Spreadsheets

I think spreadsheets can be very helpful in the classrooms. Spreadsheets really have many uses to them. We learned the other day that you can create matching worksheets, web worksheets, time-lines, keep track of grades and do calculations for you. Spreadsheets are simple to use once you get use to them. They help keep everything organized and a great tool that every teacher should use. I will definitely be using spreadsheets in my classroom.

In the book it tells us there are three primary functions in using a spreadsheet. You use them for storing, calculating, and presenting information. There are a lot of advantages in using spreadsheets. I think the main ones would be how easy it is to use, how it does all the calculations for you, and how it keeps you organized. The easier a program is the faster the teachers can get their responsibilities done. The way it can do the calculation for you is just awesome! I know it is a pain to sit there and add each individual students' grades up then average them and enter it all in the computer. It is just so time consuming.

I think spreadsheets are really helpful to teachers. They could also help show facts to students. I personally think the time-lines are so fast and easy to make using a spreadsheet, and will come in handy when I start teaching.

Jonassen, D. H. (2008). Modeling with Technologies, Meaningful Learning With Technology, (Third Edition ed.).88-89, Columbus, OH: Pearson Prentice Hall.

Discussion 3 blog posting

The Inspiration video showed four different programs that students can use to help brainstorm, and enhance the learning experience. The teacher could use the maps and diagrams in the classroom to help keep the students attention.It also allows students to still be creative but able to absorb the knowledge they learn from visualizing. Inspiration technology is a great visual aid that can be used in the classroom.

I personally love the diagram program. It is such a great visual tool, and helps break the subject down. It will help the students visually learn. Using maps is also a good way to help students link concepts and ideas to each other. I also think it would be a great group project for students to put together. I personally believe that group projects helps students expand their idea concepts. Using these programs will help organize and clearly present the ideas teachers are trying to teach the students.

I think any four of the different programs can help the students and be very useful in the classroom. It is a great visual aid tool, and it would help engage the students in the lesson.Our goal as a teacher should be to help each student learn to their bet abilities. Using technology programs like these can help tremendously.

Jonassen D., Howland J., Marra R. M., & Crismond D. (2008). Meaningful Learning with Technology. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.

 

Inspiration Quick Tour website.

Discussion

This is one of the first times I have actually used a blog. I have read some blogs my friends have written though. I personally really like them. I think blogs could be used for a lot of different projects in the classroom. It is a good way to get kids to express their real thoughts about certain subjects. I know for some students it is hard for them to speak up in the classroom, so it would be easier for them to just type to express themselves. For example, an English classroom could use a blog as a journal activity. It would also be a good way to get discussions going over topics from assignments. In my content area I could use blogs to discuss controversial subjects such as the Big Bang Theory or evolution. That way there wouldn't be heated discussions in the classroom, and every student would be able to voice their opinion.

Jonassen, D., Howland, J., Marra, R. M., & Crismond, D. (2008). Meaningful Learning with Technology  
                   (3rd ed., pp. 2-7). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.

Introducing me =)

Hey! My name is Kayshia Ballard.I am 20 years old (21 on valentines day!). I live in Pattonville, Texas its about 10 minutes south of Paris. I am a Junior majoring in Biology 8-12 certification. I also want to coach volleyball and tennis. I love sports, hanging out with friends, shooting skeet, fishing, mudding and stuff like that. I am crazy and outgoing so there is no telling what I will do! haha.