debrief for task #1

Prior to this activity did you use any of these software tools? If so which ones.
   Prior to this activity, I did not use any of the software tools that we did in task #1.  I heard of twitter, but I'm not really into posting all the time in social networks, so I never used it. 

Do you plan to continue managing the news resources that you have gathered in your personal learning network?

   I plan to continue my twitter account for sure.  I think it's really beneficial when you "follow" members or groups that are in education so that I can continue to learn about what's going on in the education world since it's always changing.  I also like the Diigo, although I'm not completely comfortable using it, I will utilize this resource especially when I see new posting about things going on in education that I can't read at that time.  I also will utilize this resource if I need to write a paper, since you can highlight and put sticky notes!

Do you think that a refined personal learning network would be valuable to a new teacher?
   I think a personal learning network is valuable to a new teacher, because since there will be so much going on and so many questions a new teacher may have, they can turn to their PLN to seek help or advice.  Teacher can also benefit from a PLN because as long as you have your smart phone or laptop with you, you can have easy access to the PLN at your fingertips!  I also think that with the different blogs and discussions in the education world, a new teacher can learn more concepts and ideas to help their professional development.  

Share the web address url of your ScreenR presentation.

Here is the web address of my screenR presentation: http://screenr.com/LLc7

Week #5 Current Event

Hi Everyone,
This week the Pueo's had a hard time choosing an app, as there are so many apps out there that are both educational and beneficial for students with special needs.  We feel that each app that was shared in our group had their benefits and would appeal to different students.  We narrowed down to choosing the app that Evette shared, Proloquo2go.   This app is an augmentative and alternative communication solution for non-speaking individuals. By using this app, individuals use basic skills to communicate and express their wants and needs to others. The user will select which program fits best for their needs. The natural sounding device transforms text to speech voice. In the classroom, we are always looking for a variety of ways to help our student express themselves. There were a few augmentative devices, but nothing as elaborate as this application. Students or users will now have the opportunity to respond verbally and participate in any academic or social setting, boosting the student's confidence. The site provides a more in-depth description on this app, but we wanted you to see how one individual who is autistic, using proloquo2go on his IPAD. Unfortunately, the only downfall of this app is that it is not free.  This app cost $189.00.
Here is the link to the app: https://itunes.apple.com/app/proloquo2go/id308368164?ign-mpt=uo%3D4&mt=8

You can also view this 60 minute show, and see the excitement and joy the user displayed.  This is a good investment for a student with needs in communication.  http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7414970n

Week 2 Current Event

Our technology resource for this week is Free Technology for Teachers, which you can find at http://www.freetech4teachers.com/.  This website is written by Richard Byrne who has won many achievements and awards with Edublogs and is a contributor to School Library Journal and Teacher Librarian Journal.  Byrne offers multiple resources for teachers and students over a range of subjects.  Richard Byrne has blogs which are informative for technology use in the classroom and has links to his favorite resources, google tutorials, and iPad Apps for School.
One blog that we thought was interesting was his blog on "47 alternatives to YouTube", which is important since most schools don't allow access to youtube.  His site also offers lesson plans for different content areas that integrates technology.  When he writes about a topic, he is very detailed and gives a brief description that is easy to read for parents and teachers.
He also has some information on creating blog and websites, which has videos for anyone to follow.  This is very informative so that a teacher can integrate this into his/her lesson for the students, making it more engaging for the students involved.

Week 1

Hi! My name is Lauren Maeda. My google username is laurenym748.

 My favorite technology gadget is my iPhone.  I'm basically glued to my iPhone.  I just got this phone about 4 months ago, and I absolutely love everything about it.  Thinking back, not sure how I survived without it, as I was an android user before.  I use the web to check email and keep up with the news.  Then there's tons of apps that I use, especially the camera/picture effects to take millions of pictures of my nephew! I love how the iPhone takes really clear pictures, something my last phone didn't really do!

I'm a visual learner and need to see what my work should look like and I usually learn best when the instructions or requirements are clear for me to follow along with.  I feel that Microsoft is a skill that I have, as I feel comfortable using the different Microsoft programs.  I am always on tasks and have good communications skills and I always want to make sure that I covered all points in order to get the best grade! I'm open to hearing other people's ideas and perspectives and learning new things.

This is a video example of a teacher integrating technology into their classroom. Although this video is short as it's a "promo" I thought it was very clear how the teacher uses technology in her classroom with her diverse students.  I think it's great how she pointed out that the students are diverse in many ways, even social-economical.  I think we often forget about the few students who don't have access to a computer due to their social-economic status, and in school may be their only opportunity!