Professional Development Plan

Lesson plans page is a great way to get lesson plans that you can use to incorporate core subjects and technology. Our lives have computers all around them, where it be at home, school, and or work. They are everywhere and we have become very dependant on them. I get on the computer and Internet through the day, everyday. I could not imagine my life with out the convenient tool of the computer or Internet. We are a generation of technology so why shouldn't our lessons be part of it. Just because we teach math, science, social studies, or language arts does not mean we have to sit and look at worksheets. Of course not, in math we can have software help children in math skills, for example fast math. It helps them think and be active thinkers. In Social studies it gives us the tools to find out about history in ways like playing the game the Oregon Trail. In science we can have online simulation on lab experiments when doing them in real life is not possible. In language arts we can create interactive stories. It is important to show children that the computer is a great tool not only for research but for being interactive learners.

I would like to know more ideas to get children exicted about the computer and getting involved in technology. A lot of children and adults for that matter are afraid of computers and or the Internet. It is also very important to have children aware of the dangerous of the Internet such as people targeting children. We as teachers need to always be monitoring our students even though the schools have filters we have to be on guard.

Name of Website: Hot Chalk Lesson Plans Page
URL: http://www.lessonplanspage.com/

Professional Development Plan

Owl and Mouse is a great site for children. This website has it all even FREE software for your computers. They have interactive maps from all over. They have Learn to read software for you children that are free. They also have puzzles that will help them learn to read and learn geography. The maps teach with sound and voice. They give lots of printable resources such as classroom maps or for individual students. For children learning to read or need help with their phonics they have FREE software. I downloaded it for my daughter and she really likes it because she can make her own medieval castle and learn to read at the same time. They have help with letter blends that are all interactive. Also yo can make you own farm and it helps learn animals and how to spell and read the names.

I would like to learn about integrating all sorts of software in my class for my students because they need to be able to have variety and choose what is best for them. I know at the school I am at right now they have one program for reading and one program for math for the 2nd graders and I think that is not even options. I think little children will get tired and bored of programs that they have day in and day out. I want to be able to keep them interested in learning and in technology.

Name of Website: Owl & Mouse
URL: http://www.yourchildlearns.com/owlmouse.htm

Professional Development Plan

Education World is packed full of information for parents and teachers. The resources include lesson plans, how to integrate technology in the classroom, school issues you may encounter, etc. It gives you samples and lots of information on where to get more resources if wanted or needed. I learned that thematic lessons are a great way to get your students interested and on Education World it gives you different themes to choose from and way to integrate them in your classroom. There is even a site for Professional Development. Here you get the tools for teaching and help to set up a successful classroom.

I would like to more information on free teacher websites that are offered. I think that it would important for the teacher to have a variety of options to doing the same assignment, so she can make the decision of what is best for her class. This is important because all your classes will not be the same, so teaching must be flexible.

Name of Website: Education World
URL: http://www.educationworld.com/

Professional Development Plan

Star Fall is one of the best educational websites I have ever visited. This website is amazing for adults and for children. My daughter really likes this website because they are so inventive.

I learned that teaching can be made fun for children through new technology. On StarFall they have lessons for different seasons, fun days, and actual learning through technology. They even have resources for teachers to be able to conduct a lesson a certain subject. They give educator and parents tools for different areas that the children may need.

I would have like to learn how to do some technology lessons for our children and/or students. This website is teaching the children how to do lessons through the computer which is tech. based, but it would be nice if they had resources for teachers/parents to conduct a tech based lesson. For example how to get a child to explore through the computer or website.

Name of Website: Star Fall
URL: http://www.starfall.com/