WebQuests

     The concept of a Webquest is one that is relevant for both students and educators. Webquests are created to enhance learning on a specific topic. It is a fun and interactive way to learn a new topic or explore an old one. Webquests can be long or short, depending on the topic. One of the advantages of using webquests is that they can be shared among teachers and fellow educators. If every teacher in your grade level or content area created a web quest, then you would have many to use rather than just one. 
     Webquests can be created on just about every topic. This includes; ELA, math, history, professional development, safety, plus much more. Teachers and educators can create webquests for students or each other. These webquests can be created for students in elementary school-high school. Teachers can choose to create them as a group assignment or an individual assignment. The choices and ideas are endless when it comes to webquests. This is also a great tool for when a sub comes in and you want your students to still complete an assignment and learn the new material. Webquests are easy to follow and will allow students learn in a different way. Using a webquest is an excellent way to use technology in the classroom and give students knowledge on how to research on the internet. 
      Teachers can also make webquests for fellow educators and they can use and complete webquests for their own knowledge. This includes completing a webquest for the use of a smart board, Microsoft office products, and even learning more appropriate classroom management. It is important that educators use and appreciate webquests because if they want their students to use them, then they need to have the knowledge and skill that comes from developing and completing one. 
      Overall, webquests are a useful resource for educators and students, in and out of the classroom. They can be used for students of all ages and teachers teaching any subject. Through my experience with webquests, I believe that they are a beneficial tool and will allow students and staff to become more comfortable and confident when using the internet and technology. Students will learn skills on following a step by step procedure as well as completing research and a project. Using webquests will help to enhance and expand student and educator learning. 

Using PowerPoint in the Classroom

      PowerPoint has always been one of my favorite tools to use when planning lessons. I like using this tool because a PowerPoint can be interactive, creative, and a different way to teach material. When creating a PowerPoint you can add text, pictures, links, and so much more. This allows teachers, as well as students, to create awesome projects and activities. Especially now with smart boards, PowerPoints can become hands on lessons for students in the classroom.
      PowerPoints allow teachers to present material to students in a visual form, rather than just a lecture. Teachers can include pictures that relate to the topic and highlight or underline key words and phrases that need to be remembered. Links can also be included in a PowerPoint. This allows teachers to connect to another web page or even create a web quest. Another reason PowerPoint is such a great tool is because it is a learning tool that students can use even when they are not in school. Students can go home and review old PowerPoints or create one their own.
     It is important to remember that when creating PowerPoints you should make them easy to read, understand, and make them appealing. This means using proper fonts, colors, and text size. I have experienced times when I could not read the PowerPoint that was being presented to me because of the size of the text and the color of the text. Also, when students are supposed to be taking notes off of the PowerPoint it is important to remember not to put too many words on the slide. This can make the slide overwhelming. Lastly, when teachers or students are presenting slides, you should remember not to read directly from the slide. This makes the presentation more enjoyable and interesting.
    Overall, PowerPoint is a great teaching resource that should be used by all teachers and students. Whether it be for a lecture, project, or lesson, PowerPoint can help to enhance students learning and allow them to engage in the lesson.

Using Microsoft Word in the Classroom

      Microsoft word is a great asset to teachers in their classrooms. Word offers so many tools and resources for teachers as well as students. Using word, teachers can create tests, handouts, questionnaires, warm-ups, web quests, and so much more. After creating the document the teacher can then print it, send it to students via google docs or email, and the teacher can also use a projector to post it on a smart board. This allows for lessons to become more interactive.
       Some of the tools that I find to be the most useful on word include; adding hyperlinks, using the column tool, and using the comment tool. The hyperlink tool allows teachers to create web quests with embedded links in them as well as other interactive documents. This allows students to search on the web for information for projects and research. Students can also use the hyperlink tool when presenting a project and want to pull up a video easier or bring the class to another web page or site. The column tool allows teachers to create lists, create KWL charts, other types of graphic organizers, and even create seating charts. I believe that this tool is used often in the classroom and through my experience I know that it has come in handy. Lastly, the comment tool is useful when editing student work. This tool allows teachers to leave comments and suggestions that the students can either choose to use or ignore. The students have the comments appear on their screen without actually changing their work. This tool can also be used for students when they are peer editing. Students can make corrections to their peer's work and then send the corrections to the work. Having this tool actually allows for less paper to be used in the classroom.
      Overall, Microsoft word is a benefit in classrooms for teachers and students. Teachers can start the year by creating questionnaires and end the year by creating a scrapbook type page using word. Daily lessons, projects, and assignments can be created using Microsoft word. Lastly, Microsoft word has so many support pages and tutorials for teachers and students. This allows students and teachers to become more comfortable with word and to learn about all the tools that are out there and being created.

Web 2.0 and Social Media

      As teachers, I believe that we should learn to understand and absorb the new technology that is in the world today. I think that we should accept Web 2.0 and social media as a growing part of education. Technology is becoming such a crucial part of education and the learning process of students. From my perspective and experience, I think that it is best to use this technology and share with students the appropriate way to use technology.
     Teachers can integrate the web into their daily lessons and activities. This will allow the students to become more comfortable and confident with the web and social media. As teachers, it is our job to show the students how to be safe online and the proper way to go about using the web. We can show them skills and techniques to enhance their learning. Using technology is a major way to differentiate learning instruction. For example, students can create Power Points from the research they did online, they can make a research paper about the use of social media in their classroom, and they can show their friends and families the best and safest way to use technology. Web 2.0 and social media are great learning tools for in and out of the classroom.
    These tools can allow teachers to create interactive web quests, classroom websites through social media, and a way to interact with students if they were unable to attend class that day. I think that technology will help students to become more interested in their learning and to give them motivation to learn and explore what is out there.