Assignment 5: The OWL at Purdue

I chose the Online Writing Lab at Purdue for my site for Assignment five. I found this information very useful and helpful. When I was in high school, I wish I knew about this particular site. It appears to have the answers to any English related question. I especially like how all the information is in one place. Purdue also keeps the information current. The university has also renovated their site to help their targeted audience.

I think this site will help my students with grammar and the writing process. As my students are writing papers, they can go online to this site as a reference or to get answers to last minute questions. I think my students would appreciate this online resource.

As a future teacher, I would consider using some of their PowerPoint presentations in my lesson plans for grammar. They also provide handouts that I could give my students a hard copy of the material discussed in class. I was extremely impressed with this site!!! You can access the OWL at Purdue yourself by going to http://owl.english.purdue.edu/.

Assignment 5: WikiSpaces in Class

When I become a high school English teacher, I can see me using WikiSpaces often in my class. I love using computers and learning about new technology. As time passes, technology becomes a bigger part of our society. As a result, students want and need to use technology to understand the subject matter. As my lesson plan suggests, I would like to review plays using the Wiki. I think this activity provides a way for students to grasp the bigger picture of a play. Each day I will discuss the different scenes or acts. By creating a Wiki, the students can see a comprehensive summary of the play.

I also would like to do writing assignments through Wiki. Students not only can create effective writing tools pages, but they can also use Wiki to edit their drafts and get feedback from myself and their classmates.

If I have enough computers for all my students, I can have them create their journals online. By creating their journals online, all students can access their journals and comment on them. This interaction sparks communication in class. Shy students who do not like voicing their opinions in class can easily share their opinions through Wiki.

Assignment 4

If you look below, you will find my two proposals that I am sending to the school board.

Proposal One: One Computer Classroom

For: Tenth Grade Language Arts Classroom

Members of the Board:

I propose that $3,000 be allotted to purchase technological and learning supplies for my tenth grade language arts classroom in room 200. I recommend the budget be distributed in the following way:

· Dell Inspiron 530s with a Core Dual Processor and 500GB Hard Drive………$900.00
· Dell 1409X Projector…………………………………………………………...$800.00
· Epson Duet Portable Projector Screen………………………………………….$150.00
· HP Officejet Pro K5400 Printer………….…………………………………….$150.00
· Philips HTS3544 Home Theater System with iPod Connectivity……………...$250.00
· Technological Supplies…………………………………………………………$350.00
· Educational Computer Programs…………………………………….…………$200.00
· Educational Supplies…………………………………………………...……….$200.00

Total = $3,000.00

Figure 1: Floor Plan designed using Inspiration

Explanation of Floor Plan and Media Tools

I have designed my classroom to fit the learning styles of the students in room 200. I will place the students’ desks on opposite sides of the room, facing the blackboard at the front of the classroom. I will have my students fill out an informational sheet that describes their personality as well as their visibility. My primary concern is making sure all students can see the board clearly. Second, I want to make sure all students work best and feel comfortable in their seats. I will assign these sheets based on their responses on the informational sheet. I will make adjustments as needed. I will change the seating arrangements periodically to ensure that all students have the opportunity to sit where they learn best. In addition to the students’ desks, I will place the Dell 1409X Projector in the middle of the rows of desks. This placement will ensure that the student can see clearly without being visibly distracted by the projector. I will place the Epson Duet Portable Projector Screen at the front of the classroom near the blackboard. The projector screen will come down from the ceiling. When I am not using the projector, I can lift the screen and continue instruction. The Dell Inspiron 530s with a Core Dual Processor and 500GB Hard Drive Desktop and the HP Officejet Pro K5400 Printer will sit on my desk in the back of the classroom. With this proximity, I can easily monitor students using the computer. I chose to put my desk in the back of the classroom because I do not want students to feel as if I am staring at them at the front of the room. When I lecture, I will obviously stand at the front of the classroom. I will not be sitting at my desk often during the class period. When the students are working at their desks, I want them to feel comfortable. However, I still want to keep my eye on them during tests and quizzes. This position will still help me watch them, even when I am not facing them.
The media tools will enhance the learning experience for the students. I will use the projector to go over notes with the students. For instance, when doing Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet, I will use the projector to go over background notes with my students. These background notes will include Shakespeare’s ambiguous background, different sources utilized by Shakespeare, the structure of the play and theater, and any other information regarding Shakespeare’s Hamlet. This information will give the students an idea what they will read about before they begin reading. Shakespeare’s plays can be intimidating for some students, so with this information, I will lessen their fears and encourage them to read. In addition to helping with literature, I will also use the projector to help them with grammar. Grammar exercises can be challenging. Therefore, the teacher needs to go over examples with them in class. The projector provides another more interesting way of showing exercises. The computer and printer will be used by the students as much as possible. I want to begin each day with the students writing in their journal. In their journal, the students can write about any aspect of their day or their different thoughts. I will provide a quote for them, using the projector to help them focus. They do not have to write about the quote, but the quote or idea gives them an idea of what we will talk about during class. I do not require them to write about the quote or idea because I want them to feel free to write about what is on their minds. Writing encourages thought and helps people see ideas more clearly. Thus, writing encourages critical thinking. This activity takes about fifteen minutes. During the fifteen minutes, the students gather their thoughts and focus them on English/Language Arts. I will have my students create a blog at Blogspot.com and type some of their responses. By the end of the year, each student will have many opportunities to record their thoughts online. If they choose, they can type all of them at home. I will not require it because I understand everyone does not have computer access. I also will not read their responses because I want to simply stimulate thoughts.
I also want to purchase Educational Software for my students. Based on my experience, people have questions about grammar. When every student uses the computer twice doing their journal entries, the students will begin this educational software. I will have them print this out and turn it into me for three reasons. First, I want them to take the exercises seriously. If they think they have to turn them into me, they will do their best. Second, I want to monitor their individual progress. Third, I will use this information to structure my grammar lessons. However, I will not grade these exercises for correctness. Instead, they will be counted toward classroom participation. The rest of the class will continue doing their journal entries, while the student at the computer completes their grammar exercises. The budgeted money for technological supplies will be used to purchase ink cartridges, paper, batteries, and electrical cords. This money will also be used if any repairs need to be made to the computer. In addition to technological supplies, I would like to buy pens, pencils, crayons, markers, folders, paper, etc. for my classroom. It is important that every student has the proper tools for success in the classroom.
Since the class only has one computer, the class will not be doing writing assignments in class with the computer. However, I will require the students to type their papers they hand into me. If the student does not have computer access at home, he or she can set up an appointment with me before or after class. I will also encourage them to use their resources like the public library or computer labs. Before a paper is due, I will try and schedule a time where we can go to a public library and type their papers. Since this time is not during school hours, this event will not be mandatory. This event will be a time where they can finish typing or ask me any last minute questions about their work. If the school has public access to a computer lab, I would use a class period to let them type their papers and ask me questions.
In addition to the computer, I would also propose the Philips HTS3544 Home Theater System with iPod Connectivity. This system will allow me to play educational videos or music that will enhance the learning experience for my students. I sincerely believe these medial tools will help my students think critically and open their eyes to new technology and learning strategies. Please consider allotting me $3,000.00. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Proposal Two: Four Computer Classroom

For: Tenth Grade Language Arts Classroom


Members of the Board:

I propose that $6,000 be allotted to purchase technological and learning supplies for my tenth grade language arts classroom in room 200. I recommend the budget be distributed in the following way:

· (3) Dell Inspiron 530s with a Core Dual Processor and 500GB Hard Drive….…$2,700.00
· Dell Inspiron 13 Laptop with a Core Dual Processor………...………………….$900.00
· Dell 1409X Projector…………………………………………………………….$800.00
· Epson Duet Portable Projector Screen………………………………..………….$150.00
· HP Officejet Pro K5400 Printer……………………………...………………….$150.00
· Philips HTS3544 Home Theater System with iPod Connectivity………...……..$250.00
· Technological Supplies .…………………………………………………………$450.00
· Educational Computer Programs………………………...………………………$300.00
· Educational Supplies………….………………………………………………….$300.00

Total = $6,000.00

Figure 2: Floor Plan of the 4 computer classroom designed using Inspiration

Explanation of Floor Plan and Media Tools

I have designed my classroom to fit the learning styles of the students in room 200. I will place the students’ desks on opposite sides of the room, facing the blackboard at the front of the classroom. I will have my students feel out an informational sheet that describes their personality as well as visibility. My primary concern is making sure all students can see the board clearly. Second, I want to make sure all students work best and feel comfortable in their seats. I will assign their seats based on their responses on the informational sheet. I will make adjustments as needed. I will change the seating arrangements periodically to ensure that all students have the opportunity to sit where they learn best. In addition to the students’ desks, I will place the Dell 1409X Projector in the middle of the rows of desks. This placement will ensure that the student can see clearly without being visibly distracted by the projector. I will place the Epson Duet Portable Projector Screen at the front of the classroom near the blackboard. The projector screen will come down from the ceiling. When I am not using the projector, I can lift the screen and continue instruction. The three Dell Inspiron 530s with a Core Dual Processor and 500GB Hard Drive Desktops will be placed in the back of the room, facing my desk. With the computers facing me, I can monitor what the students are doing at all times. The Dell Inspiron 13 Laptop with a Core Dual Processor and the HP Officejet Pro K5400 Printer will sit on my desk in the back of the classroom. The computers will be connected to the printer on my desk, so I can monitor how much and what the students are printing. I chose to put my desk in the back of the classroom because I do not want students to feel as if I am staring at them at the front of the room. When I lecture, I will obviously stand at the front of the classroom. I will not be sitting at my desk often during the class period. When the students are working at their desks, I want them to feel comfortable. However, I still want to keep my eye on them during tests and quizzes. This position will still help me watch them, even when I am not facing them. I also placed the computers in the back of the classroom because I do not want them to become a distraction when we are not using them. This floor layout is the same as my proposal for the one classroom. I believe this arrangement to be the best arrangement for the students’ learning styles. They can clearly see the board and me in the front of the classroom without any visible distraction of the computer or projector. In other arrangements, I believe some students will not be able to see with the projector. I want all students to be able to see what I am teaching. Therefore, I made my layout the same as proposal one.
The use of the projector will be used to help students obtain a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Using this projector, I will show educational documentaries that help the students grasp the concept. I will also use purchase educational software that we can do as a class. I will have the students print their results, so I can monitor their progress. As with Proposal One, I will also use the projector to give background information on literature texts. I will also do grammar exercises using the projector. The most effective way to learn grammar is through one on one help. The students also need to practice in order to grasp grammar concepts. The theater system will also be used to play music and videos that will enhance the students’ learning experience.
Having four computers in the classroom will help the students’ learning experience. With four computers, the students will sdo journal entries at the beginning of class. This activity sparks critical thinking and encourages learning and writing. Every student will create a blog at blogspot.com, and when it is their turn, they will post their journal entries to their blog. After the students have had the opportunity to use the computer twice, we will begin grammar exercises. The students will print them out and turn them into me, so I can check their performances. While the four students are doing grammar exercises, the other students will be writing in their journals. With a four computer classroom, I can help my students with writing. I believe writing is a lifelong skill that is crucial to success in life. We will go over different essays, such as college admissions essay or a research paper. They can either type or print their rough draft of their essay at home. In class, we can edit their essays. I will divide the class into four teams. The team will edit the work as I walk around and meet with them individually. During this time, students can type their essays if needed as others edit their work. After I edit them, I will allow the students to fix their mistakes and type their essays. I understand this task will take several days; however, since I believe writing is very important, I believe the students will benefit from this one on one learning style.
I sincerely believe these medial tools will help my students think critically and open their eyes to new technology and learning strategies. Please consider allotting me $6,000.00. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Acceptance Use Policy

1. No food or drinks around or near the computer(s) or printer.
2. Do not look up inappropriate material on the internet. You should ONLY be looking at specific sites or programs instructed by your teacher.
3. If the computer(s) or printer begin to malfunction, tell your teacher immediately. Do not ASSUME you can fix the problem!
4. Respect and consider that other students in the classroom need to use the computer(s) and printer.
5. Ask your teacher before your print! Be aware that other students also have to print!
6. You should only be at the computer or printers when the teacher grants permission!
7. Do not unplug any electrical outlets!

My Personality Type

I am an ESFJ personality type. I am an EXTROVERTED person. I have many friends and am motivated by people and the outside world. I have a very strong SENSING component to my personality. Although I think it is important to plan for the future, I focus on the present. I also have a very good memory, and thus, have the ability to remember facts and events from when I was a young girl. I like my information to be concrete and heavily rely on my personal experiences to make a decision. In addition to these personality characteristics, I also have a strong FEELING component to my personality. I am mainly driven by my emotions and my feelings for others. I like for others to feel comfortable in their surroundings. I also have a very strong JUDGEMENT component to my personality. I make lists of my activities I have to do and mark them off as I complete them. I am very task oriented and work to finish activities I begin. I feel most uncomfortable when I am not in a routine. Thus, I am an ESFJ personality.

You can also discover your personality type! Take the free test at http://www.personalitypathways.com/type_inventory.html.

CAT 200 Assignment 1a

Amanda Giles

amanda.k.giles@gmail.com

I am a senior at the University of Alabama. I am from Birmingham, Alabama. My majors are English and Spanish. I plan to attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham and obtain my masters in Secondary Education with a concentration in Spanish when I graduate from UA. I enjoy hanging out with my friends and family, watching my favorite T.V. shows, and going to the movies. I also enjoy technology and computers because I can contact many different people with just the click of a mouse. I traveled to Spain this summer and liked communicating with my family through e-mail and Google chat. I learned to appreciate technology during my Spanish experience. Technology helped me keep in touch with my family and friends without expensive long distant calls.