Test

 This is a test.

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times....

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Laid back atmosphere of class Ability to multi-task during class Blog Relevant to my content area Video Editing	Portfolio (If you already have a license, the portfolio should not be required.)

Web 2.0 Evaluation - Edmodo

After hearing so much about Edmodo I decided to actually sit down and really see what it’s all about. A teacher in my department really enjoys using it and has encouraged me to use it, but so far I haven’t really felt the need to.

Edmodo allows teachers to connect to students in the same way they connect with their peers through Facebook. The layout is mirrored after Facebook with some of the same functions and colors. As a business teacher, using Edmodo is certainly applicable to my content area because I teach various types of technology in my classes. However, I do not think that using it necessarily advances my curriculum. I think it mostly provides a more exciting way for students to submit work and express their opinions, than the “old school” ways. Now this in itself has the possibility to advance curriculum because it can keep students more engaged.

Edmodo offers a secure environment for students and teachers to feel safe. A teacher registers on the website and creates a page for their class/classes. They are given a random code that connects to the teacher’s site to give students and parents so they can join the group. Students and parents register on the site and must have their specific code to join. Once a student/parent joins the site they can only see the material for the class that they have a code for. This keeps everything secure so teachers and students can post and submit work and not have to worry that it will get into the wrong hands.

As I mentioned earlier, I think that Edmodo provides a more 21^st century way to conduct present material and assess students. I also think if all of its functions are used properly it can allow students a more creative way to be assessed. A question can be posted and students must provide a comment to answer. If necessary they could link to a website or upload a document that might provide the teacher with more evidence to concepts learned.

Why Reinvent the Wheel?

I found a website created by a teacher who has been teaching business for 20+ years. The website is filled with posts about new technology that can be used in the classroom and hundreds of other resources for almost every business class that is taught. I am a firm believer in not creating something from scratch when someone else has a resource that can be tailored to my specific needs. So for any business teachers out there who happen to stumble across my blog...I highly recommend this site!

http://samsabiz.blogspot.com/

A Glimpse into Someone Else's Life

I didn't think that I would enjoy commenting on other people's blogs, but I did. It was fun to see other people's thoughts and ideas. Now, did I feel like I was really commenting on a true writer's blog...no I didn't (not to offend anyone whose blog I commented on that considers themself a writer). I certainly do not consider myself a writer...maybe occasionally I can come up with something funny or whitty but only if the moons, planets, and starts align just right. However, the enjoyment I received from reading/responding to someone else's blog can also be accomplished by reading my Facebook newsfeed and commenting.

Portfolios...Yes or No?

I believe portfolios are valid assessment tools. They require students to compile work that demonstrates their ability. I believe a portfolio can be a better evaluation tool than tests. It is easy for a student to memorize answers and information for a test, but actually demonstrating the ability shows the student not only knows the information but understands how to actually apply the information.

21st Century is the Way

I believe I am a 21st century teacher because I teach students skills that will assist them in being productive members of society once they enter the real-world. I provide opportunities for students to complete authentic learning that hopefully enhances their organizational and time management skills. Students also learn to collaborate and communicate with their group members as they complete projects. My students also learn different types of technology that hopefully fosters their creativity. I also teach my students critical thinking and problem-solving skills. I usually answer my student's questions with a question that uses their past knowledge to assist in answering a question.