Lab #9 Reflection

I thought that our online class was very interesting, and I was pleasantly surprised with how much I got out of it. When Mr. Abaci first announced that we would be using the Adobe Connect chat room for lab this week, I was a little nervous. I was intimidated by the technology and instantly worried about not getting my slide show uploaded properly, or not being able to work the chatroom when the lab was in session and not being able to hear, or see the slides, or talk to present my "google group" presentation. But, as soon as I was in lab I realized that the chatroom was very user friendly and easy to figure out. All of my worries were tossed out the window. I really enjoyed this experience and got a lot out of it, I now feel much more confident in using this form of online discussion in the future. I really enjoyed this tool.

I could, and would, even use this tool in my own classroom. In social studies, field trips are very common... but there are always students that can not go. I could use this tool so that the class on the field trip can communicate with the members in the class room-- that way every one is on the same paige. Or, I could use this so that my class can communicate with people from around the world. That way they can see other cultures and have a more well rounded cultural experience.

Google Earth

One example of a content exploration tool is the resource "Google Earth". Google Earth is an online satelite-based mapping program that allows students to "fly" across the globe and study the actual geography of the whole world. In my classroom I would use this resource to introduce the geographic region of the areas of study in which the material teaches. For example, when learning about the history of conflict amongst Iraq and Iran... it would be beneficial for the students to begin the topic by using this resource and study where these to regions lie in relation to one another and learn first hand what geographic tendencies may be a source of conflict. For example, after using google earth to view the two regions. I noticed that the two regions lay side by side, and the boarder is major sites of oil... so the two regions have historically fought over control of the resources that lay in between the two nations. Causing feuding that has lasted for a long time.

In conclusion, Google Earth ( http://www.google.com/educators/p_earth.html ) is a great resource that is beneficial to the classroom.

Dark Ages Virtual Field Trips

This website allows kids to study different subtopics to a particular historical topic. Example: middle ages. the kids can check out clothing, chaucer, etc. Wider base of knowledge. This is an example of enhancement learning because it is stimulating and very educational. The Student get to explore all of the details of this particular subject. Making learning fun and easy. This is a very great resource.

Meet Amazing Americans

This is a great resource for teachers. This website is enhancement learning because students can interactively learn what famous American's lives were like. They can see time lines, see pictures, read biographies, and have quizzes over presidents, writers, etc. This will help kids learn because they are quick and stimulating.

Spark Notes Study Guides

Spark Notes study guides is a very efficient way of teaching. Having quick references to historical events makes reviewing quick and easy. Spark Notes also has quizzes to help kids assess what they have learned.

Historical Interviews

HThis is a very interesting approach to teaching subject matters. Teachers can use interviews of people that experienced the event you are studying in class. For example, the Holocaust. By reading interviews of real live survivors. This way students learn what happened during this time from a first hand experience. It is much more powerful and effective because students tend to remember details when it feels more real.

History Simulations

I believe that this website is beneficial because it is a fun way of enhancement learning. Students can visually experience historical events, such as American Colonization. The students learn first hand what the pioneers went through: such as events like the cold winter. This is a very effective way of learning and a great resource for teachers.