Post #9

   I think i would integrate peripherals, being any auxiliary device that connects and functions with a computer in some way, in a few ways in my classroom. These devices could nowadays include graphic tablets and projector screens, both of these devices I think could greatly improve the learning experience in the classroom, from interactive apps that engage and entice students to being able to display any and all things clear and well to a group of large children. As for non-computer audio-visual, I think the integration of films in the learning process can be very beneficial. This could go for analyzing behavior or understanding the mood or ambience of a time period.

   As an English teacher I have grown particularly fond of the web based resource site I have been utilizing called 'Great Websites for Kids'. This website is sponsored by the American Library Association and suggests a mass of websites for kids grades K through 12, including sites on authors, booklists, and activity websites! It also allows kids to get to sites where they can safely share information with each other or work on activities together.
   Once on the website itself it is a very comprehensive site with colorful tabs at the top denoting an array of different subjects, from animals to the arts. Once you click on a tab, you are given an alphabetic lists of websites pertaining to the topics, as well as sub-tabs with specifications like 'younger kids' and 'for kids by kids'. Not to mention the great feature 'Website of the Week' which displays a random popular site that engages kids to learn something they weren't searching for!
Site: http://gws.ala.org/

   I can see myself, considering I am likely to be teaching reading comprehension and writing skills, using Excel and similar tools mainly for grading purposes. I could utilize it to make graphs representing where most kids find interest in reading such as different genres of books or styles of writing. I could also keep track of books read and use the graphs as a motivation tool for students to excel in class.

   I really enjoyed doing the assignment PowerPoint 1, I personally created a poetry powerpoint to hook kids on some interesting facts about poetry and poets. Learning how to properly integrate graphics to make a powerpoint more interesting excited me as a future teacher to see what I'm capable of and see what appeals to my own processes of teaching and learning. Also the smart art graphics made a lot of material very easy to comprehend and seemed that it would engage bored students.