Final Thoughts

I came into this class thinking I would hate it. I never thought that I would appreciate these assignments, and I was scared because I had little prior knowledge. I now feel so empowered by technology. I can't believe the things I can do now. When I do things on the computer... I actually feel like I have more control over what is going on. My fiance is very handy with a computer, and I feel like I can keep up with him now. I feel so much more confident going into a classroom where technology is the new era. I think that I will be a much more efficient mentor to my students and members of my community based on this class. Thank you for a great experience.

My Movie that took a VERY long time to make

I am the type of person who gets assignments done in NO time...well.. I didn't finish this one so quickly. I worked on this for 4 days, but I am so happy I did. I now know how to make a movie... I MADE A MOVIE! WOW! That is something I never thought I could say! Whoo Hoo!

Inspiring Stuff

I had a lot of fun using inspiration. This is a great tool for people who are visual learners. I am a HUGE visual learner. This is a great tool for any project or lesson. This is a great graphic organizer that displays the information in a creative and organized way that will really help the students gather information. This gets a thumbs up in my book!

"AHA!" Moment - 1/2 way point

My "Wow!" Moment had to be when I figured out how to embed a slide show on my blog. That is super cool. I would have never figured that out on my own!! I also thought it was cool how easy it was to embed the photo album and change the size. I'm getting all connected, AND I LOVE IT!

OPPOSITE SLIDE SHOW

Digital Imaging

I am so happy with the things I have learned to do today! I learned better how to resize things in photo-shop an how to upload images to Google!! I am extremely EXCITED!! I feel more empowered by the computer now!!

Slide Show

Lesson Plans and Google Docs

Well, the lesson plans that we do for the special education department are far more intensive than the one we completed for this class. And, we do not work in groups on those. I appreciate how intensive they are, but it is nice to have a partner and a little break for one lesson plan. HOWEVER, Google Docs made me very angry for like 3o minutes. I like how it instantly saves, but it is far more difficult to navigate than Word for me. I think once I get the hang of it, I will feel differently. But, it was frustrating to work in google docs.

Wiki's and Web Quests

Oh my goodness, these things are driving me a little crazy. I am a perfectionist and a control freak, so having a wiki that other people can mess with drives me a little wild. I have a great group though, thankfully. I am learning a little each SECOND. So, breathing and taking it slowly are good things for me. I like web quests. I think they are very helpful. I can't believe I am doing so much online. I never thought I would be able to do as much as I have. I can't wait to be a wiki and web quest MASTA!

Reflection on Web Site Eval

This activity was helpful to me because honestly...I am one of those dumb people who fall for things on the internet. My aka name is "Captain Gullible." So, this activity helped me become more of a critical thinker about the websites I visit. This is SO important for me to do because I need to be a good example for my students.I don't want my students to think that there have been proven studies that cats don't like men with long beards. And that is motivation enough for me to evaluate the websites I visit. Thank you evaluation assignment.

Evalutating Websites

I found these guidelines from a school site. This website's guidelines are really easy to use because they are in an acronym "CARS." Each sub-head has it's own questions withing in as well. For example, within credibility, it asks questions about the author of the site and about his/her evidence. This strategy will be easy for students to remember even when they do not have the guidelines in front of them, and I think this can be used across many age groups.


Credibility
Accuracy
Reasonableness
Support
= CARS

http://lrs.ed.uiuc.edu/students/tbarcalow/490net/evaluation.htm

What I've got to say about portfolios...

First of all, portfolios are pretty neat! I am so happy that our professors required us in various classes to post artifacts to our PLP because I would have never made a professional portfolio if they hadn't. I didn't realize how many different kinds of portfolios there are. I think they are a great tool for organization. That is something I really struggle with. I think now that I am more aware of the items that go into a portfolio and about how important they are, I will be sure to keep mine up to date and will probably make more! :]

My Learning Expectations

When I enter classes, I'm never really sure what to expect. Especially classes that contain content I am not very familiar with. So, I plan on developing further expectations for myself as I learn more about technology and what I would like to know more about. Currently, I would like to be more computer savvy and feel more confident with working on computers. I want to be able to help my students with their technology because I know it will benefit them. Many of my students may use assistive technology for various tasks that benefit their education, and I would like to feel more confident in my ability to help them master their equipment. Also, I would like to use technology as a means to contact parents and to help them feel like I am more of a partner wanting to improve their child's life than just another teacher. :]

Intro to Class

My full name is Lakin Shay Hair. I have lived in Knoxville my entire life. I went to South Doyle High School and graduated in 2006. I want to become a teacher so that I can have a direct and positive affect on the lives of students and their futures. Special education is my passion. I make it my goal to help any student achieve their life goals no matter what they might be. I want to help my students believe in themselves and focus on the great abilities that they have. I have taught from preschool through 12th grade. However, my favorite area of teaching has been elementary aged students. I do a bunch of random things for fun. I LOVE archery. I have two bows. One has a 13 lb pull and it is small. It was my beginner bow (it is a Scout). My other bow has a 55 lb pull and it is an Apprentice. I don’t kill animals, but I like to shoot targets. Another of my hobbies is making jewelry. I make all types of jewelry and sell them on the side. I am a huge super hero fan. Iron man is by far the most awesome. Other things I really like include: Transformers, The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Hunger Games, Jasmine from the Disney Princesses, and My Little Ponies. I love playing ultimate Frisbee. If anybody knows of any games going on... let me know. I like to write. I am currently writing a book. I like to work out. I am doing Hip Hop Abs and P90 X currently. I also work at the Rush. If anyone needs a pass... let me know. I like to keep things lively in my life.