K-12

For classrooms that are using blogs I was able to find one that students could find other students, news, student entries, and assignments for teachers. I thought this was a creative way for teachers to have an outside source which builds on learning development. There are rules to show students what to post and what not to post. It is a great idea to incorporate classroom assignments on the blog because if students didn’t catch it in class they can check the blog.

http://young123.21classes.com/

Another blog site that I was able to locate was structured as a CMIS (Curriculum Materials Information Services) site. “The accessibility of the Internet and developments in technology have created a new publishing medium where anyone can publish online to make their work instantly available to a huge audience,” as published in the Resourcing the Curriculum link. There is also comprehensive links such as: Focus, Professional, and School which establishes information on literature, associations, and library support.

http://www.det.wa.edu.au/education/cmis/eval/index.htm

Other classrooms are using web based programs to enhance information presented in class. I have found teachers use blogs to give students a more academic based forum. Within the blog there are links to other recommended sites that they should be familiar with. This is a great way to broaden the curriculum for students. Students have also found blogs to be a source to communicate ideas whether good or bad.
Teachers are finding it more accessible to incorporate technology in the classroom. To develop skills that actually enhance the learning of students is increased with technology. Many teachers find power points and video conferencing to be an advantage in giving out large portions of information in a more convenient way. To engage children in learning is to make sure you have techniques which allow them to stay focused in and out of class.

International

I was able to locate a blog by Jo McLeay who is a secondary school English teacher from Australia. On her blog she posts ideas which she believes assist in the learning ability of her students. She also gives feedback on programs and computers she has had experience with. On her blog is a forum which she allows people to give feedback on similar experience and expectations.

http://theopenclassroom.blogspot.com/


There is an international classroom blog that invites other students to interact. This blog seems pretty friendly showing links for students in different countries. If you do not know who or where your international friends are this would be a wonderful place to see. Many students have posted pictures of their homes and national flags. Students are able to post any friendly conversation for their international buddies.

Welcome India

http://international-conjunction.blogspot.com/


International schools display interest in studies from other countries. I was able to find where teachers are interested in how other schools curriculum was set up. Many teachers talk about the different computer programs like Vista that are complicated. I believe all teachers are looking for a simpler but effective way to teach.
Another way teachers are using blogs is to post situations they have com across that are unfamiliar. Teachers are reaching out to other teachers for answers in curriculum as well as social problems students face. These teachers should be given two thumbs up for trying to think outside the box.

Access

Access is an idea of students in classrooms today being part of a new generation of technology. Access teaches teachers how to incorporate technology into their classrooms to make their teaching more effective. The more you have your students interact the more you are able to watch them learn. Technology, when most people think about it, is thought of as computers, talking robots, cell phones. However, in the classroom a teacher can do simple things to engage students.
A great way to incorporate technology into the classroom is Blended- Combination of Delivery Methods. Instead of constantly writing on a chalkboard, create a slide show in a Powerpoint. This is a very simple and yet capturing way to send the message of the day. Teachers may even be able to assign projects which cause for them to go online instead of reading books like the old days. As educators of the future we should teach with the same technology our children are engaging in on a daily bases.

ALEX

The information provided by ALEX structures a teachers ability to teach a class effectively through Course Study. With the information provided in this link a teacher may also have guidelines in how his/her class progression. A great asset among the information in ALEX is the ability for not only teachers and administrators to access it, but students as well. Being a student, one sometimes wishes to have a touch on what is being given to learn. This is an advantage for those students to achieve better.

A teacher may also take advantage of the Lesson Plans link to become proficient in daily activities with students. It is very important be able to organize your teaching system. The Search link will prove to be a working brain. It definitely will be an aid when all of your information isn’t available.

During my teaching experience I will find it to be more than helpful to frequently visit ALEX. It is the layout of a successful learning environment. The Course Study link is very important to having teaching skills. Although I have a concentration in English, I will be able a help a student in other areas. By viewing this link and perhaps giving them guidance to their question it would be some effort instead of dismissing them to another teacher. This is also true in the Search link.

While in class a teacher may be able to pull out the projection and give the students a more hands on experience with the Web links. A lot of the time you find many students that do not have computer skills that only need someone to show them. This proves to be more full circle education than to stay within your concentration. Even when you get to a point of frustration there is a Help link which provides the frequently asked questions link to give you more information.