Digital Safety Reflection

The Internet is filled with resources. Most of these resources come with copyright. It is imperative that educators teach their students about copyright and fair use. 

Copyright is the right a creator has over his or her work or literature and chooses how they want to share it. Copyright protects original works of authorship, while a patent protects inventions or discoveries (Copyright in General, 2006). From the moment it is created it is under the copyright law protection.


This generation, most research is conducted through the Internet. Educators should inform their students about copyright before they begin their assignment. Because most assignments require research, this would be a good time to squeeze in a little facts about copyright. Students may know a bit about copyright but it is better to inform them completely about what it is and what it does. Through the Internet, the information can be endless. Students will need to learn how to cite and reference those information. Students will learn how to be good online citizens.


To be informative, I would insert a simple part about copyright into my syllabus. Anything lesson that requires technology will have me present a short Prezi, or a short video clip on why we need to understand copyright. To confirm their understanding I will give them a quiz. The quiz is but one part as I can always assess their understanding through their papers if they were cited or referenced. It would be nice to provide the students guidelines as well. 


Fair use is a part of copyright. It allows limited use of the copyrighted material without acquiring permission from the rights of the creators. Copyrighted materials can be used in school projects as long as Fair Use Guidelines are followed (Information Technology, 2003). The website Copyright & Fair Use has some guidelines that can be shared with teachers and students. Fair use and copyright should be taught to students as early as possible. With technology advancing everyday, sharing the information with the students won't hurt. Copyright and fair use may change a little over time but the concept will not change. No one wants their work taken from them with out permission and passed off as theirs. Teach the kids about copyright and fair use. Enforce originality in every assignment.


Copyright and fair use was a very interesting topic and it sure created some confusions throughout our group research. Nonetheless, we were all fortunate to have learned a great deal about it. During our group project, we were all not clear as to what copyright and fair use meant. We separated the research and put it all together using Prezi as our main presentation tool and Weebly as our informative website for students and teachers. Another important tool was Wiggio. To collaborate with ease we used Wiggio for communication and sharing of information. It was convenient for those in the group who could not make it to a face-to-face meeting. With Wiggio everyone was able to take part in the group, virtually.

Resources:


Copyright in General, 2006. 
Retrieved May 13, 2012 from: http://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-general.html


Fair Use, 2006
Retrieved May 13, 2012 from: http://www.copyright.gov/fls/fl102.html


Copyright & Fair Use Guidelines, 2003. Information Technology Department
Retrieved May 13, 2012 from: http://www.boiseschools.org/webguide/fairuse_students.html

Online Educational Game Rubric

Rubric
Online Game: Demolition Division

Rubric

Category	4 - Very Good	3 - Average	2 - Needs Improvement	1 - Poor	Score
Layout	The educational game has an exceptionally attractive and usable layout. Instructions are detailed and game is user friendly for students.	The educational game has an attractive and usable layout. Instructions are easy to follow.	The educational game has a usable layout, but may appear busy or boring. Instructions are unclear and difficult to follow.	The educational game is confusing, lacking directions, creating frustration.	4
Navigation	Game navigation is clearly labeled, consistently placed, allowing the student to easily transition from task to task. A user stays on track.	Game navigation is clearly labeled and allows the student to easily transition from task to task. A user rarely becomes lost.	Game navigation not labeled clearly, but takes the student where s/he expects to go. A user sometimes gets lost.	The navigation and transitions are unclear. A user typically becomes lost.	4
Skill Development	Game navigation is clearly labeled, consistently placed, allowing the student to easily transition from task to task. A user stays on track.	There are some accommodations for varying skill levels. Student is able to adjust the game to their ability as their skills build.	There are few accommodations for varying skill levels. Student is unable to adjust the game to their ability as their skills build.	There is no variation in skill levels and no adjustments possible.	3
Interest	The author of this educational game has made an exceptional attempt to capture the interest of students for whom it is intended. (Game captures and holds interest of students for extended period of time.)	The author has attempted to make the content of this educational game interesting to the students for whom it is intended. (Game has limited interest capturing capabilities.  Student attention wanders after few levels)	The author has put little effort to making this educational game interesting. (Game has little ability to hold students interest or attention.)	The educational game lacks interest and does not capture the student’s attention. (Game is not interesting to students.)	3
Content	The student has an exceptional understanding of the material included in the site and is able to find additional information. Can easily answer questions about the content and procedures used to make the web site.	The student has a good understanding of the material included in the site. Can easily answer questions about the content and procedures used to make the web site.	The student has a fair understanding of the material included in the site. Can easily answer most questions about the content and procedures used to make the web site.	Student did not appear to learn much from this project. Cannot answer most questions about the content and the procedures used to make the web site.	4
Assessment Possibilities	Assessment possibilities are very good.  Can capture and record scores and points earned to justify learning levels.	Assessment possibilities exist.  Able to record scores and points, but not retrieve them.	Assessment possible only if student or teacher records scores/ points.  Ability to transfer to another document.	Assessment undetermined.  No scores or points recorded.	3

Scored By:    Leah, Michelle, Linda, Rodeny, Nerissa & Tony (Team Demolition)         ED609 – Instructional Technology

Tools for Teaching

      The Internet offers so much I have yet to explore. I began this course knowing Microsoft Office as the main tool for most of my works. I have become so proficient in Office that I completely ignored other more convenient tools that I also did not realize were free. Additionally, as a graphics artist I became proficient with using tools from Adobe Mastersuite. There are other tools I use everyday but it is not compared to the tools I will begin using when I become a teacher. Below I have listed 8 even more useful tools for teaching:




1. Google Apps: I just recently learned about Google Apps and I love it. It features several web applications with a similar functionality to traditional Microsoft Office, which includes Gmail, Groups, Calendar, Talk, Documents, Sites, Blogger, and talks.  Rate: 5




2. Moodle:  I was introduced to Moodle a year ago and I found it really convenient as a student. My teachers uploaded assignments through Moodle. It was like being in an actual classroom where instead it is an interactive classroom.  Moodle is an Open Source Course Management System. Rate: 5






3. Wiggio:  Wiggio makes it easier to work in groups. Having a wiggio account means that the user is able to create multiple groups, which can be viewed separately or combined. Wiggio was used during the creation of our digital security project. Wiggio was such a big help when it came to communication and sharing files.
Rate: 5

4. Mozilla Firefox: This browser is free and developed as an open source operating systems such as Windows, Mac, and Linux. Mozilla provides good security and customization searching options. I enjoy the customizable tool bars and add ons. 
Rate: 4








5. DropBox: Dropbox is a convenient tool that helps the user store files (documents, photos, presentations, etc..) and be able to access them any time anywhere. I found this tool to be so much more convenient than using a flash drive. Now I store all my files onto a dropbox. What is even more exciting is being able to access it anywhere and how it automatically syncs to my phone, laptop, and Ipad. I will be using this tool a lot. Rate: 5

6. LiveBinders:  LiveBinders replaces those 3-ring binders taking space on your desk. Collect all those website links and combine them to create a virtual portfolio where the user can easily access, share, and update from anywhere. This is also the only tool online that lets you view other online media and uploaded documents in context. LiveBinders is just amazing! I love organizing all my favorite links onto a virtual binder. Rate: 5

7. GoAnimate: GoAnimate is a great tool to tell a story. Use this tool to create videos fast and fun. Create animated characters with expressions by using your own voice or just by simply typing in the conversation line after line. GoAnimate allows users to explore other video creations which can be filtered down to any topic such as English, Math, etc.  GoAnimate is an appropriate tool to get students engaged. Rate: 5

8. VoiceThread:  This is another great tool to use in a classroom. VoiceThread allows group conversations to be collected and shared in one place from anywhere in the world. Create a multimedia slideshow that holds images, videos, or words and leave comments in 5 ways. VoiceThread allows sharing where comments can be recorded or typed. Presentations are becoming more and more interesting with this VoiceThread. This is just another fun way to get students to collaborate and engage. Rate: 4


In conclusion, I find all these online tools pretty amazing! I cannot wait to begin using these tools in my future classroom. Truthfully, there are other many other tools I love using such as photoshop, wiki, facebook, twitter, facetime, oovoo, etc. I love technology especially if it is FREE!


I have created a short video clip using Go! Animate. Follow the link to see a preview -Being Technology Proficient-. Additionally, below is video clip from YouTube on how to use Wikis in a classroom. Another insightful tool!

Online Educational Game - Reflection

       Online educational games are a great way for students to learn in a fun and interactive way. The gaming environment has been around for many years and has changed the way users think, learn, and engage. Bringing these games into a classroom is a great idea. Online educational games can benefit them in so many ways. The aim is to increase rate of correct responses and decrease error rate until responses become automatic (Arcademic Skill Builders, 2012).

The group has chosen a Math game. The game is called Demolition Division. The game is absolutely appropriate for kids who want to learn division. The game itself is visually attracting and fun. Some difficult tasks are agreeing to the chosen game. All members are of different contents and time was also against us. Another issue was trying to figure out the category of the rubric. Nonetheless, everyone agreed and enjoyed the presentation of the game. If I ever want to become a Math teacher, I would definitely make this game a part of my lesson.

When considering the use of these online educational games there are things to think about. First, is to find the appropriate game under the content area. Next is to figure out the hard part which is the rubric. The rubric not only scores the overall attempt but should also score other important categories. The categories should be fair and explained properly for correct scoring. In the beginning, it was difficult only because I did not understand how to go about doing this. Usually, I would just think of group collaboration games where they create posters, or build stuff. But this online educational game is even better. 

        In conclusion, I found online educational games to be a great way to spice up the learning environment. Teachers and librarians can confidently encourage students to use FunBrain during their free time in class, assured that kids will enjoy an educational, safe online learning experience (Funbrain, 1997). There are all kinds of games available for students of any interest. I believe as teachers we should include some games in our lesson plan to enhance learning capabilities. Additionally, creating a generic rubric for these games is simple and can be used for other games as well. Online educational games are a great way to provide new dimensions of learning to these students and the Internet who won't stop growing provides many websites consisting of all types of games that are visually entertaining. 

Funbrain, (1997). Family Education Network
Retrieved May 13, 2012 from the FunBrain website:
 http://www.funbrain.com/about


Academic Skill Builders, (2012). Demolition Division. 
Retrieved May 12, 2012 from the Arcademic Skill Builder website: http://www.arcademicskillbuilders.com/why/ 

The Enabling Dreams video presents how technology is improving the lives of students with disabilities. Technology has become even more important as many people with all sorts of disabilities are given the opportunity to learn, play, and communicate better. With the ever changing world of technology, imagine the inventions today that can be tailored to just about anyone. The video displays assistive technology usages by students with disabilities. A seemingly happy, Susanna Martini, for her, technology is like a lifeline, without it she could not exist (Curtis D., 2005). Studies show that the earlier you introduce assistive devices the quicker they master them (Curtis D., 2005). With the appropriate technology anyone has the opportunity to enhance their way of learning.

Creating a lesson plan should be a well thought process for every teacher. Every detail is just as important as when the lesson plan is executed. As an aspiring teacher, I would create my lesson plan accordingly. I want to ensure that each learner has a place in my lesson plan and that each student will able to participate in my activities. I would keep in mind the steps to take when creating a newly revised lesson plan when adding a disability student. What is the disability of the student? What are the issues surrounding their learning disability? More importantly, I would try to find the strengths of the student. Their strengths determine what they can engage in or what materials they can use.

The previous designs of my lesson plans were simple. For example, the students are to create short essays surrounding the topics movie, music, and food. Revising it so that it would include a disability student would make it completely different. Since the Internet has given so much, I would like to make more use of appropriate websites that give students the opportunity to search as they wish, but of course under my supervision. Students can watch trailers of movies, listen to music through their headphones, all of which they can do together as a class. I would like to have all my students as successful participants.

Being technology proficient, I would consider the facts first and then create a revised lesson plan for all types of learners. No one should feel isolated because they think they are incapable. All types of learners should be included in the lesson plan. For those with disabilities the newly revised lesson plan should also be appropriate. Having their parents or guardians aware of any changes within the classroom. Having them participate in class could be beneficial to their learning as well as help boost their overall confidence in themselves.

Reference

Curtis, D. (2005). Assistive technology: Enabling Dreams.

Edutopia. Retrieved April 13, 2012. From

http://www.edutopia.org/assistive-technology-enabling-dreams-video

Lesson Plan #1 Reflection

I feel that the NETS* standard 1 “Creativity and Innovation” applied most to my lesson plan because I want the learners to feel free to generate something new and personal in their writing skills (ISTE, NETS*T, Advanced Digital Age Teaching, 2008, para 2). The requirement of this assignment is to create a lesson plan using the ASSURE model and incorporating the use of a spreadsheet. My lesson plan is for my learners to create short essays on the topics surrounding movies, music, and food. I chose those topics because I believe that the learners can relate to these topics.

I enjoyed creating my first lesson plan using the ASSURE model. I found the model to be very convenient. ASSURE model is a great guide for planning and delivering instruction that integrates technology and media into teachings (The ASSURE model, 2002). My content is Language Arts so my lesson plan revolves around writing short and simple essays where they utilize the spreadsheet tool as a way of organizing their choice of topics with their designated descriptions. This lesson was created for 6th grade students with a modification for a SPED student. If I were to make my lesson a bit more challenging for the learners I would just add more paragraphs or add other topics to choose from. Also, in revision of my lesson plan, I would like to have the SPED student create drawings through a program called Paint.

In conclusion, I enjoyed creating this lesson plan. In the beginning I was a bit hesitant and confused but in the end I learned a lot from this assignment. I thought hard about what to do because I only knew the spreadsheet to be used for data. This assignment opened my eyes to the endless possibilities a spreadsheet is capable of. The least part of this assignment was trying to figure what can work with the ASSURE model and to fine tune that with the NETS*S standards. Overall, I learned a new and more convenient way to integrate technology and media into my lesson plans.

International Society for Technology in Education (2008). ISTE NETS for Teachers.
Retrieved April 1, 2012 from ISTE website:
http://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs/NETS-S_Standards.sflb.ashx

The Assure Model (2002). The ASSURE model for teachers.
Retrieved April 1, 2012 from itchybon1.tripod website:
http://itchybon1.tripod.com/hrd/id15.html

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