Blog Journal 10

• My Personal Learning Network has grown a lot since the beginning of the semester. At first, I mainly used Pinterest and Instagram for ideas, but now I use them more effectively by following teachers and pages that share helpful classroom tips and lesson ideas. I also started using Reddit to connect with other educators and share experiences, which has added more people to my PLN. For spaces, I have become more comfortable using Padlet and other online tools to organize and share resources. The tools I use have expanded too, and I now know how to search properly when I need help or inspiration. Overall, my PLN has become stronger and much more organized, giving me more ways to learn from and connect with other teachers.

• As a future third-grade teacher, I can see myself using data collection tools to better understand what my students need, especially in math. For example, I could use Qualtrics to create simple surveys that ask students how confident they feel about a topic or which problems they found the hardest. This would help me see patterns in their answers and decide what to review. I could also use word clouds to collect student reflections, where the bigger words show common struggles or ideas. These tools would make it easier for me to track learning trends, adjust my lessons, and make sure every student gets the support they need.

• A technology skill I would like to learn next is how to use Excel. I want to be comfortable with creating charts, organizing data, and using basic formulas. My SMART goal is that by the end of next month, I will learn the basics of Excel by completing at least three beginner tutorials and practicing by creating a sample spreadsheet for class or personal use. To accomplish this, I will set aside a little time to watch videos, practice the tools, and ask for help if I get stuck. Learning Excel will help me stay organized and complete my Microsoft skills.

Blog Journal 9

 • During K–12, I had some experience with distance learning, especially during and after COVID-19. We used online programs like i-Ready, Google Classroom, and Zoom for lessons and assignments. Most of my work was turned in online, and deadlines were usually 11:59 p.m. instead of handing things in during class. I thought tools like Google Classroom were helpful for keeping everything organized, but sitting at a screen all day made it hard to stay focused. I haven’t used newer virtual classroom tools like Nearpod or interactive simulations yet, but I’d like to try them because they seem more engaging and could make online learning feel more active and less repetitive.

• Open Educational Resources, or OER, are free materials that teachers and students can use for learning, teaching, and sharing knowledge. These can include lesson plans, videos, textbooks, worksheets, and even full online courses. I found an article from the University of Maryland Global Campus that explains how OER helps make education more affordable and accessible for everyone by letting teachers adapt and share materials freely. The post also talks about how using OER encourages creativity in the classroom because teachers can edit and mix resources to fit their students’ needs. I think OER is a great idea because it gives everyone a chance to learn without worrying about cost or access. https://libguides.umgc.edu/oer

• After working on Assignment 4: PowerPoint for Information Dissemination, I now learned a lot about PowerPoint and got extremely comfortable to use it for teaching in the future. I learned how to use teacher related templates, add animations, make a new slide and handout in slide master, add my voice recording to my presentation, and so much more. I enjoyed learning these new tools in PowerPoint, however trying to follow along the quick in class instruction was a bit challenging, but I figured it out in the end. Next time, I want to choose a theme that is more cohesive with the lesson. 

Classroom with Bitmoji

 

Blog Journal 8

• After working on the Web Design assignment, I have acquired many skills that will allow me to make my actual teacher's website in the future including using Weebly, saving and using images, creating a creative commons license, and more. The main design principles I used when designing my website was the CRAP design principle. For example, I ensured there was a good contrast in the letter and background colors, making all text legible. I also used repetition, maintaining the same font throughout, as well as ensuring everything was aligned. I enjoyed making my own website, however the Weebly site was a bit finicky and sometimes didn't save some of my work or would prevent me from making the banner as big as I had wanted. I can use this website design as a teacher in my future to keep parents and students updated and on track with easy to access resources and assignments or announcements. 
• My website: 
  

• One creative way to use QR codes in the classroom is by connecting them to ClassDojo to make parent communication and student recognition more interactive. For example, I could create a QR code that links directly to our ClassDojo class page or to individual student portfolios. Parents could scan the code at open house events or during conferences to instantly access their child’s progress, behavior reports, and classroom updates. I could also place a QR codes in the classroom, allowing students to easily access our ClassDojo page to easily monitor their progress. This makes sharing achievements more personal and accessible while encouraging consistent parent involvement. Using QR codes this way connects classroom learning and home communication, helping families stay engaged in a simple and tech-friendly way.
• Case Study: The Ethical Use of Technology for Teacher Productivity
• Ms. Johnson, a fifth-grade teacher, uses several digital tools to stay organized and improve her teaching efficiency. She relies on Google Classroom for assignments, ClassDojo for communication with families, and an AI-based grading app to save time on short-answer assessments. While these tools help her manage her workload, she begins to face ethical challenges regarding data privacy and professional boundaries. For instance, the AI grading tool stores student responses on an external server, raising concerns about how student data is being used and who has access to it. Additionally, Ms. Johnson sometimes sends parent updates through ClassDojo after school hours, which has led to messages coming in late at night and blurring her personal and professional boundaries. 
• To address the case, I would first ensure that all technology tools used in the classroom comply with district policies and student privacy laws. I would replace or adjust any apps that store sensitive student data on unsecured platforms and communicate with parents about how their child’s information is protected. I would also set specific “office hours” for digital communication through ClassDojo to maintain professional boundaries while still being available for important updates. This is an ethical solution because it prioritizes student and family privacy and models responsible digital use. By being transparent about technology use and setting clear guidelines, I would promote trust, safety, and accountability in the classroom.

Teacher Professional Development resource

https://tinyurl.com/3tdh8cdz this link is for a website which includes resources from the National Teacher Association to help guide teacher professional growth and development. 

Blog Journal 7

• When I explored the Naples Park Elementary School website, I noticed that it provides a welcoming and organized layout for families to learn about the school and its classrooms. The site includes sections like “Our School,” “Parents,” and “Staff,” which link to pages where you can find teacher names, grade levels, and email contacts. Some teachers have class pages that introduce their subjects or grade, share weekly newsletters, or post reminders for upcoming events. The website also highlights school-wide updates, lunch menus, and important resources like the student handbook. However, more detailed classroom materials, such as assignments or student grades, are likely kept private and accessible only through secure logins for students and parents. Overall, the site serves as a helpful way for families to stay informed and connected to what’s happening at the school.

• In my future classroom, I envision using technology to make my work more efficient and to help students stay engaged and organized. I plan to maintain a class website where families can easily find updates, resources, information about me and the class, and important announcements. I will also create monthly newsletters using Microsoft Word and Canva to share what students are learning and to highlight upcoming events. For classroom collaboration, I want to use Padlet because it allows students to post their ideas or reflections in a shared space, encouraging participation from everyone. I’ll also use Diigo because it helps students annotate passages and share their thoughts while reading online texts. These tools will help me stay organized, communicate clearly with families, and make learning more interactive and accessible for my students.

• While working on Assignment 2: Critical Evaluation, using Canvas group, I noticed a few new helpful digital resources. As for lesson planning, AI can effectively help teachers by offering ideas to improve a pre-made lesson plan, or requesting ideas for engaging in-class activities to add to the lesson plan. Though, AI did a decent job at creating an organized lesson plan, a human making it would allow their expertise to effectively time out the class, and include the teaching styles that seem to work best to accommodate all students in that specific class. Through this assignment, I learned that a good lesson plan includes the lesson objectives, and a timed out lesson from start to finish, allowing enough time for interactive activities related to the lesson as well as an entrance and exit ticket or review. Evaluating the AI-generated lesson plan made me realize what I should include in my lesson plans, ensuring to make it cohesive and apply to all student's learning abilities. Overall, I enjoyed using the Canvas group tool to collaborate on this assignment, though it became difficult if multiple group members were editing the same page at the same time. 

Blog Journal 6

• The Florida standard SC.3.CC.2.1 is about teaching students how to use technology to communicate safely and responsibly online. This includes things like sending emails, texting, uploading pictures, and filling out online surveys while also learning good online manners, or “Netiquette.” In simple terms, this standard helps students understand how to talk and share online the right way. I feel ready to teach this standard because I already use these tools every day. For example, I can include using online surveys like google forms in my classes, and teach them how to write a proper email. 
• When I looked at the CPALMS Educator Toolkit, I found a 3rd grade science lesson that used technology for students to research and share what they learned. The activity had students use the Internet to find facts and then make a digital slideshow to show their results. I think this kind of resource is great because it combines learning with creativity. Students get to practice using technology in a safe and fun way while also learning the lesson topic. I could use something like this in my classroom to help students feel confident using technology resources for schoolwork.
• It’s important for teachers to be good at searching the Internet because it helps us find the best information for our lessons quickly. I use Google often, but I’ve learned that using special search tools makes it easier to find exactly what I need. For example, I can use refine search tools to search for exact phrases. The skill I’ll use most is Google’s advanced search to narrow results to what fits my class. I also like using reverse image search to check where pictures come from before using them in projects or lessons.