Spreadsheets

Spreadsheets have really played a big role in many fields of work. I have found it to be a major help by alphabetizing names or information by the click of a button or finding totals to problems just by inputting a formula. I think spreadsheet will be beneficial to students who really want to pursue a career in the business field and also jobs that requires dealing with records. Not only that, it can be used as a helpful tool to help an individual maintain a budget on their own money or items.

Please clink on the link to view my concept map of spreadsheets: Spreadsheet

Concept Mapping

I found that the concept mapping exercise was a great tool to use to help show comparison and contrast between things and/or ideas; by definition, it is use to show representation or organizing of knowledge.. This assignment was the first ever for me to use and by Dr. Wang showing us how to use each of the functions, the end product of the one we completed in class, was very clear to me and it gave me some ideas on how I would use it in my classroom one day. This project will not only allow me to express my ideas on a subject, but will enable me to see how my futures students think individually.


Please view my concept mapping artifact by clicking on the following link: Concept Mapping

Web Tools

Before starting this class, I was somewhat aware of the many, many useful websites on the internet that could assist me in whatever I needed. But, little did I know that the sites could help make my job as a teacher much easier and more exciting. In addition to that, they're free! I found the web tools to be so much fun and gave me a peace of mind on having to come up with all the information that I thought I would have to key in myself. I did find the TrackStar tool to be a little confusing, considering that I never used it before. The web tools provided additional links to help with any subject, any topic, and ANYTHING! I think that web tools are wonderful gadgets that were created by people for the people.

Please click the links to view my artifacts: Rubric, Test, Test answers, Online bookmark

Google Groups

Google group is a wonderful tool to use to keep in contact with while working on a particular project or something of that sort. Since using this tool, I was very unsure if I would be able to get the hang of it, but I know now that it is not so bad. I think that using google group in the classroom, age appropriate that is, will be a benefit, especially if more than one person is involved. The idea of having access to a tool that can be used in or outside the classroom is great! I also think that it can be used as a great way to keep up with students who are and are not doing their work in a group assignment.

Blog Reflection #2

Reflect on the importance of access to technology


Having access to technology is very essential in many aspects of our lives. Technology is used in schools, libraries, hospitals, and just about everywhere! In schools, technology has made it easier for students who work and have a family, for instance, myself. Online classes save me a trip from traveling to go and sit in a classroom if I do not have time. Libraries provide the latest software to help assist people in searching for the right books. Hospitals use technology in unlimited amounts of ways. From the nurses station to the operating room, the access of technology is used to help save people lives. Wherever we may go, there are some type of technology being used. The access of technology is right at our fingertips. We can access it through our cellular phones or in our vehicles through GPS systems. Technology is never-ending and is steadily becoming more and more advanced daily.

Blog Reflection #1

Reflect on the characteristics of special learners

Special learning students are not only students that have a physical disability in the classroom. Teachers should prepare their classrooms for children who are from different backgrounds and face many challenges such as learning challenges and behavior challenges. Learning challenges affect memory and language as well as the academic performance overall. Students that move from one environment to another may find it really hard to understand a new way of teaching. This too can make the student to become withdrawn from the classroom by not talking to other people and feel isolated from everyone else. Behavioral challenges causes students to not be able to pay attention and may cause disruptive behavior like becoming aggressive. Assistive technology is a device or service that legislature supports to achieve a learning goal. It is also defined as "any piece of equipment, excluding being surgically implanted, to help improve functional capabilities of individuals with any disability. Technology then, more so today, has given special learning students the opportunity to be integrated into classrooms to learn the same material but on a different level.

Hello there!

Hello everyone! My name is Sherri Smith. I am an elementary education major at the University of Southern Mississippi. I am originally from Louisville, MS and has been living in Pascagoula for almost two years. I am a graduate of Louisville High School. I also have an associate's degree in social work from MGCCC. I have a beautiful two year old daughter named Mi'Angel and is expecting a new edition to my family in July. I am engaged to be married in November to a wonderful guy named Travis! I currently work for WalMart and cannot wait to start my teaching career!