Software Resources

Title: Tutpup
Grade/Age: K-8/4-8
Subject Area: Math/Spelling
Platform: Both Mac/PC
Review: I found this site by doing a Google search for educational software downloads. I clicked on the first link on the page which took me to Educational Freeware. I could choose from many different subjects, online games, downloads, references, links and more. I chose online from the top column. Tutpup.com was one of the first starred sites for kids from ages 5-14. This site allows kids to play math and spelling games. Students can choose different levels depending on their skills. They can also choose to be timed or play against opponents. The downfall is in the spelling game that I played, the word spoken that I had to spell sometimes sounded different than the correct word. Feedback was given during the game and at the end of the round so you knew what words were spelled correctly and what mistakes were made if any. Headphones may be needed if a student is playing in the classroom where others might be distracted by the sound. Students can play against others around the world or those in their own classroom. In fact a flag comes up next to your player to show what country you are playing in. These learning games can also be played from a computer at home. To join is free and easy. I liked the fact that no advertisements were shown on this site.

Title: Google Earth
Grade/Age: K-adult
Subject Area: Science/Geography
Platform: Both Mac/PC
Review: I found this site by doing a Google search for educational software downloads. This site was the 6th one on the list that came up on my google search. I clicked on the Educational Software box in the left hand column and most popular in the top column. This is a fantastic free software download that can be utilized in so many different ways to teach science and geography. It can be used to teach location of city, state, country, or continents. Satellite imagery, maps and 3D terrain are some of the highlights of this software. In the newer version 5, Mars can be viewed, historical earth maps are available and ocean exploration can take place . This is interactive software that the students and teachers will love to use in the classroom and at home. This software can also be utilized by the whole family at home. Again I liked the fact that not many distracting advertisements were on this page.

Title: Ten thumbs typing tutor
Grade/Age: K-adult
Subject area: Typing/Keyboarding
Platform: Both Mac/PC
Review: I found this download on the same site I found Google Earth and I thought it was pretty cool. Technology keeps advancing and students are using computers to do more and more at younger ages. It is important they learn good keyboarding skills at an early age. This software teaches highly effective touch typing. A personal tutor works with you. If you like listening to music you can use itunes to type along with and increase skill levels as you progress, of course this part would have to be used in a home setting. On this particular site it shows the download for the Mac because that is what I had chosen, but I saw free downloads on other sites for a PC. This download was free for 10 days and then cost $25.95 to purchase. It was an editor's pick on this site. Two limitations of this software is the keyboard shown is 1/3rd the size of a full keyboard and the setup can be tricky for younger ages. Once the initial setup is done the fun begins with teaching finger placement or by selecting your skill level. Students can then choose from lessons or games. A viking tutor is there to assist you during the process. Headphones may be needed if used in class as not to distract others.

I learned a lot about searching google for software through this assignment. I hope you enjoy the software choices above.

One to One Classrooms

I thoroughly enjoyed watching the One to One Teaching and Learning video taken of Denali Borough School District. The classrooms seemed to be a more relaxed environment for the students and teachers, as opposed to everyone seated in rows at desks. The teachers appeared to be satisfied with the program as a whole and they transitioned well from primarily teaching with textbooks to incorporating laptops. While teachers were being interviewed during class, I was impressed how well the classrooms of students continued to work even though the teacher was no longer teaching, especially in the room where the iphoto was being used. Teachers seem to be incorporating many of the programs and software available into their lesson plans in addition to using the web as a resource. Overall the teachers sounded pleased that the one to one program has been a success.

Students had positive feedback when interviewed in the video about the use of laptops in school. They liked the fact that they could have their work at their fingertips wherever they went, whether at school or at home. One student described how she loved the program especially since she had just moved to this school and her other school did not use laptops. Another student explained how he is a senior and has taken classes to become a certified apple technician to work on the laptops for the school. He appreciated this training and the ability to learn this skill, which will benefit him greatly in the future. Through this video, I saw fantastic opportunities for students to learn about technology, apply it to their everyday education, and become comfortable in using it.

One concern I had about the one to one program was not being knowledgeable enough about technology and the use and care of the laptops in the classrooms. This concern was addressed in the video by the teachers stating they had training prior to the program beginning. They also had technicians available at the school to help with any problems the laptops might have. Another concern is that the students might take advantage of having the laptops in class and use them in ways not appropriate during class. The teachers addressed this concern by giving specific tasks to the students, asking them to close laptops when not needed for learning and by walking around the room to view students working.

One of my hopes for the one to one program is that I would become better educated and more comfortable using the technology and the laptops as a teacher to then better educate the students. Throughout the video teachers stated that they have learned so much from using the laptops themselves. One teacher stated it was an adjustment at first to transition from textbook teaching, but now she loves teaching in a one to one classroom. She can use the web as a teaching tool to better serve her as a teacher and to better serve her students in learning. Another one of my hopes is that students would all become technologically savvy and not struggle as I do. All the students in the video appeared to love using their laptop and the technology that comes with it. I think it is fabulous they are learning these skills at a young age and will feel confident about their abilities. They are privileged to have this opportunity and will be ahead of others when going on to college or into the workplace.

My first instinct when I think of teaching in a one to one classroom is fear. I feel this way because I still feel ill prepared when it comes to using my new mac laptop and the technology available. One of the reasons I enrolled in this class is to become more comfortable and confident in using technology. I know it takes time, practice and knowledge to become more tech savvy. I am up for the challenge and I hope I leave this class more prepared to teach in a one to one classroom someday. The one to one program is fantastic and I hope it is instituted in Fairbanks schools in the future.

personal introduction

Hello, my name is Tammy and this is my first blog entry. I am interested in becoming more knowledgable on the subject of technology. I am currently enrolled at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in the elementary education program. North Pole is my home for now and I have lived in Alaska for eight years.

My favorite season here in Alaska is summer. I love the long days and the warmer temperatures. Traveling, camping, hiking, berry picking, fishing and sitting around a campfire roasting marshmallows for smores are some of my favorite summer activities. Photography is a passion of mine and Alaska is a fabulous place to take pictures to capture memories and the natural beauty of this state.