Blog Journal #10

 Our latest assignment, “PowerPoint Interaction” allowed me to practice my skills utilizing PowerPoint. I learned new skills such as how to use a hyperlink within the slide show and create interactive buttons for navigating from slide to slide. I liked that I was given creative freedom on what topic I’d like to create an interactive slideshow about. There isn’t anything that I specifically didn’t like about this assignment. 

I will use data collection tools, such as anonymous surveys, as a teacher to gauge how my students are feeling about the material, gain suggestions and insight on their perspective of the classroom, and ask for opinions about classroom structure. For example, as a 3rd-grade science teacher, I could use an anonymous survey after the first test to find out how students felt about the material and what I can do to help their performance improve. Using anonymous surveys allows students to be completely honest without worrying about their identity being shared. Insight from students can allow me to change or adjust the classroom experience to inhibit growth in the overall knowledge.

Collaborating within online courses takes flexibility, understanding, and leadership. A student may initiate a discussion with a fellow classmate if they have an inquiry and want to hear their peer’s thoughts or how they completed the given task. Students may also email teachers to ask for clarification on instructions. With the space and time differences that can exist between teachers and students in an online classroom, it is imperative to have patience and work diligently. I would ensure students in my online classes have positive experiences working on a group project by suggesting that they look over assignment instructions as early as possible and ask questions well ahead of the due date. I would also encourage collaboration between students by allowing students to choose their groups for group projects and exchange communication forms with one another.

A technology-related skill I would like to learn next is how to efficiently use excel worksheets. I am able to use excel for basic tasks, but I usually need guidance or utilize resources such as google and YouTube for tutorials. I will achieve the goal of being proficient in excel by practicing more often. With an increase in time spent using the software, I will be able to master it!