DENISE

2020-04-09T10:17:00.000-07:00

As you may know from the given header, my name is Denise Araujo.

I am currently attending UNLV to stregnthen my knowlegde in the education field. To be more specific, I am looking forward to teaching in the primary levels.

The question is raised why would someone decide to become a teacher with all the downsides of a teaching career? In my opinion, there are no downsides to teaching. I have decided that I love the adventures of teaching children; to see their young faces light up with joy when the finally learn a new concept. As a current instructor in Water Safety and Tae Kwon Do, I continue to teach young children how to swim and the basics of this martial art. The children, especially, are what have ensured me of my future career. I want to give back more to these children, and by becoming an educator I am able to give them back the essentials needed for their future.

Words Rock!

2007-05-06T21:17:00.000-07:00

This sample of instructional software is preferred for children ages 4-15.

Game play is similar to the game of Battleship. Students are entered into a world of slug hunting and must answer questions between each turn. Questions relate to the child’s age and skill level, i.e. match the picture with the correct word or identify an intransitive verb. Higher-level students receive advanced questions that pertain to their previously tested knowledge. Correct and incorrect answers are tracked.

Great hidden drill game! Great variety of levels and can be used for several grades, rather than just one particular age group. The game builds vocabulary, spelling skills, punctuation, and grammar; Focusing on writing skills and literacy.

Freddi the Fishthe case of the haunted schoolhouse

2007-05-06T20:59:00.000-07:00

This sample of instructional software is preferred for children ages 3-8.

Students go on an adventure with two fish to try and solve the mystery of who is haunting the schoolhouse. They create a plan to capture the impostor, but before they can set up their trap, they must find a few items. Students use memory, logic, and problem solving skills to reach the goal of exposing the so-called ghost.

This is a great game and is extremely fun for the younger students. Children are able to experience cause and effect when clicking around with mouse. They develop memory, logic, and problem solving skills through playing this game. Songs are sang continuously throughout the game, which young children admire. Students learn to identify appropriate ways to make changes and resolve conflict, along with listing safety prevention strategies.They are able to learn morals, such as sharing and helping others. The game also points out safety precautions, i.e. do not touch sharp items. As well as making a notice that everyone is different.

Pics 4 Learning

2007-05-06T20:48:00.000-07:00

To view website, click here.

This website is a copyright-friendly image library for teachers and students. The images in the site were donated by several students, teachers, and photographers.

I would consider using this website to upload photos for PowerPoint slide shows, student projects, etc. This site is very useful for teachers and students because there are no worries of breaking copyright laws and taking the time to figure out if the photo is usable.

Scholastic

2007-05-06T20:32:00.000-07:00

To view website, click here.

This educational website is another site that should be bookmarked in an educator's computer. The website is primarily based on the subject of reading. It is not only great for children, but to teachers as well because it allows them a chance to build up their books; the scholastic site has many books that are sold online.

I would consider using this website to help me collect books over my future years of teaching. This site also provides excerpts on a number of novels. I would use that to benefit the students, that maybe they can look on this site to choose which novel they prefer to read next. The Scholastic site also includes online activities that the students can engage in, such as math skills, reading, vocabulary, etc.

Discovery Education

2007-05-06T20:17:00.000-07:00

To view website, click here.

This website is a great source for teachers! It provides lesson plans, an online store, and teaching tools (such as a clip art gallery, puzzle makers, brain boosters, etc.).

I would consider using this website to help me develop lesson plans that pertain to the subjects of science, mathematics, health, language arts, history, and fine arts. The teaching tools will also come into aspect when I may need ideas for a sponge activity or additional classwork.

About Teaching with Technology...

2007-05-06T19:59:00.000-07:00

To view the read, click here.

This reading is in PDF format and consists of one page. The small article is precise and straight forward, explaining tips on how to teach technology without involving the problems that follow.

Teaching technology can be a pain if you are not prepared to deal with the short circuits. What will you do if a program fails to start? What if a child’s work is not saved properly? I choose this reading because I find it to be helpful to anyone who wishes to incorporate technology in his or her teachings.

ON A ROLL:Digital Photgraphy and Image Editing

2007-05-06T19:52:00.000-07:00

To view the read, click here.

This article explains that educators should use digital photography within the classroom, allowing students to discover their own world through investigation.

As a future educator, I would highly consider using digital cameras for educational purposes, such as documenting student projects, as well as student progress. Teachers can take photos of projects, document field trips and other class activities throughout the year. These pictures can later be displayed to the students, parents, and staff to show how much the children have accomplished over the year.

Technology Journey I

2007-05-06T19:29:00.000-07:00

22 January 2007

Technology has been used throughout my life, as well as many others. It was only inevitable that technology has been exposed to schools and their students. There are several ways that teachers use technology to help their students grasp information. Although technology allows an individual to learn through more ways than one, technology can also hold personal uses.

Elementary, middle, and high school have the capability of using technology in their facilities, but each level may vary in the major use of the equipment. I recall that the major use of technology during my elementary school years were television sets. The use of this equipment allowed teachers to teach in a new way, rather than verbal lessons. Televisions sets were used to watch educational movies, such as Spanish teaching videos. Middle school was not only an advancement of education, but also an upgrade of technology usage. Throughout middle school, a great number of teachers tend to use overhead projectors. Teachers stepped away from the chalkboards and began to write on the overhead sheets, which enabled students to an easier access to their knowledge. For the duration of my high school years I was introduced to a new variety of technology. Educators, as well as students, began using computers. This piece of equipment allowed teachers to check emails, hold grades, and record attendance. Students used the computers to learn basic typing skills and research information for greater knowledge. There were many ways that technology was used throughout my educational years.

There are various types of hardware/software that we are exposed to as young students. During my stay at home, I experienced using cellular phones, email, instant messaging, mp3 players, video game devices, etc. Although this equipment was developed for personal usage, it introduced technology. Myself significantly admired this particular technology, along with family and friends. The equipment not only allowed us to communicate with greater ease, but also created a sense of amusement. Schools were also introducing technology to their children, such as showing educational films through DVD players, creating projects on computers, and accessing the web to gain greater knowledge. The technology helped me engage in activities due to the sparked curiosity and entertainment. When our class was able to use computers or watch television, it brought about change to our ordinary lesson. The students gain interest in what they are learning, therefore absorbing the knowledge. Being exposed to technology created a different learning experience for myself, as well as my classmates.

There are many options when using technology, educational purposes or entertainment. As I advanced in school, the technology increased, bringing about change to my educational experience. Technology allows individuals to learn through various ways and structures. My technology journey started at an early age, but carries on as I continue to develop additional skills and intake further knowledge.

Technology Journey II.

2007-05-02T23:11:00.000-07:00

Through my ICE 234 course, survey of computers in schools, I have gained much more knowledge on technology. This includes what is considered technology, how it developed over time, and how to incorporate it into my lessons. The information I have gathered and the experience offered throughout the class enhanced my understanding on technological gaps between generations and how fast technology develops. Throughout the course, my view on technology has changed since the beginning of the semester.

Before my completion of this course, I had a broad perspective on how technology was used within the classrooms. As quoted from myself, in the earlier stages of this course, “During my elementary school years, I can recall the teachers using, at the most, projector screens and television sets.” My classmates and I used very little technology when being compared to the students of the current generation. It was not until junior high school when I started to use computers and developing awareness on how to use the Internet. Sixth grade was the initial point at which my age group began developing my 21st century skills. Students learned how to open computer programs, increase typing skills, and access Internet browsers. As I entered high school, students were subject to type out certain class work or even do research via the Internet. Computers were also beginning to be common within the classrooms; as the technology increases, the age at which students begin to experience the equipment vary. Taking this course has brought understanding of how much technology has enhanced since my time, and how often I will have to update my knowledge on the subject matter, in order to incorporate into my future lesson plans.

Students of this century have a better understanding on the usage of technology. These children are usually referred to as “digital kids”, said to have grown up around technological devices and therefore find it easy to use technology. I did not realize this concept until the visit to Bracken Elementary School. As a magnet school, which focuses highly on technology, the students are often engaged in activities that incorporate their 21st century skills. Earlier I stated that I did not experience computer usage until sixth grade, these students began encountering technology at the kindergarten level, or even earlier. These students amazed me; the way they were able to navigate around computer programs with ease at such a young age was outstanding. Even at a fifth grade level, the students at Bracken were performing computerized surgery. The technology we have has allowed the students of our era to have fun while still being engaged in their educational activities.

The amount technology has increased over the past decades is unbelievable. Without the knowledge I received from this course, I would still be blind-sighted about how much technology has evolved since my younger days. As an educator, I must continue to recognize that technology is continuously evolving. The students of the future generations will most likely have a better understanding of the technological devices than myself. With this being said, I must keep up with the new development and usage of technology; finding new and more accurate ways to incorporate this into my teachings, which this course has helped prepare me for those situations.

There is more to knowAbout Me.

2007-05-02T23:09:00.001-07:00

18 years old.

Birthed in Wahiawa, HI. Lived most of my life in Las Vegas, NV.

Racially mixed, father is African-American and mother is Vietnamese.

Love children, grew up as the neighborhood "kid magnet."

Currently work teaching young children how to swim and tae kwon do.

Artifacts.

2007-05-02T20:41:00.000-07:00

The following are several links that will go onto show what took place within Christy Keeler's ICE 234 classroom; included are field trips, activities, and samples of my own student work:

View a collection of photos from the Bracken Field Trip.

Sample of my Lesson Plan I, including slideshow.

View my Open House Flyer.

View the draft of Technology Journey I.

take a stab at reading: Writing with Web Logs

2007-05-02T20:01:00.000-07:00

To view the read, click here.

The article explains that as the Web increased, it allowed many opportunities to publish work online. Many educators have taken this innovative break in technology to publish course descriptions and build professional communities where they can share experiences, as well as publish student work. Broadcasting student work within the Web has many advantages. As stated from the read, “Web publication gives students a real audience to write to and, when optimized, a collaborative environment where they can give and receive feedback, mirroring the way professional writers use a workshop environment to hone their craft.”

The reason behind choosing this article as a favorite was due to the clear explanation on how web logs can be used within an educational setting. As a future educator, I would consider looking into the usage of web logs. Not only can I have the students document their works through online journal entries, but also it can give a visual documentation for the parents on what takes place within the classroom.

Bracken Field Trip

2007-05-02T14:00:00.001-07:00

The reason for sharing with others this experience I had at Bracken, is due to the fact that I want people to realize how much our technology has increased through the years. This school is phenomenal with how much technology is incorporated in the students' activities and how they are so engaged in what they are learning. There is so much packed into the school, technology, excited students and staff, a garden, a greenhouse, a lego room, etc. The following is only a glimpse of what Bracken has to offer.

For larger view, click on image.

Open House Flyer

2007-05-02T13:55:00.000-07:00

We were asked to create our own open house flyers and include items, such as the time and date, room number, grade level, teacher name, and contact information.

For a larger view, click image.

The reason for choosing the open house flyer as an artifact was due to the fact that I found this assignment enjoyable. This particular assiagnment was one of my favorites because I was able to be creative and have fun while being engaged in my learning experience.

I choose to display my open house flyer because I take pride in this piece of work. Not only did I get a great grade on this assignment, I also amazed my family, classmates, and teacher. The reason I like this particular flyer is due to its simplicity and eye-catching approach. The image is colorful for the young students while straight forward and to the point for the parents.

THE VERY FIRSTLesson Plan ...i ever created

2007-05-02T13:31:00.000-07:00

While attending the ICE 234 course, I was to create a lesson plan of my choice. With this being my first lesson plan, I decided to create an activity for first graders; teaching them their five senses.

The following is a simplified lesson plan format:

For a larger view, click on image.

Created on February 5, 2007.

To view my slideshow, click here.

Technology Journey I

2007-04-09T10:50:00.000-07:00

The reason I choose to display my first technology journey draft is because I want people to see how my experience with technology has evolved over the course of this semester. To compare the two drafts and understand the difference between how much I knew during the start of the course, and how much more knowledge I have gained throughout the short months.

Here is a sample of what my Technology Journey I has to offer:

"Elementary, middle, and high schools have the capability of using technology in their facilities, but each level may vary in the major uses of the equipment. I recall that the primary use of technology during my elementary school years were television sets. The use of this equipment allowed teachers to teach in a new way, rather than using verbal lessons. Televisions sets were used to watch educational movies, such as Spanish teaching videos. Middle school was not only an advancement of education, but also an upgrade of technology usage. Throughout middle school, many teachers preferred to use overhead projectors. Teachers stepped away from the chalkboards and began to write on the overhead sheets, which gave students an easier way to access the knowledge. For the duration of my high school years, I was introduced to a new variety of technology. Educators, as well as students, began using computers. This piece of equipment allowed teachers to check emails, hold grades, and record attendance. Students used the computers to learn basic typing skills and for researching information for greater knowledge. There were many ways that technology was used throughout my educational years."

To read the entire passage, click here.

Lesson Plan II

2007-04-09T10:48:00.000-07:00

Unlike Lesson Plan I, this lesson plan demonstrates an educational activity that allows the students to engage in technology. Lesson Plan II includes the NET-S standards, as well as incorporating the 21st century skills.

To read my reflection on why I choose this lesson, click here.

The following is a regular lesson plan format and related materials:

For a larger view, click image.

Created on March 28, 2007.

The lesson plan includes a story for the children to read,
which can be found online.

To be directed to the website, click here.