ETPT Assignment April 13, 2016

1. Why is it so important that students learn to work collaboratively? It is very important for students to be able to work with others because projects aren't often completed by one single person. It usually requires a score of different people working together to finish the end product.
2. Describe four ways that teachers can use the SMART Board™ in the classroom to differentiate instruction.  Teachers can use it to encourage students to work together, are able to manipulate objects and draw, encourages the use of technology in the classroom to motivate students, and encourages active participation because the class can work on something together and must have each student working together. 
3. What are six ways that the SMART Board™ enhances the quality of the teaching experience? Provides engagement, collaboration, access to technology not available at home, has interactive materials like drawing, grading software allows teachers to instantly track learning comprehension, and the ability to translate and/or magnify material.

ETPT Assignment March 21, 2016

1. What is spatial thinking and what does this kind of thinking require? Spatial thinking is a cognitive skill we use to structure problems, find answers, express solutions using properties of space. This kind of thinking requires us to understand the concept of space, the ability to connect it to other knowledge, and to use it to help us solve problems. I also requires us to be able to use visual-spatial thinking to analyze information, solve problems, and predict patterns. 
2. Why is spatial thinking so important for everyone? Spatial thinking is a common characteristic for many different students who tend to have a preference for visual-spatial learning. It can be a great tool to use in a number of different fields of study. 
3. What are at least six benefits for students when they use geospatial technologies in the classroom? Benefits are practicing geographic skills, spatial thinking, promotes critical thinking, engages multiple intelligence, is a new medium for research, and provides a connection to reality while learning.
4. Describe four ways that Google Earth™ and GPS can enhance teaching. Include examples in your answer. 
1. Practice geographical skills
1. When learning about global warming or environmental issues, students can use a map to locate specific areas around the world
2. Practice critical thinking
1. Students must think critically to understand and plot locations on a map especially using latitude and longitude 
3. Engage multiple intelligence 
1. Students using latitude and longitude engages mathematical learners, keeping track of how many laps jogged engages kinesthetic learners
4. Encourage exploration
1. Students can explore other planets, the ocean, hurricanes, and more 

ETPT Assignment Feb. 22,2026

1. Name the four major theories of learning and address the following questions for each theory:
1. How does this theory describe learning? 
1. Behaviorist- Knowledge transmitted from one person to another and a product of the learner being an object reacting to stimuli.
2. Directed Instruction-Teachers need to present the information, provide practice, and feedback. Students will not be able to learn on their own.
3. Cognitive Learning-Focuses on mental process and cognitive skills and connecting new information with information already learned 
4. Constructivism- Based on prior knowledge being a foundation for students to see their unique perspective built on top of their previous knowledge. 
2. How does the teacher shape learning?
1. Behaviorist- Teachers reinforce behaviors by issuing positive and negative reinforcement.
2. Directed Instruction- Teachers use systematic steps to ensure the students understand the purpose and results of steps.
3. Cognitive Learning- Teachers connect information to students' prior knowledge to encourage their own comprehension, analyzing, and demonstrating new concepts.
4. Constructivism- Teachers help the students learn through participating in the learning process to deepen their prior knowledge.
3. What are two types of technology that support this view of learning?
1. Behaviorist- Electronic textbooks and computer-assisted instruction
2. Directed Instruction- Tutorials and practice software
3. Cognitive Learning- Spreadsheets and blogs
4. Constructivism- Portfolios and concept maps
2. Briefly describe at least nine major categories that you should consider when differentiating instruction for different types of learners. Explain how technology could be used to provide some form of differentiated instruction in each of these categories. (Ex:  Learning Style, Intelligence Preference, etc.) Visual learners can use online 3-D models. Kinesthetic learners can use computers that encourage hand-eye coordination. Musical learners can use radios to play music. Interpersonal learners can work in groups to complete an online activity. Intrapersonal learners can use computer-assisted instruction to learn at their own pace. Linguistic learners can use taper recorders instead of books. Mathematical learners can use computer programs to solve math problems or puzzles. Cultural differences can have students with English NOT being their primary language so online programs that can be translated is a big plus. Students with ADD or ADHD can use graphic organizers to stay organized and on task.

ETPT Assignment Feb. 15, 2016

Chapter 8 Section 4

1. Why is it important for teachers to teach students to think critically? Critical thinking helps us determine if something is true or false. After determining something, students can then use these decisions to lead them in what they believe or what actions the choose to do. 
2. What is the difference between spreadsheets and databases? A spreadsheet is a way to organize information and then have the ability to change one factor and the spreadsheet will alter other information that is affected by this factor. A Database is also a form of organizing information, but it is a way for information be easily found. 
3. What are two ways that spreadsheets are powerful tools? Spreadsheets can easily change information based on changing one factor, like 'what-if' scenarios, and helps to better understand issues and solve problems.
4. In what way is an electronic database a powerful tool? It is powerful when you need to look for specific information that you can narrow down.
5. Explain five ways that using spreadsheets or databases can make you more productive as a teacher. 1) Spreadsheets organize my classroom's grades 2) Spreadsheets can create seating charts in numerous layouts 3) Databases can look up students who have a low grade to know who needs help 4) A database can organize student information like name, personal qualities, and addresses 5) Spreadsheets will change grades automatically as I add information to them

ETPT Assignment Feb. 3, 2016

Chapter 4, Section 11:

1.       What were the most important 21st century skills you used while creating a newsletter? Explain how you used those skills.

While creating my newsletters, some of the most important 21st century skills I used were communication, creativity, and research. For my teacher newsletter I used communication skills to inform parents/guardians/students who I am and what was to be expected in my hypothetical classroom. I also used my creativity and research skills to find clipart pictures that highlighted aspects of my newsletter. These skills were also utilized when creating my student newsletter on Salvador Dali. I had to research, create, and communicate aspects of the artist’s life.

2.       Once again, read over the thinking of students found in this chapter. In what ways will it help you to analyze and understand the thinking processes of students in your future classroom, especially when you plan to use technology? 

Students born in this day and age are born and surrounded by technology. They have grown up with these great successes in technology. It is helpful to understand how these student learn because it is very different from how the past students have learned. Integrating technology with teaching, processing, organizing, expressing, and assessing information is crucial. Using technology has become one of the best ways that the new generation is learning.

Chapter 1, Section 8:

1.       Think carefully about all your educational experiences.

a.       Describe a teacher or classroom experience where you learned very little and explain why you think this happened.

Unfortunately, it was in my Contemporary Art class. My professor was very inexperienced with using the technologies provided to her. Half the class period was spent on figuring it out. She has the annoying tendency to get off topic or spend way too much time on one topic. She treats testing as if she has taught us thoroughly the information or as if we, the students, simply reading the text will give us the answers right away. It is a large amount of information to take in and she provides no possible way to focus in on what is most important.

b.      Describe a teacher or classroom experience where the learning was engaging, enjoyable, or exciting for you. What was different about this classroom than the one you just described?

While this professor was bit less aware of technologies, she would always contact someone to help her BEFORE class started. And once she figured it out she was able to sort out a majority of everything else. She differentiated instructions like, morning discussions, timelines, notes, pictures, online text, quizzes, tests, papers, speeches, and so on. She had us work in groups, move around, speck up, and more. She offered grace periods, worked around technology failures, and allowed the students a few chances at extra credit.

2.       Presently, are you stuck in the 20th century like some of your former teachers or are you willing to move into the 21st century and open your mind to new ways of teaching that include technology? Explain your answer.

I want to think that I can expand into the 21st century skill set. I want to make learning the most important part of my art class. I think it would be extremely helpful to integrate technology into my classroom when it comes to teaching art. I want students to research artists, works of art, and find inspiration in ways that works for them. Whether that means going to an actual museum or reading in a book or looking online. I want to give my students the accommodations to explore and learn about art and art history to their fullest potential.