Google Docs Group Project Task

In this project Aimee, Zach, and I identified several benefits of using Google Docs over the use of other word processing programs in an educational setting. We found that Google Docs has many benefits that do not exist in other word processing programs and would therefore recommend the use of Google Docs in the classroom. For detailed information, please view our collaborated document. Assignment: Ed Tech - Google Docs

My personal experience with this product is limited. I was first introduced to Google Docs in Ed Tech last week, so my learning curve is very steep. I have learned a lot this week but realize I have only scratched the surface of what this application can do. Being a beginner, I asked my group to allow me to set up the document and invite them to join me. I wanted to know that I could successfully accomplish this task and was surprised at the ease of doing so. After that I entered several bullet points for each category, inserted my photo and included a link to this blog. After allowing my fellow team members time to work on the project, I returned to the page. I was pleasantly surprised to find Aimee, one of my teammates, working on the project at the same time. As she added bullet points, we were able to chat at the side of the document and discuss font, wording of features, etc. I believe this is what Mary Poppins would call a fortuicious opportunity. While we had not planned to meet at a certain time, it was good to work together.

I look forward to learning more about the many new technologies that I can use to enhance my current life as a student, as well as my classroom in the future.

How Can Blogs Be Used In Education?

Blogs can be used as an educational tool in classrooms of all levels. As this future educator plans to teach at the elementary level, this blog post will focus on using blogs to communicate with parents, and encourage elementary students.

It is often difficult for working parents to communicate with their children’s teachers. A blog provides the opportunity for teachers to post information that parents need to help their student succeed. Information such as assignments and due dates are readily available to parents. Additionally, if a parent has questions about an assignment, it is easy to communicate through the blog, ask questions, get clarification, or get ideas as to how to help their child.

Furthermore, teachers can post student’s work on the blog. This helps to motivate students to produce quality work as it may be viewed by others. Posting completed work also provides a forum for students to comment on the work of others, either giving praise, or presenting ideas to improve the quality of work. If students have individual blog pages, the blog can serve as a digital portfolio of the students work and progress.

Additionally, blogs can encourage collaboration between students. In today’s society of households with single parents, or two working parents, it is sometimes difficult for students to work on group projects. However, if an area of a blog is dedicated to discussion of projects, students will not need to physically be in the same location, but can each be on their own computer at home or at day care, and still collaborate on their project.

Blogs are new to this future educator, and I am certain that I will discover many uses for blogs in the future weeks, months, and years while I learn to teach, and progress down my path as an educator of young children.

Who Am I

Hi, My name is Kelly Sipe. I am a student in the Willamette University Aspire program working toward my Master’s of Art in Teaching, and a Special Education Endorsement. This blog will serve as a place to express my thoughts about my classes, teaching, students, and anything else education related.

First, a little about me personally. I am a late bloomer and am in college later in life. I have been married 29 years to my husband Brian and have two wonderful children, Brandon, age 22, and BJ, age 21. Much of the past two decades plus have revolved around my boys. I have attended their baseball games, been a team parent, scorekeeper, and team statistician. I was fortunate to travel to Puerto Rico with my oldest son when he was selected to the team representing the United States in an international tournament. Additionally, both boys compete in martial arts and we have had the joy of traveling ttogether o tournaments all over the west coast and Canada. I have had the opportunity to watch my youngest son tie for 2nd place at the National competition in Las Vegas. It is clear that I am a proud mom, and I enjoy my kids.

I am a member of the Lord’s church and actively participate in the teaching program. Most often I teach the 2 and 3 year olds class. It is so much fun to see their reactions as I tell them, often very dramatically, of the accounts in the Bible.

While I have little time for hobbies at this point, but I always find time for baseball. My favorite team is the New York Yankees, but I enjoy watching anything from t-ball to major leagues regardless of who is playing. I also love to camp with my family, SCUBA dive with my husband, and play cards with anyone who is willing. When time permits, our family plays a lot of games. Our favorites are Rook, Hand and Foot, and Disney Trivial Pursuit. I also enjoy playing computer games, especially strategy games.

Professionally, I am an instructional assistant working with students with autism. I fell into this field accidentally, but I have found that it is my true love. When I have my teaching license, I would like to teach in a self contained, autism intensive, elementary school classroom. I believe there is a great need in this area, and I enjoy the kids with autism. They might not be just like the rest of us, but they are wonderful little people, and I am happy when I am with them.

So now you know a little about me. I hope you log in often to see what I am doing in the Willamette Aspire Program.