iBooks- Chapter 1

      I thought Chapter 1 of this book was super helpful. I don't have much experience with using the interactive white boards, so I was a little uncertain about my ability to do anything on it. This chapter was a great introduction to what they are all about and what they can be used for. I thought it was cool that they didn't just say that the white board is beneficial, but they back it up with research. Using the white boards improved student's literacy, mathematics, and science. However, this was only if the interactive white boards were used effectively and consistently. It said that there was little effect on students who are lower achievers, but I think I disagree. I have seen interactive white boards used in several resource and CDCA classrooms and the kids love it. It makes learning fun and interactive (obviously). They are more interested in what it going on and more willing to participate. It also helps with students with visual impairments because it makes everything much bigger. I thought it was good that they addressed some challenges that could occur. I am sure I will run into some challenges and now I know that some of those challenges are completely normal. I learned a lot in this chapter and feel much more confident about using the white boards.

Midterm Reflection

So far, I have really enjoyed this class. I has been cool to see what we are learning in here being implemented in my placement. I feel like I have already learned quite a bit about technology and how I can use it in my classroom one day. I like the pace we are going and I am very thankful for your understanding when we are lost. The midterm was a good reflection of what we have learned so far. I am really looking forward to using the white board more, because that is what I have seen used the most in the classrooms I have observed.

Wiki Walk-Through

        Wiki Walk-Through is pretty much exactly what it sounds like, it is a website that give us the basics of what a wiki is. First, we find out that a wiki is a site that lets visitor participate. One thing this website said that i really liked is that a wiki is always "under revision." You can always add or take away anything on a wiki. Something interesting I learned, is that wiki comes from a Hawaiian word meaning quick or fast. Wikis can be used by anyone, not just teachers and students. This website also talks about the difference between a wiki and a blog. In a blog, you are only able to read the post and comment on it. With wiki, like I said before, you anyone is able to change or alter the post. I really liked the link that gave us ways to use wikis in the classroom. I think these could be really be useful in my future classroom. Whether I make the wiki or have the students do it in groups, I think they could be a great resource. Loved the idea of a using it for a virtual tour. I know that in special education, a lot of students learn better seeing what is being taught. This website has so many great ideas and even breaks them into grade levels and content areas. I think my favorite thing was looking at the examples of wikis that have already been created. This made it seem real and achievable for my to do one day. I have enjoyed creating and learning about wikis in our class so far.