My role in protecting the privacy of my students

As a counselor, I play a vital role in protecting the privacy of my students. I never let student matters be a topic for gossip in the teacher's lounge. When dealing with private matters and student information, I use extreme caution to ensure that the information is kept confidential. I only disclose personal information when I have parental/guardian permission in writing. In addition, I only disclose student information to other school officials when they have a legitimate interest in the information. I do my best to protect the privacy of my students.

Sweatin' while I work

It is sad to say, but I normally lead a sedentary life when it comes to working out. I was glad for this quest because it allowed me to wipe the dust off of my exercise bike. I rode for 30 minutes and felt great afterwards. My hunger level was not affected by the workout. However, I was extremely thirsty and was glad that I thought to put a bottle of water in the top of my refrigerator. It did the trick and helped quench my thirst. My legs were a little sore from peddling so vigorously during my workout. In the future, I am going to try to fit working out into my busy schedule. I could really stand to lose all of those extra pounds.

Teaching in a Virtual World Reflection

Traditional instructional design and design for teaching in a virtual world are both similar in that the both require a lot of planning. Lesson plans, objectives, and evaluations are used in both traditional instruction and virtual world instruction. Traditional instruction normally takes place in a classroom, but in virtual worlds classroom space is built or rented. Virtual instructional design takes learning to a whole new level. Learners can construct things and the creators can design whatever they like. Interaction, stimulation, and collaboration enable learning in the virtual environment. Virtual worlds promote more in depth knowledge of the subject matter and facilitate a better learning experience. Social persistence is the idea of keeping people around socially. It is very important because it can be determine how people interact. Data collection is important because it can be used to gauge reactions. It is also used to see who visits virtual worlds and to track use of space. Data collection is also used to determine what promotes use of various features in the virtual worlds. This information is useful because it can help the designers determine ways to implement things in the worlds that will be interesting to those dare venture.

Using Evernote

A practical way to use Evernote in the classroom would be to use an electronic portfolio to house four year educational plans. Students could create the portfolio when they first enter high school. They could add all of the courses they are taking during that particular year. Each year the students could add their classes to their portfolios. They could also input their assigned grades and credits. Therefore, they could have all of this important information at their fingertips. Standardized test scores could be added and students could keep up with their grade point averages. Students could also add information about their plans for life after high school. During the eleventh grade year, they could start researching different majors and colleges and start adding that information to the portfolios.With Evernote, the possibilities are endless.

Exploring EdTech Island

Exploring EdTech Island was an adventure. I explored the Little Red School House. While exploring it, A wave of nostalgia swept over me as I thought about watching Little House on the Prairie and seeing the little one room school house in Walnut Grove. I also explored the Gadgets Factory. I previewed different samples of floor tiles. I went into the innovation pavilion and I sat on the back of a horse statue. When I went to the sandbox, I met a Spanish speaking resident. He wanted to chat, but I am a little rusty with my Spanish. His English speaking friend joined us and we had a brief conversation. They were amazed that I was getting the opportunity to play a game for a class. I ended my exploration of EdTech Island by building my box and sitting on it. I am anxious to see what else lies ahead in the world of Second Life.

Moving and Viewing in Second Life

I actually enjoyed exploring Eagle Island. I walked, ran, and flew over and over again. I went to different locations. I sat in front of a campfire and changed the lighting so it would appear to be midnight. I was a lot more open minded during this quest than I was when I completed the first quest. It seemed to be a lot easier for me to maneuver because at some point, the lightbulb went off and I used the arrow keys to move. Previously, I had been doing a lot of pointing and clicking. Right now, I am feeling a little more optimistic about Second Life, but all of that can change when I get the details of the next quest.

Walking and Moving in Second Life

Walking and moving in Second Life was kind of challenging for me. I am so used to just dragging my mouse and clicking to move, but this was a little different. I ended up teleporting to another location and my instructor had to give me the link to get back to the welcome area. I will say that if I don't become a little better with maneuvering in Second Life, I will not continue the fun once this class is over.  I was finally able to get my screenshots. I think being a Second Life resident will have to grow on me a little more.