytelling is one activity, but the benefits can make it easier to develop skills more effectively. I would activate and integrate into my own classroom. There are a number of reasons why this is so. I found the digital storytelling allows students to:

1. Write, read, and speak                  2. Work together.

3. Use their Knowledge                    4.  Help to develop language skills.

5. Make decisions.                            6. Understand texts.

7. Solve problems.                            8. Spent Time.

9. Pay attention better.                      10. Share.

I never use the rubric before in my classroom, but I find it a good way to measure the level of students and developed continuously and at the same time the student can control the level and developed through follow rubric.

In the curriculum for the classroom first thing I will do after return to Saudi Arabia to activate technology within the classroom. I love how the participation of students from downloading files, resources, projects, and also links communication between the teacher, students, and their parents. I think it is very important for the current generation of technology integration in the classroom, also and how important that students find all the information on one page. On the end of curriculum page I found several of advantages:

•         Teachers focus on the development of the learner in high-level thinking.
•        Provide other sources for students to develop their mental and intellectual skills.
•       Gain time for the teacher and the student so they can get all the information on one page, and can also move between resources just click on the link.
•      Increase gains experience for students through a review of resources to strengthen the learning in the classroom.
•       Students can solve problems easily.
•       Teacher can download and update files on the web page at any time.
•     Students can find the lesson content in a single page and can also transition from   one page to another with just one click on the link.
•      Teacher can submit important homework assignments and schedule deadlines for students on that web page along with receiving their homework assignments as well.
•       Students can discuss anything with the teacher at any time and also answer their questions.
•      Parents of students can contact the teacher as well as follow up with the educational level of their students and encourage them to develop through the web page.
•       Teacher and student can share the idea, as well as Video, Media, pictures, and links.
•       Help keep students safe. 

I really enjoyed this course, of course I will apply what I've learned from this class in my classroom, and also I will keep going to learn more on my program. I know I may have not covered all the information I have learned in this course, but then again I still have a lot more to learn about being a teacher.

What I found?

What I found from EME5050 course, I learned the fundamentals of technology and also how to integrate them pedagogically. From Curriculum page on the web page I learned how to set the lesson plan. I think the lesson plan is very important to start creating curriculum pages and what it contains. I think it is cool how the web page design of the curriculum in the classroom can be shared and communicated with teachers, students and their parents.

I used the IRubric website to create my rubric digital storytelling project. I believe that it's one of the best ways to identify and assess student learning through the goals and objectives of the lesson. I've found through this project that designing a rubric is based on determining content and finding out what is supposed to be followed by students.

Digital storytelling is the best way for the students to thoughtfully plan, set learning goals, and also tell a personal story to explore and research themselves.

I enjoy with my blog and sharing with my classmates. It is a great idea to learn and to share resources and media for the development of knowledge, and catch up with the evolution of technique.

I really enjoyed this course and it goes without saying that I will apply what I've learned during this course in my own classroom as well. I plan on keeping up to date with this course so that my "technological teaching" does not get stale as the times and technology evolve. I realize I may have not covered all the information from this course, but I would like to share my ideas with you in exchange for some more of your ideas. 

What are the benefits of Web Pages?

After creating and designing a web page and entered into the classroom I find that there are many benefits to the web page for both the teacher and students. However, at the beginning of the designing of the web page you will face some difficulties in the search for a good idea and how to reach students in an easy way. When you complete all the requirements of the curriculum content, it will be very easy for the modernization and development in the future. I think every educator must create a Web page for the classroom. I will mention some of the benefits in web page of the curriculum:

 o   Teachers focus on the development of the learner in high-level thinking.

 o   Provide other sources for students to develop their mental and intellectual skills.

 o  Gain time for the teacher and the student so they can get all the information on one page, and can also  move between resources just click on the link.

 o  Increase gains experience for students through a review of resources to strengthen the learning in the classroom.

 o   Students can solve problems easily.

 o   Teacher can download and update files on the web page at any time.

 o   Students can find the lesson content in a single page and can also transition from one page to another with just one click on the link.

 o  Teacher can submit important homework assignments and schedule deadlines for students on that web page along with receiving their homework assignments as well.

 o   Students can discuss anything with the teacher at any time and also answer their questions.

 o Parents of students can contact the teacher as well as follow up with the educational level of their students and encourage them to develop through the web page.

 o   Teacher and student can share the idea, as well as Video, Media, pictures, and links.

 o   Help keep students safe.

        

I think it is cool how the web page design of the curriculum in the classroom can be shared and communicated with teachers, students and their parents. Web page is one of the best ways to integrate technology into the classroom, which develop and encourage students to participate in a technical environment and use it effectively. As mentioned in the activity for creating digital storytelling for individual students as a group, students can use higher-level thinking to create a short story step-by-step and share it with other students. Students learn how to focus on one point then continue his memory to supplement the story to reach the goal step by step.

Free Web Site Tools:

- Portaportal

http://www.portaportal.com/

- 4teachers.org

http://poster.4teachers.org/

- Homepagestartup.com

http://www.homepagestartup.com/

- Google Sites

http://www.google.com/sites/help/intl/en/overview.html

-WikiSpaces

http://www.wikispaces.com

Resources

Johnny, Lee. (2007). The classroom Web Page: A Must-Have in

      2008. Retrieved Feb 19, 2008.

      From: http://www.edutopia.org/learning-alliances-building-a-     better-school

Dave, Chamberlain. (2008). Web 2.0 in the Classroom. Retrieved Oct 11 2008. From:

           http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ue1FeMBfKec

Digital Storytelling Example: Saudi Arabia to America on Prezi

My example is creating a digital story about the cultures, traditions, and customs of different countries. I asked high school students to remember the last trip outside of Saudi Arabia, and then create a digital story that describes the differences of cultures.

Students will learn about the different cultures of different religions. I encourage my students to post pictures taken personally to create their digital storytelling in order to get closely acquainted with other cultures.

I would like to share my example, and then let me know what you like? What would you like to be better?

Please look at my example on Wiki page: Saudi Arabia to America!!

Using Digital storytelling in the classroom

I am a high school computer teacher and also responsible for the computer lab, including desktops. I have met with some of the teachers and have developed a plan for the integration of educational technology in the classroom, specifically Digital Storytelling. The possibilities are endless. There are so many resources available on the Internet to create stories that include visuals and sound.

There are many teachers that have never used Digital Storytelling and before starting work in using digital storytelling some teachers need training or practice for the use of this technique in the classroom. Although there are many resources available, I would recommend MovieMaker to help get teachers familiar with the technology that is easily available on the computers at the school.

            It is noticeable among the teachers that there was an interest and excitement for the use of this technology.  They feel that this technique is important and they have found that students will improve many skills, including speaking, reading, writing, and listening.  The success of teachers and the development of the project have been set with certain rules to help develop the importance of using this technique and integrating it into the classroom.

            After that, a scheduled time slot is set weekly for each teacher to use the computer lab to explain and clarify the project for students. They also put in lab hours for students who have some problems. For students that are struggling, there are some resources I would recommend to pursue such as Story tools and storyboarding to help develop the students' skills and use high level thinking through digital storytelling in the classroom.

Digital Storytelling on Prezi

Whiteboards and Tablet PCs in Classroom

In This time, I will discuss the Information technology applied to school as a learning tool and teaching media. Japan initiated a study to clarify potentially for learning environment using Tablet PC (TPC) and Interactive Whiteboard (IWB).

“Informatization of School Education” has been promoted in Japan wherein school buildings are reinforced to resist earthquakes and ICT-friendly learning environments are implemented in their schools. Classrooms are equipped with TPC with both real keyboards and pen tablet displays, wireless networking, a small camera and microphone and two IWB a 70 inches touch screen board with a short focus LCD projector and a 50 inches plasma display with touch screen sensor that are connected to laptops for teachers.

This has become a real time sharing tool for teachers to monitor students’ behavior and performance in class by selecting student's TPC to share on the IWB. The students are encouraged to think independently by sharing and comparing their ideas through TPC. Lesson style and trend using TPC and IWB are listed for classroom and group sharing, drill training, report, drawing creation, information collection and distance communication.

These media technology will help the schools a lot if implemented properly. They are very useful tools in sharing and collaboration of information inside the classrooms.

While the potential of information technology applied to school is still under study, a continuing research is necessary to clarify the implementation of new technologies in the future schools and a new vision for school learning.

Here Johnny Chung Lee, he explained how to create a cheap electronic whiteboards system using infrared (IR) light pens and the Wii Remote. It is extremely easy to create "Multi-point tablet display." in exceptionally low cost. 

References 

Inagaki, T., Nakagawa, H., Murai, M., Shimizu, M., Nakahashi, Y., Uchigaito, T.,    Yamamoto, T., Kurihara, K. & Futaki, S. (2011). What do Interactive Whiteboards and Tablet PCs bring to a classroom?. In T. Bastiaens & M. Ebner (Eds.), Proceedings of World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia and Telecommunications 2011 (pp. 406-411). Chesapeake, VA: AACE.
Retrieved from http://www.editlib.org/p/37898.

Johnny, Lee. (2007). Cost Multi-touch Whiteboard using the Wiimote. Retrieved Dec 7, 2007 from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5s5EvhHy7eQ 

About me page!!

I would like to share the link of my about me page, if you have any ideas to share please feel free!

https://plus.google.com/u/0/115558679699664025681/about

How to Use Cell Phone as Learning Tools

How to Use Cell Phones as Learning Tools suggests that phones can be used for learning not only in the classroom, but also just about anywhere travel which means learning doesn’t stop once the school day is over. Cell phones in the classrooms are also economical and environmentally friendly. It cuts down on the cost of expensive computer labs, and helps save trees by not using so much paper. 

The use of videos and pictures on a cell phone can help students capture notes and focus more on lectures. If they’re at home and want to review the lecture, all they have to do is go back to their cell phone and review it instantly.   

Cell phones are also making classes more interactive by teachers and students engaging in chat sessions.  Students can post their questions and comments and receive answers instantly.  This can be done discreetly so students feel more comfortable about voicing their questions or concerns without feeling embarrassed.  It also encourages everyone to think and have opinions on particular subjects, which enforces cognitive thinking. 

The problems with cell phones in the classrooms are addressed starting with those students who don’t have one. This problem is solved by forming group activities so one phone can be shared among several students at one time.

The other problem of having cell phones in the classroom is getting reception in order to use them.  This may be a school issue of getting WIFI in the building.  If it’s a major problem, teachers should just assign cell phone related assignments for group work or homework.

Finally, the issue of inappropriate use of cell phones in the classroom.  The article suggests letting students teach teachers and other students about the inappropriate ways to use a cell phone.  Teachers are encouraged to discuss the consequences of cell phone misuse on a regular basis.  This keeps students aware of the misconduct and penalties. 

Educators should take advantage of the fact that most students have mobile devices and allow them to use them in the classroom. Yes, many school systems have imposed a ban on student’s use of cell phones in school; however, with the proper rules about student cell phone use, the phones can benefit a student’s education. For example,

The benefits of cell phones:

1. For students who take notes slowly, camera cell phones can take photos of the blackboard, and phones with recording apps can record lectures. Other students can record entire class activities in both audio and video for absent students. Also, students can text upcoming assignments to themselves and their calendars.

2. Access to the Internet would assist students in researching and studying guides.

3. Calculators can be used for math class.

4. Language learning apps can be used for writing, spelling, and grammar references.

5. Alerts can be issued in times of disaster, such as bombings and bomb threats, storms, floods, tornadoes and shootings.

6. Students can contact parents in case of an emergency.

Restrictions on cell phones:

1. No cell phone use during tests.

2. Use of phone during class only when instructed

3. Parental filters on smart phones so only age appropriate material is allowed access.

4. Allow teachers the authority to confiscate devices at their own discretion.

5. Inappropriate use or unauthorized will be punishable.

There is plenty of evidence that cell phones in classrooms enhance learning verses harming or hindering it. Students deserve to be taught in a technological classroom because that’s the kind of world we are living in today. Medical technology plays a pivotal role in helping people lead healthier and longer lives. Mobile technology helps users stays connected and conduct business in places where traditional landline phones may not be available. Military technology is crucial to a nation's ability to defend itself against threats of violence and terrorism. These are examples of how technological developments have never stopped; so why should it in the classroom?

Meg, O. (2012). How to Use Cell Phones as Learning Tools. Retrieved from http://www.teachhub.com/how-use-cell-phones-learning-tools

Teaching Today (2011). Cell Phones in the Classroom. Retrieved from http://teachingtoday.glencoe.com/howtoarticles/cell-phones-in-the-classroom

Using Twitter in the classroom

This blog is about a teacher’s view on the use of Twitter as a learning tool and a mean of interaction in classrooms. The writer expressed his views about the positive role twitter can play in classrooms. He also included the views of a few high school teachers on this subject. They believe Twitter can be used as an online conversation tool that will encourage reactions and opinions from students on a particular subject of discussion. The feedback from students will help the teachers to effectively assess the understanding level of the students regarding the subject and identify and fix any misconceptions that the students hold.  The writer believes that if the teachers worked to show students ways to use twitter as an effective tool to master the kinds of skills and behaviors that matter, social networking space will become social learning space.

Since Twitter is already embraced by most of the teens nowadays, educators should encourage students to put it to good use by getting involved in productive conversations with their teachers and classmates. Aside from giving students the opportunity to get instant access to ideas from others, Twitter helps students challenge other individual’s thinking. They can ask questions, give opinion, and participate in collaborate dialogue. The use of social media by politicians to propagate their message has given students a chance to ask questions and to learn more about candidates. Moreover, Twitter can take involvement in the subject material to a whole different level. Tracee Ormon, a high school English teacher uses Twitter to help students to identify with the characters in the novel and to broaden their imagination.

Reference

Bill, F. (2011). Using Twitter in High School Classrooms, teaches 6th grade

      language arts in North Carolina 2005-2006. From:

                    http://teacherleaders.typepad.com/the_tempered_radical/2011/10/using-twitter-with-teens-.html