Minecraft Tutorial

This week we began our Minecraft tutorial. Technology was not on my side as I learned that first the software did not want to download, then  my microphone on my computer did not want to work. I was reminded how much technology can be frustrating while trying to also assess in the world. Things do not always go according to plan. While playing minecraft, I was reminded of my first time playing video games and what the games would look like. Today there is a lot of technology that allows for that to change. I am also use to playing video games in today's screens, as compared to the screen I will be working in for minecraft. It has a very different feel.

http://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/co6uV8hi7c

Here is the final Piktochart  .  I did take into account some of the changes that Nicole had offered me in the process. I really like this assignment for the fact I was able to communicate with a course member.

Piktochart for Schools

For this week's assignment we had to create a Piktochart based on online tools that we look at. With these assignments I sometimes have a hard time looking at my demographic of kindergartners. While they are learning more about technology in their day to day lives, it is not always easy to get them to explain themselves or understand why we are working on a certain area. I chose 3 online tools that had games and interactive activities for them, whether it be whole class or individual. I have learned over my years of teaching young children, that if you don't make it a game or fun, they do not want to participate in it. So here is my Piktochart  for my students to use throughout the year.

Creating a Formative Assessment

This week I began the process of creating an assessment. In doing so, I had to look at what I would be able to use in the classroom with kindergartners. At the school I am at, we use a variety of assessments through out the year. Some are electronic, while others are pages and pages of information for teachers to fill in. While we are always assessing students to see what they are learning in reading, we are putting some math skills on the back burner. For this assignment, I looked at ways to create a math assessment that I would be able to use this year on my students. The electronic format of it is nice, because I have noticed through years of teaching, that students enjoy things more if they are able to do something on a cell phone or computer. Please see my  Formative assessment piece.