Blog Journal 4

    The ELA technology standard for Kindergarten requires students to explore digital tools to use for writing, and they should be able to use these tools with their peers. Some technology included is the SmartBoard, storybook creators like StoryJumper, and Paint. I feel semi-prepared to implement this standard. I have used Paint and SmartBoard before, but I have not used anything like StoryJumper. These tools seem like they are easy to learn though, so I think if I practiced them, then I would be able to implement this standard.

    One of the teaching resources I found in the Kindergarten CPALMS page was about learning about the five senses - specifically smell. This tool is a original student tutorial, and explains how to learn about smell and how the nose works. I would use this resource because it walks through every step of the activity. It explains what you will learn, prior knowledge you may have about the nose, and it even gives practice questions in between explanations. There were also many other resources structured the same way in the Kindergarten section of CPALMS. I like them because they give the teacher an effective way to teach an activity, and they also have the same resources in a student version to help students use the resource to learn.   

    It is important to be a proficient internet searcher as a teacher because it is important for teachers to be able to find accurate information for their students. I think the three skills we learned about this week are all very important for being a proficient internet searcher. Deciding the search engine is important because not all search engines are effective - I have found that I am able to use Google most effectively. Deciding keywords is important because it helps narrow down your search results, and it ensures that you get the search results you are looking for. Search operators also help narrow the focus of your search.