Well, I am sitting here in the library - 3rd floor lab and finishing up my powerpoint.  Wow! What a class this has been.  As frustrating as it was...at times....I sure have learned a lot!  I am impressed by everyone and what they have done.  I have been lab-hopping all weekend and have found that everyone has done some amazing work in INMD410.  Well, this is the last hurrah - and I know it will be a relief when Wednesday, 9:25 p.m. comes around.  I am looking forward to the presentations!  It has been great fun and I hope that I see everyone from time to time on campus or in the world of teaching!

just checking in and relating my latest observations. http://cybil.tafe.tas.edu.au/~capsticm/quizman/qmcreate.html is a great site for on line quiz/assessments. There is a variety of games like millionaire, tic-tac-toe and the memory game. The Dragon's Lair quiz and the space one didi not work for me - but you get to see how it works. very simple and easy to set-up and even easier to play. been working on a few other class assignments but plan to get into the final stages for my instructional webpage this coming week. Plus FTP all of my latest creations - get rid of the old stuff! That's all for now. See you Wednesday!

From a technology point of view I am getting this.  From a creative point of view the lightbulb still has not turned on.  I think that "getting it" includes going through the motions of learning the basic steps, troubleshooting and knowing your audience well.  Unforturnately, I am not a teacher so as I develop this online lesson I am working as a novice with no true experience as to what 6th graders really dig. Well, I have an idea - maybe it is better I do not have a clue!  Regardless, I am working on this basically from home and - in the computer lab at NEIU - and continuously saving to my flashdisk.  I will be transferring more to via FTP as time draws near to our deadline.  As a past product designer I have FTP'd many drawings via the translation route and know it well.  I am more concerned with developing a better understanding of the technology, the free stuff, the options to choose and add to my webpage and just make it effective, fun and a great learning tool.  That's all for now.

It is interesting the way you blend class work and other ideas.  Seeing and making conenction in abstract ways is certainly a high level thinking skill and one that may need to be fostered in kids.  I find myself wondering if you have given any thought about you would help studnets do what seems to come naturally to you.  As for the DaVinci Code and other "maveric" discussions --- my basic question is:  How does the topic/text/discussion, etc fit into a larger context?  In other words:  "To what end..?"

Been listening to the Da Vinci Code - CD (while driving) and my next research (using the 10 steps) will involve the "code". Interested in seeing just what Mary M. was really like back then....and check out the "relevance" on the information from the book.

Read the chapters and have scheduled in time to dig into the assignments on Tuesday and Wednesday afternnoon before class. Looking forward to the class!

One other thing....about the Da Vinci Code book - my 13 year old niece discussed it in school at Immaculate Conception (yes, a parochial - catholic institution). She said it was very interesting and within a couple of days, everyone had the book and was reading it! I am impressed by this open-minded philosophy. If I run into the teacher, which I am sure will occur, I will be sure to inquire about the dynamics of this discussion and her perspective on the topic. Any comments regarding this "maverick" discussion for teens????

Thanks to Lynda - I have added an image to my blog! Check it out smnichol.blogdrive.com Also, I have managed to calm down my laptop with Netscape - although I do get quite a few error messages - troubleshooting and learning as I go with it! The assignments for this week are really helping me realize the intensity of technology in the classroom and how my ability, as an eduator, to integrate it will really affect the dynamics of the lesson...and the motiviation of the students. I plan to work on parts 2 and 3 tomorrow - of the learning module. Only completed part 1 so far. Loved Christina's email to past INMD students regarding "unsubscribing" from the list serve. Very humorous. Susan

Task 1, Part 4 regarding the ISTE charts After reviewing the chart I conclude the following: I would like the official terminology for "Adopt", "Adapt", "Align with" and "Reference". I did not find these descriptions conveniently (nor inconveniently) displayed anywhere and include examples of how the standards are utilized. Based on my assumptions, "A" is better than "R". Midwestern (IL, MN, MO, etc.) and Eastern states (WV, NW, NH, etc.) seem to have integrated the standards moreso than the Western states (CA, UT) & Southern states (FL, GA, TN) - Overall, East and Midwest is more integrated than West. The gaps are filling in across the nation, though. It makes sense that Alaska and Hawaii are not as integrated as the continental U.S. because of location and ISTE's ability to systemically affect the two states. Task 2, Part 4 regarding the two questions: 1. I am personally prepared to integrate technology and prepare students to use technology for grades K-5....and I feel confident, yet somewhat hesitant of my assumed preparedness for 6-8 - the grades I plan to teach and will be certified to teach (K-9). 2. My personal skills for using technology compared to those expected of students completing Grade 12 are not up to par. Task 3 - Part 5 regarding my competency to integrate technology into grades 5-9 (these are the grades I am most interested in teaching): Based on the scenarios shared on this site (I love the scenarios- and love how more will be added on to create a "best practices" resource), I am looking forward to experiencing the challenges of teaching with technology. I may not know everything - but I realize that this will always be the case - but I think the students will provide the gateway to how the technology is utilized and how the learning is integrated. The students will know more about some things - which will only add value to the lesson - and what I and the students don't know, - we will learn together and find out in an exploratory format. When lesson plans are developed, I will be confident to find the information I will need in order to implement a lesson - but realize that there is always room to grow.

Have succeeded at downloading Netscape 7.1. Also - I was able to download the Yahoo Messenger onto my laptop - was using my husbands for the past couple of weeks . This will be much more convenient! Started reading Chapter 3 and will be completing the assignments on Monday and Tuesday. I have been printing screens and saving portions direct from webpages for a History paper I wrote over the weekend - very cool! I even saved a couple of jpeg photos and included them in the paper - added alot to it! Enjoying the class!

This week has been somewhat frustrating - I was unable to use the listserve.
The blog drive is becoming more and more fun to use and I am starting to research the icons and various layout aspects for my blog home page. 

I think I'm getting the hang of this - it's great getting to know everyone in class and learning about their areas of expertise.  Christine and Gary are new to my blog - welcome!