Video Intro

Here is an introduction video I created on a mobile device. This technique is very easy and takes no time at all (or as much time as you want!). Recording videos can also be accomplished via laptop or desktop camera. :)

Annotated Video Playlist

Here is an annotated video playlist I created on YouTube teaching students about yoga, partner yoga, and the benefits of yoga for our mind, body, and health.

Socrative Application

Socrative is a service that allows students to take quizzes electronically via computers, tablets, or smartphone devices. Teachers create quizzes that can be multiple choice, true/false, or short answer--it''s up to them what works best for their lecture! I tested out this application by creating a quiz compiled of ten multiple choice and short answer questions. Three participants completed the quiz in the student-paced quiz mode, and I downloaded the quiz results as an Excel PowerPoint spreadsheet. This spreadsheet is a quick and easy way to add student's results to an assessment program or system.

I really enjoyed using Socrative. It is very easy to set up a teacher account and create quizzes. It is also simple for students to open the application, join the classroom, and take the quiz according to the instructor's pace preference, which is another great aspect of Socrative. Students may be able to compete the quiz at their own pace or a at a pace preferred by the teacher.

Socrative is a great tool to get students more engaged and motivated in individual learning. I could use this application in my classroom to use open-ended questions to help frame upcoming learning activities or as a checklist while working through a current activity. Whatever my lesson plan is for the day, I'm sure that Socrative will be able to support it and make learning more exciting!

Netiquette Guidelines

Miss. Ball’s 2nd Grade

Netiquette Rules

1. Don’t be a bully
• Using the internet to spread rumors about others can be harmful and damaging. Be kind and respectful towards everyone.
2. Use emoticons to express feelings
• :-)    happy               
• :-(    Sad
• %-( Confused
• :-0   Yelling
• :-o   Wow!
• ^^^    Giggling
• :-D   Laughing
• ;-)   Winking
3. Be safe
• There are unsafe sites on the internet. Only visit sites provided to you by me.
• Do not give anybody your full name, address, phone number, school, or age.
4. Be honest
• Do not plagiarize: taking somebody else’s work for your own.
5. Avoid slang y’all
• People who don’t speak American language as a first language might not understand your meaning.

The Future Of Education

Classroom of The Future, videos created in 1987, describe the roles computers and technology would play in education in the future. The filmmaker's vision was very close to what it actually is today. He imagined that students and teachers would be able to chat with each other via video conference. This is commonly used today in work settings and when socializing with friends and loved ones. However, it is not used in the classroom to the extent that an absent student can video conference during lecture. I do think that this is a possibility and may appear in the near future.

Another technology that the filmmaker created was a library database. Again, he had the right idea as library databases are very common in most schools. The only difference is that our computers are not voice activated. In the video, a student told his computer what to do, such as, freeze the screen, enlarge the text, and scroll up or down. He did not have to use a finger to perform any of these tasks as the computer did it all for him. It may sound crazy, but I think that this could be a future possibility as well.

Reflections of Assistive Technologies

Imagine being unable to communicate your thoughts, opinions, and desires with others. It would be frustrating to try to get someone to understand your personality and almost impossible to establish close relationships with your peers. Luckily, assisted technologies have helped people who have this impairment. Elle, a fourteen year old girl, has cerebral palsy. She has lived most of her life without being able to speak. Now, thanks to the DynaVox, she is able to express her thoughts aloud. This assisted technology reads her thoughts and records them out loud. It is easier for Elle to learn at school, make friends, and live a normal life.

Growing up having to wear glasses was tough, but with them, I could see everything clearly and I did well in school. For six-year-old Mason, school is extremely difficult because he is visually impaired. His left eye is completely blind while his right eye retains partial retina. Mason can't see like a normal student. However, assistive technologies have aided Mason in his learning career and home life. Technologies such as the iPad and SMART Board help Mason complete school activities because the letters are large and the contrast is better. In the future, Mason will be able to advance to braille note takers and screen-reading devices, and perhaps something even more advanced as technology is always changing for the better.

Many things are taken for granted every day, such as the sports you play or activities you participate in. Lukas is a man who knows how valuable everyday life is. He has what is called Amyoplasia Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita. It causes stiffness in joints and results in missing muscles, causing him to sustain from every-day tasks. Lacking manual dexterity didn't stop him from following his dreams, though. With the help of assistive technologies, Lukas is able to do what he loves best; play the horn in band. A box with a joystick that triggers solenoids and operates the valves of a horn was created so that Lukas could play. Though it is still difficult, Lukas makes the best of it and it thankful for the technology device that makes is possible.

With assistive technologies like these, it is possible to support the needs of every student and allow them to grow to their fullest potential. 

Realm Of Creativity

One of my goals as an educator is to provide a positive and effective environment for my students; a place where learning comes naturally. It is very unlikely that students will enjoy learning in a boring and dull classroom. Therefore, I want my classroom environment to be colorful, welcoming, fun, and magical. The walls will be filled with student masterpieces, there will be music, and we will laugh. This will be a place where not only children enjoy, but I will as well. Teaching will be much easier in this type of environment; thus, inspiration and imagination will flow from my students like a waterfall. As each year passes by, my realm of creativity will evolve depending on the needs and desires of my students. My space will be an exciting and never-ending adventure.