Blog #3

The ELA standard I feel most prepared to teach with using my existing knowledge is SL.5 "Use of Digital Media". For this standard, one is expected to use digital media and visual displays to express information in a way that enhances the students understanding. I have used textual, graphical, audio, visual and interactive elements when creating presentations in the past. I incorporated digital media into my presentations in order to clarify information, emphasize main points, and add interest. I would feel confident teaching to this standard without further learning. I feel comfortable with the other standards as well!

I really like the idea of using weblogs in the classroom as a way for students to express their ideas and share them with their classmates. Since I hope to work with 3rd-5th graders, a blog would also serve as an organizational tool since all of their work could be saved in one place. I could implement the use of a web blog in my classroom by having weekly discussion questions where they post their own thoughts and answers directly to their blog. However, I would not introduce this technology into my classroom until my students know and understand the importance of good digital citizenship. I would teach them how to participate responsibly and appropriately.

By completing the Newsletter Design assignment I've acquired new skills that proved to be extremely helpful when creating a newsletter or using Microsoft Word in general. These skills include creating a hyperlink and formatting the text of your document into columns! Although I've learned a lot, I did have some trouble completing this assignment on a Mac. Some on the skills we learned in class did not work on my laptop. Overall, I felt like my Mac was more difficult to use so I will use a PC for future assignments in order to eliminate the problems I ran into! I will be able to use these skills for my future career in a variety of ways. As a teacher, I will need to send out emails, newsletters, permission slips and much more to parents on a regular basis. I have attached a picture of my newsletter for your viewing! The background color is light blue on the original document but it did not transfer for some reason. Enjoy!