Enriching Technology Blog Post

Idea: Classes should harness the efficiency and convenience that Google Docs provides.

Subject Area:
Every subject that can benefit from word processing software.

Details:
Google docs is a powerful online word processor.

Firstly, Google Docs is a convenient word processing software that works similarly to Microsoft Word. A benefit of Google Docs is that everything is saved online, and if the user's computer crashes, everything will be saved.

The second major benefit of Google Docs is that it has a feature that has the potential of making group work easier. As shown in demonstrations in class, Google Docs has the power of allowing multiple users edit one document. This can be useful for situations where group work is involved. For example, this feature can be implemented in Science class. If a lab report is required to be handed in for every group, the members of the group can all edit one document simultaneously.

The third major benefit of Google Docs is that it will enrich learning through corrections. For example, when a group is working on a document in class, the teacher can be reading the work done by students and critique it. Corrections can help guide a student to success. Along with the documents that students type up, they can attach links to the document which can lead to important websites that will help the learning process.

Technology needed:
Netbooks/Computers, Internet, Google Account

Pros:
- Students can work together on one document at the same time
- Google Docs requires only a Google Account, no fees are required
- Work is saved on a regular interval, this prevents data loss
- Work is all saved online, no external memory required
- Teachers can edit and provide input on students' work
- Links and clips may be attached to documents to enhance learning on the topics

Cons:
- Internet is required
- Students may be sidetracked by going on non educational websites

What Needs to Happen to Make the Idea Work – Who is Responsible?
1. All students who wish to use Google Docs must sign up for a Google Account.
2. One student starts a document, and s/he has the option to share the document with specified people.
3. Data saved on Google Docs can be downloaded and printed on any computer connected with the internet.

eInstruction Contest

For this short film that we have to make, I think a good way to show how we can benefit by learning with technology is with a Point of View video.
My idea is that I envision a regular student holding the camera showing the class as a boring technological free environment. He/she will talk to himself about how boring the class is, and he will show that he is really bored in class by doodling and sleeping in class.
Then we can show the same student in another classroom with smart boards, netbooks, and interactive videos and showing that h/shee is not falling asleep or doodling anymore. He/she will be interested in the curriculum and the lessons.
This will show that use of technology will benefit the learning process of students and the ease of teaching with technologies for teachers.

Staples Contest Post

According to the rules and regulations page for the Staples contest [http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Static/static_pages.asp?pagename=rferules], a student from our school must submit a 500-word essay about how their school is environmentally responsible.
I believe Mackenzie is a prime candidate for this title for many reasons.
Because of this, I have formulated some ideas that we can put on the final essay that we send in to Staples.

First off, our school is very environmentally friendly in the sense that we have a club called SWITCH. SWITCH is the first club in the TDSB to incorporate solar panels for use in a TDSB school. This is big news for the environmental community because solar panels are the future, and here at Mackenzie, we are the first of few people to take initiative to go foreward with being environmentally friendly.

Another reason that I believe Mackenzie is a good candidate for this contest is that we have many other clubs like gardening club, Envirothon, and Wind-Eng, to name a few.
These clubs focus on improving the environment and how to contribute to a cleaner earth. All of these clubs suggest that Mackenzie is environmentally responsible.

Lastly, Mackenzie supports many events like Earth Hour, where the environment is greatly improved. We save electricity as much as possible, by making sure all lights are shut off when not in use and many small but important actions like that.

These three reasons are why I believe Mackenzie is an amazing candidate for the Staples $50,000 Recycle For Education Contest.

Technology in Classrooms

In my personal opinion, I prefer to use technology by doing old things in new ways.
I like doing old things in new ways because it is more productive.
Examples of old things would be assignments and essays. In the old days the assignments and essays are written and handed in using traditional methods of handwriting.
Today, we complete the assignments and essays in a different fashion that involves typing.
Typing is much faster and far more efficient.
Therefore, I really like doing new things in new ways.