Well, I created an About Me page this week. You can check it out at the link on the right side of the page. I decided to design it directly in Blogger rather than creating a Google Profile. I’ve created and maintained websites before, but usually using FrontPage and occasionally DreamWeaver. So I had to figure out how to add a page in Blogger. It only took a couple of minutes to find the Edit Pages link under the posting tab. I had already written what I wanted to say in Microsoft Word so I just copied and pasted it. Then I added a picture of me and my husband as well as pictures of my dogs. I also provided a link to my Facebook page.
I’m not afraid to make mistakes with technology when I’m learning. If I can work out all the kinks then I can utilize the skills I’ve learned in my classroom. Being able to create webpages from various platforms is a necessary skill in our digital world. If I know how to do this then I can teach it to my students or if they already know how at least earn their respect for having this knowledge. Teachers who aren’t tech savvy can be alienated from their students because their students may think they couldn’t possibly understand them if they don’t have this knowledge.
As with the Excel exercise from last week, I found this assignment relatively easy because I have experience with designing websites and I learn new software easily. When I was at the University of Florida, I did work study in the Sport & Fitness Department. I had some knowledge of FrontPage so they had me maintain their website for their classes. Each semester I had to duplicate template pages for each course and add the info provided by the course instructors such as syllabi and schedules. The page I created this week was fairly simple with text, pictures, and a link. I should probably practice embedding more complex features and using other platforms. This will give me further knowledge to help move my class into the digital age.
"I’m not afraid to make mistakes with technology when I’m learning. If I can work out all the kinks then I can utilize the skills I’ve learned in my classroom. Being able to create webpages from various platforms is a necessary skill in our digital world."
ReplyDeleteI think this is an admirable attitude to have about technology/education! :-)
Based on your About Me page, I'd conclude that you don't have many reservations about placing professionally personal information online. If so, do you think this is because of your past experience with creating web content?
I think that the information I provided will help people understand my perspective in my blog postings better. I don't really think it's related to creating web content previously, but more due to the fact that I feel confident in expressing my opinions online. I want people to know who I am professionally, but also to understand that I am a person like everybody else. Often people try to separate their professional and personal personas, but each aspect of their life is influenced by the other. I wouldn't be who I am today without the experiences that brought me to this point.
ReplyDeleteI love that you included pictures of your dogs in the about me section. It makes it so much more personable. I am sure that having experience in designing web pages will prove to be an asset. Front page is something that i would like to become a little more familiar in myself. I have been spending a little time with dreamweaver lately and hear it is similar.
ReplyDeleteI know this has been talked about, but I am also finding that making mistakes is one of the best ways I learn when using my technology. It is funny, because I think of my experiences with trying to use a smartboard this year. I can't seem to get through a whole lesson without something not going quite right. It is funny now, and my students (even in first grade) to everything they can to try and help me. I find that I actually learn more about the process when I make a mistake.
ReplyDeleteI agree that being able to create webpages and use digital technology is an important skill to have these days, espcially in education. I also found this to be a useful activity, as well as a great way to make closer connections to our students and their parents. The process was fairly simple, and I think that creating a personal home page for our students and their parents to visit can be a great way for us to make ourselves more available to receive and answer questions, share information and allow students and parents to get to know us on a deeper level.
ReplyDeleteMegan Smith
"If I know how to do this then I can teach it to my students or if they already know how at least earn their respect for having this knowledge." I completely agree with this statement. While many teachers do not regularly interact with the latest digital tools children and teenagers are using, making the effort to familiarize and interact with them shows that they are not completely "old school" and enhances the way students view them.
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting that you maintained the Sport and Fitness Department's website at UF. I'm sure that was a great way to put your skills to work while getting involved with the University. What better way to develop your skills than through practical application :)
Alyssa Pinti