Web Browsers

Before taking this class I had only used the Internet Explorer web browser.  A browser add on is a set of software components that adds specific abilities to a larger software application.  They are useful because they enhance your web browsing experience.  They provide multimedia or interactive content; you can view animations or video.  They can also help you search the web, scan for viruses, or edit pictures.  I have used the Adobe Reader, Norton Antivirus, Java, Quicktime, and Shockwave Flash.  I currently use the Google Toolbar the most.  I also use the Google Preview so that I can view a web page before I click on it; it saves time while searching.  Since downloading the Firefox browser I have been using the Pixlr Grabber, which I really like.  It enables me to easily save and edit pictures right from a website.  The installation for this add on was really simple and took less than a minute. 

I believe the ISTE NETS standard that would best go with this assignment is:  3. model digital age work and learning, because using a social bookmarking site like Diigo allows us to collaborate and communicate with each other.  We can all share articles and websites that would be helpful to each other.

Teaching Philosophy

Here is a link to my teaching philosophy as a google document...Philosophy 

The readability statistics for my philosophy are contained in the image below:

I have also used Voki to create an avatar to read my philosophy...



I believe the ISTE NETS standard for this is:  2. Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments, because the avatar is a tool that can enhance learning and also allow the students to be creative.  They could create an avatar to read information they have learned while researching a topic.

Resume

I used a template in Microsoft Word to create my resume.  Here is a link to my published resume...Resume

Learning Styles Test

After taking the learning styles test my results were physical (9), aural (8), visual (6), and read/write (4).  The guesses I previously made were pretty close.  I guessed that I was primarily a physical learner, and that is where I scored highest on the learning styles test.  I also had a high score in visual learning, and that was one of my guesses.  The thing that surprised me the most was how high I scored in aural learning.  I really like music, but I never would have thought I used that as a learning tool.  To use the physical learning style in a classroom I would probably do a lot of hands on activities.  I would use models or materials that the students could touch and manipulate while learning.  The purpose of the activities would be to get all of the students involved and active in their learning.  I also think that doing group work combined with the physical learning is a good idea, because the students can discuss what they are learning and help each other.

I think it would be a great idea to give your students a learning styles test, so that you can see the variety of ways your students learn, and include the different learning styles in your teaching.

Learning Styles

I've never taken a learning styles test before, but if I had to make a guess on which kind of learning style fits me, I would say I was a (1) physical learner, (2) social learner, or (3) visual learner.  I placed physical learner as number one because I think I learn better with a hands on approach.  I like doing labs and being able to touch and manipulate the material I am working with.  I placed social learner second because I really like working with other people.  I would rather work in a group than by myself.  I placed visual learner third because I learn a concept better when I have a picture or chart to go along with the text or lecture.

Introduction and Reading Week 1

Hi!  My name is Abigail Hayhurst.  I am a senior at Fairmont State University, majoring in Elementary Education.  This is my first time blogging...I've created this blog for my EDUC 2201 class.

I have also created a google document that addresses the questions from week one here