My Professional Proficiency in Technology

8 Cool Technology Tools

The following eight technology tools I have assessed below were utilized in ED271 Technology for Educators.



Moodle is a great tool for keeping up with and turning in classroom assignments, communicating with classmates and professors, as well as keeping track of current semester grades. Many professors at the University of Guam have adopted the use of Moodle for their classes because it is extremely helpful and organized. I thoroughly enjoy Moodle because of its simplicity and user-friendliness therefore I give it two thumbs up!

Google Chrome is a fantastic web browser! It is fast, simple, user-friendly. I enjoy it so much that I utilize it on my smartphone. Since I have made the switch from Internet Explorer to Google Chrome I have experienced much faster internet searches, which helps me get my homework done faster. I give Google Chrome two thumbs up for being one of the best internet browsers out there today!

Google Apps is helpful in creating and sharing documents without signing up for multiple accounts on different websites. Google Apps allows you to utilize email, create documents, forms, and spreadsheets, slide presentations, and drawings and once created, the user can share their work with others who have a Gmail account. I enjoy using Blogger, which is where users can blog and share or keep their entries private. Most of the apps are available on the Google Play Store for Android users or the App Store for iPhone users. Google Apps is an efficient way to get work done. I give it two thumbs up!

LiveBinders is an excellent tool for teachers and students. It is helpful in keeping resources organized and all in one place. I especially enjoy seeing the Binders others have made and have even utilized some of their resources. I commend whomever created the website because it is efficient, educational, and fun to use.

I will definitely use this tool in my future classroom and share the resources I discover with my future colleagues. I give LiveBinders two thumbs up!

Emaze is a presentation tool, which my group and I utilized for the first time in our first group presentation. I enjoyed using this tool because it is easy to use, it has nice graphics, and it is not known to many people. Emaze is a great alternative to Prezi, which is a bit outdated. The only downfall to this tool is that if the internet connection is slow, the presentation will lag. Despite this flaw, I plan to use this tool in future classroom presentations. I give Emaze two thumbs up!

Voki is an animated avatar, which speaks for a presenter. Many people enjoy creating and using Voki because of the features like choosing different voices and changing their appearance and the background scene. This tool was designed for the classroom but can be used in other environments as well. As a teacher, I can use this tool especially so that I do not tire my voice. I give this genius tool two thumbs up!

Wix is a website creator, which I have used to create multiple webpages for different classes. It has nice templates and it's free! Wix can help teachers and students alike especially when presenting information because it is organized and user-friendly. I give Wix two thumbs up!

OoVoo is an online video conferencing tool used by millions of people around the world. I enjoyed using this tool because of its many features like twelve way video chat, screen sharing, the screen shot button,  video messaging, recording conversations and uploading to YouTube, sending files, and most of all because it is free! This tool can be utilized in the classroom instead of face-to-face parent-teacher conferences and when communicating with classmates for group projects. I give OoVoo two thumbs up!

[Image of Adam Levine clapping]. Retrieved on 9 Dec. 2014, from http://f.ptcdn.info/863/016/000/1395165485-497-o.gif.

[Image of Adam Levine two thumbs up]. Retrieved on 9 Dec. 2014, from https://38.media.tumblr.com/44de1baebdf6c02bb862843b1235fd07/tumblr_nconiu9Ydl1r5lqijo1_500.gif.

[Image of Colin Morgan and Bradley James two thumbs up]. Retrieved on 9 Dec. 2014, from http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_me4kci1svI1rybty6.gif.

[Image of Emma Stone two thumbs up]. Retrieved on 9 Dec. 2014, from http://www.gifsforum.com/images/gif/thumbs%20up/grand/EMMA-STONE-thumbs-up-eccbc87e4b5ce2fe28308fd9f2a7baf3-132.gif.

[Image of Jensen Ackles two thumbs up]. Retrieved on 9 Dec. 2014, from http://media.giphy.com/media/UX8KhzTUQR3xu/giphy.gif.

[Image of Mike Meyers two thumbs up]. Retrieved on 9 Dec. 2014, from http://www.reactiongifs.us/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/thumbs_up_waynes_world.gif

[Image of Neil Patrick Harris two thumbs up]. Retrieved on 9 Dec. 2014, from http://bookriotcom.c.presscdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Neil-Patrick-Harris-two-thumbs-gif.gif.

[Image of two thumbs up]. Retrieved on 9 Dec. 2014, from http://mrisblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Compliance-Follow-up-two-thumbs-up.jpg.

[Image of two thumbs up orange]. Retrieved on 9 Dec. 2014, from http://www.clker.com/cliparts/L/f/b/q/W/3/two-thumbs-up-purple-blue-hi.png.

The Importance of Digital Safety

When tasked with the group assignment of presenting on Copyright Laws and Fair User Practices, I thought it would be fairly easy because it is common knowledge. I was mistaken and discovered that many people do not realize when they are infringing Copyright Laws and most do not know what Fair User Practices are. I am glad that we were able to present this information to the class because we were educating ourselves as well. I think that this information should be taught as early as the elementary level because students are beginning to do research projects at that level and they get much of their resources from the internet. I especially enjoyed making our group website and recording our video.

I think all five topics of the Digital Safety assignment are crucial for every student to be aware of because if ignored, they could somehow endanger their lives. In August 2007, a bill entitled, "Protecting the Children in the 21st Century Act" was introduced and passed by the senate, but never passed by the House of Representatives (S. 1965 [110th]: Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act). I feel that by not passing this law, it shows that the digital safety of children are not important.

As teachers, it is our responsibility to stress to our students how imperative it is be digitally safe. When it is time to teach my students about digital safety, I will give them a few scenarios about each topic and ask what they will do if in that particular situation. I will then present real life instances where unfortunate events have happened to those who were not careful with their privacy or who did not follow laws. I can also encourage parents to raise awareness in their children by remaining positively engaged by monitoring their children's online activity, teaching critical thinking when assessing if a website if safe, as well as becoming good digital citizens by protecting their privacy and being polite (Raising Digital Citizens). Lastly, I can assess my students by quizzing them on the lesson that was presented. Overall, I enjoyed this final group project and I think it is a great lesson for any grade level.



[Copyright All Rights Reserved image]. Retrieved on November 25, 2014, from http://tabb.solutions/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/copyrightAllrightsreserved.jpg

Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act (2008 - S. 1965). (n.d.). Retrieved November 25, 2014, from https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/110/s1965

Raising Digital Citizens | StaySafeOnline.org. (n.d.). Retrieved November 25, 2014, from http://www.staysafeonline.org/stay-safe-online/for-parents/raising-digital-citizens

[Untitled image of an officer]. Retrieved on November 25, 2014, from http://www.floatingbanana.com/artbackwash/protect.png

[Untitled image of two people conversing]. Retrieved on November 25, 2014, from http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/176530/file-20789529-png/images/talk_green.png

Assistive Technology: A Lifeline for the Future

     In the Whitney Houston rendition of The Greatest Love Of All (YouTube, 2010), she beautifully serenades her audience with an important message: "I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way."  This message is a timeless reminder that children are our future; they deserve the best education the world has to offer for a successful future.  As we move about in the 21st century, it is critical to ensure that students, specifically those with disabilities, receive the appropriate and best education possible.  Preparing students who need assistive technology will ensure better opportunities for their future.  To do this, the education departments worldwide must be mindful of the assistive technology available and implement it in the classrooms of students with disabilities. 

     Technology in the classroom is a great help not just for students, but for teachers as well.  Watching movies pertaining to a lesson, viewing PowerPoints of a lesson, and listening to audiobooks are a few of the many different ways teachers use technology to attract students and keep them engaged.  Additionally, it is also a good alternative to the traditional textbook method.  Implementing assistive technology in the inclusive classroom would be accommodating for all students, disabled or not.  If the disabled students have the necessary means they need to participate in the class, they will not be a distraction to their classmates and the teacher will have more time to spend on the lesson.

     The National Center for Learning Disabilities (n.d.) states that, " Learning disabilities do not go away with time.  However, assistive technology can help children with learning disabilities leverage their strengths and work around or compensate for specific learning problems.  These supports can be key to helping users become more independent in school and throughout life---on the job and in activities for daily living." With this statement, it is possible to understand just how critical AT is in a disabled individual's life. In the video, Assistive Technology:  Enabling Dreams (Edutopia, 2005), elementary teacher George Rehmet asserts that the earlier students with disabilities are introduced to assistive technology, the more proficient they will be with the tool.  He goes on to assert that AT prepares them to focus on the lessons. In the same video, Sheryl Burgstahler of the University of Washington asserts, "Technology has changed all of our lives, but for these students technology truly changes their life and the opportunities that they'll have in the future." This is also another example of how AT continues to be a critical aspect and a positive change in these individuals' lives.

     As a teacher, I would ensure that my lesson is accommodating for all my students.  A few examples of how I can accomplish this is by:

1. Supplementing a video or film in place of reading a text.
2. Closed captioning a film shown in class.
3. Implementing audiobooks.
4. Having in-class review sessions before tests.
5. Offering additional time to take the test for students with disabilities.

     AT gives individuals with disabilities a sense of normality because it enables them to do almost anything their peers can do; it is their lifeline. A sense of normality offers them a chance at having a successful life.  By being aware of the availability of assistive technology, teachers and parents can work together to ensure the success of the child and his or her future.

Works Cited

Edutopia. (2005, February 2). Assistive Technology: Enabling Dreams [Video File]. Retrieved October 17, 2014, from http://www.edutopia.org/assistive-technology-enabling-dreams-video

National Center for Learning Disabilities. (n.d.). Assistive Technology. Retrieved October 17, 2014, from http://www.ncld.org/students-disabilities/assistive-technology-education

YouTube. (2010, September 27). Whitney Houston - Greatest Love Of All [Video File]. Retrieved October 17, 2014, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYzlVDlE72w

[Untitled photograph of children using a smart board] Retrieved October 17, 2014 from http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/images/stories/large/2012/09/16/af1f0a85.jpg

[Untitled photograph of children using laptops in a classroom] Retrieved October 17, 2014, from http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jC1_NAP9sm8/UEuMUf6GICI/AAAAAAAABOc/7khAOcUpF4E/s1600/IMG_1637.JPG

[Untitled photograph of children raising their fingers in a classroom] Retrieved October 17, 2014, from http://ak.picdn.net/shutterstock/videos/2390780/preview/stock-footage-cute-children-raising-their-fingers-in-the-classroom.jpg

Technology in the Classroom using Coconut Vowels

            Once assigned to the Beta group, my group members and I immediately discussed our ideas on how to go about our first project.  We knew we wanted the game to be educational, exciting, and most of all, engaging.  We each came into class with a game and although each of us liked the others game, we couldn’t decide on a game. When we did, I felt that we were settling for something that was less than the standards we agreed on. This was probably the most difficult task our group had undergone.  Providentially, using the site Ramon chose, I researched more games to choose from and found Coconut Vowels, which was the perfect fit for us.  Majority of our group members are English for Education majors so the content of the game was not only educational, but also enticing for us.  I felt that, with the connection to the coconut and the fact that we live on an island, the title of the game itself would entice our audience. We practiced and helped each other when it was the other's turn. By the end of the class period, we were Coconut Vowel masters.  One main aspect that I especially enjoy about the game is that it includes the Common Core State Standards right below the game window on the web page. According to Darrell West and Joshua Bleiberg (2013), the standards make instruction easier for teachers.  They also asserted:

Having a single set of standards eliminated redundancy and conflicting guidelines.  Furthermore universal adoption of common standards will support future technological innovations that aid teachers.  From a technical perspective, standards facilitate the development of new technologies.  Innovators can focus on developing tools that better serve students rather than solving technical challenges of interoperability created by multiple sets of standards (West & Bleiberg, 2013).

With this assertion, one can understand that the standards were implemented to benefit teachers and students by implementing the use of new technology tools to continue to help students excel.

            The technology tools my group and I utilized for the educational game project were Emaze for our presentation, PhotoBooth on the Apple MacBook Pro was utilized to take our group picture used on our presentation, and Gmail was utilized to email the link to the game to our classmates. I hope to be able to use Coconut Vowels in my English content area when I teach my students how to spell.  The game is designed for the 2^nd grade level, however, I believe I can modify it and create a similar game for the secondary grade level.  I consider this game to be appropriately educational and engaging for 2^nd graders and additionally for older children as it even captured attention from all the students during our presentation. Many of them wanted to retry the level to obtain a higher score.  For myself, this was a sign of victory in achieving our goal of engaging our audience. Many of the students also interacted with each other on what words to make with the given letters.

            In the classroom, peer interaction may involve peer tutoring, which gives satisfaction to students because they are able to help peers without the aid of the teacher ("Effects of Technology on Classrooms and Students," n.d.).  Peer tutoring also allows teachers to spend more time teaching the content without having to repeat his or herself, which allows more time for students to work. By implementing technology in the classroom it allows students to: concentrate on the lesson at hand, enthuses and engages student learning, allows students to learn at a convenience, and lastly prepares students to be successful in their futures (Huneycutt, 2013). Coconut Vowels is an excellent aid to teach students how to spell while implementing technology in the classroom. With the help of the online interactive game, it will help myself, as a teacher, to teach students differently from the traditional textbook method, yet still ensuring content comprehension.

Effects of Technology on Classrooms and Students. (n.d.). Retrieved October 8, 2014, from website:
https://www2.ed.gov/pubs/EdReformStudies/EdTech/effectsstudents.html

Honeycutt, Timothy. (2013, October 8). Technology in the Classroom:  The Benefits of Blended Learning. Retrieved October 8, 2014, from National Math + Science website:
http://www.nms.org/Blog/TabId/58/PostId/188/technology-in-the-classroom-the-benefits-of-blended-learning.aspx

West, D. & Bleiberg J. (2013, May 7). Five Ways Teachers Can Use Technology to Help Students. Retrieved October 8, 2014, from Huffington Post website:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/darrell-west/five-ways-teachers-can-us_b_3228851.html

The City that Never Sleeps

I wish I were back in New York exploring the city that never sleeps.I wish I were back in New York exploring the city that never sleeps.I wish I were back in New York exploring the city that never sleeps.I wish I were back in New York exploring the city that never sleeps.