Sonja Brooks' Technology Showcase
The technology pieces showcased here are
what I consider to be my trophies from each course.
These are the pieces from MAET I am most proud of.
what I consider to be my trophies from each course.
These are the pieces from MAET I am most proud of.
Teachers as Life Long Learners
Collaborative PowerPoint -
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Project Description:
This project was one of the first collaborative long distance projects I completed through MAET. With a team of 5 MAET students, we researched and compiled information as to why technology is not only useful, but necessary in the classroom. We presented these ideas from a student's point of view. This project got us thinking about why we use technology, what is the purpose, and why it is important. Design Rationale: At this point in our studies we were learning how to work collaboratively long distance, add animation, audio, and speakers notes to our PowerPoint slides. We chose a soothing template to house the information. In reflection there is too much information written on each slide. In later courses we learned how to build a compelling PowerPoint without cluttering up the slides. |
Understanding Readers -Podcast |
Project: Description:
This project was my very first Podcasting experience. The purpose of the project was to investigate the minds of our learners to come to a better understanding of how they learn, how they perceive their own learning, and how they feel about a particular subject. For the final product I was to interview 3 students, record them, edit them together into one cohesive podcast, and analyze the results. Design Rationale: With the help of 3 incoming first grade students I was privileged to take a journey into the world of understanding of reading from a student's point of view. One of the students I chose was below grade level in reading, one was at grade level, and the last was above grade level. I wanted a varied perspective to see how each perceived the world of reading and their own understanding of the topic. |
Analysis Research Paper |
Project: Description:
This research paper was assigned to have us take a closer look at a technological innovation and whether or not it was suitable for education in the classroom based on how it can be used, price, etc. We were to analyze the technological innovation from numerous angles and make a recommendation for the classroom. Design Rationale: Classrooms across the world are exploding onto the interactive white board scene. Not all teachers are properly trained in how to use them. Are interactive whiteboards there to educate the students in a more innovative way? Or are they there merely for technology’s sake? |
Adaptation for Prezi -
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Project Description:
Adapt leadership article or set of information to dynamic presentation format. Utilize presentation software of your choice. Design Rationale: I chose an article based on the seven types of leaders and how a leader can progress to higher performing leadership styles. This article helped me see how I work as a leader and how those around me function as well. It made me appreciate where I and others are in leadership development. I used Prezi to create this presentation. It was a new software to me. I enjoyed its dynamic approach to a presentation and the ease in using it. I used Prezi again for a presentation in my school district on Oral Language, See Below. |
Leadership Poster -
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Project Description:
Use editing software to create a leadership poster based off the famous inspirational poster format. Explain how the poster related to leadership principals explored in the course. Design Rational: For this poster I came up with the quote at the bottom first. I wanted to emphasize the importance of putting your focus in the right places as a leader. I searched for a photo that was simple yet made a statement to accompany the chosen quote. |
Solving Education Problems Through Technology -
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Project Description:
Come up with a technological solution to the problem of some kids not having enough time in school to learn what they need to learn. Make a compelling presentation through Google Docs to convey your idea. Design Rational: I used a simple design for the slides that would keep the viewers interest yet not be over load on reading. The bulk of the presentation can be found in the Speaker Notes for each slide. This is what the presenter would say to compliment each slide. Click Actions to view Speaker Notes for each slide. |
Collaborative Website Resource |
Project Description:
Working long distance as a collaborative group to put together resources for a Special Interest Project. Design Rational: My group chose to research and compile resources for Digital storytelling. I chose to be part of this group because, being a first grade teacher, I want to excite the children about writing. Seeing their own stories come to life through digital storytelling is exciting, innovative, and educational! |
Prezi Presentation |
Project Description:
This project was not for a course in the MAET program. I chose to include it because it's creation was a direct result of the work I have been doing in this program. Design Rational: Consulting for my school, I created a presentation on Oral Language to share with preschool parents. I used Prezi because of its dynamic nature. It keeps audiences engaged. |
Technology in the Content Areas
Social Studies WebQuest |
Project Description:
Research WebQuests, then create a WebQuest for your students. Publish the WebQuest online with working links. Follow the traditional WebQuest plan. Design Rational: Part of the first grade curriculum is Needs and Wants. I designed this WebQuest to help students gain a better understanding of the subject matter. The WebQuest was built in Weebly. I used the WebQuest in my classroom and it was a success not only with the student's enjoyment of the activity but also in teaching the content in a meaningful way. |
Science/Technology Inquiry |
Project Description:
Using 3 different scientific inquiries, analyze a technology solution to teaching science. Carry out tyhe inquiries in your classroom. Design Rational: This project is presented as a single webpage. Scroll down to see each inquiry. Module 1: Use PowerPoint to present results Module 2: Use Podcasting to present results. Module 3: Use a Movie to present results. |
Math Lesson -
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Project Description:
Use PowerPoint to create an interactive lesson tool students can use independently to learn/enhance a curriculum area. Design Rational: I considered many different areas of the curriculum for this project. Counting money is a school wide goal that students in all grades seem to struggle with. This interactive lesson takes the students through progressing levels of counting coins. It uses mini lessons followed by interactive quizzes. I have used this with two of my own classes as well as sharing it with our special education department for students struggling with the concept. |
Writing Solution Using Technology:
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Project Description:
Develop a technology solution to a problem of practice in your classroom. Why is it a problem? How can technology help solve this problem? Design Rational: Writing can be overwhelming for kids. This TechQuest takes students through the writing process step by step as exciting adventures. The unit is broken down into adventure themed lessons designed to use technology to make the writing process exciting. I also created a treasure map the children will follow along on as they complete each lesson. This works as a great visual for the students to see where their writing began and where it is headed. |
Moodle Course Development |
Project Description:
Author an online course for students in the grade you teach. Publish the course in a Course Management System (CMS). Keep a Developers Notebook along the way to organize ideas, rationales, links, and evaluations. Design Rational: I designed a course around learning sight words. Students need to learn these key words to read with fluency and to read for understanding. I utilized Moodle to create the course. Moodle is the CMS choice for our school district. |