Blog Activity #6

http://goanimate.com/videos/00VtOksIGVuo

Blog Activity #4

Below is the link to the gradebook I created for this blog activity:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/108qbRIj3d2y6FSWQAHCs1NZT2eLoY1DJKlA9NS2cNrg/edit#gid=4

Blog Activity #3

I chose to modify a substitute teacher template. The template provides a substitute teacher with instructions from the teacher on the running of your classroom. Once it is completed, a substitute teacher should have all the information necessary to run the class as you would. I chose this because if I, the teacher, was going to be absent I would want to feel comfortable and confident leaving my class in the hands of another teacher. This document would provide them with explicit and detailed instructions. I've had my fair share of substitute teachers that had absolutely no idea where things were or what the students should be doing. This is frustrating for the substitute teacher at the time and for the teacher when they return. I think something like this will help organized those days.

I modified a couple of the sections to model what I want my future classroom to be like. Some of the sections like resource locations and administrative contacts I could not fill out because those will vary by school and classroom. Also, the emergency drills might differ from school to school so this would be something I need to fill out after I was hired and settled into a teaching position. The weekly class schedule is a feature that would have to be updated weekly or if you, the teacher, know in advance when you are going to be absent can be completed for the specific days.

This would be applied when the teacher is absent. You can keep a general template of this saved on the computer and just alter it if you change schools or rooms. I would have a designated substitute teacher folder with a completed copy of the substitute teacher instructions document and a hand written note stating the specifics of what needs to get completed in regards to classwork. I would also designate a student I felt was responsible and trustworthy to help the sub out.

Substitute Teacher Instructions

h   Resource Locations   g
Class roster			Lesson plans		Teacher’s handbook/guidelines
School supplies			Audio/visual equipment		Teachers’ lounge
h   Administrative Contacts   g
Principal			Room number		Phone
Secretary			Room number		Phone
Nurse			Room number		Phone
Librarian			Room number		Phone
Music teacher			Room number		Phone
Art teacher			Room number		Phone
Gym teacher			Room number		Phone
Custodian			Room number		Phone
h   Classroom Policies   g
Water fountain	One child at a time; must take pass hanging by the doorway and return it when done
Hand washing	Done as a class before lunch and after recess
Restroom	Two can go at a time, one girl and one boy; must take pass hanging by the doorway and return it when done
Pencil sharpener	Located at teacher desk; only YOU can sharpen pencils
Illness	Send to nurse; nurse passes are in the top drawer and must be completed for any reason and every child

h   Managing the Classroom   g
Quiet signal		Buzzer button located on the end of teacher desk; press once for warning and twice for silence
Classroom rules		Posted under the whiteboard
Rewards
Caught being good				Sticker on behavior chart
Behavior				Reward
Fill-in a row on behavior chart				Pick from treasure box
Behavior				Reward
Behavior				Reward
Consequences
Off-task/disruptive				Color change
Behavior				Consequence
No progress on classwork				Loss of recess or free time; use time to complete work
Behavior				Consequence
Behavior				Consequence
h   Emergency Drills   g
Fire Drill
Exit to use
Destination
Location of evacuation diagram
Earthquake Drill
Instructions
Civil Defense Drill
Instructions

h   Weekly Class Schedule   g
Time	Monday	Time	Tuesday	Time	Wednesday	Time	Thursday	Time	Friday

Blog Activity #2

All of these resources would be beneficial to use in order to support the teaching and learning process. Picking two from the list was hard but I thinking presentation software and games will help students learn best. The reason I chose these two was because they helped me in school. As a teacher you have to engage your students and get them interested in the material. I feel that if done right these two resources can do this.

Throughout my academic career I have had to sit through my fair share of PowerPoint presentations, some good some bad. Programs like Prezi enhance the "PowerPoint" experience and make things more appealing. PowerPoints have always helped me in class. I liked having that visual to take notes off of while the teacher talked. I think they can be way overdone or underdone. You have to find that balance in regards to the amount of information you present on each slide or the effects you have in place (background color, slide transition, sound, etc.). I feel that PowerPoints are there to guide a teacher while giving the student a chance pull what they feel is important and write it down.

Games are great because they are something kids already like to do. Educational games allow students to grasp a better understand of a concept through repetition and practice. Every kid looks forward to computer time and teachers should use that to their advantage. There are so many gaming websites and apps that have educational games. I definitely think there has to be rules and limits put into place because these can't replace actual work but they should act as an addition. Games don't have to be just on the computer. There are interactive games you can play in class or outside to help with a lesson. I observed in a class that played "Sparkle" to learn their spelling words or played "Around the World" to practice their times tables. Games can get kids up and moving and are a fun way to learn.

Blog Activity #1

Link to my game: http://gamestarmechanic.com/game/shared/311349/e6ba58259705c65891d757a4d967dff6

What do students do with Gamestar Mechanic?

Students design their own games and play games other users have created. They can also play through the quests, earning them the pieces they need to design their own games.

Who uses Gamestar Mechanic?

Teachers use Gamestar Mechanic as a resource to teach students how to create games. Students use it at the direction of their teacher.

Where is it used?

It can be used at school or home, anywhere that provides the technology requirements necessary to run the program. It can be used for in-class assignments or as homework.

What are the requirements?

Teachers create an account and students are given access through their teachers account. You must have an internet connection and a browser that supports the website.

What did you enjoy most during this activity?

When I first read this assignment I thought it was going to be impossible, especially since I have no experience with gaming. The quests really helped with generating ideas. I ended up spending a lot of time play with it. This assignment turned into an enjoyable one.

What did you find difficult during this activity?

The part I found difficult was getting started. I didn't realize that I needed to complete the quests in order to gather the different pieces for the game. I sat in front of the computer for an hour trying to come up with a game using only the four pieces they start you out with.