Reflection on Using a Blog in a Classroom

            Making a  blog proved an enriching experience. I learned much about technology and how blogs can be used in a classroom environment. Based on my experience with blogs, I intend to use blogs in my classroom.

            I began the semester nervous about using blogs. I know little about technology and did not feel comfortable using computers. However, by the end of this term, I felt more comfortable using technology. I now know how to embed videos, make links on my blog to other websites, and communicate with students through my website. I also know how to make videos on iMovie and plan to use them in my classroom.

            I think that everything I learned this semester is useful and relevant to my future in the social studies classroom. I can honestly say that everything that I learned by making this blog can be used in a classroom. I really enjoyed exploring all of the primary resources available on the internet and think that I will be able to use them in the classroom.

            I am much more comfortable with technology now than I was six weeks ago. I am no longer timid about making blogs or using the Internet for teaching purposes. I look forward to learning more about technology in the classroom.

            Speed proved my greatest concern while learning technology. I always felt a little behind the other students in the class and kept having to ask questions for clarification. I did not want to fall behind but worried about holding the rest of the class back.

            I intend to use technology in my classroom in the future. Students will be encouraged to make blogs related to the courses subject matter. I will encourage discussions by posing questions based on primary sources and requiring students to post their answers online. Students will receive feedback and learn how to write critical responses. Additionally, no student will be able to monopolize classroom conversion online because on a blog, all students will be able to participate. Blogs will be an addition to my classroom and, I believe, facilitate my teaching.

Reflection on Video on Plagiarism

Carla Anderson, Candice Schiesel, Brian Marshall, and I collaborated to produce videos that examined how technology facilitates cheating in contemporary classrooms. We did all of our recording at Westbrook High School. I really enjoyed working with my partners and think we got along well.

If I could redo my project, there is not too much that I would change. I probably would have practiced using the iMovie program more before I made my short video. I also would have gotten some statistics on cheating in the United States today and included them in my video. Overall, there is not too much that I would change.

The video recording and editing process went better than I thought it would. Recording the video is surprisingly easy with a flip camera. Using iMovie made editing the video pretty easy and a lot of fun. The program was easy to learn and to navigate. I enjoyed the process and may make videos again someday for classroom use.

I believe that students in my future classrooms will be able to create movies. There must be ample access to technology. Assuming that there will be sufficient recording devices and computers, I think students could make great use of videos including making short documentaries in social studies classes.  If I have the technological resources necessary for students to make films, then I will provide them with the time and topics required for making a documentary film.

Everything that I learned while making the video was new to me. I knew very little about making videos before making this video on plagiarism. I have seen many documentaries . After making a video, I thought more about how documentarians must sequence images and include both dialogue, sound effects, and appropriate amounts of silence in their films. I also gained more respect for anyone who can edit a film without it having small jumps between scenes.

I enjoyed making this video and collaborating with my partners. It was an enriching experience.

Geography Game

As a social studies teacher, I know that I will teach students about the history and cultures of other nations. This game tests student knowledge of the capitals of South American countries. It's a great way to review for a test and a lot of fun!

History-based websites and Student Responses

These ten websites are educative, informative, and interactive. Students will select two websites, view their contents, and post a paragraph in the comments section on my blog that notes one primary source the website referenced and explains what the student liked and disliked about the website and its content.

Primary Sources

Great news! I tracked down some of the United States' founding documents and converted them to google documents. They can be accessed by clicking on the links below:

"The Declaration of Independence"

United States Constitution

Amendments to the Constitution

Progressive Era Cartoons

I found some Progressive Era cartoons online. Please view them and consider how they reflect events occurring during the Progressive Era. Enjoy!