School 2.0 Reflection Tool NETS-T 4

For this project I went to the School 2.0 website. I used the reflection tool to self-assess my current technology skill level. Then, I cut and paste my results and posted them onto my blog. I also reflected on one of the articles from my results page.

I chose Nets-T #3 “Model Digital-Age Work and Learning”

I chose this standard because I would like to learn how I can implement the most relevant, up to date, and most effective media inside and outside of my future classroom. That said by implementing effective media (i.e.: blogs, and other social networking websites) inside and outside of the classroom I can facilitate and as well as communicate specific ideas with and to my future students, peers, and parents. I find that if teachers who put forth the effort of using relevant and updated information and thus incorporates the latest media tools into the subjects that they teach (i.e.: science, technology, math, etc) their students will be more engaged in the lessons that they are being taught. This way, the students can have a visual, (i.e.: pictures and interactive tools such as blogs) in regards to what they are learning. In addition, I find that if I had a teacher who used such media tools in their lessons I would be even more engaged into the subjects that I am learning. In other words, I find that by communicating with my teachers and peers through commenting on their blogs and vice versa, we can work and collaborate with one another on one central topic.

The resource that I investigated was called, “Blogging Right Along.” In this resource I learned that blogs can be a helpful resource for subjects such as; math, history, and especially science. This way ones students can share their own understanding of the concepts that are being taught to them, and as well as interacting with one another. That said, in the past I have had an experience in creating blogs and I have also communicated with my peers through commenting on their own blogs. That said, I find that blogs are a successful way in helping students to stay connected with their peers and as well as their teachers. In addition, while I was reading this resource, I learned and came into an agreement that blogging can help and allow ones students to share and or communicate their own understanding of the concepts that they are being taught with one another as a class. Thus, our Professor Jeff Heil has us write blog entries so that we can communicate and connect with each other in regards to the concepts that are being taught. In fact, as I share my own understanding of our assignment, we are completing this task right now.  

Samantha Magana - Incoming Transferring (Junior) Student and Technology

Hello my name is Samantha Magana. I have recently transferred from Mira Costa College. I am a Junior who is majoring in Liberal Studies (teaching). I have lived in Southern California for all of my life. I was born and raised in Southern California. I attended Elementary School at Alamosa Park Elementary School, for Middle School I went to Roosevelt, and for high school I went to Vista High.

Well in regards to technology, I can be considered to have a basic knowledge in some of the programs that we have today. These programs consist of Microsoft Word, Paint, Skype, etc. However, I am not as proficient in other programs as I could be. In other words, I guess you can say that I am not that computer savvy. Furthermore, I would like to know more about how to set-up and or use programs such as; Power Point, Spreadsheets, school-appropriate mulitmedia tools, etc. This is one of the main reasons for why I am taking this course. I for one am a fan of the whole computer thing. If I had the money I would spend a great deal of it on computer products, especially on Apple products. I find it amazing to see what new programs and or new technological advances (i.e.: iPod, iPad, iPhone, etc.), that we have made over the years. That said, I am more of a PC user than compared to a Mac user. However, everytime that I use a Mac I am always amazed to see what new features are added to each of the latest Mac models. Furthermore, I am a fan of the whole technology and or computer thing.

The CSUSM/COE Mission Statement  states, "the mission of the College of Education Community is to collaborativelly transform public education by preparting thoughtful educators and advancing professional practices." That said, this statement was indeed a factor in my decision to apply to CSUSM. Well, I guess I could say that applying to CSUSM was my first impulse in doing so. I wanted to go to a college that would help me with becoming a thoughtful educator through reflective teaching, life-long learning, innovative and or technological research, and ongoing service (i.e.: community volunteering). In addition, the CSUSM/COE Mission Statement states, "at CSUSM the College of Education Community is committed to; student-centered education, diversity, collaboration, professionalism, and shared governance." Due to this statement pertaining to me as an incoming transferring Junior who is about to start her first semester at a Cal State University I found this statement to be appealing and once again  a major factor in my decision to apply to CSUSM. In addition, these words "stuck out" to me as if they were flashing head lights on a car.
That said, both of these statements had helped me decide that CSUSM was where I wanted to obtain my major and teaching credentials.