Literacy Scavenger Hunt

Digital Collection Activity

My niece Jorda Lynn recently had a Mickey Mouse themed party for her second birthday, and she was the inspiration for this theme.

Webquests, Picnik, and Glogster

So this week in TPTE 486 we have been introduced to three different technologies. I really enjoyed learning about webquests, as I myself have never participated in a webquest. This is a resource that is not only engaging, but educational and all teachers should implement this into their curriculum.

Picnik is a really fun web-tool that allows you to edit photos online. The basic membership is free and offers many of the same components as Photoshop. You don't even have to sign-up for an account if you don't want to! You can simply go to the website, upload an image, and have fun editing!

Glogster was my favorite out of all three. Glogster is an interactive website that allows people to create a more diverse blog, or something comparable to a "digital poster." You can add images, text, videos, graphics, etc.

All of these tools and resources can be easily used and adapted for classroom use! Brush up on your online resources to help improve instruction for the 21st century classroom!

Website Evaluation

http://www.readwritethink.org/

This website’s mission is to provide educators, parents, and afterschool professionals with access to the highest quality practices in reading and language arts instruction by offering the very best in free materials.  Read Write Think offers numerous classroom resources, such as lesson plans, classroom interactives, as well as professional development resources.  ReadWriteThink strictly uses classroom-tested, evidence-based lesson plans, printouts, and strategy guides for the Classroom Resources and Professional Development sections.  All content on ReadWriteThink is reviewed by a minimum of two literacy educators.  Professionals who review serve on a volunteer basis, use an Internet-based system to complete reviews, and can review different types of content, from lesson plans to booklists to out-of-school resources, depending on their respective areas of expertise.

The International Reading Association and the National Council of Teachers of English are both leaders in the field of literacy, reading instruction, and English instruction.  IRA is an international membership organization dedicated to improving the quality of reading instruction, disseminating information about reading, and encouraging the lifetime reading habit.  NCTE is a membership organization dedicated to improving the teaching and learning of English and the language arts at all levels of education.  Sponsored by the Verizon Foundation, Verizon Thinkfinity brings teachers, students, and parents free, online education resources.

  

Every lesson plan on Read Write Think has been aligned not only to the IRA/NCTE Standards for the English Language Arts but to individual state standards as well.  This website is an excellent resource for English and reading teachers everywhere.  Whether you need a lesson plan, an interactive, or professional development, Read Write Think provides numerous options and legitimate resources for many of your teaching needs. 

Evaluating Resources on the Web

http://www.unhm.unh.edu/current-students/library/research-help/research-guides.php?id=35

http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/TeachingLib/Guides/Internet/Evaluate.html


Both websites offer step-by-step instruction on how to evaluate websites and resources on the web.  The UCBerkeley site is an excellent resource because in addition to offering techniques to determine the credibility and usefulness of a website, this source also provides great questions to keep in mind while researching.  This site is also helpful because it also lists what some of the implications may be if the website does not meet the criteria. 



The University of New Hampshire site is helpful because it offers numerous links to other sites and  resources that could be potentially helpful while researching. 

Learning Goals & Expectations

I must admit that I put this class off until the very end.  I procrastinated in taking this course for numerous reasons.  First and foremost, I am not very savvy when it comes to technology, and my lack of skill and ability make me slightly anxious.  I have several learning goals for this class but my biggest expectation is for me to break out of my comfort zone where computers and technology are concerned.  I hope to learn an array of strategies and techniques for incorporating technology into the classroom.  I hope to discover how to build, create and find new resources and classroom tools.  I am open to any new ideas and techniques that will help make my classroom a better place and anything that will help to make me a better teacher and educator.  I hope to stretch my thinking and learn a great deal so that I can help better meet the needs of my future students. 

Intro to TPTE 486

Short bio:
I am finishing up undergraduate degree this summer.  I am an English major with a concentration in Literature and a minor in Secondary Education.  In July I will begin my professional year at Alcoa High School, and intern with their English Department.  This fall, in addition to interning, I will be pursuing my Master’s Degree in Secondary Teaching as well as earning my teaching certificate.

Professional bio:

Informal Introduction to class:
My name is Ashley Stroud and I was born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee.  I graduated from West High School in 2006 and have been at UTK ever since.  I have always been passionate about reading and literacy.  It is that passion and drive that have inspired me to become a teacher.  I hope to teach my students how to become life-long learners as well developing critical thinking and close reading skills.  I absolutely adore football and anything UT.  My favorite teams are the Vols and the Indianapolis Colts.  In my spare time I enjoy reading and swimming.