Horizon Report (Blog 2)

In the Horizon Report article the changes and uses of technology over time were discussed.  I definitely think that the 21st century classroom is impacted by technology.  Just think back to a college classroom 40 or 50 years ago.  There were no computer, no smart boards, and no internet.  Now look at the classrooms of today.  We have internet in all the classroom.  Teachers have roll down projectors and movie screes.  There are smart boards in several classrooms.  It is completely different and it has evolved.  Future classrooms will have to do the same.  With the large amount of technology that is available today though, it is important that these things are being used properly and in the most effective way for the class and learning environment.

Creative Post (Blog 5)

As I have stated before in previous blogs, I am not creative at all.  I have friends coming into town this weekend though, and I want a few more decorations for my room.  I saw something a post on Pintrest with an idea I really liked and it did not seem to difficult.  It was a picture collage.  First I went to Hobby Lobby and found a rather large decorative frame that I liked.  Then I picked out scrapbook paper that matched my room.  Then I went  and printed out several different pictures.  Once back at home I was ready to begin my "Creativity Project."  First I opened up the frame and covered the inside of the back on the frame with the paper.  Next I trimmed up the pictures in all different sizes and shapers.  Then I laid the pictures out to see exactly how to arrange them.  Finally I glued all the pictures down.  After letting the frame dry, I put the back on it and hung it on the wall.  Below is a picture of the finished product.  I really like it and I think it adds a nice touch to my room.

Dimensions of Creativity (Blog 4)

1)  The four dimensions that J.P. Guilford used to describe creativity are originality, flexibility, fluency, and elaboration.

2)  I would definitely  say that I would struggle with originality the most.  I tend to always like to have a pattern or see an example of something before I will try it on my own.  It is difficult for me to come up with something different or "original".

3)  I think Pinterest would be an awesome tool to help with creativity.  Many of the decorations in my house and room this year were found on this site.  It allows one to find all types of crafts, and helps someone like me (who is not creative at all) explore their more creative side.  I am planning on being a teacher and I already have a board for ideas for my future classroom.  It is just a really cool website that allows people to pool their ideas together to help others become more creative.

4)  I think Storybird would be a great tool to use in my classroom.  I want to teach first grade, and what better way to implement creativity into my classroom then by allowing them to create their own story.  This is not only using creativity, but practicing reading skills, grammar for proper sentence structure, and reading comprehension skills.  I have never used Storybird before but from reading about it I think it would be a great tool!