Content Exploration Tool: Google Sky

Google Sky is an interactive tool that allows you to look at numerous objects in the sky and space with just one click. One can view pictures of galaxies and other objects in space taken by the Hubble Telescope, various constellations and there are even Podcasts that discuss topics about planets, galaxies and stars. Some of the pictures even have an information bubble that discusses what is in the picture. This exploration tool enhances students' learning because it allows them to explore things in space that their students will probably never get to experience otherwise.

Smart Boards

A smart board is an interactive tool that I think will slowly be integrated into classrooms in the future. A smart board is basically a large, interactive white board that responds to touch. They make it possible for many computer applications to be controlled without having to stand behind a computer at the front of the class the whole time. In the above picture, it shows a student who looks like he is writing in an answer to a question on a worksheet. This is an effective way for a student to learn because it gives them another opportunity to show their comprehension of concepts taught in class in a cool, new way. I think for a student to have the opportunity to control computer applications on a white board just by touching it or writing on it would cause them to want to participate more during class.

*Click on the picture above to go to the SMART website, which discusses a lot of information about smart boards.*

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft PowerPoint is one important tool that allows teachers to put their lesson plans together in a creative way. Pictures, slide transitions, charts, animations and even the way the slides are put together can make for an interesting and even entertaining lesson for students. If PowerPoint is used correctly, I believe that it can help engage students in a way that makes them want to pay attention to what is being taught. There was a website we used in my W200 class that has different games already created for you in PowerPoint. I thought these were really neat because they would be something I might use in my future classroom as a fun review tool, like before tests or quizzes. Click here to go to the website.

*Click on the picture above to go to the Microsoft Office website to learn more about Microsoft PowerPoint and other Microsoft software that might be useful. You can even download trial software from that website.*

The Science Of Breathing And Heart Rate: A Review

Assignment of the day for W200 (aka "Computers in the Classroom" for those that don't know what that means): review an educational podcast specific to our area of concentration within the Education field. I plan on becoming a Biology/Life Sciences teacher, so the podcast I chose is called The Science Of Breathing And Heart Rate. Click here to go to the actual podcast.

What exactly is the podcast about?: A high school Biology teacher noticed that his students were not making connections between the things that they were learning about in class & real-life situations relevant to themselves. So, he decided to have a hands on activity that would help show his students the physiological effects physical activity can have on their bodies. They used MacBooks and several different probes to monitor changes in body temperature, heart rate, breathing patterns and they even used an EKG probe to monitor changes in the electrical activity of the heart. I really like that the podcast has a separate page for different parts of the podcast. For instance, it has a separate page explaining why the high school teacher (Geoff Koch) decided to perform the activity the way that he did. It also has a page explaining the lesson plan, another of suggestions the teacher has for other classrooms that might want to use the activity too and even a page that talks about which National Science Education Standards are met through this activity. Another thing I really like about this podcast is that there is a video on one of the pages showing someone interviewing the students from the class asking them what they thought of the activity, what they learned and whether it was a better way for them to learn. The kids on the video really seemed to like the activity and the fact that it was hands on, rather than them having to read about the different physiological changes in a text book.

Hope this review was somewhat helpful! I think it would be a great activity to use in the classroom, and it looks like it might be fun for students too. Have a wonderful day and don't forget to come back! :)

- Ash -

Video websites (YouTube & TeacherTube)

Have you ever had trouble looking for the perfect video to show in your classroom that pertains to a topic you plan to teach that day? Have you ever had the urge to show your kids a science experiement about what happens when you mix Diet Coke and Mentos together, but you don't want the mess? Well, YouTube and TeacherTube are your go-to sources! Both websites provide videos about pretty much anything that you can think of. TeacherTube contains videos that pertain to lesson plans and topics you might teach in your classroom. YouTube, on the other hand, has more of a random variety of videos. Music videos, commercials, how-to's, the Diet Coke and Mentos video...you name it and it's probably on there. I believe both of these sources are effective teaching tools because many students are visual learners, so being able to watch a short video would help those types of students. They are also a fun way to engage students and hopefully motivates them and allows them to learn more creatively.

*To navigate to either website, click on the respective pictures above.*