Assistive Technology

http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=oAWe-hCxRIPj7ZGhyNGMlZGdy&hl=en

The assistive technology assignment was enjoyable. It was fun to work with a partner and get the assignment completed. Tracie and I were partners. We split the assignment in half and communicated via gmail until we were both finished and ready to turn it in. It went really smooth and was fairly easy!

Creating a Teacher's Web Page

I enjoyed creating my teacher's web page. For the most part, I just figured out how to navigate the site, but I did get stumped a few times. I was finally able to finish. I would be proud for any student or parent to click on there and find needed information. I was excited to finish it. Here is my url: http://sites.google.com/site/msamackersclass/home

Web Tools

I found Rubistar to be an esay tool to use. It can also be an useful tool to use as a teacher. The BigBus Testmaker was also a great tool. I had some difficulties saving the document at first, but it finally worked. I had a difficult time with TrackStar.com. I don't know what I did wrong. I followed step by step instructions, but the track was hard to create for me.

Turnitin

Geder Gap In Technology #2 by teresa amacker
From Turn It In Version 2 (IT 465)
Processed on 10-11-09 9:48 PM CDT
ID: 109248641
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IT 465 Turnitin There seems to be a gender gap between male and females in the technology field.
The evidence of a gender gap can be seen in science, math, and computer classrooms in colleges;
the classes are filled with mostly men. Fewer and fewer women are enrolling in these technology field
classes. Evidence shows that girls that are in the fourth through sixth grade participate and are very
interested in computer use. Girls in their adolescent years begin to lose interest in computers and the
number of girls in high schools and colleges that are pursuing computer classes decreases
drastically. There are numerous theories as to why females are not showing an interest in pursuing
careers in technology-based careers. Some theories point to parents and the influence they have on
their sons and daughters. Parents send a strong message to their children about how the world works
and how they fit into that mold. Often time’s parents are not aware of the way their words affects their
children’s future choices. Some theories blame teachers and the institution of education. Some
educators are taken aback when they become aware of the way they encourage males in the
computer fields, but neglect to motivate girls interest in computers. Manufacturers of technology
products have also been to blame for the gender gap. Most video games are geared toward boys.
The majorities of the themes of video games are competitive sports or have a violent nature, which
indicates that the gender-specific entertainment preference does exist. Therefore, many girls are not
interested and lose any motivation they once had in video games and technology all together. Boys
are naturally better in math than girls are. Boys tend to do well in math and enjoy engaging in math
assignments and computer activities. Girls enjoy being on the computer, but not for long periods of
time. Girls would rather be engaged face to face. Girls find friendships and relationships to be of more
importance. I think this is the main reason for the gender gap in technology. While all the other
theories play a small part as well.
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Reflection Google group IT465

I like having a Google group! I have found it to be easy to navigate. I have questions, but that is because I need more time to explore and learn the program. I like being in touch with my class members; it brings a sense of community involvement. I can see how this would be a valuable tool for educators. A grade level team could set up all of their members on Google group and compare teaching techniques, ideas, concerns, and stay in touch.

Story Telling
I found the story telling on windows movie maker to be fun and easy, except I can't get my voice narration to work. I was able to add music to my movie. Each time I try to record, I plug in the microphone into the audio jac, I click on the microphone and start narration; it looks like it is recording, but it doesn't. I even borrowed another mic. to see if that was the problem. I would love to get my recorded story attached, if anybody has any helpful advice. I would appreciate it. Thanks! Teresa Amacker

Inspiration 8.0 Assignment

The concept map that I created on Inspiration 8.0 software was a fun challenge. I liked Inspiration 8.0; I was new to the software, so it was time consuming to learn the basics of the program. After getting to know and understand the different functions of the software, I see how it could be a useful tool in the classroom for student assignments, as well as a teacher's planning tool.

1st blog

This is all new to me.