Hello, welcome, and feel free to explore this webpage! This is intended to aid my students and their parents to succeed in their classes at school by keeping in contact with each other.

My technology experience includes basic instruction given to me in high school, including classes such as keyboarding and document formatting. In addition I am enrolled in a Technology as Pedagogy class in order to help me further understand how to effectively integrate essential skills with technology into the classroom. I am familiar with Microsoft Word, navigation of the internet, citation generating programs, and the use of webquests and online photo galleries for uses in teaching. I also maintain this professional website in order to keep in better contact with my students and their parents. Other technologies I have experience using are online databases, podcasts, social bookmarking sites, putting together multimedia presentations for instruction in the classroom, and the use of computer assisted instruction like instuctional games or simulation programs. I know how to use desktop publishing programs, and also how to use some types of assistive techonology in the classroom to keep students with impairments functioning as fully as possible withing the classroom.

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Below I have posted some links to different websites that can provide supplementary help to students who are struggling in one of their classes or just looking to improve their English skills. Make sure to check them out and I believe they will be beneficial to you.

1. The Offical Sparknotes Website
---Great supplementary information to sometimes overwhelming classics but should NOT be used in place of the book itself! Type the name of the book or short story you're reading into the search bar and find information on lists of main character, summaries, study questions, essay topics, and even short quizzes to test your knowledge.

2.) MLA Format Guide
---Questioning how to properly do MLA Format? This website is run by Purdue University, but is straightforward enough that my students can read it to learn the basics and guidelines for using Modern Language Association (MLA) Format in their formal papers. Don't get points taken off in your papers for format anymore!

3.) Tips for Writing a Research Paper
---This website gives help for writing a research paper. From choosing a topic to proofreading, this site guides you through it all. After all, writing a research paper always seems to be something a lot of student have problems with and they don't have to struggle through it alone.

4.) How to Make a Works Cited
--- If you struggle with how to properly create a works cited at the end of your paper, this site is an excellent resource that show you how to set it up for different sources or even formats.

5.) Top Ten Most Common Grammar Errors
---This site gives you a list of the top ten most common grammatical errors and how to successfully avoid them. This is an excellent checklist to have around when going through the revision stage of a paper.

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Webquests Resources

Here are some examples of lessons using the internet that I would ask students to complete in order to have them gain greater understanding of literature and English along with developing vital skills involving research and technology.

Euthanasia Webquest: The purpose for this webquest is to teach students how to do research for a persuasive paper over a controversial topic.

The Crusible: Miller vs. McCarthy Webquest--- This webquest is to allow student to anayze the time period that Author Miller wrote his novel in and develop skills using characterization and critical thinking to complete the project.

Frankenstein Webquest : This webquest allows us to examine the literary genre found in Mary Shelly's Frankenstein and look at some broad themes found in the classic story.

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Techtorials

Techtorials can be used by teachers or even students to learn a little bit more about technology and how it can be used in the educational context

Seven Wonders of the Amazing Word: Useful step-by-step guide that explains some tips for using Microsoft Word, something English students and teachers do a lot.

E-book Excitement: Explains to both teachers and students the advantages and disadvantages of e-books, how to legally obtain them, and their potential classroom uses.

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Pedagogy-Strengthening Electronic Resources: The For Teachers Section

1.) The English Journal Article : This published article examines the question that asks if there are any true "Best Practices" to use when teaching English

2.) How to Help Your Child Become a Better Writer: Letter that outlines for teachers how to talk to parents about helping their students succeed in an English class.

3.)National African American Read-In : Page that addresses how an English teacher can integrate African American History Month (February) into the curriculum.

4.) Lesson Plan : Provided is an example of a lesson plan over poetry. This gives teachers ideas about what new techniques and approaches they can use in their classrooms.

5.) Standards for the English Language Arts: This is published by the NCTE and the International Reading Association (IRA), and it outlines what is knowledge is expected of English Teachers to cover in the classroom.

Powerpoint Games : Website for adapting common games shows to different subjects.

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Simple Database : A database that has hierachally arranged all of Shakespeare's works into categories for you.

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Computer Assisted Instuction Links
1.) Word Games -- Increase you vocabulary and spelling skills by playing these fun and interactive games geared to developing a better command of language.

2.)Reading Comprehension Practice Tests -- Help yourself prepare for the SAT or just work on improving your reading comprehension skills and get feedback on your answers.

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Assistive Technology Links

Assistive Technology Considerations List -- Website that has complied a list of suggested assistive technology tools to help student fuction who have vision, hearing, communication, or cognitive impairments.

Monomouse --Device used to manify text for students with low vision.

Q Point Hands Free -- Allows for completely hands-free computer control by voice and is an aid for students with impaired motor skills.

Valparaiso University
Samantha Glasgow