Google Docs

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EUivLYmg1LMHt-Djpvw500-0GU_0U0curbX8guN-ubg/edit

After updating to Google Chrome, I was able to develop my resume.  It was fairly easy to choose a template and modify it to suit me and my future employers.  Using Google Docs is an example of "Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership" and "Model Digital Age Work and Learning" according to the ISTE Nets T Standards.  I am using current technology to share information with others, as well as, learning and using new technologies that can be implemented into my instruction and classroom activities.  I learned that Google Chrome is where you find Google Docs.  I also learned that there are templates to use just like Microsoft Office.  I can use cloud computing with Google rather than through traditional desktop applications such as Microsoft Office with my students.  In particular, it would be a great idea for group projects where students were asked to compose an essay or some type of artifact in order to present to the class.  Also, students who are absent can still participate from home.  Cloud computing with Google has many advantages.  My favorite thing about Google Docs is that it is easily accessible. #no#jumpdrives#required

Google+

       Google+ LINK!

Google+ is a little confusing.  I find that there is just so much on Google.  I do like it and am learning the processes.  One feature that I do like is when you blog you can also put it directly on Google+, as well as, you can Tweet it very easily as well.  Techology is amazing when it is understood and utilized.  I think so far the most amazing thing to me is actually using these types of technologies and realizing the importance in teaching my students these 21st century skill.  One quote really stuck out to when I was doing the "millennial assignment" that Jason Frand wrote in his article.  It states, "Over the next few years these students will become the majority, spreading like a tidal wave across higher education and demanding changes in the way we operate...the challenge will be for educators and higher education institutions to incorporate the information-age mindset of today's learners into our programs so as to create communities of lifelong learners."

Twitter



 I signed up for Twitter as part of the assignment for 6305.  I have to admit its been a week ago and I am slowly appreciating Twitter for what it is.  I downloaded the app on my iPhone and am enjoying it when I have spare time.  I can appreciate it and have changed my perspective when it comes to "another social networking site."  Twitter is different and a good kind of different.  Enjoying!!!

Follow me by clicking on this link! (:

How Millennial Are You? I scored a 47...

How Millennial Are You? 

What is your millennial age?  I feel that my millennial age reflects a more positive outcome compared with my student’s millennial ages.  I scored a 47 on the millennial quiz.  I am what is known as a "millennial" myself, due to being born in 1982, and scoring on the lower end of the millennial stage.  Most of my students did score on the higher end of the millennial stage spectrum.  I often times experience the gap between our “millennial ages” in my classroom due to the lack of my technology skills and look forward to using this course to narrow that gap.  I have already determined that having my students become “bloggers” is a great way to practice writing skills while using social media in order to enhance learning in my classroom.  Frand’s ten characteristics of the information-age mind set are as follows:

The Information-Age Mindset by Jason Frand

Computers Aren't Technology:  "The phrase "incredibly sophisticated" in the last paragraph is an industrial-age mindset view of the innovations that are emerging on an almost daily basis.  When these new devices are introduced, the information-age mindset reaction is "what took so long?" rather than "Wow!"  Young people naturally gravitate to these kinds of interactive, input/output devices." 

Internet Better Than TV:  "One preliminary finding is that during 1998, for the first time since television was introduced fifty years ago, the number of hours young people spend watching TV decreased.  This time was transferred to the computer, with its Internet connectivity." 

Reality No Longer Real:  "Pictures used to be reality...."but now, ironically, we have entered a period of such advanced data-manipulation capability that photography can no longer be trusted."

Doing Rather Than Knowing:  "As our students enter the workforce, the ability to deal with complex and often ambiguous information will be more important than simply knowing a lot of facts or having an accumulation of knowledge." 

Nintendo Over Logic:  "The key to winning in Nintendo is constant, persistent trial-and-error to discover the hidden doors.  The fastest way to winning is through losing, since each loss is a learning experience....it's no wonder manuals or instruction sets aren't used by today's students- they aren't needed."

Multitasking Way of Life:  "Today there are dozens or hundreds of channels, depending on the provider.  If we don't like a Web site, we click to another.  Our students have an exposure, albeit very thin, to a breadth of places, ideas, and cultures that previously only the well traveled could boast." 

Typing Rather Than Handwriting:  "the power of word-processing"

Staying Connected:  "Advanced telecommunication connectivity is a natural part of living for information-age students."

Zero Tolerance for Delays:  "I want a quick response." 

Consumer/Creator Blurring:  "In today's parlance, there is no distinction between the owner, the creator, and the user of information.  Web protocols are such that if you see something you like, you just cut and past it form the Web page." 
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Am I in or out?  I love this new technology rich world.  There are a few aspects that I don't necessarily agree with 100% but for the most part- I am in.  They want us all online.  Millions of companies/businesses require all information online and most of these companies/businesses do not have a mailing list.  This is the day-and-age we live in.  We have to be IN!  It is an "information-age mind set" world we are living in.
"Over the next few years these students will become the majority, spreading like a tidal wave across higher education and demanding changes in the way we operate."  (Jason Frand)

Frand, J. (2000). The information-age mindset: Changes in students and implications for higher education. Retrieved from http://net.educause.edu/apps/er/erm00/articles005/erm0051.pdf

Introduction (:

Hello, my name is Deona Emerald Champ.  From the time I was a very young child, my family has called me Emmy (my great grandmother's name).  I am currently working towards my masters in Special Education (Multi-Category) at Fairmont State University.  

I was born and raised in Pendleton County, West Virginia and am very proud to say that I also work in the public school system in which I was part of as a child growing up.  (Fun Fact:  I actually eat lunch in the same cafeteria as I did grades 7-12 growing up every single day of my adult life.)  I am currently "wrapping-up" my 2012-2013 school year with my seventh and eighth graders at Pendleton County Middle/High School (PCM/HS). 

I enjoy my job as the special education teacher in the middle school.  I co-teach in the area of mathematics and service approximately 80 students.  I am also very proud to announce that as of 6:00pm on May 21, 2013- I was approved by my board of education as the 2013-2014 5th grade classroom teacher.  So as I begin the next chapter in this so-called life of education, I am also ending a very wonderful learning experience as a 7th & 8th grade teacher for the past four years.  

Paulo Coelho once stated, "If you're brave to say 'goodbye', life will reward you with a new 'hello'." 

I look forward to learning how to utilize and integrate technology into my lesson plans, as well as, I look forward to learning fun and exciting ways to engage my students in assignments and/or projects that enable them to utilize and integrate technology into their own lives and have the skills necessary to be successful in the 21st century. 

Good luck to all throughout the course & God Bless!