Google Groups

I have to begin by saying WOW! I had no idea you could use all these features through your email! I am one who usually does not like group project; however, this group project was extremely reassuring.  I was nervous working in a group where I was unfamiliar with the people in my group.  I know this is important in the teaching world in order to differentiate learning, but I was still nervous.  My group was very laid back and we all wanted the same thing, a good grade! We worked together in class on the assignment and then worked through email as well as the google groups to complete the rest.  After leaving class and returning to the assignment I did get confused on where to go to complete the assignment.  Once I explored and returned to the website I quickly remembered where to go.  These google groups are interesting and would work well with older students.  I would be interested to see how exactly you could incorporate the group into your curriculum, but I am interested in attempting to apply it into my classroom.  This project goes well with many of the National Educational Technology Standards for example, it follows the following:

·         Facilitate and Inspire Students Learning and Creativity

·         Model Digital Age Work and Learning

·         Engage in Professional growth and leadership
 

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Overall, I truly believe this project helped me grow as a professional as well as helped me become familiar with things I never even knew existed! It is important for future educators to be familiar with concepts and resources such as these connected to GMAIL in order to benefit their future students.
Below is the link to my section of the Google Groups Powerpoint
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1xI26VeI-N4eKg9KA0UBDkekFGT_jV98nkzcnArieJNQ/edit#slide=id.p 

Video Project

Attached is my video project.  It was interesting to create this document.  I wanted to use something I had created before, but instead I just created something simple and a video that described me and my journey at Southern Miss. I love this University and I would love to share that with all people.  My video is short, simple and to the point.  It begins with my first moment at USM, Golden Eagle Welcome Week! Then the story continues on into my years at Southern Miss. It was interesting to learn how to use different formats of the video.  I personally have a MAC computer so during class we were required to become familiar with the Windows version of Movie Maker.

 I had made a IMOVIE before for multiple occasions so it was fun to make one for my personal use. I think creating videos is an important tool for students if the age is just right.  Students can make movies for really any subject.  The sky is the limit for students.  They can work in groups to use communication skills; they will practice using correct grammar, as well as become more familiar with technology.  It is crucial that students become comfortable with using technology inside and outside of the classroom.  No matter what age you are it is always helpful to become familiar with different types of technology.

Standards Paper

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Oh the tough subject of plagiarism!  This particular class period was interesting to me because, going into today's lesson I almost assumed I knew enough about the topic.  Little did I know there was still a lot to learn!  I have not used turnitin.com since high school, so it was interesting to see how it has changed and developed.  The last time I used it the students were not allowed to see their percentage scores after they submitted their papers.  In order to find out the percentage you turned in, you were required to walk up to the teacher’s desk and have him or her show you.  As a student I have never been a big fan of tunitin.com, only because you can create a sentence and it will take one little statement and add percentage to your score.  However; as I have gotten older and throughout my college career I have developed a positive attitude towards it and I truly think when it is used correctly it can be a tool for students.  I enjoyed how we used it in class and I think that younger students would benefit from a lesson such as that.  It was helpful to learn how plagiarism affects more than just the student, but how it affects us as future teachers.

When researching information on the standards to write a paper, it was interesting to see just how important it is to future teachers.  It is crucial that we as future educators understand the correct and incorrect use of standards in and outside of our classroom.  

To view my paper click the link below:
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B7C9j8ctiOfwa1ZWakN4S1I3N1E

Graphic Organizer

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I have to admit I am pretty familiar with graphic organizers.  When taking Dr. Boyce's courses throughout my college experience she taught us many things about them, needless to say she is a big fan of graphic organizers!  Obviously it benefited us to know them well because we have used them in many different subjects.  As well as using them throughout our career field in order to benefit our students.  Graphic organizers are an excellent learning tool for students.  They can do many things ranging from organizing students thoughts, literary concepts, and group assignments.  There is a range of opportunities to explore using graphic organizers. 

Unfortunately I had to miss this particular day in IT class due to a University event in Atlanta.  I was concerned about missing the instructions on how to develop a graphic organizer using the Inspiration program.  When beginning to work on my graphic organizer I started to struggle using the software, and my grade was affected.  Overall it was neat to use the Inspiration software and attempt to become familiar with it.  I was thankful Dr. Hartzell was lenient and let us revise them.  I believe this follows many of the Common Core standards.  It particularly covers the integration of knowledge and ideas using the graphic organizer.  Another important standard it covers is the production and distribution of writing.  These are both important standards to implement when teaching literacy instruction.  It is important that students become familiar with technology software and the Inspiration software does just that.  It is neat to work with something other than pen and paper.
To view my graphic organizer please click the link below:
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B7C9j8ctiOfwa1FnbktRVHRrTDA