Scavenger Hunt

Smilebox and Storybird

Tonight we learned about Smilebox and Storybird. I feel that both of these tools will be beneficial in the classroom with helping children to stay engaged with various activities. I really enjoyed working with the Smilebox; it was easy to use and this is something that I would really like to implement in my future classroom. Storybird will also be useful to possibly help children when working with creative writing skills for example.

Slideshow

Glogster and Picnik

Tonight we learned about Glogster and Picnik, I felt that they are both interesting but I think I will enjoy using the Picnik more. When we were playing with Glogster I thought it was more fun just to add the different images and change the backgrounds, but I do not know how often I would use it in the classroom. However, I do feel like Picnik will be very useful for a classroom setting; it is also fun to use now with current pictures that I have taken.

TWITTER!!!

For our project Jennifer and I got Twitter, I was a little disappointed because I did not want to be like everyone else and have a Twitter. After receiving our topic I signed up for a Twitter and my perspective was immediately changed. I have found that this is a great source for communication with friends. I also enjoy tweeting and after some research that Jennifer and I have done we have found that Twitter can be very useful for educational purposes as well.

What I currently think of wikis

I know it will change when we start working on them outside of class, but I don't like having to wait while someone else is editing the wiki; maybe I am just impatient. It also makes me nervous when it is finally my turn to edit because I feel like I have to hurry and rush with what I am posting so that the next person can get a chance to edit, write, etc. Hopefully I will find it easier to work on outside of class.

Reflection on Evaluating Websites

When I first came to the website I noticed all of the colors and the engaging animations and I thought that this would be an excellent site to use in an elementary school classroom, however after digging a little deeper my opinion was altered.  The site does not provide a clear author; the only information that is provided is that the information was gathered by a team of experts in a particular field.  In my opinion, anyone could be an ‘expert’ if they wanted to be.  It is beneficial that the website is free, however they have an advertising page located on the website that mentions that they do in fact do all of their own advertising in order to receive money. This has definitely showed me that not everything appears to be as good as it looks.  In the beginning I found this site to be educational, however after noticing some of the details I now feel differently. 

After reading the information on this site, I would recommend it with reservations. 


I have learned about various aspects to consider when reviewing a website such as, is the information complete, is there an author(s), is the information appropriate for the intended audience, etc. When first looking at the website I judged it based on its appearance and instantly thought this would be a wonderful site for elementary school students to use. However, after finding out more information I quickly learned not to judge the book by its cover. As an educator it is important to take the time to review a website that you potentially may have your students working with; just because you did not discover something that was not age appropriate, for example, does not mean that one of your students will not. I have learned how important it is to take the time and educate yourself before educating your class.

Website Evaluation Tool

This website provides clear instructions on how to find appropriate websites for the use of instruction; I feel that it is mainly directed towards teachers.  The website provides several different references that may also be useful and is part of ERIC digest.

Expectations for this Course

I find working with computers to be a challenge.  It often takes me quite a while to complete the simplest of tasks.  After reading Chapter 5, I discovered that I certainly know very little about computers and I am hoping to become more educated after completing TPTE 486.  I would also love to be able to take the knowledge that I gain through this course and apply it to my future classroom.  I already understand how important technology is, however it helps if you know how to use it.  Ultimately I would like to learn as much as possible in the time that we will spend in the classroom about technology and how to use it.

Introduction to Class

My name is Haley Bryan and I am from Cleveland, Tennessee.  I graduated from Cleveland High School in 2008 and have known that I wanted to be an elementary school teacher since I was in third grade.  I was blessed with an outstanding teacher, Mrs. Elkins, in third grade who went above and beyond to make sure that I succeeded.  She certainly changed my life and gave me a new outlook on the learning process.  I hope to one day change the life of a student or students the way she has done for me.  Even though I always thought that I wanted to be a third grade teacher, my mind changed when I entered the Child and Family Studies PreK-3 program.  I have become rather passionate about the process of teaching children to read and would love to become a first grade teacher.  This is the time when children are learning to read and I would love to be able to help them succeed in this sometime difficult process.  When I am not studying on how to become the best teacher that I can be I enjoy reading, shopping, and spending time with family and friends.