Janet+C

1-How do you use technology in the classroom?
 * __Day 2__ Morning**

My students access the computer to complete Web quests that I've created to enhance the Science Curriculum areas I teach. Students follow links to research and find answers to teacher made questions. My students research an area and then create power point presentations to be shared with classmates. I also use spreadsheets and databases.

2-How does the technology you currently use enhance your students learning and your teaching?
 * Lunchtime**

It opens a whole new venue for the students to learn aside from textbooks and lecture. Students are able to learn at their own pace. You retain what you learn by doing!!!!

2a-How do you know?

The excitement that my students show after learning or discovering something new. They come in talking about the lessons and want to know when they can do more, more, more!!!!


 * End of Day 2**
 * Shut Down/Power off...**

I became a little frustrated but not the teams fault...It was irritating that the server kept loosing connection. I enjoyed investigating the program. Learned a lot about manipulating the program. Several gliches in the program although team was willing to make the adjustments.

1-Describe your teaching...
 * __Day 3__ Morning**

I like to present a topic and let the students investigate together their knowledge of the subject. I am more of a guide for my students. My class uses a lot of discussion, hands-on, some note taking, and few worksheets. I like for my students to create projects to enhance their understanding of the topic. I encourage creativity!!! I want my students to go out on the limb and try new things. They learn best by doing....and not all at the same rate or in the same ways...That's why I like to provide an array of techniques....

2-Describe how your students learn best....
 * Lunchtime**

Since each and every student is different and each has a different learning style, I use many different methods of instruction. Note taking, reading and discussing together, use of computers, assigned projects where they can show their own creativity, in co-op groups, using jigsaw method.....It really depends on my students and how they receive my teaching....

Shut down/power off...**
 * End of Day 3

FRUSTRATION FRUSTRATION FRUSTRATION I liked finding the sounds to be added to the game. I just couldn't get it to save after making several changes at one time. I learned how to move objects by using the toggle-true, false feature.

Went home and worked many hours but was successful!! I was able to download several sound bites.

1-What do you do well when connecting with your students?
 * __Day 4__ Morning**

After 27 years of teaching...I think I connect fairly well with my students. I try to be not only a teacher but a friend to my kids...However, I'm very firm with them. Many of them need an outside friend away from home life. My students know that they can come to me in confidence. I listen to my students and try to guide them to useful solutions. I use the same techniques I used when raising my own children. You have to make them feel special. You need to be a listener....

2- Do you have any concerns about connecting with your students?

Some students are more difficult to connect with and usually it's because of their hidden home life. So many kids come to school with a lot of baggage. I never give up on my kids...I am always trying to find new ways to connect with them. I look for what interests them and then move from that angle.

1- What interests you in video games as a form of teaching?
 * Lunchtime**

Once I get the hang of it, can master it...I think it will intrigue the students. It will create a new form of teaching for me that I've never used, nor shown an interest in.

Shut Down/power off**
 * End of Day 4

Much better today. Still had crashes but not as bad. Tweeked many behaviors, made many adjustments. Will be more sucessful tomorrow!!!

How do you see this game as a tool for connecting with your students?
 * Day 5 Morning**

This will be a great opportunity for my students. I hope its challenging, provides creativity and opens their minds to a new learning style.


 * Lunchtime**

1-Who supports and who benefits from your participation in this project? My hope is that the technology department, my principal, my collegues, and my students will support my work at this workshop. I think everybody will be benefit from this workshop but specially the students; this is a very good opportunity for them.

2-What other technology do you wish you could use or have support from? I will use my SmartBoard and projector a lot with this project. It would be nice to have a wireless connection at school. I would like for the tech team to release the blocked sites that are needed to enhance our projects.